Christ the Cornerstone
Synodality, solidarity and justice tempered with mercy
“Peace and Unity: A Pastoral Reflection” addresses principles of Catholic social teaching that are essential to the achievement of peace and unity.
The desire for peace and the call to unity are basic tenets of all religions.
Whether we read the Hebrew Scriptures, the Christian Bible, or the Islamic Quran, we find that God’s desire for the human family is that we be united with him and at peace with one another. Similar sentiments are expressed in other world religions. Yet, we know from bitter experience that every religion is subject to manipulation by perpetrators of violence and injustice for purposes of doing evil. What is demonic is divisive, but what unites us is of the Spirit.
“Peace and Unity: A Pastoral Reflection” observes that in recent years, our Church has emphasized the concept of “synodality”—cultivating the art of dialogue, listening, understanding, accompaniment, discernment and mutual respect, with the Holy Spirit as the protagonist. The late Pope Francis frequently reminded us that synodality is not about changing Church teaching. It is, first and foremost, a way of living the Gospel.
Synodality is a style of pastoral leadership that is open and responsive to the needs of people today. Synodal leadership affirms the fact that every baptized person has the right and the responsibility to participate in the Church’s life and ministry. It recognizes that we are all members of the one Body of Christ, and that every one of us is called to conversion and to missionary discipleship in Jesus’ name.
Synodality also affirms the importance of cultivating a personal encounter with Jesus Christ as revealed in Sacred Scripture. This is the best way to resist the divisive influences of worldly or cultural images of Jesus—yet another form of manipulating religion.
Yet, as my reflection says, “Each person can only bring to the table, conversation, or process, what he/she has cultivated in his/her own being.” Synodality is not an end in itself. It is a means to achieving the oneness and harmony that make up the common good of all.
Authentic peace involves more than the mere absence of war, and authentic unity must be given more than mere lip service. For there to be authentic peace and unity, we must rise above fear, suspicion, self-centeredness, intimidation, scapegoating and pride to recognize one another as members of the human family—sisters and brothers to be embraced rather than avoided or excluded as strangers or enemies.
One of the fundamental tenets of Catholic social teaching is that every person has been made in the image and likeness of God. To illustrate this truth, I write:
Migrants and refugees, for example, should not be mistrusted or feared but embraced and welcomed. It’s true that every nation has the right and responsibility to protect its people and secure its borders from perpetrators of violence, human trafficking, gangs, illegal drugs, terrorism and other forms of criminal activity. But if we are to work toward true peace and authentic unity, we must rise above the ever-increasing poison and grandstanding of polarization and partisanship to find the proper balance between protecting the innocent while preventing criminals from doing harm.
Thus, we must avoid oversimplification of two extremes: On the one hand, the indiscriminate casting of a wide net on men, women and children, regardless of their status or reasons for migrating from their countries of origin. On the other hand, we should not allow for open borders without proper oversight and resources. To ensure that we do not lose our awareness of the inherent dignity of persons and sacredness of life, whether dealing with migrants, refugees, law enforcement or those living on the borders, we should keep in mind two key principles of Catholic social teaching. First, “solidarity,” which can be defined as an awareness of shared interests, objectives, standards and sympathies, and second, justice tempered with the sweetness of mercy.
“Peace and Unity: A Pastoral Reflection” notes that “Pope Leo XIV has affirmed that the implementation phase of the synodal process will proceed as previously announced. What better way for us as Church, People of God, to overcome entrenched differences than through Christ-centered
prayer, dialogue, trust, mutual respect and discernment of the Holy Spirit, all rooted in Scripture, Sacrament, Service and Tradition! If such witness does not come from us as Catholics, where can the world hope to experience authentic peace and unity to overcome wars, prejudice, genocide and the many forms of injustice that are ravaging humanity?”
As we continue to observe this Jubilee Year of Hope, let’s pray for the grace to implement Catholic social teaching by establishing true peace and maintaining lasting unity through solidarity and justice tempered with mercy.
(To read Archbishop Thompson’s pastoral reflection in English and Spanish, go to archindy.org/pastoral2025.) †
Study questions connected to archbishop’s pastoral reflection can help you grow deeper in your faith
As you read Archbishop Charles C. Thompson’s column, we invite you to take your spiritual journey a step further.
Beginning this week, we will share two questions on the archdiocese’s Facebook page—one introspective and one focused on serving your community. They are designed to help you reflect more deeply on your faith and live it out in meaningful ways.
If you’re not already following us on Facebook, now is a great time to start. You’ll find resources, inspiration and practical ways to implement the week’s theme in your daily life.
Follow us today and join the conversation. For easy access, go to facebook.com/ArchdioceseofIndianapolis or scan the QR code below with your smartphone camera. †