Tre immagini bibliche “sinodali”. L’edificio (Ef 2,19-22), il corpo (1Cor 12,12-30) e l’albero (Mt 13,31-32)

Abstract

The words «synod», «synodality» and «synodal» are not present in the Bible, but it is possible to find their concept. Nowadays, the adjective “synodal” denotes a communal way of addressing a particular issue and making decisions, as we can see, for example, in the Council of Jerusalem (Act 15). There are several texts in Scripture that ground an ecclesiological vision of “communion”. This article tries to show the power of these images, focusing on three metaphors: the building (Eph 2.19-22), the body (1Co 12.12-30) and the tree (Mt 13.31-32). Our understanding of these metaphors today offers new opportunities both for a scientific exegesis and for pastoral work.