FINAL DOCUMENT

Part I – The Heart of Synodality
Called by the Holy Spirit to Conversion
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb
and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter
and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved (Jn 20: 1-2).
13. We encounter three disciples on Easter Morning: Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and
the disciple whom Jesus loved. Each of them is seeking the Lord in his or her own way; each
has his or her own part to play in enabling the light of hope to dawn. Mary Magdalene is so
driven by love that she is the first at the tomb. Alerted by her, Peter and the Beloved Disciple
make their way to the tomb. The Beloved Disciple races to the tomb with all the strength of
youth. He looks intently, he is the first to understand yet he lets Peter go first, he who is the
elder, entrusted with the responsibility of leading. Peter, weighed down by his renunciation of
the Lord, has an appointment with mercy, the mercy which he will minister in the Church. Mary
remains in the garden. She hears herself called by name. She recognises the Lord. He
commissions her to proclaim his resurrection to the community of disciples. For this reason,
the Church recognises her as Apostle of the Apostles. Their dependence on each other embodies
the heart of synodality.