One of the surprising emphases in the final document of the Synod on Youth was this concept of a Synodal Church. This theme supposedly dominated the third section of the document which surprised many bishops; after all, this was not largely talked about among the various discussion groups. I suspect it was planned to be included from the beginning. Personally, I'm concerned about such a theme. Next year there is a synod on the possibility of married priests in the Amazon, and suggestions for a future synod on the role of women. Certainly, the Methodist participant at the current Synod was very enthusiastic with the concept of synodal governance and its possible impact on ecumenism. The Catholic Church is hierarchical, and is so structured to establish discipline and to uphold the Deposit of Faith. I feel this synodal model was inserted to accelerate a move toward reunification, not as Christ wills, but more along the idea of the Tower of Babel. Genesis 11:1 Now the whole earth had one language and few words. 2 And as men migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." Though mutual understanding, in and of itself, is a good thing, all of these upcoming synods strike me as a form of babble, which is entirely different than a proclamation of the Gospel. I have an inner conviction that these synods will be used to propel us toward a one-world religion. Let us be forewarned! Safe in the Barque of Peter!
I suppose the catholic Church could be termed essentially as , 'Conservative', as it builds ,essentially on the past. So when we see something new we look to see if it was present in the past. This is the essential meaning of, 'renewal' , as presented by Vaticna 2. The idea of a Synodal/ 'Democratic' type of Church Governance is outside the Traditons of the Church. It just never occurs perviously. But even if we were to accpet Synod Governance in the Synod on the Youth appernently Pope Francis stepped in at the end and forced his own way. So we ahve something that is neither fish nor forwl. Something that is supposed to be Democratic unless it does not deliver what the Pope wants. So we ahve the very wrost of both worlds. A , 'Democracy', which is fine when it delivers what is required but to be ignored when it does not. Another idea which is not in Catholci Tradition is Bishop's Conferneces. Again these are not in catholic Tradition and ahve no basis at all for existing. But the worst idea is Pope Francis's idea of having a , 'Revolution', in the Church. Where does this idea come from in Tradition? Weird.
Exactly what Abp Lefebvre said! The following excerpt from [the summary of] an address given on August 7, 1972, by Archbishop Lefebvre, to a conference of French priests was published in the Remnant newspaper in 1973. I posted the article on another thread:
Yes,you are a very good mother and grand mother, but in the name of the Good God stay away from the Yoga that they you have bocome involved with.
I had it in the back of my mind that this Synod would include something along these lines but had no idea it would become so prevalent and be seemingly out of nowhere considering there was hardly any hint of it spoken of at least that I am aware of. It is surely the most dramatic development of the synod and it sure seems it was given grave diligence beforehand in how it would be revealed. I suppose this should not be too surprising considering the constant drum beat of clericalism as the root of all evil of our times. It seems as if Windswept House was a game plan and not a fictional novel.
You know, every single Doctor I have has suggested Yoga to me on numerous occasions. I finally got so sick of hearing it from my rheumatologist that I told her in no uncertain terms that fasting, prayer, and meditation were far more beneficial and far less stressful on swollen and inflamed joints. She physically recoiled when I said it and dropped the subject completely. Go figure.
Good sermon. Thanks for posting, Padraig. Incidentally, at about the 21min mark, Father quotes the offertory prayer for that day's mass. I think it is from the beginning verse of Psalm 40. Psalm 40 NIV Psalm 40 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. 1I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 2He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. 4Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. 5Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. 6Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened — burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. 7Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. 8I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” 9I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. 10I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. 11Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. 12For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. 13Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. 14May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 15May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. 16But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” 17But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. The psalm immediately brought to mind Immaculata's personal testimony. God is so good. Amen.
Love it ! It seems like yoga is their new favorite prescription for everything! My doctor also unfortunately suggested yoga to me one day. I say unfortunately for the other patients who were waiting in the waiting room. Before long we were debating the ethics of the crusades and it all ended with him saying " I was only trying to suggest something which I thought would be beneficial" and me saying , oh I know and I appreciate that but I am only trying to tell you that Jesus Christ is the truth! Upon leaving I had a slight worry that I might have lost my doctor but luckily he held no grudges!
Given that most people in Ireland are of the opinion of the church needs to change, this localized synod idea would be a disaster. It will be the very people who want change that will be clamouring to have a role in these "synods"
