Lesson 7
Lesson 7
Embedded Files
Jesus –Came To Establish A Church
Did Jesus Come to Establish a “Church?”
The question above is important because it infers what Jesus Christ intended to do as part of His redemptive mission while on earth. The direct answer to the question is, “Yes, Jesus did come to establish a church.” Although some will claim ‘Jesus Christ did not come to establish a church,’ this is completely incorrect. To claim Jesus did not intend to establish a church is without foundation and a claim not supported by early church history nor supported by scripture. If Jesus did not intend to establish a church, then someone needs to tell that to Jesus and his Apostles!
Here is what Jesus himself says about His Church:
Here is what Jesus himself says about His Church:
The dialogue between Jesus and the Apostles found in Gospel of Matthew provides details of what Jesus said while in “the region of Caesarea Philippi.”
13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16: 13- 18
Hmmmm!! It is certainly clear from the above passage, that Jesus wanted to establish His Church! This passage not only conveys that Jesus indeed wanted to establish one church, but also how He wanted to build His one church on the Apostles with Peter as its head.
Later in the Gospel of Matthew, the evangelist quotes Jesus saying this:
16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.'17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
Matthew 18: 16- 17
Clearly, Jesus indeed wanted to establish His Church which would have His authority. In doing so, Jesus gives this authority to the Apostles. Notice also that Jesus refers to “church” in the singular and not “churches” plural. He wanted One Church!
How many times is "church" referred to in the New Testament?
How many times is "church" referred to in the New Testament?
The evidence is compelling, considering the reference to “church,” is found 73 times in 16 books of the New Testament. Therefore, it stands to fact and reason that the establishment of a church instituted by Jesus Christ along with a magisterial authority given to the Apostles, was well understood by the very first Christians, beginning with the Apostles themselves! Here are a few examples:
23 They appointed presbyters for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. Acts 14:23
27 And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27
Nay-sayers insist Jesus did not come to establish a church by claiming the scriptures are not clear on this point. Such skeptics are looking for some inaugural act by Jesus. Nay-sayers are looking for some fanfare or a great announcement. They miss the point, but it was very clear to His apostles. Jesus’ inaugural act was His death on the cross. Look at what Acts 20:28 says:
28 Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he acquired with his own blood. Acts 20:28
Here are more passages about “church” which are found in the New Testament epistles of Saint Paul and in the book of Revelation.
2 to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 1 Corinthians 1:2
28 Some people God has designated in the church to be, first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then, gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues [1] 1 Corinthians 12:28
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, with all the holy ones throughout Achaia: [2]
2 Corinthians 1:1
13 For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, Galatians 1:13
21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. Ephesians 1:22
1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write this: " 'The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this:
2 "I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors.[3] Revelation 2:1-2
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[1] 1 Cor 12: [28] First, apostles: apostleship was not mentioned in 1 Cor 12:8-10, nor is it at issue in these chapters, but Paul gives it pride of place in his listing. It is not just one gift among others but a prior and fuller gift that includes the others. They are all demonstrated in Paul's apostolate, but he may have developed his theology of charisms by reflecting first of all on his own grace of apostleship (cf 1 Cor 3:5-cor 4:14;9:1-27; 2 Cor 2:14-cor 6:13;10:1-2 cor 13:30, esp. 1 Cor 11:23 and 1 cor 12:12).
[2] 2 Cor 1:[1-11]The opening follows the usual Pauline form, except that the thanksgiving takes the form of a doxology or glorification of God (2 Cor 1:3). This introduces a meditation on the experience of suffering and encouragement shared by Paul and the Corinthians (2 Cor 1:4-7), drawn, at least in part, from Paul's reflections on a recent affliction (2 Cor 1:8-10). The section ends with a modified and delayed allusion to thanksgiving (2 Cor 1:11).
[3][Revelation 2:1-3:22] In the passage it is Jesus as God speaking. Here Jesus himself is referring to Church. In the related passages Jesus is providing seven letters to the Apostle John. Each of the seven letters follows the same pattern: address; description of the exalted Christ; blame and/or praise for the church addressed; threat and/or admonition; final exhortation and promise to all Christians.
