This week I continue the series of blogs based on the Instrumentum laboris for the second assembly of the Synod on Synodality. We've looked at the foundations. Now let's look at what the delegates will be tasked with figuring out: how to begin to build a synodal Church.
Photo courtesy of Wix media
I chuckled when I looked at the title for Part 1, "Relations." I am guessing the writers want the delegates (and us, of course) to see this content in terms of action, rather than description. So it's relations rather than relationships, and I think I get it. I am hoping the delegates do as well. This is about work, action, conversion...not about descriptions of ideals. While the word made me chuckle, the work ahead to become a synodal Church, a Church in communion, on mission, is concrete. See what the delegates are going to be tackling and begin to think about how you, in your local community, will participate in these transformations. All Church is ultimately local...so as you read these questions, ask yourself how your community is being called by the Spirit to be transformed.
Here are the relations, the ways in which communion will be made concretely evident in the world, as stated in the Instrumentum laboris :
The relations that are to be part of Christian initiation, no matter if it's with infants, children, teens or adults. Delegates are going to be tasked with figuring out how to make certain that all those preparing for initiation sacraments are entering into lifelong, life-changing relationships with Jesus and therefore with the Father and the Spirit above all else! Then, they will be tasked with naming what needs to happen to see that those involved in Christian initiation understand how God sees all other humans, and therefore how those of us who follow Christ view one another and act toward each other. How will the already baptized be assisted in confirming the gifts of baptism, committing to ongoing conversion, engaging in mission and participating in the life of the community as a lifestyle? How will the Eucharist be celebrated so that the baptized recognize its power to continue to conform them to Christ, connect them to the Body of Christ and empower them for mission? How will the practices of Christian initiation transform from pedagogical to synodal and missionary?
The relations that emerge because of the charisms and ministries within the People of God. What will need to happen so that all the baptized recognize that their gifts, charisms and ministries flow from the Holy Spirit and so, despite their diversity, are united in this one Spirit? (Relation to the Spirit as binding us to one another.) How will the People of God be assisted in identifying their gifts and charisms and matching them to the needs of their spheres of influence so that they may BE Christ in these places? (Relation of gifts given for mission in the Spirit.) How will the Spirit's gifts of charisms and ministries to serve the Church be identified, formed, nurtured and allowed to flourish? (Relation of charism/gift to formation within the Church.) How will all tasked with this discernment be formed to listen to the Spirit and given the gifts of courage and right judgment? (Relation of leaders to the Holy Spirit.) How will charisms and gifts be unleashed so that the Church can be experienced as home and family, especially for those who have been pushed to the margins? (Relation of those leading parishes to those pushed to the margins of the parish.)
The relations between and among the ordained when viewed as at the service of harmony. How will the ordained ministries transform so that their joy may be more complete and their overwhelm reduced? How do the relationships between bishops and priests need to be changed so that together they support one another in the movement from a pyramid to a synod? What will assist the appropriation of the synodal view of the relations between bishops and priests that says they are in collegial relationships, bonded to the People of God and in service to them? How does the office of bishop need to be adjusted so that the bishop's call to maintain communion among his various parishes, to foster communion with the Bishop of Rome and to seek greater communion with all people of good will can be realized?
The relations between the Churches and between the Churches and the world so that communion is evident. How will networks of people, communities and bodies/organizations, and processes be inter-related so that gifts can be exchanged/shared and the outward sign of unity within diversity is clear to the world? How are the baptized going to be helped to see their generous giving of their gifts is a sign of communion? How will the extreme differences between wealthy and poor Churches be addressed as an act of communion? How will social issues be addressed from the common threads of theology, spirituality and liturgy? How will solidarity be fostered between the Churches operating in relative peace and those operating in violence and persecution? How will dialogue, shared prayer and the Christian pilgrim journey come to pass with Christians of other denominations? How will all people of good will, no matter their religious or cultural backgrounds, be united with all Christians in a mutual desire for promoting factors that encourage life, peace, justice and human development?
Keep in mind that this assembly is tasked with "How to become a more synodal Church?" The areas needing addressed have come forth from the three years of work already done. Now it falls to the delegates to begin to chart the path with "how" these things actually come to pass. Their suggestions will be broad since they will need to apply to the universal Church. The ongoing work for all of us will be to take these broad "How's" and carry them out in our local Church.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth!
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