Trying to live synodality

A Reflection for the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Find today’s readings here.

Living Synodality.

It’s a common refrain. These feel like crazy times in our country—and our world. The divisions between ideologies and groups of people feel profound and pervasive. It feels like they are all we talk about and nothing seems to change. Maybe we need to do more than just call out the obvious.

If I am honest, I have found it hard to feel a strong sense of community or understanding (or even charity) for those whose opinions differ from my own—especially around politically sensitive topics. Far too often I have such conviction in my own belief of what is right and what is wrong that I dismiss those who I disagree with and surround myself with those who feel similarly to me. Certainly, it is both less exhausting and less frustrating to be among the like minded.

But today’s reading offers an essential reminder of what I have (almost) completely forgotten…

You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God…

We are one family. Every single person—those with whom we agree and those with whom we don’t—are fellow citizens in God’s family, and each of us is equally worthy in His eyes. As I reflect and pray on these sentences, I feel an unambiguous (and daunting) charge to work towards bridging the seemingly enormous divide with those who hold ideas and opinions that diverge from my own.

So what does that look like? For me, perhaps it means not drawing conclusions so quickly about someone’s character when they express an opposing opinion. Or maybe I need to ask more questions to understand what experiences or perspectives helped shape someone’s ideology. Or maybe I just have to trust in someone’s inherent goodness and extend the benefit of the doubt to their motives. If I am going to really live synodality, I have to seek and believe that the Holy Spirit will bring unity through communal discernment and engagement. 

None of this will be easy for me—or, perhaps, for you—but if we really live our faith, even when it’s hard, we will remember we are all members of the household of God. Let the conversations begin…

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