Over coffee this morning, some friends and I were discussing the challenges presently facing the Church; the wide array of varied opinions, and how passionately so many disagree. Jesus prayed that we may be one (see John 17)… Yet, we seem to be quite skilled at dividing ourselves. The enemy of our souls is the chief agent of division. Yet, sometimes we make his job easy through our own pride. We hang on to our own plans, thoughts and ideas more passionately than we draw near to Christ. We lose sight of the fact that, as Scripture reminds us, “His thoughts are not our thoughts and his ways are not our ways.” No, his are much higher. Much greater. But, he has given us the promise of the Holy Spirit, who leads us and guides us into all truth. But first, we have to be willing to listen! To allow the Holy Spirit to move upon the waters - the chaos and empty void of our often prideful hearts - so that he may bring forth a new creation; and in turn, renew the face of the earth through us!
On my way home from our meeting, I found myself thinking. Not about the quality of the espresso… but rather our discussion! Hard times and uncertainty. Difficulty and confusion. Disagreement among the faithful in how to respond in these times is nothing new in the life of the Church. The book of Acts makes this abundantly clear. Not only has the Church faced persecution from the beginning, but there have also been times when internal strife, human failings, and questionable intent have put the unity and witness of the Church in seeming jeopardy.
In Acts chapter fifteen, we read of a group from Judea going about in the name of Jesus Christ, without any mandate from the Apostles and leaders of the Church at the time. Scripture makes it clear that they disturbed the peace of mind and upset many due to their teaching. According to this group, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved.”
No doubt an understatement, but Scripture sums up the result of the situation like this: “there arose no little dissension and debate.”
In response, all the leaders of the Church (particularly the Apostles) gathered in Jerusalem for what we know to be the first “Church Council”. Jewish law required circumcision. Was this still a requirement of the Christian? Was this something that would be required of Gentile believers? This would not be the last time the leaders of the Church would need to gather to find the solution to a challenge presented.
Their answer to the question: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right” (Acts 15:28-29). What I would like to focus on in this blog is not so much the list of four things prescribed, but how the “Jerusalem Council” as its known, chose to begin its response. It demonstrates a very important lesson for us.
“It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us.” Another translation states it this way, “It seemed good to us and the Holy Spirit.” Notice the emphasis on the Holy Spirit in the decision-making process! Why is this important? What do we have to learn from it? First, let’s look at the words of Jesus: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:26-27).
Here we see an example of the Magisterium (teaching office – pope/bishops in union with him) at work. Jesus has made Apostles and their successors (bishops) servants of the Word; they exercise this authority in the name of Christ and interpret it with the aid of the Holy Spirit. They protect the teaching of the faith from falsification. It is the work of the Holy Spirit and their cooperation and reliance upon Him that is key.
Since the very beginning there have been those who, like these men from Judea, have failed to embrace the faith in its entirety, have (whether intentionally or not) preached another gospel (Gal 1:7-8), and today have divided the Church (whether intentionally or not) through phrases like Conservative and Liberal, Charismatic and Traditional, or Left and Right. There are indeed, still today, troubles and division in the Church. Yet the answer and only remedy remains the same today as it did for the Apostles 2,000 years ago. “It seemed good to us and the Holy Spirit.” Ultimately, it is God himself, the Holy Spirit that leads us into all truth; that leads and guides the Church and her faithful. It is one of the great mysteries of God that he chooses man to participate in this great work of salvation and as such, has established the Magisterium in this unique way.
Throughout her history the Church has been seen as a boat. It’s a funny thing about boats… to be too far to the right or too far to the left puts you outside of the boat. Whether I like it or not, the Catholic Church is a both/and kind of place. Sure, I have my preferences and opinions, but the Holy Spirit is ultimately the Captain of the Ship. Yes, it is true that there are many problems facing the Church. But we have the words of Christ, a promise, that the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us into all truth. This may require me to surrender my pride, to deny myself, to lay down my own agenda, and – certainly at the least – evaluate my thinking according to the standard the Lord has established. “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (or even “and to me”). This requires humility. This requires trust. It requires me to stay on the path and follow Him; to not stray. The same principle we see at work in Acts 15 applies in our lives as individuals. “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit…”
To apply this idea to each one of us more personally, which is actually my point with this post… My point: Can we say this of our decisions? Can we say this of our opinions? Can we say this of our agendas? Whose voice are we listening to? “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit…” “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and us.”
For the Church to experience the true and authentic renewal it needs, it starts in our own hearts. As G.K. Chesterton noted, “The problem with the world is me.” Too often I lean on my own understanding. It’s my way, and there is no highway option. Too often, I make no effort to bring my desires, my opinions, my agendas before the Holy Spirit and ask, “Lord, does this seem good to you?” Oh, this tendency may be subtle… but its there. And I need the Holy Spirit to help me to overcome it. We all do!
Come, Holy Spirit. Inspire our thoughts. Guide our words and direct our actions. May all of these serve to build your kingdom in our hearts, in our homes, in our relationships, and in the world around us. Lord, Jesus Christ, as you call us out upon the water, may the Holy Spirit fill us anew, baptize us with fresh fire, and give us the courage to keep our eyes on you in the midst of every storm. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.