Synodality 2: We gather to face a challenge (BJRE061)

Synodality 2: We gather to face a challenge

Jesus Youth and the Synodal Path - 2

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021) 

Suresh approached some of us with an important issue. “So many of our senior youth come to this city but find no way to connect with the movement,” he said. They were all committed leaders in their own areas a few years ago but migrated to the city for jobs or studies. When they were uprooted from their native places, they also left their “first love” and forsook their faith groups. “If we don’t do anything, they will become lukewarm Catholics, and many of them will abandon their faith. " Suresh had already compiled a long list of once-active youth who have migrated to this big city and are now in hiding. 

This became the starting point for several gatherings, discussions, and some practical solutions.

Synodality is to face emerging challenges

These days, the universal church is reflecting on synodality. The word ‘synod’ signifies journeying together. This synodal approach fosters community and guides members toward their mission. One important point is that when a community encounters challenges, the synodal approach becomes particularly relevant.

An excellent example from the history of the Church is found in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 15. What do we discover there? The early church was growing rapidly, and a significant number of non-Jews were also joining. However, some leaders were imposing Jewish customs on others, declaring, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). This teaching was entirely based on the Bible, but many were questioning its relevance. The church decided to gather and seek the Lord’s guidance to resolve this serious conflict. This resulted in the First Jerusalem Council, along with important discussions and decisions, and a renewed missionary fervor in the expanding church.

Challenges: face them or run away.

As we journey forward as a community, challenges and changes are bound to arise. The big question is how a movement or a group should respond to these problems. The one-word answer is ‘synodality’. Jesus Youth will surely recall several challenges that have arisen in the past and how the groups effectively faced them.

It is also important to ask, "What are some other inappropriate ways in which we sometimes respond to challenges?”

Denial - “There is no problem here” stops the group from recognizing the issue and seeking solutions. For instance, many capable leaders were quitting active ministry due to migration, and most people perceived it as a normal phenomenon, believing there was nothing to be done. However, Suresh had a different perspective and actively sought ways to address the situation.

Fear and anxiety: When challenges feel overwhelming, we tend to become scared. When the Roman Empire, the Jewish authorities, and the entire world opposed the early Christians, they felt troubled, yet the Apostles encouraged them to respond joyfully.

From blame, resentment, and anger: When Suresh approached the local leaders about the new migrants to the city, some responded with a blaming tone, saying, “Now they have jobs and are comfortable, and they have forgotten the Lord.” This often occurs; when problems arise, we typically focus on who is to blame and feel anger toward those responsible.

Avoid facing it: “We have to pray a lot!” has become a cliché response to any serious challenge. Of course, prayer and seeking God’s guidance about an issue are integral to facing a problem, but an overly spiritual response can be a way of not responding to it.

Facing it alone: I am glad that Suresh did not attempt to solve the problem alone. Instead, he chose to bring it before the group of leaders who should be concerned about it. When challenges arise, there can be varying responses. At one extreme, leaders may avoid confronting it due to a lack of awareness, negligence, or fear. Conversely, on the other extreme, one leader or a small group may proceed with plans to address and resolve it but without ensuring the participation of others. In the long run, this exclusive approach will undermine the community and Christian mission.

Synodality: a wholesome approach to facing challenges.

The issue of ‘disappearing leadership’ became a significant discussion point, but it did not stop there. Gradually, some solutions were identified, leading to effective practical steps. Naturally, we ask: how does a community address problems? In other words, what is the synodal approach to confronting challenges? 

The synodal approach is the authentic Christian way to confront challenges faced by any community. It involves several appropriate steps.

1. The group becomes aware of issues, problems, and challenges.

2. They prepare to undergo a conversion to follow the synodal path of love and communion.  

3. They come together to walk the path of synodality.

4. The community seeks the Lord’s guidance through a process of participative discernment.

5. They gain clarity and build consensus.

6. The group agrees on practical steps

7. Go forth in mission, responding to the Lord’s plan

As I mentioned earlier, Suresh and his friends discovered a challenge faced by many senior youth as they migrated to a new place. They realized that if the issue was left unattended, it would ruin the lives of numerous committed leaders and gradually weaken the movement in the city. They took the initiative to meet with all the main leaders and agreed to come together to discuss the matter. The subsequent meetings were times of prayer, discussion, listening, and soul-searching. Gradually, several proposals emerged, including the formation of small groups, a Monday common group, new prayer formats, and a series of input plans. More importantly, a new sense of community and a renewed mission transformed the Jesus Youth leaders of that city.