The Bishops of the US have invited us into a three-year process for deepening our relationship in Christ as Eucharistic People.
Early in the Church, even at the gatherings leading to the Eucharist, the community was divided. “First of all, I hear that when you meet as a Church there are divisions among you.” I Corinthians 11:17 The rich brought lots of food, perhaps “potluck style”, and the poor, who hoped to share in this abundance, were blocked from doing so.
To add some humor to one of the presentations I give, I ask the people gathered if they know the rest of the following quote: “Where two or more are gathered in My name, …” Eagerly and with almost one voice, they acclaim “there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt. 18:20). I affirm them for such biblical knowledge, but I say that the original was redacted to avoid scandal.
I explain that the original said: “Where two or more are gathered in My name, there is conflict!” OK, so there is no proof of this claim, but doesn’t it resound with your own experience of Church? Or family? Or government?
The synodal process begun by Pope Francis brings me hope for healing many of the deep divisions in our Church. The process of deep listening encourages people from the homeless to the hierarchy to share honestly, no matter how we may differ on issues. Yet the synod in 2023 may resolve some of these divisions not by a vote or a consensus (the Church has never claimed to be a democracy!) but by learning together how to discern the Voice and direction of the Holy Spirit leading us into tomorrow.
This World-wide Synod and the US Bishops’ sponsored Eucharistic Congress will both happen in 2023. May the months and years leading to these two events help bring us into greater communion in the Lord and with one another.
