Fr. J. Johnson OFM Cap. –
Synodal Spirituality is a distinct expression of Christian spirituality that emerges from the Synodal Church’s emphasis on union and communion. This spirituality is rooted in the biblical values of communal discernment, shared responsibility, inclusivity, collegiality, missionary focus, emphasis on charisms, dynamism, tradition, conversion, and prayer.
Communal discernment, as seen in Acts 15:1-35, is a hallmark of Synodal Spirituality. The early Church gathered to discern God’s will, listening to each other and the Holy Spirit. This spirit of discernment continues to guide the Synodal Church today.
Shared responsibility, emphasized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, is another key aspect of Synodal Spirituality. The diverse gifts and roles within the Church are recognized and valued, working together for the common good.
Inclusivity and participation are also essential to Synodal Spirituality, as expressed in Galatians 3:28. Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This spirit of inclusivity welcomes all to the table, recognizing the unity and equality of all in Christ.
Collegiality and collaboration, demonstrated by Jesus in Mark 6:7, are also vital components of Synodal Spirituality. Jesus sends out the disciples in pairs, showing the value of teamwork and mutual support.
A missionary focus, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20, drives the Synodal Church to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This emphasis on evangelization and service is a core aspect of Synodal Spirituality.
The emphasis on charisms, highlighted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, encourages the use of diverse spiritual gifts for the common good. This spirit of charisms recognizes the unique contributions of each member of the Church.
Dynamism and adaptability, taught by Jesus in Luke 5:36-38, are also essential to Synodal Spirituality. The ability to embrace change and growth, like new wine in new wineskins, is crucial for the Church’s continued vitality.
Rooted in tradition, as encouraged by Paul in 2 Timothy 1:13-14, Synodal Spirituality holds fast to the teachings and traditions passed down from the apostles. This spirit of tradition provides a foundation for the Church’s continued growth and development.
Focused on conversion, as illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), Synodal Spirituality recognizes the journey of conversion, renewal, and growth. This spirit of conversion invites all to return to the Father’s embrace.
Finally, grounded in prayer, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, Synodal Spirituality nurtures a deep sense of communion with God. The early Church devoted themselves to prayer, fellowship, and breaking bread together, providing a model for the Synodal Church today.
In summary, Synodal Spirituality is a unique expression of Christian spirituality that emerges from the Synodal Church’s emphasis on union and communion. Its biblical roots and values provide a foundation for a vibrant and dynamic spirituality that guides the Church today.
Biblical Examples of Synodal Spirituality
Synodal Spirituality, rooted in Catholicism, finds its expression in various biblical examples. These examples illustrate the core characteristics of Synodal Spirituality, which fosters a deeper union and communion with God and each other.
One such example is the early Church’s communal life, as described in Acts 2:42-47. The community came together to share in prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread, demonstrating the importance of unity and shared responsibility.
Jesus’ teachings on unity and love, as seen in John 13:34-35 and 17:20-23, also exemplify Synodal Spirituality. Jesus emphasizes the need for love and unity among his followers, highlighting the importance of mutual support and care.
Paul’s emphasis on diverse gifts and shared responsibility, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, further illustrates Synodal Spirituality. Paul recognizes the unique contributions of each member of the Church, stressing the need for collaboration and mutual support.
The disciples’ teamwork and mutual support, as seen in Mark 6:7, provide another example of Synodal Spirituality. Jesus sends out the disciples in pairs, demonstrating the value of collaboration and shared responsibility.
Understanding Synodal Spirituality
Synodal Spirituality emphasizes the interplay between objective truth and transformed subjective values, with a strong emphasis on the influence of Grace.
Objective Truth refers to the universal and unchanging teachings of the Catholic Church, based on Scripture and Tradition. This provides a foundation for unity and communion among believers, including doctrines, dogmas, and moral teachings that are considered absolute and unchanging.
Transformed Subjective Values refer to the personal and individual aspects of faith, influenced by Grace. This involves a transformation of one’s values, beliefs, and attitudes through a deepening relationship with God, emphasizing personal experience, discernment, and spiritual growth.
The Influence of Grace is a critical aspect of Synodal Spirituality. Grace is understood as the free and unmerited favor of God, which transforms and sanctifies individuals. Through Grace, believers are empowered to live out their faith in a way that is pleasing to God. Grace influences subjective values by illuminating the mind, moving the heart, and strengthening the will.
