How to Make Sense of the Synod Confusion in the Church Today?

“The Church will water down its doctrines.”

“The Catholic Church will ordain women and change teachings on homosexuality.”

“The Pope and the Bishops are bringing all of us to hell.”

Lately, these hardline critical opinions concerning the ongoing Synod on Synodality, an important Church event post-Vatican II, have been going around different Catholic circles.

As a former anti-Catholic Protestant, it pains me to witness Catholics on social media clashing due to polarizing stances on this issue.

When I launched the Unboxing Catholicism Podcast in March 2020, shortly after the Synod’s announcement, my hope was to guide Catholics in discovering and defending the faith clearly without being preachy.

With this article, I pray once again to illuminate the confusion surrounding the Synod, fostering meaningful and respectful dialogue among those with diverse opinions.

Is this a Bergoglio invention?

Initiated by Pope Francis in October 2021, the Synod invites Christians globally—lay and clergy, men and women—to share their insights, aiming to pave the way for the Church’s future. The term “synod,” Greek for “walking together,” symbolizes a joint spiritual journey to discern how to live out and share Christ’s message today.

While the term “synod” may sound unfamiliar to many, and some might perceive it as merely a recent invention or a gimmick of Pope Francis (reduced to “Bergoglio” by critics), its essence is deeply rooted in the Church, with biblical narratives mirroring synodality.

In the Old Testament, collective discernment among God’s chosen is evident as elders and prophets gather to delve into God’s will, seen in Moses consulting with elders (Exodus 18:13-26), and the spirit of prophecy shared among elders (Numbers 11:16-17, 24-30), to name a few.

The New Testament continues this tradition with instances like the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-29), the selection of Matthias (Acts 1:21-26), and St. Paul’s consultations with St. Peter and the apostles (Acts 21:17-26), epitomizing communal discernment.

The Church’s long history is adorned with ecumenical councils and assemblies, showing synodality as a core “form, style, and structure” of the Catholic Church.

Today’s Synod is historic, broadening its scope to include not just clergy but also laity and women, welcoming a diverse array of voices into this sacred dialogue, thus enriching the discourse and setting a new milestone in the Church’s synodal tradition.

Destruction or Conversion?

Every endeavor to rejuvenate the Church inevitably meets with a spectrum of responses. Some echo St. John XXIII’s depiction of Vatican II critics as “prophets of gloom, who are always forecasting disaster, as though the end of the world were at hand.”

We have heard snide remarks from the synod being a “waste of time” to extreme accusations that say “the Pope is bring the Church to a path of destruction.” Some go as far as declaring that the synod is a clear sign that “Bergoglio is an invalid pope who leads people to Hell.”

Time and again, the Magisterium has been clarifying that the Synod is not like a parliament where the teachings of Christ will be altered based on majority’s vote.

The Synod isn’t a meticulously orchestrated scheme for Church annihilation; it’s a global summons to a deeper conversion by having a conversation with the Holy Spirit through the stories and struggles of God’s people.

Knowing the teachings of the Church is fundamental, yet understanding how to articulate them compassionately to individuals in varied circumstances is crucial. Similarly, being versed in the Catechism or adept in apologetics is fruitful, yet lacking a robust prayer life leaves a void.

These components—doctrine, dialogue, and discernment—stand as the pillars of Unboxing Catholicism’s advocacy and are indispensable in grasping the essence of the synod.

Yet, the pressing questions linger:

How can we navigate through this?

How can an everyday Catholic desiring to live out their faith engage with this?

I’d like to extend three suggestions:

My Three Suggestions:

1. Discern our sources of truth

Whether you identify as a “knowledgeable Catholic” or are encountering the term “synod” for the first time, I encourage you to explore reputable and balanced Catholic publications, YouTube channels, or podcasts to better understand the essence of the synod.

I also recommend consulting with a trusted spiritual director (be it lay or priest) who can guide you in discerning which materials to delve into. While I can’t provide an exhaustive list of references, I offer some guiding questions to help navigate your journey:

1. Is the information presented aligned with the Bible, the Catechism, and the authoritative teachings from the ecumenical councils of the Catholic Church, or does the author cherry-pick to support their preconceived notions?
2. Does the material exhibit reverence and respect towards the Pope and the bishops, even when there’s a divergence in opinions?
3. Is there a sense of humility, sincerity, and openness in understanding the heart of the Pope and the Magisterium today, or is the tone predominantly critical of the Vatican’s stance?
4. Are there “sweeping generalizations” such as “everyone in the synod is influenced by the devil”? Common sense tells us that such statements are far from reasonable.
5. Does the news article bear an emotionally-charged or exaggerated headline, or does it maintain objectivity, simply narrating the events and discussions?
6. Is there a balanced presentation of different perspectives in a respectful manner, or does the material exhibit a bias, making one position appear defeated or erroneous?
7. Does the author, influencer, or speaker display a deep sense of anger or disgust? While these emotions are human, those with a toxic attitude may not provide the most balanced insights. Seek out evangelizers radiating joy, peace, and love—the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
8. Does the author have the necessary credentials or experience, and do they cite reputable sources to support their claims?

