The synodal journey of the People of God fundamentally involves the initiation and development of quality relationships. Relationship building is like the proverbial saying “getting under someone’s skin”. One of the consequences of such attachment is conflict. There’s no synodal journeying without conflicts. Due of our differences – different personalities, experiences, perspectives, opinions, ways ofContinue reading “Synodality and Conflict Transformation”
Author Archives: donalddeanchambers
Synodality and the Human Family
Why does the journey towards building a synodal Church appear like the ascent up a steep and rugged hill? Some years ago, four friends and I agreed to hike up a steep mountain. On the way to the starting point, I observed a bottle of whiskey and few glasses in the car. At the footContinue reading “Synodality and the Human Family”
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”
Beloved Reflections 