Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 4th 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 943.
The Catechism cites Lumen Gentium, 36, regarding the laity. Six different aspects are discernable and should be considered.
Consider the “Royal Mission of the laity.” When thinking of the royal mission of the laity we should consider the threefold tasks of governance: executive, legislative, and judicial. In a monarchy, these are all rolled into one. Those who have received the graces of Baptism and Confirmation, are to govern their lives in accordance with the Divine Law and all it’s demands. The laity are to judge things in accordance with God’s holy will. In this way the royal mission of the laity is realized.
A second consideration regards the Empire (or reign) of Sin, in general. Since the Fall of Man (cf. Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–24), there has been a reign of sin in the world. There are different categories or sorts of sins: mortal and venial (cf. 1 John 5:17); omission and commission; those committed alone and those committed with others. All sin is evil and contributes to the reign of Satan in this world (cf. 1 John 3:4, 8). Committed lay people are to be eager in overthrowing the reign of sin and Satan in this world by the power of Christ who has overcome the world (cf. John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 12:9).
A third consideration addresses the personal reign of sin. To consider the personal reign of sin requires the examination of conscience. What evil have I done? Do I do? What good do I fail to do? Even pagan wisdom recognized that the unexamined life was not worth living (cf. Plato. Apology, 38a). This is no less true for those who have been baptized (cf. Matthew 25:31–46; 1 Corinthians 11:28; Psalm 139:23).
A fourth consideration regards the reign of sin in the world. The graces of Baptism and Confirmation call the laity to do all they can to rid the world of sin, their own and that of their neighbors.
A fifth consideration recognizes penance and self-denial as ways to combat and conquer the reign of sin. One of the ways the reign of sin is conquered and combated personally and in society is by means of penance(s) freely undertaken in reparation for one’s own sins and for those of others. Some people, sadly, limit their penances and self-denial to Lent.
A sixth consideration deals with holiness of life as a way to combat and conquer the reign of sin. By rejecting sin in our lives, by God’s grace at work in us, the reign of sin is conquered in us by our holy living. The good example we give others by our holy lives gives them an incentive to do the same.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr