Synodality and Its Deep Connection to the Sacrament of Marriage and Families

What Does Synodal Mean?

There is evidence that the Church, the people of God, has a valuable, scripture resource that models how to be active listeners and communicators.  Listening to the teachings of one’s parents, keeping them close to one’s heart, and talking with others about these teachings (Proverbs 6:20-22) all serve as poignant lessons on how to define the term, “synodal.”  Pope Francis has shared that a synodal Church is one that listens and understands that listening is more than simply hearing. There is a mutual sense surrounding true listening and therefore, everyone has something to learn.[1] This form of listening involves both conversion and dialogue that leads to understanding.

A true sense of journeying together becomes evident in the growth and development of the Church. This intricately involves the active participation and catechesis of families, those who model the connectedness within the world (a horizontal axis with one’s sisters and brothers in faith) and the connectedness with God (a vertical axis with one’s own self and God). Where these two axes intersect is where the heartbeat of one’s individual story lies and how witness may be given to what it is to be Church in the world today.

            Catechesis requires innovative and engaging resources for families with adults and children of all ages. Families can utilize these resources far beyond the walls of the church building so that active, faith conversations will filter into their homes, where the first statement of Jesus’ love is ever shared and learned. This fosters the ability of families to be the fundamental part of the Catholic social traditions’ vision of social reform.[2] In other words, families are given the chance to live the Gospel message of Jesus in their real lives and to be the heartbeat of synodality as a Church. Families are called to love one another, to serve and guide one another, to shelter one another, to nourish the good fourth soil that is to harvest the fruits of their children’s faith and spiritual lives (Matthew 13:23).

This is an important reminder, as Pope Francis states, that all who are baptized are called take part in the Church’s life and mission.[3] Families of varying backgrounds and experiences are essential, synodal components to help form the Church as demonstrated through the view of the Church as the family of God within the sacrament of Marriage, the intimate relationship between Church and family, and the roles and responsibilities of families within the Church.

Church as the Family of God Within the Sacrament of Marriage

            If families can look to Church teaching for guidance, they will then be able to determine a set of ideals to guide them and motivate their call to be actively involved in the Church.[4] Devising a blueprint or a manual for all families is impossible. Instead, the Church asks families to reflect on their callings and to identify how it leads them to a moral vision of discerning how they will live out their callings. When this naturally and organically happens for families, then they may begin to take hold of a strong understanding of marriage and family life and how they can turn to the Church’s worship and traditions as a source of inspiration. At that point, they will want to learn more about scripture and what historians are saying about the Word of God. They will want to look at the work of theologians and attempt to think through the relationship between faith and family.[5]

            Catholic marriage and family life connects through the image of Christ’s love. The Church’s guidelines highly recommend that the rite of marriage occurs within the setting of a mass. The sacrament of unity (marriage) takes place within the whole-body assembly of the community and experiences the reenacted Last Supper (the Eucharist).[6] Families recognize their humility through their words during mass, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”  This is symbolic of the literal entering under the roof of one’s mouth and under the roof of one’s home. The placement of the rite of marriage directly before the Eucharist enhances the unity between marriage and the cross and displays the couple in the light of Christ’s mission to the Church.[7]

            The sacrament of marriage equips a family to navigate life with both faith and dignity. The significance of marriage is seen not only in the context of the wedding liturgy, but also in the wisdom of the Word of God relating to marriage and family.[8] This is seen in the varying examples of the New Testament to include where Jesus affirms lifelong marriage (Matthew 19:3-9) and where Saint Paul references the sacramentality of marriage and the necessity of Christ-like sacrifice within a family (Ephesians 5:21-33).

Furthermore, Jesus refers to the creation story in Genesis in a way that upholds the sacredness of the marriage covenant (Mark 10:6).[9] It is evident to see the meaning and impact of the sacrament of marriage and how it affects future family life as demonstrated through the context of the liturgy and sacred scripture. The ultimate revelation of the Church, the people of God, as a true family united with God, their Father, brought to reconciliation and mercy through their brother, God, the Son, and empowered with gifts and talents to use in the world to serve others through God, the Holy Spirit, is apparent in both marriage and family life.  This is most definitely a covenant that can withstand the test of trial, tribulation, and time within families and the Church alike.

[1] Archdiocese of Newark, “Synod Effective Catechesis Helping Families Journey Together in New Way,” News Site of Archdiocese of Newark, March 8, 2022, https://jerseycatholic.org.
[2] Julie Hanlon Rubio, Family Ethics: Practices for Christians (Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2010), 15.
[3] Archdiocese of Newark “Synod Effective Catechesis Helping Families Journey Together in New Way”.
[4] Julie Hanlon Rubio, A Christian Theology of Marriage and Family (New York: Paulist Press, 2003), 23.
[5] Ibid, 23.
[6] Julie Hanlon Rubio, Family Ethics: Practices for Christians, 22.
[7] Ibid, 23.
[8] Ibid, 24-25.
[9] Ibid, 25.