donalddeanchambers

Synodality and the Aged

We have a natural attraction for youthfulness – the fat cheeks of toddlers, the smooth silk-like skin of children, the exuberance and aliveness of adolescence, the sculptured body of athletes, and the full head of hair of young men and women. These images splatter the pages of fashion magazines, occupy the storyline of movies, shapeContinue reading “Synodality and the Aged”

Synodality and Ecclesial Bunkers

Within community life, we have been injured by the bullets of persons’ tongues, writings, or inactions. Perhaps, a parish priest has failed to visit during an illness; parishioners have exercised inhospitality at Mass; gossiping tongues have exposed my inner world; or hierarchical infighting plots against upward mobility. When we are emotionally injured, sometimes the humanContinue reading “Synodality and Ecclesial Bunkers”

Synodality and Waiting

Have you ever had the experience of waiting for a response from someone? It may have been waiting on your boss’s response to a project proposal, or a response to a request to your parents, a challenge or critique to a friend, a love note to a girl or boyfriend, a submitted application form, orContinue reading “Synodality and Waiting”

Synodality and Solitude

I remember fondly my summer childhood hikes in the hills and mountains of St. Andrew, Jamaica…hiking, not alone, but with the youth and altar servers groups of my childhood church community. With joy and excitement, I always anticipated the summer months – these hikes, the ritual of the preparation of food and gears, the sleeplessContinue reading “Synodality and Solitude”

Synodality and Imperfections

Prior to the Coronavirus lockdown and restrictions, I celebrated Mass with the Bethesda Catholic community. It’s a community that promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the liturgies, through sensory-friendly Masses. At the Mass there were parents along with children of various ages and located at different points on the autistic spectrum. It wasContinue reading “Synodality and Imperfections”

Synodality and Bridle Bit Discipline

My Dad tells the story of his childhood donkey named Aaron. True to the saying, Aaron was stubborn and incredibly wild. Aaron was controlled primarily by placing a bridle and bit on his mouth. The bit is a metal bar that is placed behind the teeth, resting against the soft tissues in the back ofContinue reading “Synodality and Bridle Bit Discipline”

Synodality and the Dialectic

A brief conversation between my Mom and Dad offers an insight into one aspect of synodality. The gardener arrived at their home early one morning. As is customary, Mom informed Dad that she’s going to prepare breakfast for him. My father rebutted, “Do you really have to prepare breakfast for him?” Later Mom shared withContinue reading “Synodality and the Dialectic”

Synodality in Action

As with the proverbial saying, “Rome was not built in a day”, synodality is not a one-time event, but a participatory journey that forms a new People of God for mission. Reading an article by Charles de Pechpeyrou entitled “‘Mama Hekima’ Project Empowering Women in DR Congo,” I witnessed synodality in action. The ‘Mama Hekima’Continue reading “Synodality in Action”

Life – A Fading Shadow

“Persons come into the fibre of our lives and their shadow fades and disappears. . .” At the start of the day Shadows are born Sun rays gently kissing objects Voila! Shadows are born. Dwarf shadows arise Grow larger as the day ages Disappear briefly at noon Reappear like magic. As the day matures ShadowsContinue reading “Life – A Fading Shadow”

Anthropological and Psychological Take on Synodality

Anthropologically, John T. Cacioppo explains that humans derive strength from our collective ability to plan, communicate, and work together because our hormonal and genetic makeup support interdependence over independence. He writes, “Whether we know it or not, our brain and biology have been shaped to favor this outcome.” Cacioppo further illuminates how our biological machineryContinue reading “Anthropological and Psychological Take on Synodality”