Who is St. Paul?
Who is St. Paul?
Saint Paul was originally called Saul. He was a ranking Jewish official who was responsible for the persecution of the early Church in Judea. In the Acts of the Apostles, we find the conversion story of Saul (St. Paul). While on his way to arrest more Christians, Saul meets with a vision of the heavenly Jesus. It is then that Saul learns about Jesus Christ. From this point on Saul now named Paul begins his conversion process and becomes the “Apostle to the Gentles”.
Saul’s conversion can be found in the book of Acts Chapter 9.
St. Paul is responsible for many of the epistles (letters/books) in the New Testament. Some of these Books are quoted in this lesson.
What is the Church?
The church is the visible community of believers who have been initiated into the faith (Baptized), professing one faith under the authority of the invisible head (Christ) and the authority of the visible head which is the pope and the bishops in communion with him. This visible head is called The Magisterium. The true church of Jesus Christ is one, it is physical and meant to be seen and noted throughout History, “like a city set on a Hill.”[1] The church is universal in that it is meant for all people. It is also spiritual because it is guided by God’s Holy Spirit.
The Church is a living community as the Mystical Body of Christ. As such the Church is truly an organism.[2] The Church is not an organization!!! Nor is the Church a loose-knit body of various types of believers or like-type thinkers with their own individually formed “groupie” separated churches that are somehow spiritually connected.
The Church – People of God
The Church – People of God
The Church as the People of God share in the mission of Christ through His office as priest, prophet, and king. This clearly distinguishes them from all other religious, ethnic, political, social, or cultural groups found in history.[3]
Jesus Christ is the one whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and established as priest, prophet, and king. The whole People of God participates in these three offices of Christ and bears the responsibilities for mission and service that flow from them CCC 783
The Church is in Communion with Jesus Christ
The Church is in Communion with Jesus Christ
From the very beginning, Jesus associated his disciples with his own life. He shared with them the mystery of the Kingdom[4], giving them a share in his mission, teaching, joy, and suffering too. They were to be melded into His own being and it was to be more than simply following his examples. It is a relationship in holiness with Jesus as the binding and guiding force for this body of believers. This much He did also by proclaiming the mystery and real communion between His own body and the Church.[6]
The people of God, in communion with Christ, define the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ here on earth with Jesus as its head.[7] The Church can also be referred to as the “body of believers” (Assembly, Community, Society). As the Body of Christ, the Church has many parts (members). Each with its own tasks to serve.[8]
With Christ as its head, the body stays united in a relationship to Him.[9] Christ as the head provides grace for the body to grow.[10] The Church is meant to be a cohesive body which moves as Jesus directs. As the Mystical Body of Christ, it is united to the Trinity as part of God’s plan for salvation.[11] This iis why having a relationship with Christ is important. Without it, you are no longer united with Christ.
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[1] Matthew 5:14
[2] Ephesians 1:22-23 …… gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body,* …….
[3] CCC 781, 782
[4] CCC 787
[5] Jn 15:4–5. “Abide in me, and I in you.... I am the vine, you are the branches.”
[6] Jn 6:56. “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.”
[7] CCC 789
[8] CCC 790, 791
[9] CCC 792
[10] CCC794
[11] John 14:18-23 ; John 15:1-12 ; John 17:19-26
The Church is the Bride of Christ
The Church is the Bride of Christ
The unity of Christ and His Church referred to as its head and one body, implies a distinction of the two within a personal relationship. The image of a bridegroom and bride often expresses this aspect. The theme of Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church is presented by the prophets of the Old Testament and announced by John the Baptist.[1] The Lord referred to himself as the “bridegroom.”[2]
The Apostle Matthew speaks of the whole Church and each of the faithful, members of Christ’s Body, as a bride “betrothed” to Christ the Lord so as to become but one spirit with him.[3] The Catholic Church is the spotless bride of the spotless Lamb who is Christ.[4] “Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her.”[5] He has joined her with himself in an everlasting covenant and never stops caring for her as for his own body:[6](Read CCC 757, 219, 772, 1602, 1616)
This is the whole Christ, head and body, one formed from many... whether the head or members speak, it is Christ who speaks. He speaks in his role as the head (ex persona capitis) and in his role as body (ex persona corporis). What does this mean? “The two will become one flesh. This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the Church.”[7]And the Lord himself says in the Gospel: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh.”[8]They are, in fact, two different persons, yet they are one in the conjugal union,...as head, he calls himself the bridegroom, as body, he calls himself “bride.”[9]CCC 796
The idea of the Church and Christ speaking as one is not a manmade notion. Jesus Christ Himself applies this analogy with purpose. He further defines clarity when referring to a Man and Woman when married becoming one[10]. He goes on to say, “Therefore what God has joined together, no man being must separate.”[11] Likewise, Christ has joined himself to the church and no one must separate this.
Etymology of the word “Church:”
Etymology of the word “Church:”
To understand the etymology of the word “Church” is, it helps to look at where the English word “Church” came from. The word church as a word we use today comes from the Anglo-Saxon(cirice, circe); (Modern German, Kirche; Swedish, Kyrka). The word was employed in Teutonic languages to render the Greek word for ‘Church’ ekklesia(ecclesia). In turn, the Greek word ekklesia(ecclesia) is rendered in the New Testament by the writers to denote the society/community/assembly founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The derivation of the English form of the word has been much debated. It is now agreed that it is derived from the Greek kyriakon(cyriacon), which means the Lord's house, a term which from the third century was used, as well as ekklesia, to signify a Christian place of worship. Hence in the English language, it is used when referring to the place of worship as well as the community/assembly of Christians under Christ.
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[1]Jn 3:29
[2]Mk 2:19
[3]Cf. Mt 22:1–14; 25:1–13; 1 Cor 6:15–17; 2 Cor 11:2.
[4]Rev 22:17; Eph 1:4, 5:27
[5]Eph 5:25–26.
[6]Eph 5:29
[7]Eph 5:31–32
[8]Mt 19:6
[9]St. Augustine, En. in Ps. 74:4: PL 36, 948–949.
[10] Mark 10: 6-8- 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife],8and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
[11] Mark 10:9
The Greek word ekklesia(ecclesia).is found in the Greek version of the Old Testament (Septuagint) to connote the Synagogue gathering. In one sense it is used as the name of the assembly. The use is with the understanding that the assembly is for the purpose of worship. Apparently, the use of the term to refer to Jewish term (qahal) was used with the special meaning of "those called by God to eternal life."
The Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
The Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.
In the Nicene creed the following words are found:
I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
The ministry of Jesus was public. The words he spoke, the wonders and signs he performed, were not done in secret. Likewise, the Church He would establish is also meant to be visible, not hidden, and not secret. He intended the Church to be markedly visible throughout history. He calls for the Body of Christ which is the church, to be a light. As a light “unto a darkened world” the church is meant to be there for all to see.
14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.
Matthew (5:14-15)
There were periods where initially the church was “Underground.” In some countries, this is true today. This was and is due to persecution. However, in all cases, the authorities knew the church was operating somewhere and affecting the community. During such times there is evidence of the church growing, despite persecution.
The Four Marks of the Church
The Four Marks of the Church
The profession in the Nicene creed declares the Church to be “one, holy, catholic and apostolic.” These are considered the four marks of the true church founded by Jesus Christ. This is not a self-declaration by the human members of His church; Christ Himself through the Holy Spirit, makes the Church, one, holy, catholic and apostolic.[1] Jesus intended to have as part of its inheritance, for the visible Church he founded to be identified by these four marks.
Throughout history, even in times of great persecution, the Church remained visible. As such it was identified by these four marks. Within the church, those persons who through heresy or defiance, chose to break from the Church, were breaking away from one or all of these four marks of the Church.
From these four marks, the one true Mystical Body of Christ is identified. When the church is persecuted the church, then Christ is persecuted. Jesus Christ united this way as one with the Mystical Body, the church, is revealed in the Acts of the Apostles as conveyed below.
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[1] CCC 811, 812
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1 Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains.
3
On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.
4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
5 He said, "Who are you, sir?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Acts 9:1-5
One
The Church is One
Jesus Christ intended for the Church to be one, united with Him as a single church and not a multiplicity of churches (as in denominations)! For this reason, the Catholic Church is not one out of a list of many Christian churches (denominations). The Catholic Church is the church founded by Jesus Himself. In the Gospel of John, on the night before his death, Jesus prays “… that they may all be one..[1]” Therefore the church is “one” because of its source and foundation from its beginning.[2]
Jesus did not intend at all to have the church divided up into like-type thinkers or what today is referred to as denominations. Nor did he intend for separate churches to grow unto themselves, believing and practicing what they thought best. St. Paul even points this out and denounces it in his letter to the Corinthians:
11 … it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. 12 I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
From the first century, there have been schisms and breakaways. Unfortunately, as in the case of Protestantism; many of these breakaways continue to splinter into smaller groups. This is a very sad state of affairs. Every division within the Church is contrary to God’s will. Jesus does not want disunity within the Apostolic Church which causes scars and tears in the fabric of the wholeness in the Body of Christ. The unity of the Body of Christ seeks to be one of faith, love, and worship, under the examples and teachings given by the Apostles. The New Testament says this of the Early Church Christians:
“… devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
Saint Paul taught the Church is the “Mystical Body of Christ.” In his epistle to the Ephesians, he writes: 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the
bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph 4:3-6)
When referring to Himself Jesus teaches, He is the vine, and the body of Christ being the faithful of the church, are the branches:
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
This is not an implicit unity, but an explicit unity desired by the will of Jesus. Since Jesus, with the church are united as one body, such unity is meant for everyone. Unity is not to be taken as being the same as uniformity. The church’s union with Christ or ‘unity’ allows for diversity in many areas. This includes age, gender, race, language, and culture which are meant to be part of the makeup of the church.
The Catholic Church, the church Jesus Christ established, continues to maintain the aspect of unity and call back to the oneness (unity) within the church that Christ intended. She does this because Christ prayed for the church “to be one,” therefore she is obligated to do this as part of her mission with Christ.
There are those who may insist with words such as “Well as long as they believe Jesus Christ is lord, then why bother with this whole thing of ‘Oneness?’ The immediate answer to that is “because Christ asked for oneness.” Jesus never said, “Here are my teachings, follow whichever ones you like!” Nor did he say, “Here are my teachings, follow whichever ones are easiest for you!”
Others may insist well there is a oneness of sorts. They may say, ‘We all agree on maybe 50 – 70% of the same beliefs.’ This is only partially a good thing. What if a child when asked by their father if they completed their chores, responds, “Well I did about 50 – 70%!” That is like saying, ‘I mowed half the lawn or took out half of the trash.’ The child still has not done what the father asked them to do.
The teaching of Oneness should be taken seriously because it reflects a general attitude that is conveyed to the Christian body. If the attitude strays to one of maintaining incompleteness, then the message is “Well, we’ll only be one with Christ in these areas, or only areas we like!” It should be noted that oneness or lack thereof is not an excuse for some zealot to go on some romantic crusade as a means to shun other Christians.
Jesus Christ called us to “be brought to perfection as one.”[3] This calls for a fullness of belief in all of what Christ taught including being one in unity, but this must be done with charity. Jesus taught them “There shall be one fold and one shepherd.”[4]
Oneness was rooted in the minds of the Apostles in the first-century Church. First of all, John records what Christ said about this in his Gospel. Matthew’s Gospel expounds on what Christ said and did by including Christ’s words to “teach them to observe all I have commanded.”[5] Saint Paul in his epistles writes about one body united to one spirit which is the Holy Spirit and cannot be divided.[6] Saint Paul urges the early church to be one ” in harmony with one another”[7], to be “united in thinking”[8], and to live in peace as one body.[9]
In the 2nd century, Tertullian while writing about the church, states: “We are a society with a single religious feeling, a single unity of discipline, a single bond of hope.”[10] In the 3rd century, Saint Cyprian writes: “God is one and Christ is one, and is by the glue of concord into a solid unity of body. Unity cannot be rent asunder. Nor can the body of the Church, through the division of its structure, be divided into separate pieces.”[9]
In the 4th century Saint Hillary writes: “In the Scriptures our people are shown to be made one; so that just as many grains collected into one and ground and mingled together, make one loaf, so in Christ, who is the heavenly Bread, we know there is one body in which our whole company in joined and united.”[11]
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[1] John 17:21 “…that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.“
[2] CCC 813, 814
[3] Jn:17:23
[4] Jn:10:16
[5] Mt 28:20
[6] 1 Cor 12:13 & Eph 4:4
[7] Rom15:5
[8] Phil 2:2
[9] Col 3:15
[10] Tertullian (ad 197) Apology 39, 1
[11] Saint Cyprian (c. AD 250) On Unity of the Church 23
[12] Saint Hillary (AD 4th Century) Treatise 62,13
Holy
The Church is Holy
The Church is “holy” because it is united with Christ who sanctifies her (the bride) through his life, death, and resurrection.[1] In other words; Jesus Christ is Holy, also He is one with His Church in the Mystical Body[2] therefore the church must be holy. As such the church is the vehicle ordained by God where “the fullness of the means of salvation”[3] has been deposited. It is in her that “by the grace of God we acquire holiness.”[4] “How is this so?” The answer is, that Christ is united to His Church. Christ with His grace and power provides for the church to serve. The Church is sanctified by Christ. Through Him, in Him, and with Him the Church becomes sanctifying.[5]
The church is holy because Jesus is holy. It is not holy because of any meritorious act/actions done by any person or group within the church. The Church has and will continue to have its saints and sinners just as Jesus had with His Apostles. Although they had faults, they would become saints and yet one remained a grave sinner (Judas Iscariot). The Church has had its fortune to have saints who by the grace of God exemplify the Holiness given by God. This same thing is intended for everyone. Across the ages, there have been the good and bad, from popes to laymen. Regardless the Church remains holy. Here is what Saint Peter writes:
9 But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of
his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Jesus told the Apostles that He would be with us “Always.”
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 20:28)
Jesus provided an indication the church would be stormed by sinners inside and out (the gates of hell). However, the Church because it is Holy in Christ will prevail.[5] In union with Christ’s Holiness, the church will endure, and sinners will go the way of the Dodo bird! Christ tells us that the “gates of hell will not prevail against it.
18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld (hell) shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18
In these words, Jesus indicates that Hell (Satan) will try to destroy it but will not be successful. Try as he will, Satan will not be allowed to destroy the Church completely by any means including corruption.
There are those naysayers who try to insist that the church was completely corrupted and moved away from “true Christianity” during the early centuries. These stories do not specify exactly when and differ in time from the 3rd – 6th century A.D. To say and believe this would mean either Jesus is lying with the words he spoke in Matthew 16:18 or He and the Holy Spirit are powerless to protect the Church. So, who is right; the naysayer or Jesus? Jesus is correct, of course!
As part of the body of Christ (The church) you also are called to holiness.
2 to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 1 Corinthians 1:2
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[1]CCC 823, 824, 826
[2] (John 15:5) 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing
[3]Vatican II: Lumen gentium - LG 48
[4] CC 824
[5] Albert J. Nevins, M.M. ; Answering A Fundamentalist - Our Sunday Visitor - :: Chapter 4: Page 33 The Church is Holy because Jesus Christ is indissolubly linked to her (Mt 28:20), because the powerful presence on the Holy Spirit is permanently promised to her (Jn 14:26; 16:7-9)
Catholic
The Church is Catholic
What is meant when it is declared, the Church is “catholic?” The creed in using the word ‘catholic’ professes the understanding that the church is to be for all mankind. It does not apply a denominational label. The Church has adopted the word “Katholikos” from the Greek language to connote the universal appeal of the Church.
The Church is catholic because it is for all people. Its mission is to bring the light of Christ’s salvation to all people on earth. Christ came that every man woman and child might be saved, regardless of nationality, class, or cultural distinctions.[1]
What does “catholic” mean?
