Midhun J Francis, SJ

 Introduction

‘The Synod on Synodality’ is articulated from the teachings of the early Church. Consequently, the synod provides a great understanding of the essence of communion and the mission of the Church in modern society. Fundamentally, the synodal process stresses the importance of the People of God actively participating. It motivated every Church member to accept their position as a missionary disciple. The main ideas of the synodal texts will be investigated in this paper. It emphasises the need for communion, the development of missionary disciples, and the Church’s service to underprivileged areas. Examining the many points of view expressed in the synodal sessions helps this essay add to the continuous discussion on the Church’s purpose among modern obstacles.

I – The Foundation of Synodality: A Journey in Communion

The foundation of synodality is rooted in the teaching of the Apostles. Therefore it is an understanding that the journey of faith is inherently communion, reflecting the very nature of God as a relationship of love among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This communion pilgrimage enables all Church members—laity, clergy, and religious—to actively discern God’s plan together, thereby admitting that every voice adds to a fuller knowledge of the truth. Such involvement helps Christians encourage one another in their spiritual development and mission, strengthening their feeling of mission and belonging within the Church. Prioritising community discernment helps synodality create an atmosphere where people feel free to share their experiences, ideas, and problems, thereby transforming the Church to reflect the Gospel message of love, compassion, and justice.

A. The Call to Synodality

The Synod on Synodality calls on the Church to review how it approaches mission and communion. Rooted in Vatican II’s ideas and the early Church’s methods, synodality provides a guiding concept for involving every member of the Church in a shared spiritual journey (N 1–8). The synod members interpret John 21:8–11 in the final document as ‘the abundant fish catch’. This is a metaphor for disciples’ collaborative efforts under the guidance of the Risen Christ. This community dynamic is the communion expected in the Church. It is an essential dynamic for a synodal Church in action. Therefore, each disciple’s distinct roles contribute to the Church’s overall mission in this communion.

B. Formation of Missionary Disciples

The formation of missionary disciples is an integral dynamic of the entire synodal process of the synod on synodality. This development is not a one-time occurrence, but a continuing process requiring increasing one’s connection with Jesus Christ through prayer, sacramental participation, and active community involvement (N 140–144). Therefore, the synodal members emphasised the Church’s sacramental life as a source of strength for its members; the Sunday Eucharist marks a fundamental occasion for Christians to experience synodality, communion, and mission.

II – Rootedness and Mobility in a Changing World

The Synod on Synodality emphasises the dynamic interaction between rootedness to the sources and mobility in a rapidly changing modern world. Therefore, the Synod highlights that the mission of the Church is to be both a stable foundation in its sources and a responsive community in the world. This dynamic makes clear that the Church has to stay firmly anchored on the Gospel and the apostles’ teachings. The Church simultaneously has to be receptive to the moves of the Holy Spirit in every culture, because the Holy Spirit guides the faithful in engaging with contemporary challenges and diverse cultures. A synodal Church must be dual to represent the harmony of the Holy Spirit within many people and traditions while listening, discerning, and acting in unity. The Synod exhorts the faithful to embrace their identities and cultural legacy so they may actively participate in the Church’s Universal mission. It will, therefore, build a dynamic community based on religion that is flexible enough to meet modern global requirements. This strategy not only helps people feel like they belong but also enables them to actively support the Church’s worldwide mission, promoting cooperation and communication in many spheres of society.

A. Cultural Context and Locality

The synodal process acknowledges that the Church engages within specific cultural contexts. This culture defines its mission and identity. This Cultural context dramatically affects how the Church interacts with its surroundings and consists of a society’s ideas, customs, and beliefs. “The Church is called to be the voice of those who have no voice, and this involves a great engagement with the cultures in which we find ourselves,” Pope Francis writes (N. 110).

