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“We have heard that some of our number went out without any mandate from us and have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind...”
“It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.”
“It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.”
I see a reflection of these readings in the world today, where there are many who would claim to speak and teach in the name of the Church, but in fact have no authority to do so.
Those who say that we must believe in the messages of certain saints, or visionaries, or apparitions.
Those who say it is impermissible to receive the COVID vaccines, or that it is wrong to wear a mask.
Those who say that we must bless same sex marriages, or ordain women.
Those who say it is impermissible to receive the COVID vaccines, or that it is wrong to wear a mask.
Those who say that we must bless same sex marriages, or ordain women.
The examples are inexhaustible. The antidote of course is to follow the example of Jesus, who in today’s Gospel says, “I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.”
Just as Jesus makes clear that he only does the Father’s works, and communicates the Father’s message, so we too are called not to create our own Gospel or make our own teachings binding, but simply to hand on what is given to us by the Church.
