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The Virus in the Church

Writer's picture: Immersed in ChristImmersed in Christ

by Fr. David M. Knight


June 6, 2024: Thursday of the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Norbert, Bishop

Lectionary 356

2 Tm 2:8-15/Mk 12:28-34

 

Paul’s advice in 2Timothy 2:8-15 applies to every one of us. The laity are responsible for everything in the Church that the “presbyters”[i] and bishops are responsible for—except that those given authority are responsible for making decisions others cannot make. But all are responsible for helping them make them by input and prayer. Some ministers, both clergy and laity, have specific tasks to which they must give priority. But all are responsible for teaching, sanctifying and participating in the government of the Church in the measure that each one can. To leave these tasks to “officials” is a cop-out.


We all have the same commission to “love one another as Christ has loved us”; that is, as the shepherd who “gives his life for his sheep.” We pledge this at every Mass, saying with Jesus the words the presider is pronouncing in Christ’s name and ours: “This is my body, given up for you.” We offer our “flesh for the life of the world” by “presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice,” surrendered in every encounter with others to let Jesus express himself in us and through us to “give his life” to his sheep.


Whenever God moves us to minister, no matter how much we shrink from it, we respond as Jesus taught us: “Thy will be done.” Those who fear to express their faith and love should hear Jesus saying: “Everyone who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge... but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.” Paul adds to this:[ii]


You can depend on this: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him. If we hold out to the end, we shall reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.


Reminding us again to focus on the mystery of our faith, Paul warns against “disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.... Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels.” Talk about faith should come out of prayer and experience of God.


In Mark 12:28-34 Jesus takes morality to the level of mystery. Behind every law of God we should hear the words:


The Lord our God... is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... soul... mind and strength.


The aim of Christian instruction is “love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.” But Paul warns against the legalists whose teaching “spreads like gangrene” among us:


Some people have deviated from these, wanting to be teachers of the law, but without understanding what they assert with such assurance.[iii]


“Pharisees” are a virus in the Church.

 

Decision: Accept your identity. As Christ, be responsible for all of his sheep.

Prayer: Teach me your ways, O Lord. (Responsorial: Psalm 25)


[i] “Priests” designates all the baptized.

[ii] John 6:51; 10:11; Romans 12:1; Matthew 10:1-42, esp. verse 32, and see Luke 12:1-12.

[iii] 1Timothy 1:3-11; 2Timothy 2:17.


Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry




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