Rooted in shared discipleship in Christ, the Church recognises that each member brings unique gifts that manifest God’s love and mercy when exchanged freely. This exchange is not only among the laity. Still, it spans religious, cultural, and ecclesial boundaries, where local Churches interact with their distinct charisms and ministries in a spirit of co-responsibility (N 120). In a world increasingly fragmented by individualism and cultural divides, the Church is called to embody a “network of relationships” that promotes social justice, inclusion, and care for our common home.

The Church has to welcome the variety of cultures and acknowledge the unique contributions each provides to the shared life of faith. The concept of localisation highlights the Church’s need to base its mission on its mission areas’ social and geographical reality. Driven by historical, social, and cultural elements, every local Church has unique possibilities and problems. This localised method fits the knowledge that the Gospel has to be manifested within the particular settings of people’s lives. Announcing that “the Church, in all her action, must be characterised by a persistent readiness to adapt to the diverse conditions of time and place,” the Second Vatican Council underlined (Gaudium et Spes, 44). Synodality, therefore, encourages the Church to interact closely with the local culture, thus making sure its message speaks to the lived experiences of its people.

B. Intercultural Connections

Driven by migration and the creation of cosmopolitan communities, population mobility brings both possibilities and problems for the Church (N. 112–113). Migrants and citizens have to create relationships across cultures that respect the many spiritual and cultural origins they encounter. The mission of the Church has to change to keep links with scattered populations so that the faith stays strong and relevant in many different situations.

C. The Role of Digital Culture

Particularly among younger generations, the emergence of digital culture changes personal encounters and relationships (N 113–114). Although it presents difficulties such as polarisation and loneliness, it allows local churches to develop prophetic ministry and communication venues. In the digital sphere, a synodal approach helps communities to consider their ties of belonging and participate actively in the larger environment.

III – The Exchange of Gifts: Building Communion

 The concept of “The Exchange of Gifts” lies at the heart of the Church’s unity in diversity. This is the mission of the Synod to renew. This is encouraging a culture of mutual enrichment among the People of God. Rooted in shared discipleship in Christ, the Church recognises that each member brings unique gifts that manifest God’s love and mercy when exchanged freely. This exchange is not only among the laity. Still, it spans religious, cultural, and ecclesial boundaries, where local Churches interact with their distinct charisms and ministries in a spirit of co-responsibility (N 120). In a world increasingly fragmented by individualism and cultural divides, the Church is called to embody a “network of relationships” that promotes social justice, inclusion, and care for our common home. Especially with those from underprivileged or diverse backgrounds, this concept of communion calls for an openness to the contributions of others and a readiness to engage in a deep conversation (N 121).

Moreover, this idea determines the Church’s ecumenical path towards apparent unity with other Christian communities. Walking together as unique people and sharing spiritual and cultural talents, followers become witnesses to Christ’s envisioned unity in diversity. This also supports the legitimacy and influence of the Christian endeavour (N 121). Recognising that the contributions of all faith traditions enhance the road towards God, this community exchange connects with other faiths, calling the Church to participate in interfaith dialogue distinguished by justice, solidarity, and peace (N 123).

A. Walking Together in Faith

The mission of the Church is characterised by a communal journey of walking together as disciples of Jesus. It embraces diverse charisms and ministries in the Church (N 120-121). The exchange of gifts among the Churches represents God’s love and mercy. It is fostering a culture of encounter, social justice, and inclusion of marginalised voices.

 B. Promoting Unity Among Christian Communities

The exchange of gifts is crucial for achieving full and visible unity among Christian communions (N122-123). A synodal Church actively dialogues with believers from other churches and traditions. This is sharing the joy of the Gospel while acknowledging and valuing the gifts of others. This commitment to ecumenism reflects the Church’s dedication to justice, solidarity, and peace.

C. Episcopal Conferences and Collaborative Leadership

The principle of “communion” guides the relationship among local Churches through sharing gifts (N 124-125). Episcopal Conferences play a vital role in fostering collegiality among bishops. This allows local Churches to respond to pastoral needs while valuing legitimate diversity. The recent continental ecclesial assemblies exemplify this innovative approach, facilitating discernment processes that include the diverse members of the People of God.

IV – The Missionary Nature of the Church

The Church’s intrinsic missionary character defines its essence. It is anchored in the responsibility that Jesus entrusted His followers: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jn 20:21). This command emphasises the Church’s exhortation to be outward-looking and passionately share the peace and delight of the Resurrection with the world (N 140). Every member of the People of God is called to employ their baptismal talents for the common good, which is part of the very synodal mission of the Church. Synodality stresses the common path of faith, in which formation, discernment, and mission participation are lived together (N 141). Regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the source of communion, mission, and change within the Church, helps one follow a path of continual conversion and progress (N 142).

A. Formation and Accompaniment

The formation of missionary disciples requires ongoing education that encompasses all dimensions of the human person (N 141-144). This holistic approach involves shared learning among laity, consecrated persons, and ordained ministers. The Church’s commitment to integral formation prepares individuals to engage actively in the mission of the Church and respond to their communities’ needs.

B. The Role of Education in Faith Formation

Catholic educational institutions significantly foster dialogue between faith and culture (N 146-147). They provide moral education and Christ-centered formation, countering individualism and promoting values that resonate with the Gospel message. By engaging in intercultural and interreligious dialogue, these institutions contribute to the Church’s broader mission in contemporary society.

C. Addressing Contemporary Challenges

The synodal process emphasises the importance of addressing the digital environment’s impact on learning and relationships (N 149-150). As the Church navigates the challenges posed by digital culture, it is imperative to establish a reliable online presence while developing critical discernment skills. Furthermore, the Church must cultivate a culture of safeguarding to ensure that all communities are safe for minors and vulnerable persons.

V – The Church’s Social Doctrine: A Call to Action

The Church’s social doctrine encompasses peace, justice, and care for our common home (N 151). As missionary disciples, believers are called to influence the world through their evangelising mission, advocating for a more just and compassionate society. This commitment aligns with the Church’s mission to announce grace and mercy, particularly to those on the margins of society.

A. The Eschatological Feast

The Risen Lord’s invitation to the disciples symbolises the communal feast that reflects God’s eternal mercy (N 152-153). This banquet reminds us of the eschatological hope that the Church proclaims, urging its members to reach out to the marginalised and engage in solidarity and justice.

Conclusion

The Synod invites the Church on Synodality to embrace its identity as a synodal community of missionary disciples dedicated to journeying together in faith and distributing the joy of the Gospel. The Church can adequately address the problems of modern society by encouraging communion among its members and actively interacting with the larger world. Seeking her direction in becoming a synodal Church of disciples and missionaries who reflect the love and pity of Christ, the People of God are called to commit their journey to the intercession of the Virgin Mary as they discover their purpose.

The Synod on Synodality calls the Church to embrace its identity as a synodal community of missionary disciples committed to walking together in faith and sharing the joy of the Gospel. By fostering communion among its members and actively engaging with the broader world, the Church can respond effectively to the challenges of contemporary society.

The insights gained from the synodal conversations enable the Church to change its approach to mission, strengthen closer bonds among its members, and extend outreach to those in need. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, this road towards communion finally aims to create a more fair and caring society for everyone. The Synod on Synodality calls the Church to embrace its identity as a synodal community of missionary disciples committed to walking together in faith and sharing the joy of the Gospel. By fostering communion among its members and actively engaging with the broader world, the Church can respond effectively to the challenges of contemporary society. As the People of God continue to discern their mission, they are invited to entrust their journey to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, seeking her guidance in becoming a synodal Church of disciples and missionaries who reflect the love and mercy of Christ.

Through the insights gleaned from the synodal discussions, the Church is empowered to transform its approach to mission, foster deeper relationships among its members, and reach out to those in need. This journey towards communion, fuelled by the Holy Spirit, ultimately seeks to build a more just and compassionate world for all.