From: Father Mateo 6th November 1995
To: cinaskf@catinfo.cts.com
Subject: listen to the Church (2 of 2)
-----------------------------
Thereafter, in teaching, the Apostles are conscious that they teach
with the authority of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:27-29). The Holy
Spirit is not their occasional guest, but an abiding presence until
the end of the world, Who will keep the Church unfailingly true to
Christ's message (John 14:15-17, 26; 16:13-15). Christ Himself will
be with the teaching and sanctifying Church until the end of time
(Matthew 28:20).
Our duty to listen to the Church is nowhere more dramatically
emphasized than in St. Paul's troubles with some of his converts. He
condemns Hymenaeus for doctrinal deviation (1st Timothy 1:20 with 2nd
Timothy 2:17-18). He excommunicates an unnamed Corinthian for a moral
lapse (1st Corinthians 5:1-5), and later reconciles the man (2nd
Corinthians 2:3-11). He roundly rebukes the Galatians for leaving the
truth he taught them to follow heretical preachers (Galatians,
passim).
Much of the New Testament is the implicit and explicit affirmation
that Christ continues His work of teaching, guiding, and sanctifying
His members in and through His Church. And so we are bound to listen
to the Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
--- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. ---
-- | CIN (619-449-6030) Fido: (1:202/1613) http://www.cin.org/cin | St. Gabriel Gift & Book Nook: http://www.stgabriel.com/gabriel