We Are Free Persons

22 August 2011

Today’s Readings: 1 Thes 1:2-5, 8-10 / Mt. 23: 13-22

REFLECTION
In writing to the teachers of the Law, Jesus’ words express his desire to preserve in the Church, fundamental equality. It is the community which enjoys the Holy Spirit and the heads will have no authority unless they are deeply rooted in the community life. The heads of the Church serve only in the name of Jesus, they have the authority to safeguard the faith.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that if he commanded the Israelites to listen to the successors of Moses, how much more are we to listen now to the successors of the apostles. These cannot renounce their authority under pretense of humble service, for their service is precisely to serve and to command.

As a Church we must remain a community of free persons who express ourselves with frankness and retain the right to criticize even the highest authority.

PRAYER
Loving Father we thank you for reminding us that we are to listen to those whom you have chosen to lead us – in our life of faith, and for making us free persons who can express ourselves. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.