South African Bishop Calls for Communion in Christ Devoid of Race, Tribe, Politics for Synodal Church

Bishop De Groef underlined that communion with Jesus naturally leads to participation in His mission of healing and salvation.

“Rooted in this strong communion with Jesus, they were gradually formed to be sent out,” he explained, adding that the process of being sent out is propelled by the Holy Spirit and leads to an active mission.

Reflecting on the day’s first reading from St Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, Bishop De Groef further explained the concept of communion manifested in Jesus' eternal High Priesthood who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.

He noted that this new High Priest established a covenant that far transcends the Jewish high priesthood of the old. “It is this new High Priest who intercedes for us with the Father, being His only begotten Son,” he said.

In his homily on the third day of the plenary that was dedicated to the Synod on Synodality implementation phase in the SACBC region, Bishop De Groef also addressed the relationship between Jesus and the Father, describing it as one of total openness and availability, leading to communion.

In his homily, the Bishop emphasized the importance of listening as a foundation for fostering communion. Quoting the Psalms, he said, “You delight not in sacrifice and offerings, but in an open ear, and I delight to do your will, O my God; your instruction lies deep within me.”

Bishop De Groef called for the same attitude of listening in the Synodal process. “We have to develop in ourselves this attitude of deep listening, taking Jesus Christ Himself as our example,” he said.

He emphasized that Christians must listen to Jesus first, as Mary instructed at the wedding in Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.”

The South African Bishop explained that the risen Lord speaks to the faithful through Scripture, the depths of their hearts, and their brothers and sisters. “The important thing is to know how to listen and to discern,” he said, adding that the Holy Spirit serves as a comforter and guide in this process.

Bishop De Groef further emphasized the importance of “conversation in the Spirit,” a practice central to the Synodal process and vital for fostering communion, mission, and growth in faith.