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A SYNOD ON ‘SYNODALITY’—WHAT??
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Some folks might sarcastically or cynically refer to this as a “meeting on having meetings,” a waste of time. Change to another channel if you think that’s where I’m going.
The word “synod” comes from a couple of Greek words (syn + odos) that mean walking or journeying or sharing the road together—with one another. Its purpose to have the widest possible input before making policy (or liturgical or disciplinary) recommendations, suggestions, or modifications in Church practice. The primary principle here is that of the surfacing of concerns and perhaps even solutions from the ground up, rather than having answers imposed “from on high”—perhaps even to questions no one is asking, while ignoring the issues that people are concerned about. If we are to “walk together,” then everyone must be heard, not just the hierarchy. Popes and bishops by themselves do not constitute the Church—the whole People of God do. We are all members of the Body of Christ; we are all living stones in the Temple of the Holy Spirit.
Consulting (I use this word deliberately, as I will soon explain) all the People of God means recognizing the wisdom and truth that are contained in the sensus fidelium—the awareness of the truth found in the body of believers (aka, us). My hero, St John Henry (Cardinal) Newman, got into a great deal of “hot water” over this issue when he suggested that bishops should be willing to consult the laity over issues like education. He was mis-represented in Rome, and for years he was regarded with great suspicion as not being a faithful (pro-papal) Catholic—this was in part because of the incompetence (to be kind) or the hostility and envy (to be more realistic) of his own local hierarchy. He was finally vindicated, but it took years.
As Newman wanted the laity (the faithful) to be consulted, Pope Francis wants to consult the world-wide Church as well. I hope people can remember that the first synod he called was a two-part event on marriage and family life, and that we at Our Savior held a series of round-table discussions to give everyone who wished a chance “speak or forever hold his/her peace.” Many did, and I’m glad to say that we’ll have that opportunity again, in the very near future. Our Archbishop will be forwarding a series of 10 questions that we can discuss; I’ll edit the replies, get the approval of our Parish Council, and then send them on. Perhaps the bottom-line question (I have not seen them as of this writing) would be: “What do we ‘local folks’ think about being asked our thoughts? Do we believe anyone will hear us?”
These dialogues are intended to take place, first of all, at the parish level. No doubt some pastors will regard this as an exercise in futility and not bother. For the reasons I’ve just expressed, I’m not one of those. No, Pope Francis will not tailor any decisions of theology or practice to the people of Our Savior. On the other hand, if many folks think as we do about any number of issues, then synodality is a way for the Church magisterium (= teaching authority) to move forward to respond to those concerns without being authoritarian and detached from the realities of local churches worldwide.
I want us to participate; I hope you’ll want to participate, as well.
