Synodality: A call to love

In the final Resurrection account of St. John’s Gospel, Jesus is standing on the shore as Peter and some of the other disciples are fishing. At the Risen Lord’s instruction, they cast their nets for an abundant catch of fish. Later, Jesus ask Peter three times: “Do you love me?” In each instance, equal to the number of times Peter betrayed Christ during his passion, Peter responds: “Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus renews Peter for the mission with the instruction: “Feed my sheep”; in essence, love my people.

After one of the broadest consultations in history, our years-long synod on synodality has officially concluded with a clear call from the successor of Peter, Pope Francis, to begin anew our own relationship with the Risen One.

The synod delegates gathered Saturday afternoon (Oct. 26) to approve the final document, which is the result of our reflecting upon all that has been shared by the People of God, praying and working together these past two years, discerning how the Holy Spirit is calling us to advance the mission of Jesus in the world today. Once the document was approved, Pope Francis verbally embraced the document, stating that he would not issue any apostolic exhortation, rather he would promulgate this final document immediately, asking for its implementation.

Now all the delegates and the many others who made this journey with us as facilitators, theologians, canon lawyers or other experts are on their way home as ambassadors of synodality. Now we wish to share not only the results of this synod, which the final document describes quite well, but also perhaps even more, to share what we have experienced together in these past two years.

There is a brief description of synodality in the final document: “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” (No. 28). This is the task now at hand for all the baptized in the universal Church!

Providentially in the final days of the synod, Pope Francis released his fourth encyclical, Dilexit Nos: He loved us. In this encyclical, our Holy Father invites us to rediscover the great love of God incarnate in his son, Jesus Christ. Allow me to share a quote which speaks to the veracity of the synod, as well as the work of mission that now lies ahead:

“…the heart of Christ frees us from a kind of dualism found in communities and pastors excessively caught up in external activities, structural reforms that have little to do with the Gospel, obsessive reorganization plans, worldly projects, secular ways of thinking and mandatory programs. The result is often a Christianity stripped of the tender consolations of faith, the joy of serving others, the fervor of personal commitment to mission, the beauty of knowing Christ and the profound gratitude born of the friendship he offers and the ultimate meaning he gives to our lives.” (Dilexit Nos, No. 88)

Equally helpful in understanding “What next?” with synodality comes from the Closing Mass of the Synod in the homily of Pope Francis:

“Brothers and sisters, not a seated Church, but a Church on her feet. Not a silent Church, but a Church that embraces the cry of humanity. Not a blind Church, but a Church, enlightened by Christ, that brings the light of the Gospel to others. Not a static Church, but a missionary Church that walks with her Lord through the streets of the world.”

I am grateful for my experience in this synod, while at the same time extremely, personally challenged. I have my own path of conversion to walk, to be more authentically a true disciple of Christ on mission. I also have great hope that the Holy Spirit who is at work inspiring the Church in these days will guide all the baptized to the necessary conversion of life to more effectively live the Gospel in service to others.

May each of us be aware of the Risen Lord who is always near. May we receive what we need from Him, as Peter received the Lord’s mercy and renewed call to “tend the sheep.” May we grow ever deeper in our awareness of the Lord’s unconditional love and in humble response make a gift of our life in love to build up the Body of Christ, that is the Church.

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has led the Archdiocese of Seattle since September 2019. He was appointed by Pope Francis to serve as a delegate to the Synod of Bishops on Synodality. Read more of his writings at archbishopetienne.com.