‘Catholic,’ from the Greek, “Kataholos, Kataholikos,” Kata – ‘according to’ and holos – ‘the whole.’ It means “universal,” in the sense of “according to the totality” or “in keeping with the whole.” The Church is catholic in a double sense[2]. The intended use and appeal of this word is also conveyed in the language of the church with words/phrases such as; unity, united in Christ Jesus, and One Body. The idea conveys that the church as the body of Christ, is also one with Christ. Christ with his church makes up the “whole Christ” (Latin: Christus Totus). The word itself was first used by one of the early fathers of the Church, St. Ignatius of Antioch[3] who lived in the first and second century of the church and died sometime after108 AD.
The Church is catholic because Christ is present in her. “Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the Catholic Church.”[4] In her subsists the fullness of Christ’s body united with its head; this implies that she receives from him “the fullness of the means of salvation”[5] which he has willed: correct and complete confession of faith, full sacramental life, and ordained ministry in apostolic succession. The Church was, in this fundamental sense, catholic on the day of Pentecost and will always be so until the day of the Parousia. CCC 830
Parousia: The Return or Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
St. Paul, prior to his conversion to Christianity was a Jewish Pharisee named Saul. Saul set out to persecute the Church and imprison Christians. While on the road to Damascus, Saul encountered Jesus Christ as a vision of dazzling light. Jesus calls out to Saul and asks, “Saul, Saul Why are you persecuting Me?” This passage in the Acts of the Apostles[6], reveals some basic truths:
Christ is united to the Church as one
Persecute the Church, then one is persecuting Christ.
Help the Church, then one is cooperating with the mission of Jesus Christ.
Another aspect about ‘catholic’ is, that the Catholic Church unifies all the church communities established by the Apostles into one whole. As a whole, it is the undivided body of Christ. The Church is catholic because it accepts the great command of Jesus to carry the Gospel to the whole world.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, (Mt 28:19)
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[1] John 3:17 – 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn* the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
[2]CCC 795, 815-816
[3]St. Ignatius of Antioch, was reputedly a disciple of St. John the Apostle and was made Bishop of Antioch by St. Peter. In his Letter to the Smyrnians, he uses the term “catholic” to signify the church’s universal mission to all people of all time to come and to the universality of its doctrine.
[4] St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad Smyrn. 8, 2: Apostolic Fathers, II/2, 311
[5]Eph 1:22-23.
[6]Acts 9:1-5
Apostolic
The Church is Apostolic
The fourth and final mark of the true Church of Jesus Christ is that it is Apostolic. It is Apostolic because the Church is founded on the apostles.[1]
1.) The Apostles were Eyewitnesses
2.) The Apostles received the deposit of the Faith and taught it [2]
3.) The Apostles appointed others to take their place by the laying on of hands.
4.) The Faith is taught by their successors in pastoral office: the college of bishops, “assisted by priests, in union with the successor of Peter, the Church’s supreme pastor”:[3]
The Church is Apostolic in succession which means its doctrinal teaching authority begins with the Apostles and is handed on by succession through the bishops. This is marked through the line of popes going back through the Christian age, extending to St. Peter who was the first pope. First-century documents indicate this as well. Additional evidence of this is indicated by church historians from the 3rd and 4th centuries. This has been going on now for almost 2000 years. Bishops are ordained from the Apostolic See, which is the “Chair of Peter” on which presides the Pope.
Earlier a passage from the Acts of the Apostles was presented where the first-century Christians, “… devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.”(Acts 2:42)
This clearly indicates that first-century Christians sought to follow the deposit of faith coming from the Apostles. This is known as “Apostolic Authority” and includes the ordination of bishops to succeed the Apostles, for the next generation of Christians. This has been going on now for almost 2000 years.
To be Apostolic, the church faithfully hands on the teaching of the first Apostles. The teachings of the Apostles were those given to them by Jesus Christ. Bishops continue as designated successors of the Apostles and pastor the Church while continuing to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Bishops are ordained from the Apostolic See, which is the “Chair of Peter” on which presides the Pope. Saint Paul in His epistle to the Ephesians writes; … the household of God, (the church) 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.[4]
St Clement of Rome who governed the church as bishop in Rome (AD 88-97) was the third successor to St. Peter. He reveals some interesting points regarding papal succession and the authority of St. Peter’s successor in the first-century church. Reigning as pope during the last decade of the first century. He’s known as one of the Church’s five “Apostolic Fathers,” those who provided a direct link between the Apostles and later generations of Church Fathers.
