The 'baby Church'

The neat thing about this time of year, is that we get to read the Acts of the Apostles. A continuation of the Gospel of Luke, we hear the story of that early Church. And while this is a wonderful time in the history of the Church, things are not well all of the time. There is persecution, misunderstandings, disagreements, and dissension. This Body of believers, begun by Christ Jesus, begins to have growing pains almost immediately.

Today's reading is so very typical. The question of maintaining Jewish rituals and practices in the Church comes up. Peter and those close to him firmly believe that the traditions of the Jewish laws must be maintained. Paul, who is receiving converts from the gentiles believes that this is a burden. A meeting is held at Jerusalem. Through prayer and reflection the conclusion is that those elements that lead to salvation ought to be maintained. Essentially living a holy lifestyle is most important.

Today very much like that early Church we have to return to the source of our salvation. Namely we are saved through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. The question has to continue to be, How does what we do best reflect the mystery of faith we celebrate? There is today a powerful need for our Church to be a sign and symbol of the salvific activity of Jesus Christ. We can't blow it by getting all concerned about stuff that does not draw us to God.

I remember an old priest once telling me that it is much more holy to kneel for confession, in order to receive absolution. Well I can understand that and appreciate that. But in the Sacrament of Reconciliation it will not be my main focus.

The saving death of Jesus reminds us that we too have to be willing to die to our wants, if we are going to experience the grace and blessing of the Paschal Mystery. I think that this is the reason that the Vatican documents continue to return to our Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Like St. Paul reminding us that we are heirs of the Father, as a Church and individuals we have to review what it means to be Church, and delight in the saving activity of God.