A JOURNEY TOGETHER
In an earlier posting on the 2021-2023 Synod on Synodality, I focussed on its announcement by Pope Francis and used a one-word reaction: “Wow!” In this follow-up, I examine myself as to why I say, “Wow!” After all, the Church has a history of synods, quite a number in recent times, but the topic of this new one is the very notion of synodality itself.
The Pope describes this synod as “an adventure in which everyone must take part”. Pope Francis says that what this means we are to find out by experience, we are to learn in the doing. It seems to me that if everyone is to take part, everyone will face a richness and complexity of thought. Catholics themselves will experience challenges to let their minds loose among theories, philosophies, and issues of the world today.
An encounter between persons, and encounters between groups of people! What happens may well require me to face up to myself, and others to do the same, face up to themselves. Am I as a Catholic to be tested? Pope Francis thinks so. Because he encourages all Catholics to become “experts in the art of encounter”.
So, what might Catholics expect to encounter?
No less than an examination of the way the Catholic Church could do future synods, and indeed scrutiny of how it might conduct its usual business in between synods. There will be talk about tradition and proposals for change. I hope not so much of tradition versus change, but more the prominence of tradition with change.
Some people already have in mind that the hierarchical Catholic Church becomes a synodal Church. Others and I am one of them, might prefer both hierarchical and synodal.
Why? Because there is a special leadership that belongs to those whose mission it is to preside as shepherds of the Lord’s flock over the unity and well-being of the Church. Jesus called Peter and the Apostles to this ministry; the Bishop of Rome with the worldwide Conferences of Bishops, helped by presbyterates, diaconates, and mandated others, continues this ministry.
If Catholics are to be the more skilful in their encounters in this synod journey, they will have a clear knowledge of the meaning of terms used. For instance, tradition, change, hierarchy, and synodality, and how such terms are appropriately related to one another.
Ordained a lifetime ago, I have journeyed much, and welcomed the times of consultation. I have made mistakes. People have protected me from going too far down the wrong path. I have been overruled. I have continued in mutual collaboration even with those who like St Paul to St Peter have withstood me to my face. It has indeed been a journey and it continues.
Although I am a Catholic, I wonder whether I will ever become an expert in the art of encounter. After the Synod on Synodality, I desire that I will at least be more of a Catholic than ever I have been. The word synod derives from the Greek for the English phrase denoting a journey together. I say, if this ’21-’23 Synod is truly a journey, it must be a journey together, and about our mission with and for Jesus, who says “Come follow me” and calls all to servant leadership.
Pope Francis says, “Synodality is an expression of the Church’s style.”
Here is a pressing invitation and strong encouragement to join in something considered essential for a living church. In this posting, I have added my humble pre-synod considerations. I anticipate with hope the Synod on Synodality.
