Lessons from the Early Church for today
by Sister Sally Ann Brickner
Scripture readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter unveil the journey of the early Church that offer lessons for us today.
Unity in Faith: The first reading shows the early Church dealing with disagreements. Pope Francis exemplified how the Church should do so today by using a synodal approach: that we be relating, listening, discerning and self-emptying (see The four signs of a truly synodal church | America Magazine).
Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit guided the decisions of the apostles in Acts 15:28, and continues to guide the Church today. For example, the College of Cardinals responded to the Holy Spirit in their May 8 election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Francis’ successor.
God’s Presence: In Revelation 21:22-23, John wrote that there is no need for a temple because God’s presence is everywhere. The Fountain Fullness of Love cannot be contained, for God is “over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6).
Obedience to Jesus: Love for Christ requires obedience to His teachings. As His followers, to live the Gospel is to serve each other. The Church offers guidance for us in our everyday lives through her social teachings. Pope Leo XIV’s choice of the name “Leo” immediately calls to mind Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903). He is credited with establishing the Church’s tradition of Catholic Social Teaching which has been called “the Church’s best kept secret” (Catholic Social Teaching called Church’s ‘best kept secret’ in new book | Crux). Pope Leo XIV may emphasize in his papacy that the Church’s social teachings are “constitutive of the Gospel” and essential to its mission. May we have hearts open and responsive to Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, to his teaching.
This week, we listen to Jesus’ teaching His disciples and us: “Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will come to him/her.”
Thank you, Sally Ann, for calling us to the intrinsic gospel vision that includes a well-developed social conscience, with actions that support it.
In this week's ABVM, Pulaski's, bulletin, Fr. James Vacco, ofm, includes a moving photo and reflection on the Vietnam Women's Memorial. While I thanked him for that, as I left the Church it occurred to me that as moving as the sculpture is, it does not tell the story of all the innocent children who have suffered, been killed, been injured (for life), lost family members, their homes, schools, medical facilities, communities, become refugees, or have died a slow death of starvation and / or illness due to WAR.
It was St. Pope Paul VI who first prophetically declared, "If you want peace, work for justice!" (Jan. 1, 1972) He is also the pope who cried out, "War No More! No More War!" (Oct. 4, 1965 - Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City)
Lord, Our God and Creator of All, help us help You make your vision of "heaven on earth" happen. We need your Holy Spirit anew as we face Times we have never faced before. Jesus, Our Way, lead The Way!