In St Clement of Rome’s letter to the Corinthians, he rebukes them for a schism (separation from the church). The interesting thing to note of historical importance is that it shows the authority possessed by the Bishop of Rome who intervenes to settle the dispute. This is a clear indication of the primacy given to the successor of St. Peter as Pope.
St. Clement, who is writing still in the first century of Christianity, makes a point to indicate the prevailing practice which was intended from the very beginning of the church. He points to the “Apostolic Authority” or what is also known as the Magisterium of the Church as well as the primacy of the Pope.
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[1] CCC 857
[2] CCC 861 - 862
[3]AG 5.
[4] Ephesians 2:19c-20
The Church is Organic
Jesus Christ never intended the Church to be a body of like-type thinking Christians who goose-step just for the sake of conformity. Christianity is not for simply pouring over the Bible, nor is it for self-edification, and feel-good sensations and sessions. The church is not here to form an organization of people only for the sake of identity.
In reality, the Catholic Church is organic (living). This is because it is a religion of the living word of God, who is Jesus Christ. Thus, the purpose of Christian believers is to seek life from God and be transformed with new life from God’s Spirit to have eternal union with God. This makes all the believers in the church members of one body whose head is Jesus Christ.[1] As such it is dynamic physically and spiritually and God’s grace strengthens it and helps it grow. The Catholic Church does have organization (a structure) because God is a God of order and not one of confusion. Therefore The church has structure, form, and organization.
God sent His son Jesus so, that through the sacrifice of His life, death, and resurrection, all mankind could have the opportunity for new life and be saved if they only choose it. The Church constantly relies on this for new life by being in union with Christ. Just as other organisms rely on external sources to grow and change, the church relies on Christ.
God’s plan is not done with words alone but includes an encounter with God. As in the Old Testament when God seals a covenant with the Israelites, there would be an encounter. With the New covenant of Jesus Christ God wants to do the same thing, but in a fuller sense. The life and grace from Jesus given to the church through the Holy Spirit is a living source for new life and as such permeates the actions of the church. This further explains the idea that the church is an organism. From this, there continues the encounter with God. For the New Testament people of God, this would be encountering God through the sacraments.
And his kingdom will have no end.
And his kingdom will have no end.
Nations come and go. As history records, there have been many kingdoms, empires, and nations. Many no longer exist. Jesus stated that His “kingdom” would have no end! While on earth he stated, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”[2] He intimated that He was on earth to establish His kingdom and that His kingdom would have no end.
Much of what Jesus gave to the apostles was for the purpose of establishing His Kingdom not only as a physical entity but also within the hearts of mankind. The Kingdom of God should not be thought of only as a hierarchical structure for religious purposes. The kingdom of God must include a people of God whose purpose is to be united to Christ. The people must be his disciples who seek God, seek His love, seek to love God, know Him, and follow His will.
It is Christ Himself who is the Kingdom and He cannot be destroyed. He is here to reign in the hearts of mankind and does this through His Church. The Church is maintained through its union (oneness) with Christ. Remember it is because of this that Christ promised that the “Gates of Hell will not prevail against it.”[3] His Kingdom will have no end.
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[1] Ephesians 1:22-23 22 And he (Jesus) put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
[2] Matt 3:2, Matt 4:17 Mark 1:15
[3] Matt 16:18b
One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic - In BRIEF from the CCC
866 The Church is one: she acknowledges one Lord, confesses one faith, is born of one Baptism, forms only one Body, is given life by the one Spirit, for the sake of one hope (cf. Eph4:3-5), at whose fulfillment all divisions will be overcome.
867 The Church is holy: the Most Holy God is her author; Christ, her bridegroom, gave himself up to make her holy; the Spirit of holiness gives her life. Since she still includes sinners, she is “the sinless one made up of sinners.” Her holiness shines in the saints; in Mary, she is already all-holy.
