Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the Epiphany of the Lord.
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 940.
While six (6) In Brief articles treat the clerical hierarchy (the Pope, other Bishops, Priests and Deacons) in this section of the Catechism, four (4) In Brief articles address the laity. The major source for this passage is the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Apostolicam Actuositatem of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). The laity are those faithful who have not received Holy Orders, but live out the consecration received in Holy Baptism and Confirmation, when sin and Satan are renounced and faith in almighty God professed.
The laity live their lives primarily in the midst of the world, which is to say, not in convents or rectories. The family home, one’s place of work or recreation, are the midst of the world wherein the lay faithful are especially called to live out their lives, faithful to Christ, His Gospel, His bride Mother Church (cf. John 15:17–20).
The laity have their primary concern of life the treating of profane affairs. Here the various honest professions, which are so many, come to mind. Not just doctors, lawyers and bankers, but teachers and carpenters and maids as well. Whatever sort of honest work can be found in this world, whatever is just and virtuous is the proper sphere of influence for Christ’s committed followers (cf. Philippians 4:8).
These worldly concerns, done with the view of an apostolate in the world, allow the lay faithful to serve as yeast or leaven in the world for the growing of Christ’s Kingdom (cf. Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21). The Greek word apostello, which is the origin of our words “apostle” / “apostolate” means both “set apart” and “sent out.” Holy Baptism sets the faithful apart as belonging to God.. All are sent out at the end of Holy Mass.
When whatever work the laity do is honest, good and true it reflects the True, Good and One Only God who has made us in the Divine Image. The dedicating of the first 10% of our income to God (tithe) is another way we can sanctify our labors and call down God’s blessings on our honest endeavors as we read throughout Sacred Scripture (cf. Genesis 14:17–20; 28:22; Leviticus 27:30–33; Numbers 18:21–32; Deuteronomy 14:22–23; 1 Samuel 8:15, 17; 2 Chronicles 31:5–6; Jeremiah 33:12; Ezekiel 20:37; 1 Maccabees 10:31; 11:35; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42 Hebrews 7:4–5). The tithe presupposes that work done in the world is honest, done with the best of our abilities, to the glory of God who gave us our abilities. When any of us fail to tithe and love our neighbor we are not being faithful or living vigorously the Christian spirit which allows the Gospel message to powerfully resound everywhere.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr