Final Synod Document - Reflection Resources

The last stage of the three year Synod journey was the creation of a Final Synod Document called ‘For a Synodal Church, Communion, Participation and Mission'.

These recommendations from the XVI Assembly have been approved by Pope Francis and taken into church teaching, and which the Pope has asked us all to implement in our countries and contexts. You can download the Final Document of the XVI Assembly, ‘For a Synodal Church, Communion, Participation and Mission' here >>.

The Final Synod Document a rich resource, beautiful but rather technical in places. Much like we might do with scripture, its possible to reflect on individual passages of the Final Document and allowing them to inspire us. Our series of reflections are an opportunity to reflect and respond alone or in groups, and we will be updating this page as we go along.

• REFLECTION ONE:

  Our first reflection concentrates on the definition of synodality. This passage from the Final Document is taken from 'Part I: The Heart of Synodality' which looks at how we are called by the Holy Spirit to conversion.

  “Oriented towards mission, synodality involves gathering at all levels of the Church for mutual listening, dialogue and community discernment.  It also involves reaching consensus as an expression of Christ rendering himself present... In simple and concise terms, synodality is a path of spiritual renewal and structural reform that enables the Church to be more participatory and missionary so that it can walk with every man and woman, radiating the light of Christ”

  - §28, Final Document

  Questions for reflection:

  • What stands out for you from this passage?  Is there a particular word or phrase that is resonating in you?

  • What are the possibilities for linking "spiritual renewal and structural reform"?

  • What possibilities does it open up for you?

• REFLECTION TWO:

  “Synodality is primarily a spiritual disposition. A synodal spirituality flows from the action of the Holy Spirit and requires listening to the Word of God, contemplation, silence and conversion of heart... A spirituality of synodality also requires asceticism, humility, patience and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven. No one can progress along the path of authentic spirituality alone; we need support, including formation and spiritual accompaniment, both as individuals and as a community.”
  - §43, Final Document

  Questions for reflection:

  • What does it mean to think about synodality as 'primarily a spiritual disposition'?  What changes does this require for our Catholic life together?

  • In a world that rewards loud voices and polarising opinions, how practically can we cultivate 'humility, patience and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven'?

  • The passage states the need for formation and community.  Who might my companions be on this synodal journey (they might not be the obvious people)?

• REFLECTION THREE:

  “We encounter three disciples on Easter Morning: Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and the disciple whom Jesus loved. Each of them is seeking the Lord in his or her own way; each has his or her own part to play in enabling the light of hope to dawn. Mary Magdalene is so driven by love that she is the first at the tomb. Alerted by her, Peter and the Beloved Disciple make their way to the tomb. The Beloved Disciple races to the tomb with all the strength of youth. He looks intently; he is the first to understand, yet he lets Peter go first, he who is the elder, entrusted with the responsibility of leading. Peter, weighed down by his renunciation of the Lord, has an appointment with mercy, the mercy which he will minister in the Church. Mary remains in the garden. She hears herself called by name. She recognises the Lord. He commissions her to proclaim his Resurrection to the community of disciples. For this reason, the Church recognises her as Apostle of the Apostles. Their dependence on one another embodies the heart of synodality.

  The Church exists to bear witness in the world to the most decisive moment in history: the Resurrection of Jesus. … The Gospels tell us that in order to enter into Easter faith and become witnesses to it, it is necessary to acknowledge our own inner emptiness, the darkness of fear, doubt and sin. Yet those who, in the midst of darkness, find the courage to set out as searchers discover that they themselves are the ones being sought. They are being called by name, offered forgiveness, and, in turn, sent out to their brothers and sisters together.”

  - §13-14, Final Document
  

  Questions for Reflection:

  • This is a particularly rich passage.  Which word or phrase stands out for you?

  • Which of the three disciples do you most identify with?  What does this phrase mean to you: "Their dependence on one another embodies the heart of synodality."

  • These two paragraphs underline the missionary quality of synodality: "The Church exists to bear witness..."  How could synodality help your local community to become more outward looking?

• REFLECTION FOUR

  Check back here next month for reflection four