Through discerning our sources of truth with these guiding questions, we open a path to a deeper, more enriched understanding of the ongoing synod, fostering a spirit of unity and respectful dialogue among us.

2. Bend our knees instead of wagging our fingers

In the face of differing opinions surrounding the happenings in the Church today, it’s natural to witness a spectrum of reactions, ranging from critical to hopeful. It’s essential to remember that our unique backgrounds, struggles, and experiences shape the way we interact with others and form our perspectives.

Before hastily placing labels such as “right” or “wrong”, “liberal” or “conservative” on individuals, priests, bishops, or influencers, let us transcend these limiting categories. They often color our perception of others based solely on their expressed opinions, which can hinder genuine understanding and dialogue.

Rather than picking a side in theological discussions impulsively, I propose a path of deeper personal reflection and contemplation. It’s easy to get caught up in the urgency to voice our opinions, especially on social media platforms, where it sometimes feels like we must make a statement right away.

Why not allocate some quiet time in front of the Real Presence of Jesus in Adoration, fostering a space for introspection and communion with our Savior? Here are some reflective prompts to guide your contemplation:

1. Understanding Self: What aspects of the ongoing synod make me uncomfortable? What fears or concerns are arising within me, and what does this reveal about my personal journey and struggles? Why might I find it challenging to understand another’s viewpoint?
2. Understanding Others: Have I taken the time to consider the stories and struggles of those with differing opinions? How do their experiences affect my own perspectives?
3. Surrender and Trust: What aspects of this situation can I control, and what must I surrender to the Holy Spirit? How can I deepen my trust in Him and cultivate a more loving attitude moving forward?

Let’s extend our prayers not only for clarity regarding the synod but also for our ongoing spiritual growth, that we may foster real encounters with the Lord and with one another.

There’s a vast realm beyond our control, yet amid this uncertainty, I encourage us all to remain serene and deeply rooted in trust. Our Savior has assured us that the “gates of Hades will not prevail” against His Church, and His presence will accompany us “until the end of age.”

3. Love all the more when it is harder

St. Josemaria Escriva was once called “crazy” for spending a lot of time praying for the Pope as he looked at the papal residence from the room where he was staying when he visited Rome.

As a former anti-Catholic Protestant, that puzzled me. But now, as a Catholic, I appreciate the essence of nurturing a devotion to our Pope – not that we worship him and see in him a perfect human being, but because we know that despite his imperfections, he was called to be the wounded shepherd of God’s people today.

But let’s broaden our horizon; this isn’t merely about cherishing the Pope.

My friends, particularly those entrusted with defending the faith, the Spirit beckons us to deepen our love for the Pope, to honor our bishops more profoundly, and to appreciate the individuals around us, even when their opinions diverge from ours.

Let us not define people by their ideas and let us see in their eyes the love of Jesus crucified.

When we are about to run out of patience and just want to hurl at them, let us ask for the grace to remember that the real measure of love is love without measure.

Let us remember how despite our weaknesses God chooses us and loves us.

May we have that same love that embraces everyone even if they are different.

Perhaps in our prayer, we can also consider:

• How do we extend compassion to the ‘least, lost, and last’ within our homes, schools, workplaces, or communities?
• To what extent do we permit ourselves to encounter Jesus in the weak, the impoverished, and the marginalized?
• How do we articulate and uphold the faith with both clarity and charity?
• How can we embrace our fellow sinners with a sincere love and desire to bring them to communion?
• Do we actively engage in the Church’s ministerial life, contributing to a welcoming sanctuary for all?
• How do we deal with others who share an opinion different from ours? Do we transcend above those labels and encounter them as they are?

The path isn’t always smooth. When the endeavor to love becomes arduous, we seek refuge in the One who mastered the art of loving even those who caused Him pain.

Let us spend some time in Adoration and seeking from Jesus the strength and perseverance in enduring the pains that come with loving.

Let us continue praying for the grace that heals all division and brings peace to all of our hearts.

Let us pray

We thank God for this synod as an opportunity to examine and challenge ourselves.

And now we end our reflection with this sincere prayer to the Holy Spirit:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I welcome your reflections, questions, or any resources you find enlightening in the comments below.