Recently, one of the frequently spoken words within the ecclesiastical circle is “synod.” Pope Francis, in October of last year, inaugurated the Synod, a two-year process of listening, speaking out, and dialogue in the Church. This will culminate in the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023. The common theme for this process is: “For a Synodal Church: communion, participation and mission.” Synod is a recurring event in the Catholic Church. The Pope convokes the Bishops in a collegial meeting for fraternal discussion towards helping him in the governance of the Church.
Dating Back to the Apostles
Some sources have it that the Synod of Bishops was established in 1965 by Pope Paul VI. However, the idea of “synod,” I would say, could be said to date back even to the time of the apostles and Church Fathers, seeing the ways they handled and resolved crises that erupted in the early Church. The First Reading of today is a clear indication. According to the Acts of the Apostles, “…there arose no little dissension and debate” in the Church. How did the apostles handle this problem? They convoked an assembly, a synod, to discuss the matter.
Just like in the early Church, we today still experience different factions, dissensions and discriminations in the Church arising from cultural and/or linguistic differences. Sometimes, we allow our carnality to overwhelm our spirituality. And so, we fall away from Christ, the true Vine. This leads to fruitlessness. The only way to conquer our carnality – which always roars its ugly head in discrimination, injustice, doctrinal differences – is to remain fixed in Christ, the true Vine (the Gospel of today). Remaining attached to him gives us the opportunity to get continuously pruned by God the father.
Room to Dialogue
Even outside the Church, in our homes and workplaces, we sometimes get embroiled in unhealthy arguments and conflicts. This can rupture the fraternal love and peace that should guide us. In moments like that, we should always give room to dialogue towards a peaceful resolution of whatever crisis.
Let us pray fervently for the Church, especially as she undergoes this moment of synod – walking together. We still have many conflicts and disputes in the Church of today, especially in the area of doctrine. We pray for the illumination of the Holy Spirit upon the Bishops and all participating in the ongoing synodal process, So that all will remain in the truth of Christ the True Vine, bearing eloquent fruits of love, peace, justice and togetherness. Amen.
