Synodality 1: The Spirit of JY is journeying together in joy (BJRE060)


Synodality 1: The Spirit of JY is journeying together in joy.

Jesus Youth and the Synodal Path - 1

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022) 

This was many years ago. For a JY teen leaders’ training, they wanted me to give a session on ‘A new lifestyle with Jesus.' “We will walk and talk,” Chackochan told me. “All of us will walk through the dry riverbed and climb the hill. You can provide input as we journey. In between, you can sit on a boulder; everyone will gather around, and you can explain a point. Perhaps they will also share their thoughts.” Eventually, the session was well-received and memorable. Looking back, it became a parable of what life in the movement should be: ‘journey together, talk, and act. '

Synodality is the central focus.

In recent times, the Church has taken an unusual step. Pope Francis announced a two-year listening and dialogue process called the “Synod on Synodality.” While we have heard of Synods, the expression “Synodality” sounds quite strange to most people.

Synodality refers to the journey together as the People of God. It originates from two Greek words: ‘sun,’ meaning together, and ‘hodos,’ meaning way or journey. Thus, the synod signifies journeying together. This concept emphasizes the importance of listening to each member of the Church to discern how God may be speaking to all of us. In this way, synodality highlights the work of the Holy Spirit within and among us as we collaborate for our shared mission.

The essence of JY spirit

“How do you make almost everyone in your group enthusiastic and full of missionary spirit?” I frequently hear people inquire about Jesus Youth groups. While I often discuss the community's Spirit-led dynamic, I can now also mention the spirit of ‘Synodality’ in JY groups.

Recently, young Jesus Youth families from our sub-zone gathered together. The meeting began with each family introduction, followed by comments from others appreciating their good work. This fostered a lively atmosphere of joyful interaction. Jibson and Linton then led us in singing, praising, and sharing prayers. Afterward, everyone discussed the small mission initiatives each person is undertaking in their life situations. These were modest yet significant efforts to reach out to colleagues, neighbors, and family members. A variety of initiatives focused on guidance, help, and support emerged. Everyone spoke enthusiastically, and there was so much to learn from one another.

I have noticed this vibrancy in many lively Jesus Youth communities. Now, isn’t this what Pope Francis refers to as the spirit of synodality? In this context, the Church emphasizes three elements: communion, participation, and mission, all facilitated by the vibrant presence of the Holy Spirit.

Communion and a profound sense of fellowship define every Jesus Youth group. This is the visible fruit of the Spirit's presence, allowing us to participate in the life of the Trinity.  Each of us is inspired by the Spirit to engage in the body of Christ and to listen to the Lord and one another. Listening is the most effective way to ensure everyone's participation. When all are encouraged to speak and discuss, the gathering becomes enjoyable for everyone, and mission initiatives emerge from it. This embodies the synodal way within a community.

How do we travel the Synodal path?

The most beautiful miracle of the Spirit is creating a loving community and its missionary outreach. A vibrant Jesus Youth group clearly manifests this joyful work of the Spirit. How do they achieve this?

1. Walking in the Spirit: A vibrant Jesus Youth group consists of individuals awakened in the Spirit. They are not guided by rigid plans and agendas but are moved by the joy of the Spirit and directed by the Lord. This awareness of walking in the Spirit distinguishes a JY group.

2. We gather to face challenges. The Spirit attunes each individual and community to ‘read the signs of the times’. Being deeply aware of challenges and prepared to confront them are essential indicators of being alive on the Christian path.

3. Not alone, but together: The joy of uniting with my brothers and sisters inspires me to fulfill the Lord’s plan for gathering and nurturing a community of love. A JY fellowship ensures continuity in our journey and promotes the development of a spiritual culture.

4. No one is insignificant: It is crucial to ensure everyone in the community participates, as each person is a precious child and instrument of God. Respectfully listening to the little ones is the best way to hear the true promptings of the spirit and move toward mission.

5. To fight and to build: Two aspects of Jesus’s mission plan involve combating the corruption around us and establishing God’s kingdom of love. The work of the Spirit within a Jesus Youth community yields visible fruits through creative initiatives related to this mission.

Pope Francis clarifies what the Spirit has been doing within our movement: “It is precisely this path of synodality that God expects from the Church of the third millennium. What the Lord asks of us is, in a sense, already present in the very word’ synod. ‘ Journeying together is an easy concept to articulate but not so simple to implement.” (Address on 17 Oct 2015). Thank God, the Jesus Youth movement has thrived on this synodal path and has been bearing rich fruits of communion, participation, and mission. The movement has been journeying along this path continuously, and these days the Church is providing us with greater clarity on this journey and urging us to move forward in the same direction. Let us pray that the Spirit of God will guide us to be more zealous in embracing the spirit of synodality. 


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