Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
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 941.
The laity participate in the one Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The task of a priest is at least fourfold: God’s choice, representation of God, offering of sacrifice to God and interceding with God. While this is all a part of ordained life in the Church, it is not entirely foreign to the lives of the laity who have a share in the ‘royal priesthood’ of believers which differs not only in degree but essence with that of the ordained. In Holy Baptism God has chosen the laity and set them apart for Himself. To their baptized children, parents who have been baptized and sacramentally married have authority which comes from God and represent Him in the family home which is also called the domestic Church. The sacrifices husbands and wives make for each other and for their children, are very real and involve time, treasure (including tithing) and talent. What Godfearing parent out there would not interced on behalf of their children?
The graces given by almighty God to lay people in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation effect a profound union with Christ and His Church. These graces are strengthened and renewed through the worthy reception of Holy Communion, especially at the Sunday Eucharist and frequent Confession with absolution and penance. If you ever hear people say ‘I don’t feel close to the Lord’ you have an opportunity to remind them about the real and actual closeness the Lord gives through His sacraments, through His Church. Closeness to the Lord is ‘more than a feeling’ (apologies to Boston’s 1976 hit). Jesus does not leave us. We leave Him by our sins.
The graces given to the laity in Holy Baptism and Confirmation are to be lived out in daily life. Four (4) particular aspects of daily life are highlighted here. The graces the laity receive in Baptism and Confirmation should so impact one’s (1) personal life, making sin entirely distasteful. Faithfulness to Christ can not be limited to an ‘hour of power’ on Sunday morning but must permeate (2) family life (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4–7; Ephesians 5:21–33; 6:1–4). We can not remain faithful to Christ or His Gospel if such does not impact our (3) social life. In what sort of entertainments or employment do we engage? Are these compatible with the Commandments of God? Our fidelity to Christ also impacts our relationship with His Bride, Mother Church. Do we participate actively in the (4) life of the Church, especially by Sunday Mass and frequent Confession? Do we participate in the charitable works of the Church (e.g. Catholic Charities and Ladies of Charity and Knights of Columbus…). The laity, through their Baptism, are called to holiness.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr