My dear Parishioners,
Peace! The ninth article of the Apostle’s Creed is “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.” There are thirty-five (35) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this article of the Creed. The following is a reflection on article 867.
Six (6) aspects of the holiness of the Church highlight the second (2nd) of the four (4) “Marks of the Church” (one, holy, catholic, apostolic) by which we are able to recognize the Church founded by Jesus Christ.
The Church is holy because Almighty God has established her. Of old, God formed His People, Israel. Mother Church is the new Israel, the new People of God. As God is holy, so too His people (cf. Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:10–12; 2 Corinthians 3:14; Hebrews 1:1).
The Church is holy because Jesus Christ is the bridegroom of Mother Church, for whom He gave up His life. Christ’s spousal bond with His bride Mother Church is the source of the holiness of the Church which teaches His Holy Gospel, administers His Holy Sacraments (cf. Matthew 9:15; 25:1–10; John 3:29 1 Corinthians 7:14).
The Church is holy not only because of her founder or spouse but also because of the presence of the Holy Spirit within her as principle of her life (cf. John 6:63). The Holy Spirit who is the primary author of Holy Scripture has inspired the secondary, human authors of Holy Scripture and likewise inspires our faithful reading and listening (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
The Latin phrase Sancta sed semper reformanda (holy but always reforming) is not found in the documents of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). But sancta simul et semper purificanda (holy and always being purified at the same time) does find its way into the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, 8. Here we see the paradox: what is holy is the Church founded by Christ, safeguarding His holy teachings in Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, administering His holy sacraments by means of which we receive His grace which makes us sinners holy. Sacred Scripture calls for our reform “… all have sinned…” (cf. Romans 3:23)
The Church is holy and radiant in her saints who have lived lives pleasing to God, cooperating with His grace and plan throughout the ages. Just think of the Litany of Saints, so many over the years, and they are the ones who have been canonized. All Saints Day (1 November) commemorates all the others who may not be included in the Litany or on the Roman Calendar.
The Church is holy in her Queen Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary whom all generations must call blessed (cf. Luke 1:48). Our Lady is the first of the disciples who heard and believed and our Lord has brought His mother to Himself in her Assumption (cf. Revelation 12:1).
By God’s grace let us do all we can to contribute to the holiness of Mother Church.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr