Analysis of Eucharist Synod Working Document
On July 8, the Vatican issued the Instrumentum Laboris (working document)
for the Synod on the Eucharist. It is a summary of responses from
the world’s
Bishops meant to aid in the work of the Synod. It is not “the final
word” on issues to be dealt with by the Synod as some recent media
stories imply.
Here is a link so you can read it yourself
http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=73873
There are both discouraging and encouraging notes sounded by the working
document. These are just a sampling of the more important ones as seen
through the eyes of Corpus Christi Campaign coordinator, Sr. Chris Schenk.
Discouraging
1.The responses make no mention of strategies for dealing with the worldwide
priest shortage. Even though for the first time, the Vatican acknowledges
a “fluctuation” (aka shortage) of priests, there is no mention
of solutions such as ending mandatory celibacy or ordaining women deacons.
2. The document laments the decline in Mass attendance at great length
but makes no attempt to analyze why this might be. For example, too few
priests, poorly prepared priests or (often) preaching and celebrations
that do not touch people’s lives.
3. The responses give little attention to the reality of “God with
us” ie: Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist as our loving brother
and friend. Christ’s presence in the community of believers is barely
acknowledged. Instead God’s awe-inducing sacredness, the transcendence
of Eucharistic worship, “’the inseparability of the Eucharist
and morality,” and Christ’s presence in the sacred species
is elaborated upon at length. The end result is a document that appears
to value cultic and moral purity over human presence, mercy and forgiveness.
4. The document spends an inordinate amount of time dwelling on the perceived
link between the sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist: “Certainly
thought needs to be given to the great disproportion between the many who
receive Holy Communion and the few who go to confession.” (p. 13)
While acknowledging that only those in mortal sin must confess before receiving
communion some Bishops seem to regard the divorced and remarried “who
don’t know they’re in mortal sin” as mortal sinners.
As any Catholic grade school student knows, if you don’t know it’s
a mortal sin, it isn’t.
5. There is virtually no recognition of the wide disparities between rich
and poor Catholics in our world. When poverty is touched upon, only charity
is recommended as a response, rather than social analysis and empowerment.
The word justice appears very rarely and only at the very end of the document.
6. The document would have benefited by inviting reflection from the lay
faithful. It is also very hampered by language that excludes women. Unfortunately
laity were not consulted and if any women religious raised questions about
the language, these were not addressed.
Encouraging:
1. The document obliquely acknowledges that there is a worldwide priest
shortage. For the first time, statistics about declining priests
compared to increasing numbers of Catholics are included. We should consider
this a small victory because so many CTA and FutureChurch activists
publicized
the worldwide priest shortage that there is no longer any point in
trying
to hide it. The document also acknowledges Communion services conducted
by lay people in communities “awaiting a priest.”
2. The theological language is better than the original Lineamenta (outline).
Specifically, there is frequent use of Vatican II phrases such as “People
of God,” “Bishop of Rome” (for the Pope) etc.
3. The “celebratory banquet” aspects of Eucharist and the
Eucharist as a memorial have been included, albeit minimally. The original
Lineamenta made no mention of either. However, nearly all of the theological
reflection is focused on the Eucharist as sacrifice/sacrificial meal.
4. Social justice issues are included, though more minimally than one
would expect. Ecologic concerns are included in the responses, a first!
The original Lineamenta did not address ecologic issues at all and paid
very little attention to work for social justice.
5. The document nuances moral decisions about politicians and Eucharist: “Some
Catholics do not understand why it might (underscore mine) be a sin to
support a political candidate who is openly in favor of abortion or
other serious acts against life, justice and peace. (underscore mine). (p. 34)
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