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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider A time to discern

A time to discern

Published Oct 8, 2023 10:14 pm

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As a lay Catholic, I am among the 1.3 billion Roman Catholics all over the world comprising the Church, or the Body of Christ as elucidated in Romans 12:5 in the Christian Bible. I view the current synod on synodality which has commenced at the Vatican with what I respectfully consider as a healthy and necessary inquiry.


For those unfamiliar with the activity, a synod is a gathering of bishops to discuss a theological or doctrinal matter. The results of such discussions are submitted to the Pope. The particular significance of this synod is that it began in our own local dioceses two years ago culminating in this month-long event. One of the characteristics of this synod is to discuss how the synodal process, or the conduct of future synods will proceed in the future of the Church.


As expected, the internet is abuzz with discussions about this historic gathering. There are expectations about the discussions therein paving the way for changes in doctrine, or practices to accommodate certain beliefs and perspectives on sexuality, and certain roles and practices. While there is a constituency that bats for such reforms in the Church, a growing community of believers is not too happy with the proposed changes being pushed by some quarters.


The resulting online vitriol in many discussions on these concerns is getting hotter. This is a characteristic I do not particularly find desirable since the Catholic sense of charity demands that we discuss matters with a high amount of mutual respect and tenderness. Likewise, I believe that these discussions should always be done in light of the clarity of church teaching, which should not be downplayed or denied.


Brutal realities these may be, but the discussions spawned from them are nonetheless welcomed since they will lead many Catholics like me to reflect and discern the path of the church as a whole and how we will live out their faith and values with their families over the coming years.


These discussions put forward the need to examine Church teaching. For many like me, this and the faith it engenders give meaning to daily struggles and joys, empowers the mind and heart to resist the mental and emotional challenges that the confusion and complexity of the world overwhelmingly foists on us.  


As a Catholic, these values and its teaching authority are a compass and comfort to navigate this complex and confusing world. Faith has given me the tools to derive meaning from despair, and hope when it seems lost, and foster personal growth where it did not seem possible. I am thankful for having this perspective through the Baptism and confirmation sacraments through which I encountered Jesus as a child.


These discussions are important because the Church now exists in a world that increasingly exerts pressure on all who live in it to bend to many of its values that go against Catholic beliefs.  


That said, a vital question to ask is that after the synod, will it still be the same Church?


This question will be answered eventually. For now, this is an urgent time to read, evaluate, and understand the various contrasting positions being taken on any of the proposed changes and to do so with prayer.  This is a big part of discernment. This is a time to discern.

 

Congratulations cacao culture farms
 

I would like to congratulate Cacao Culture Farms' opening of its new manufacturing and sale facility in Davao City. This will bring outstanding farm-to-table chocolate to a wider global audience. 
 

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John Tria
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