Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we are here, surrounded by the lush greenery of Nemi Hill, let us pause to contemplate the profound significance of this moment.
Just as a cedar tree in the vision of the prophet Ezekiel in the first reading, from a tiny seed grows into a majestic forest, so too does our General Chapter, a journey of awe-inspiring growth and transformation for our Society of the Divine Word.
The readings we have heard today, which echo the imagery of mustard seeds and towering cedars, are not mere coincidences. They are reminding us of the marvellous Word of the Lord in our midst. In the stillness of this forest, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life we are invited to marvel at the beauty of creation and reflect deeply on the growth that the Lord has enabled within our Congregation. These readings serve as a spiritual guide for our General Chapter, inspiring us to nurture the seeds of our collective vision and witness the growth of our shared mission.
Over the next four weeks we are together in fraternity and fellowship, confreres, sisters, lay mission partners. We are here to listen to the Holy Spirit who speaks to us through signs of our time and signs of place and inspires and guides us to appreciate what God has sown in us and others so that it may grow and bring fruit. And we are supported with prayers and good wishes of all the confreres, SSpS and SSpSAP Sisters, lay mission partners, friends and benefactors all over the world.
A General Chapter mirrors the cycle of life itself, beginning with the declaration of its theme, much like planting seeds in fertile soil. As the theme takes root in the hearts and minds of its members, nurtured by participation and reflection, it gradually grows into a robust vision, akin to a mustard seed maturing into a towering tree, steadfast and unwavering. This vision which will be shaped and refined during the General Chapter through open dialogue, prayerful discernment and collective decision-making, will guide the future of our Congregation, influencing our vision, strategies and collective direction.
Reflecting on the readings today, I would like to share with you three points. First and foremost, let us place our trust wholeheartedly in God, recognising his faithfulness throughout the ages. Just as the prophet Ezekiel speaks of God taking a cedar from the crest of a mountain and planting it on high, so too has God nurtured and sustained our Society, guiding us through the trials and challenges of history. We have faced the loss of confreres for different reasons, financial difficulties, political unrest, and even a pandemic, but through it all, God has been with us, guiding our steps and strengthening our resolve. A General Chapter provides us with a sacred space to witness God’s faithfulness in our lives, share stories of hs providential care and give thanks for the growth that he has enabled within our midst. Second, cultivate courage, grounded in our trust in God’s promises. What are these promises? They are the assurances of his love, his guidance and his presence in our lives. As St Paul reminds us in his Second Letter to the Corinthians, courage enables us to face life’s challenges with steadfastness and perseverance, knowing that our ultimate fulfilment lies in the Lord himself. In a world marked by rapid change and uncertainty, let us draw courage from our shared mission, daring to step out of our comfort zones, embrace new possibilities and be bold witnesses to the message of the gospel. Let us be courageous in our commitment to promoting dialogue and understanding in the increasingly divided and wounded world, trusting in the Holy Spirit to carry us in all our endeavours. Lastly, let us embrace humility, acknowledging our limitations, vulnerabilities, but also the capacity to be instruments of God’s grace.
In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus reminds us of the power of small beginnings, of the transformative potential inherent in the seemingly insignificant. The mustard seed, though tiny, grows into a large tree, providing shade and shelter for many. Similarly, our humble efforts, when rooted in God’s grace, can bear abundant fruits for his Kingdom. Just as the seed is sown in the soil, so too are we called to remain rooted in humility, grounded in the reality of our human condition. St Arnold, our founder, said: “The Society considers as the foundation of its existence and of its activity the recognition of its own nothingness and appreciation of God’s greatness, love and grace.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters, as we begin this General Chapter let us do so with a revised sense of purpose and dedication. Let us actively participate and support it with our prayers, so becoming catalysts of God’s ongoing work of renewal and transformation within our Congregation and beyond. Whether you are a confrere, a Sister, a lay mission partner or friend, your contribution and prayers are vital to the success of this Chapter and the future of our Society. May this General Chapter serve as a well-spring of inspiration and renewal, infusing new vitality into our Society, radiating outward to enrich the Church and the world. Like a mustard seed growing into a towering tree, let us nurture trust, courage and humility, becoming faithful guardians of the mission entrusted to us by the Lord of the Mission. May the Divine guidance be ever present in our deliberations, illuminating our path and empowering us to fulfil our sacred calling. Let your light shine before others, creative and faithful disciples in a wounded world.
Fr Paul Budi Kleden SVD
SVD Superior-General,
Homily for the Opening Mass of the 19th General Chapter.