In Korea, we have already experienced the Synod process in many dioceses. Spent time and money in discussions and plans to revive faith, hope, and love within the community, deepen our relationship with Christ, become more a community of faith that Christ meant us to be.
However, one big barrier is the lack of experience with the art of conversation. At present face-to-face conversations have decreased greatly. We have forgotten their importance. It is not only the Covid pandemic but the many means that are available for non-face-to-face contacts that have lessened our need for face-to-face conversation.
The connection with one another in a face-to-face conversation can not be replaced with digital technology. The face-to-face encounter is our natural way of encountering the other. With the meeting of the other, it is not only words that are exchanged.
"Not to talk with people although they can be talked with is to waste people. To talk with people although they can't be talked with is to waste words. A man of understanding does not waste people, but he also does not waste words." These words are from The Analects of Confucius.
In Korea at present because of masks, distancing and fear of the virus we have less face-to-face social contact than in the past. How this is affecting us is still not fully known, but electronic means will not fill the void.
The Catholic Church in Korea has for some time emphasized the meeting together in small groups within the parish community usually in village and district groups. Although unsatisfactory feelings were many forming basic Christian Communities was the hope: cooperation, fellowship, unity, and learning the art of conversation was envisioned.
In the beginning, the Bishops' Conference translated the Latin Synodalitas as Consultation but went back to the Latin word for fear that it would be seen as a human endeavor without the input of the Holy Spirit. Conversation (dialogue) reveals the human elements of our personality and in turn, humanizes us.
It is not easy for us to share what is in our hearts with others. It requires training. Are you good at communicating? Can it be a heart-to-heart exchange? Most are less and less satisfied with superficial human contact. If you don't know certain facts, you may have gained something while contributing to the electronic society, but you will also have something to lose. You will not be familiar with what Jesus desired in dialogue. The dialogue that our church desires are not small talk, discussion, discourse, monologue, and conveying one-sided information, but exchanges of hearts on an equal footing.
"Like apples of Gold in a silver setting is a word that is aptly spoken" (Proverbs 25:11). We can develop the art of the aptly spoken word. This requires an attitude of reverence for the other, a willingness to hear and understand the views of others. Conversation requires giving and taking, questions and answers.
We all continue to pray that this coming Synod on Synodality will make for a holier and maturer Church and Christian. "We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it."
