Attitude of listening and discernment in order to walk together: a perspective from the Acts of the Apostles

Abstract

This article begins presenting Pope Francis’ proposal for a
synodal path for the Church: “a synodal Church is a Church which
listens”1. The book of the Acts of the Apostles presents testimonies
and important moments in the journeying of the apostolic Church.
Some of the literary elements that characterize and articulate the
Lucan narrative are described. In the author’s perspective, the Holy
Spirit is the principal protagonist of the mission and of decisive
moments for the small communities that meet in houses. The block
of text named “the acts of Peter” (cf. Ac 9,32 – 11,18) confirms
that the mission is work of the Holy Spirit and requires obedience,
listening and deep conversion of mind and heart.