The Synod on Synodality kicked off this October and will end in October 2023 with an ordinary Synod of Bishops in Rome. This is a two-year process of communion, participation, and mission that invites everyone, especially those on the margins, to express themselves and be heard.
Just what is a synod? That’s a good question since understanding that is crucial to appreciating what synodality is. The word origins of synod mean traveling a path together. It’s little wonder that Pope Francis who has emphasized the value of accompaniment has now begun a synodal process that involves the entire Church in traveling together .
In his Homily Opening of the Synodal Path on October 10, 2021, Pope Francis said:
“A certain rich man came up to Jesus ‘as he was setting out on his journey’ (Mark 10:17). The Gospels frequently show us Jesus ‘on a journey’; he walks alongside people and listens to the questions and concerns lurking in their hearts. He shows us that God is not found in neat and orderly places, distant from reality, but walks ever at our side. He meets us where we are, on the often rocky roads of life. Today, as we begin this synodal process, let us begin by asking ourselves—all of us, Pope, bishops, priests, religious and laity—whether we, the Christian community, embody this ‘style’ of God, who travels the paths of history and shares in the life of humanity. Are we prepared for the adventure of this journey? Or are we fearful of the unknown, preferring to take refuge in the usual excuses: ‘It’s useless’ or ‘We’ve always done it this way’?
“Celebrating a Synod means walking on the same road, walking together. Let us look at Jesus. First, he encounters the rich man on the road; he then listens to his questions, and finally he helps him discern what he must do to inherit eternal life. Encounter, listen, and discern. I would like to reflect on these three verbs that characterize the Synod . . .
“[God’s] word summons us to discernment and it brings light to that process. It guides the Synod, preventing it from becoming a Church convention, a study group or a political gathering, a parliament, but rather a grace-filled event, a process of healing guided by the Spirit. In these days, Jesus calls us, as he did the rich man in the Gospel, to empty ourselves, to free ourselves from all that is worldly, including our inward-looking and outworn pastoral models; and to ask ourselves what it is that God wants to say to us in this time. And the direction in which he wants to lead us.
“Dear brothers and sisters, let us have a good journey together! May we be pilgrims in love with the Gospel and open to the surprises of the Holy Spirit. Let us not miss out on the grace-filled opportunities born of encounter, listening and discernment. In the joyful conviction that, even as we seek the Lord, he always comes with his love to meet us first.”
We encourage you to pay attention to the information you may be receiving about the synod from your parish or diocese—and get involved! You can read more about the synod here and here. With the assistance of one of our Gospel Weeklies customers, we have created these resources to help you explain the synod to children (English, Spanish).
Image credit: © synod.va
