Ten Code Words of Synodality

We often hear or read a word or phrase or we listen to a piece of music and we absorb it immediately without thinking. As Catholics, we have filters — defenses, really — that block or at least alert us to problematic messages. But some problematic messages slip through easily. I now realize that they were designed to make us think we know their meaning when in fact they mean considerably more or even something else entirely. Over time, the hidden meaning becomes our belief and our faith is eroded.
1. The Poor
Who does not want to help “the poor?” What Catholic does not understand that when you feed the hungry and clothe the naked you are doing it for God? (See, Matthew 25: 35-46.) Yet “concern” for the poor is an ancient deception.
Consider John 12: 1-5. Jesus is visiting with Martha, Mary and Lazarus in Bethania. At some point, Mary takes some very expensive spikenard ointment and anoints the feet of Jesus. A disciple speaks up: “why was not this ointment sold for three hundred …