868 The Church is catholic: she proclaims the fullness of the faith. She bears in herself and administers the totality of the means of salvation. She is sent out to all people. She speaks to all men. She encompasses all times. She is “missionary of her very nature” (AG2).
869 The Church is apostolic: She is built on a lasting foundation: “the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Rev 21:14). She is indestructible (cf. Mt 16:18). She is upheld infallibly in the truth: Christ governs her through Peter and the other apostles, who are present in their successors, the Pope and the college of bishops.
870 “The sole Church of Christ which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic,... subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him. Nevertheless, many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside its visible confines”(LG8).
A Jesus Moment: The Healing of a Centurion’s Servant.
5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
7 He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
8 The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
9 For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
11 I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven,
12 but the children of the kingdom will be driven out into the outer
darkness, here there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let
it be done for you.” And at that very hour [his] servant was healed.
The Gospel of Luke 7:1-10
During the time of Jesus, Roman Centurions did not interact with Jews unless required. The Centurion, not being a Jew or member of the Jewish faith comes to Jesus for help. Knowing the Jews of the day did not like Romans, he could have easily thought perhaps Jesus felt the same way. As a Centurion he had a great deal of responsibilities and knowledge of the current events in Judea. He would have had at least been exposed to some news about Jesus and maybe even as a first-hand witness. He had hope (faith) that Jesus would at least listen to him. He goes to Jesus and makes his needs known. This is faith in action, in that by his approach and request he is telling Jesus, “I have faith in you and I need you to save.”
If one were to conclude that the Centurion may have observed Jesus firsthand. Then it is reasonable to suggest he may have noticed something special or “Holy” about Jesus. Therefore, the Centurion respects Jesus’ Holiness, “I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.” He is not looking for a visible miracle; “only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus fulfills the Centurion’s request and says, “as you have believed, let it be done for you.” You might say, “Well he believed in Jesus,” leaving it as just some sublime thought about faith. Instead, the Centurion acted. His actions were consistent with his belief.
It was the Centurion’s actions of faith and hope which Jesus responded to. They represented the faith and hope that Jesus came to give not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles as well. In turn, Jesus remarks on His faith; “in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Jesus’ actions for the Centurion marks a precursor point of His mission. Jesus’ act of sacrifice for salvation would be universal, for the whole world. This is certain because Jesus continues to say in verse 11, I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven,.
Self-reflection:
Self-reflection:
Consider these thoughts and ask yourself these personal questions:
· • Jesus said He would be with His church always. However, he does not eliminate free will. You can still make your own choices. Throughout history, there have been those who sought to do direct harm to the church from the outside. Some choose to harm the church from the inside. Such groups are those who cause divisions and even separate themselves from the church. Though some thought it “a good idea” to separate from the church. You have been presented with some indications that this is contrary to the will of God.
o How do I conduct myself concerning the will of God? Do I think I have a better answer and go contrary to God’s will?
· • The protestant reformation began with Martin Luther (not to be confused with Martin Luther King). In his breakaway, his reason was to “Reform the church.” However soon others broke away from him. Each one claimed to “reform” the previously reformed church. After a few hundred years the results are 10’s of thousands of tiny churches, each one breaking away from another in order to “reform” the previously reformed church.
Just something to think about!
Answer the Questions:
Answer the Questions:
1.) Did Jesus Come to Establish a Church?
2.) How many times is “Church” referred to in the New Testament?
3.) What does the word “catholic” mean?
4.) Jesus Christ wanted the Church to be one single church and not a multiplicity of churches! For this reason, the Catholic Church is not just one out of list of many Christian churches (Denominations). In the Gospel of John, on the night before his death Jesus prays “… ___________________ ” Therefore the church is “one” because of its source and foundation from its beginning.
a.) “…Get along together”
b.) “... always have holy communion”
c.) “… that they may all be one.”
d.) “ Judas would not betray him”
e.) “…that they each start their own churches.”
f.) “…that they feed the poor and clothe the naked.”
5.) The church is Holy because it is:
6.) The Church is Apostolic because:
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