Semper Reformanda
5th Sunday of Easter C
St. Catherine's Church, Glengoura
18 May 2025
My friends,
The Catholic Church worldwide is in transition as we mourn the death of Pope Francis who by his ‘surprises’ has left us a legacy that we will be ‘unpacking’ for a long time. He expanded our vision of who a Christian might be in the 21st Century.
He, from the beginning offered the Church and the world a beautiful canvas of the richness of the gospel in Evangelii Gaudium – the Joy of the Gospel. He flashed out that vision in two later documents, ‘Laudato Si’ – May he be Praised, on care for the earth as our common home. The 2nd document elaborated on the need for that shared care and concern, ‘Fratelli Tutti’ -Brothers and Sisters All. Our common humanity should impel us to deepen our awareness that we might be moved to care so that no one is left behind.
To unpack that vison, which he embodied by his journeys all over the world, will take time. As we mourned his passing the Church wondered who now? And again, to our surprise a man chosen by Francis to assist him at the Congregation for Bishops, was the man the Conclave chose to succeed him. The Church rejoices that their choice was made quickly and the new Holy Father, Leo XIV is clearly a gifted man with the heart of a missionary. We pray for him at every Mass that the Lord will guide and strengthen him to be a prophetic voice for the believers.
The scriptures of this 5th Sunday of Easter are most apt for our reflection on the challenges the Church faces in our own context here in Ireland. The 1st Reading from the Acts resonates personally as it formed part of the inspiration for my motto “Croí le brí nua” - Heart with a new vitality. The 1st part of the inspiration came from the Prophet Ezekiel, who speaks of the Lord removing our hearts of stone and replacing them with hearts of flesh, hearts beating with life.
I’ve always been inspired by the description of Paul’s preaching,
“They put fresh heart into the disciples
encouraging them to persevere in the faith.” (Acts 14:21)
The line is so succinct and so rich, the task and mission for every parish or faith community is to renew and refresh, inspire and nurture all in a spirit of faith and hope.
One of the questions being asked before the Conclave was the choice between continuity or change. One Cardinal Elector pointed out that it was neither but both. The mission of the Church is often summed up in the Latin phrase ‘Semper Reformanda’- always renewing and reforming. That requires both continuity and change.
Pope Leo is deeply conscious of the legacy of Pope Francis and his predecessors. He is equally conscious of the diversity of the Church across the world and the profound social and technological forces that are at work, reshaping peoples lives. It is into this complex milieu he is called to speak and offer guidance inspired by the Gospel.
The verses from the Apocalypse speak of John’s vision of a new heaven and a new earth where God lives among the people. It can seem like a pipe dream but in reality, everyday we witness miracles of healing, reconciliation, profound sacrifice and love in action. So, rejoice and be grateful for your solidarity in faith and in life.
“By this love you have for one another
All will know you are my disciples” John 13:35
