Daily Reflections - April 22,2013

DISSENSION IN THE CHURCH

 

We are often dismayed when we hear or read about tension, quarrels and dissension in the Catholic Church. We know only too well that there is conflict between the so-called traditional and the liberal members in the Church. For example, some Catholics accept the Mass only as valid when it is celebrated in Latin, while others want a “creative Mass” that has freed itself from strict rituals.

There are more divisions in the Church when we think of the many Eastern Orthodox Churches and the countless non-Catholic Churches and sects. Didn’t Jesus think and speak of unity among His followers?

But this is nothing new. When we read today’s First Reading carefully, we discover that even in the first years of Christianity, not every member of the Church agreed with what the leader did. Peter entered the house of the pagan Cornelius, shared in his meal — strictly forbidden for Jews — and even baptized the whole family without demanding from them to become Jews first. Peter had to defend himself. He, a Jew, brought up in strict Jewish life and laws, was hesitant to go to Cornelius, but a vision from the Lord convinced him to leave the old ways behind and become an instrument of the universal Church that Jesus had envisioned. Even Peter had to learn that the plans of the Holy Spirit are more dynamic than his own and that he and his community had to adjust to the dynamics of the Spirit. We remember when Pope John XXIII suddenly announced an Ecumenical Council, even some cardinals and bishops were aghast and asked whether there is something wrong with the head of the old pope. But John XXIII just smiled and said that it was a sudden inspiration from the Holy Spirit.

In these days before Pentecost, let us ask ourselves how docile we are to the Holy Spirit. Are we open to the Spirit’s often dramatic inspirations, or are we afraid to move forward and rather are satisfied with the status quo — something that does not come from the Holy Spirit? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you open to new developments in the Church or do you stick to what is traditional?

 

Lord, it feels always safer to stay in a familiar place than to follow Your Holy Spirit and move into uncharted land. Help me to be more courageous and open to new developments in the Church.