Msgr. Tomáš Halík Urges FABC to Foster Spiritual Discernment in an Age of Global Change

The Church must cultivate spiritual wisdom and discernment—not simply accumulate more information—if it is to respond faithfully to today's rapidly changing world, Czech theologian and sociologist Msgr. Prof. Tomáš Halík, told participants at the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC).

Addressing bishops and delegates via video from the Czech Republic on July 23, Msgr. Halík, a professor of sociology at Charles University in Prague, said the Church is living through a period of profound global transformation that demands deeper listening to God and to one another.

His reflection formed part of the plenary assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia, which has brought together Church leaders from across Asia under the theme, "The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to Be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia."

Although unable to attend in person, Msgr. Halík said modern technology, while overcoming geographical distance, cannot replace the communion that springs from shared faith.

"Technology can bridge geographical distances. But even the most advanced technology cannot create true closeness. That closeness is born of our faith and our shared responsibility for the Church and for our Lord," he said.

At the heart of his address was a call for discernment in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital communication, and sweeping social and political change.

"The more information we have, the greater our need for the wisdom to discern," Msgr. Halík said, stressing that knowledge alone is insufficient for addressing today's complex realities.

He encouraged the bishops to view the FABC assembly not merely as an administrative gathering but as an opportunity to exercise the Church's prophetic mission by listening together to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Referring to the assembly's theme, inspired by John 1:50—"You will see greater things than these"—Msgr. Halík challenged participants to ask what "greater things" God is inviting the Church to recognize today.

He also highlighted Asia's growing importance within the universal Church, noting that the continent's demographic vitality, cultural diversity, and religious pluralism give it a significant role in shaping Catholicism's future.

According to Msgr. Halík, authentic synodal conversion begins not with changes in structures or governance but with a renewed way of listening—to God, to one another, and to the realities of the world.

He described every synodal gathering as a "school of discernment," where the People of God learn to recognize God's presence in the ordinary events of daily life.

Msgr. Halík warned that contemporary society often focuses on what is loud, dramatic, and sensational, while God's work is frequently revealed through quiet and seemingly ordinary experiences. For that reason, he said, the Church must deepen its spirituality, theology, and sensus fidei—the instinct of faith shared by the faithful—rather than simply offering practical solutions to every challenge.

His reflection provided a broader framework for the assembly's discussions on synodality, the crisis of modern civilization, and the Church's mission to offer hope through wisdom, dialogue, and deeper relationships.

As the FABC continues its weeklong assembly, Msgr. Halík's message underscored that the Church's synodal journey is not only about walking together but also about learning to see more deeply through prayerful discernment, enabling it to recognize the "greater things" God continues to reveal.