Critical Reflection and Pastoral Creativity: The Pilgrim Way of the People of God

Abstract

Critical reflection and pastoral creativity are important orientations for mission. They involve being authentically present to a pastoral situation, appropriating relevant data, understanding with mind and heart, evaluating through purifying foundational beliefs, and formulating pastorally-sensitive and creative responses. It is a process that requires pastoral workers to be contemplatives-in-action as lifelong co-learners, connecting more deeply with God, self, others, and the context. This is in turn integral to synodality and communal discernment, and characterizes the pilgrim way of the people of God.