Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 21st 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 802.

In Sacred Scripture we read: “… Our Savior Jesus Christ gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to Himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works” (Titus 2:13b-14). This very rich verse is cited in the Catechism and upon it we may fruitfully meditate.

Our Savior Jesus Christ gave Himself up to death on His Cross so as to redeem us, to purchase us at the price of His precious blood (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; Philippians 2:7 -8; 1 John 1:7). This was a freely given gift which He continues to give even unto eternity (cf. John 4:10; 10:15- 17; Romans 5:15-17; 11:29; James 1:17). Each time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered upon the Altars of Mother Church Jesus Christ gives Himself anew for us His people. His self-donation calls for our response, to give ourselves to Him and His service.

By His saving death and Resurrection Jesus Christ has purified us from our sins (cf. 1 Timothy 2:8; 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 9:26; James 4:8; 1 Peter 2:24). This purification occurs in our lives by means of His sacraments administered by His Church. In Holy Baptism we are purified from Original Sin and any sins we may bring to those saving waters (cf. Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21). In the Sacrament of Penance we are purified from those sins we sadly commit after Holy Baptism (cf. Matthew 16:18-19; John 20:23; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9). We are most truly the people of God when we spurn the stains of sin, not using our bodies for iniquity, but are washed clean in the Blood of the Lamb, living holy lives pleasing in His sight (cf. Romans 6:13, 18, 22; 8:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:18-22; Revelation 7:14; 22:14).

As sons and daughters of Mother Church we belong to Jesus Christ. We have been bought and paid for by the Blood of His Cross (cf. Colossians 1:20). We show that we belong to Jesus Christ by living our lives according to His law of love, for God, neighbor and self (cf. Matthew 22:37- 40; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27-28; Ephesians 1:15). We belong to Jesus Christ when we heed the sure and certain teachings of His bride, Mother Church and are of one mind with Him (cf. Luke 10:16; John 5:24; Romans 15:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2:16; 4:17; Philippians 1:27; 2:5). While we belong to Jesus Christ in the here and now, we long to be with Him forever in Heaven, counted among those who surround the throne of His glory and sing His praises (cf. Jude 1:21; Hebrews 8:1; 12:2; Revelation 4:2-11).

God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr