Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Thursday May 14, 2009 of the Fifth Week of Easter

Readings: ACTS 15: 7-21 Psalm 96: 1-3, 10 John 15: 9-11
Psalm Response: " Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations"

One of the most denied concepts of the Traditions of our Church is the idea of Councils and Apostolic succession. It is as though Jesus, God, eft His Church to lurch about on its own with no guidelines or direction.
Although the idea of Councils is not explicitly chronicled,the latter is, at least, implied in todays reading from ACTS. Peter alludes to his own selection by Jesus to spread the Good News to all the nations. James, a relative of Jesus and an overseer, (Bishop) of the Jerusalem Church, is implied to have authority in his diocese, just as the Bishops of the dioceses all over the world were selected by the Church to direct its path of righteousness.
Jesus imposed His own authority on them, ( John 20: 21-22) when He said, "As the Father sent Me,( with the full authority) I also send you.(Apostles, those sent). He breathed on them animating in them the Holy Spirt with the attendent power to forgive sin or bind the sinner.
Christ's admonition to His disciples in His order to them was the formula for their accomplisment, the obedience of Faith. (Paul Rms 1: 5, 16: 26)
We can all learn from the words of today's readings. We are not our own. Jesus has given us the Faith and the ability to recall His precepts He established for the Church. We cannot disregard the Churches teaching and say we are Catholic!

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