The Harmony of Freedom and Will in Synodal Spirituality
In Synodal Spirituality, freedom and will are not seen as opposing forces, but rather as complementary and intertwined aspects of our human experience. This understanding is deeply rooted in Catholic teaching, which emphasizes the importance of both freedom and will.
Freedom, in this context, refers to the ability to choose good and reject evil, made possible by God’s gift of free will. Our will, on the other hand, is the faculty that enables us to make choices, shaped by our intellect, emotions, and desires. In Synodal Spirituality, freedom and will co-exist in harmony, allowing us to freely choose to follow God’s will and willingly surrender to His plan.
This harmony is made possible by the transformative power of grace, which perfects our freedom and will. As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “The grace of God perfects the will, making it more free.” (Summa Theologica, I-II, q. 111, a. 3) The Catechism of the Catholic Church also notes, “Freedom is the power to choose good, and grace is the power to do good.” (CCC 1742)
In Synodal Spirituality, transformed subjective truth, influenced by grace, is not seen as contradicting objective truth but rather as a deepening of our understanding and living out of that truth. This transformation illuminates our minds to understand objective truth more fully, moves our hearts to embrace and live out that truth, and strengthens our will to choose good and avoid evil.
This transformed subjective truth is seen as a gift of grace, which perfects our freedom and will, enables us to live out objective truth in a more authentic and loving way, and fosters a deeper union with God and communion with others. By embracing this understanding, we can grow in holiness, build stronger relationships, and embody the teachings of Christ and the Church more fully.
Inclusivity in a Synodal Church: Balancing Collective Welcome with Individualized Guidance
In a Synodal Church, inclusivity is paramount, embracing everyone regardless of their background, condition, or spiritual state. This includes the marginalized, saints and sinners, and people from all walks of life. This inclusivity is rooted in Catholic teaching, emphasizing the dignity and worth of every human person, created in God’s image.
However, God’s communication style is often individual and personal, guiding each person’s conscience and heart. This distinction is crucial when discussing inclusivism in the Catholic Church. While the Church welcomes and values everyone, God’s individual communication acknowledges unique experiences, struggles, and spiritual journeys.
This balance between collective inclusivity and individualized communication is essential in a Synodal Church. Everyone is valued and included, yet each person is recognized as having a unique relationship with God. By embracing this balance, we foster a deeper sense of community while respecting individual journeys with God.
In a Synodal Church, feelings and personal opinions are acknowledged but not the primary consideration. Instead, the focus is on objective truth, Catholic teaching, collective wisdom, and identity in Christ. For instance, the Church’s teaching on homosexuality is based on Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, rather than personal feelings or group consensus.
Identity in Christ is paramount, shaped by baptismal identity, conformity to Christ, and communion with the Church. While feelings and personal opinions may vary, the Church’s teaching and our identity in Christ remain constant, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the Body of Christ.
Embracing a Synodal Church
A Synodal Church is characterized by its inclusive nature, embracing diversity and unity in Christ. It recognizes the timeless and unchanging nature of Christ (Hebrews 13:8) and balances Transformed Subjective Truth (personal experience and discernment) with Objective Truth (Catholic teaching and Tradition). This harmony allows for a unified understanding of truth, transcending individual perspectives, and a shared recognition of truth’s inherent goodness, beauty, and value.
By choosing objective values through free will, we align with God’s original design for humanity, reflect the beauty and goodness of God’s creation, and participate in Christ’s redemptive work, restoring our true nature. As Jesus completed his work on the Cross, we can now, through our cooperation with grace and our embrace of objective truth, realize a new heaven on earth, where God’s will is done.
This vision is rooted in Catholic teaching and Scripture, emphasizing the importance of unity in truth (Ephesians 4:13), conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29), and embracing objective values (Matthew 7:24-27). By living this vision, we can become the instruments of God’s transformative power, bringing about a world renewed in Christ.
In a Synodal Church, we can recover our original human nature, created in God’s image, and experience the fullness of Christ’s redemption, living in harmony with God and each other. This is the ultimate goal of our journey, and by embracing objective values and cooperating with grace, we can achieve it.
Fr. J. Johnson OFM Cap. belongs to the Amala Annai Capuchin Province, Tamil Nadu, India.