The Catholic Church throughout the world has entered into a process of discernment using the ancient term “synod”. A synod is a model for listening and dialogue on how well we as God’s people are walking along the same path of mission and ministry. The official process began in October of 2021 and will conclude in October of this year, closing the Synod on Synodality.

What exactly is synodality? It's a technical term for formal processes where the Church may at a local, diocesan level or universal level, gather together and discern priorities, challenges, strengths, and weaknesses, and in the light of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church, craft a response. Since the Second Vatican Council, major synods for the Church treated the topics of the Word of God, Marriage and Family Life, Youth and the Church, Reconciliation and Penitence, Catechesis, and other topics.

The current synod can be seen as a “meta” synod. We have become more familiar with this concept of meta-analysis these days, it having become almost a meme itself. When we apply the word “meta” to something, it generally means we are stepping back and offering a different perspective on what we are doing. Often it is seen as processing the process. 

To use the analogy of something fairly familiar in Kirksville, let’s talk about making sausage. From a consumer’s point of view, we would rarely have to think about the process it takes to make hotdogs or bologna. We are just concerned about how it tastes, is it safe to eat, and what it costs. But people in Kirksville have a little different perspective on what goes into sausage making because of our local food industry. Understanding the process of making sausage is more complicated than we can ever imagine as a consumer. Just take one component that might not enter into our awareness but nevertheless is a major issue for any business:  can we get enough employees to do the work we want to do?

I know it might be a stretch, but think about it at a very practical level. Pope Francis has asked the Church to reflect on what goes into the process of being Church. We say we are One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. But do our lives, our structures, our leaders, and we the people reflect that mystery?

We have been asked to go from the grassroots level to enter into dialogue about people’s experience of Church. The local consultation came and went before we even realized it, but the process has continued through national levels and continental levels. The results of the dialogue and discussion can be found in various places, but the USCCB website is a good place to go for further information.

An extremely important value at work in the Synod on Synodality is ensuring that there is an appropriate forum for the faithful to participate. It is of special importance that those who might not have a voice in the customary forums of discernment and decision are heard.

Unfortunately, public discourse regarding the synod seems to focus on wedge issues that might garner the most clicks or provoke the most passion. The points of contention seem to overshadow one of the Gospel imperatives that is meant to guide us:  hearing the voice of the least in the kingdom.

I invite everyone to consider one group of people who have been part of a special effort to include folks who might not otherwise have a voice, people with disabilities. I came across the summary document that was prepared from the world-wide consultation for people with disabilities that took place last May. The document is entitled, “The Church is Our Home'' and can be found on the Vatican website published by the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. 

I am struck by the simplicity of the statement as a clear presentation of both the objective of the Synod on Synodality and as an expression of the Gospel.  

Therefore, a true change of paradigm is necessary. This can be initiated starting from the [Vatican] Council's statement that «For by His incarnation the Son of God has united Himself in some fashion with every man» (GS 22). Although it was not conceived in relation to persons with disabilities, it opens up a vast field of reflection and highlights that the Lord has taken everything upon Himself, truly everything that belongs to concrete and historical humanity, in all its possible variations, those precisely of every man and every woman, including disability. 

So close to the celebration of the Season of the Incarnation, I can’t help but marvel at this formulation of the core mystery of Christianity. God has made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory.

The document goes on to list eight summary points that came out of the discussion. What is also remarkable is that each of the summary points does not mention disability, although each does explore the ramifications for the reflection point for persons with disabilities. An example is the final point, “The Joy of the Gospel.”

We can all recognize that joy is the fruit of those who live by the Gospel. However, it is a difficult spiritual lesson to learn that Christian joy does not come from being free from suffering and pain: “Yet, from the experience of all of us who have participated in this synod consultation, it strongly emerges that suffering is not a sentence and that our ecclesial experience is very often marked by joy. This is a unanimous testimony of all those who are on a journey together with people with disabilities, particularly those with cognitive disabilities. It is a confirmation of how true it is, for each person and without difference, that «the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus» and that «those who accept His offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew» (EG 1). 

The summary document indicates that we have a long way to go. Indeed, the Synod on Synodality is envisioned as opening the way to new structures of dialogue and new forms of solidarity and communion. That this is a work-in-progress is evident even in the signature section of the summary document. There was only one representative signer from Africa and none from southeast Asia. There are six signatories from Italy. In no way am I in a position to criticize how the consultation was made, but at first glance, it doesn’t quite seem balanced!

I hope you take the time to read this document and bring it to prayer and discussion. Our local community understands the importance of dialogue, outreach and solidarity. We only have to look to the SB40’s upcoming Community Engagement Conference on Saturday, March 25, 2023, whose theme is DREAM BIG! Planning for a Great Life. Our parish has requested a booth at this event. In many respects, I see this as the opportunity for our parish to have a conversation with the local community about how we can live out our Christian charity together.

This is really what the Synod on Synodality is meant to accomplish in a very practical way. It’s not a re-evaluation of doctrine or dogma. It is not meant to overhaul sacramental economy or vocational discipline. It is meant to bring about an opportunity to encounter our brothers and sisters along the way, and discern a path forward where we can walk more closely together.