Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 2nd Sunday of Lent.
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 962.
When considering the “communion of saints” the Catechism cites Pope Paul VI’s Credo of the People of God or Solemn Profession of Faith, 30. Pope Paul VI composed and promulgated his Credo via an Apostolic Letter given motu proprio at the conclusion of the nineteenth centenary commemorating the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul (1968). In this way the ancient faith handed on as a sacred trust is timeless, valid in the Apostolic period (33–100AD) throughout the ages, even until Christ Himself shall return in glory to judge the living and the dead (cf. 1 Timothy 6:20; Jude1:3). Four (4) aspects of the Church’s mystery are highlighted here:
The Church is the communion of all the faithful of Christ. This reminds us that as important as our buildings and institutions are, the Church is primarily the communion of the faithful of Christ. As those who faithfully follow the Lord Jesus we do work together to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, console the sorrowful (cf. Matthew 25:35–40). We do this individually and corporately as part of our faithfulness to Christ. While our corporate worship on Sunday, the Lord’s Day is essential and necessary, it is not sufficient. We maintain our communion with Christ and our fellow followers even when we are not on bended knee in the sacred liturgy.
Within the Faithful of Christ, that is the Church, there are three (3) categories of members: pilgrims on Earth; the blessed of Heaven; and those who are being purified. While on Earth we are still on the journey toward our heavenly homeland. The Saints are those who have already well run the race, who kept the faith and are now enjoying the blessings and bliss of Heaven (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7). As for those who have died without mortal sin, who are yet still in need of purification, they too are very much a part of Mother Church and rely upon our prayers and good works to help them on their last stage of the journey home to God (cf. Job 1:5; 2 Maccabees 12:32–46; Matthew 12:31–32; 1 Corinthians 3:13–15; 1 Peter 1:6–7).
The three-fold communion of Christ’s one Church (in Heaven, on Earth and in Purgatory) is yet one single Church. This real distinction mirrors the Holy Trinity. One difference in the analogy is that while the Trinity is eternal, the Pilgrim Church will come to an end at the end of time as will Purgatory when the last holy soul has been purified. Then all the holy saints, the communion of the faithful of Christ, will be with Him forever in Heaven.
The merciful, loving, good God always hears our prayers as do His saints.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr