Do you trust the teaching authority of the Church? What do you think the Church needs most in order to restore trust in its teachings? - Daily Reflections September 11,2015

TRUE AUTHORITY RESTS IN INTEGRITY

 

In the Gospels, the crowds often marvel at how Jesus preaches with authority. When you move around Church circles today, one of the questions most often raised is about the authoritative nature of Church teachings. Why do many Catholics disregard what the Church teaches on the moral issues of our time? I think it comes down to a matter of trust.

       The Church has lost the full trust of much of its flock. How can trust be regained? It will involve ensuring the integrity of all that the Church says and does – its ministers and leaders, as well as its programs and ministries. Where do we start?

       Everything starts and ends with the people. Numerous scandals over the past few decades have caused people’s trust in Church authorities to diminish. The Church must try to restore that trust by giving the proper formation to its leaders, both clerical and lay. It should also, first and foremost, design its structures and ministries with a pastoral emphasis. In other words, the Church has to prioritize the people and their welfare, particulary the poor and powerless, and be less focused on the institution and money matters. The Church should be financially responsible for its assets, but these assets must ultimately be at the service of the people and not an end in themselves.

       Critical to the whole process is the commitment of every Catholic to live and express their faith to the full. It is only individuals and institutions with integrity that will attract others to the faith. It is only people with integrity who will be able to present the Gospel in such a way that the truths of our faith will be evident for all to see, accept and experience. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you trust the teaching authority of the Church? What do you think the Church needs most in order to restore trust in its teachings?

 

Lord Jesus, help us to be honest in appraising what we need to do to present the Good News to the world. Help me to live the Gospel without compromise every day of my life.