Have you ever found yourself in a discussion with someone and he/she made a comment that was just incorrect? Knowing if we should correct the person can be awkward. Do we correct the person and risk an angry reaction? Do we correct him or her and risk possible alienation?
Do we just keep quiet? When it comes to matters of faith or morality, do we have a responsibility to correct? It sometimes feels difficult to have a civil conversation these days.
Our readings today help us in this situation or any situation where we would like to speak our beliefs in a non-confrontational, loving way. The readings give insight on how to respond when confronted with disagreement or in any situation we find ourselves in that feel uncomfortable when they are in error in matters of faith. The first reading from Ezekiel clearly expresses that we have a responsibility to correct those who conform to ways of wickedness. If we don’t, there are severe consequences. The Psalmist reminds us that our hearts must be pliable and not hardened in order for God to work with us and form us. What is essential for that? Humility is a virtue that saint after saint practiced. It is fundamental in allowing God to work in our lives and be open to Truth. Paul in his letter tells the Christians in Rome that love is the fulfillment of the Law while reminding them of some of the Ten Commandments. He also reminds them that the greatest commandment is to “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”. So far, we hear in today’s readings that in dealing with others who are in disagreement with our Christian faith or life, we must practice the virtues of courage, humility and love.
Finally, and thankfully, in the Gospel, Jesus gives his disciples not only virtues, but a method of resolving conflict or when someone needs to be corrected. Some could take the last line of the reading, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them”, as encouraging communal prayer or having two or three people interpret the faith. It is understood by the Church, and always has been, that the disciples had the authority to set standards of our faith and to teach how to live that faith out, to Jews and Gentiles, alike. Where did they get this authority? From Jesus. Jesus knew there would be conflict and disagreement. If you recall, a few weeks ago in the Gospel reading, Jesus gave Peter a special authority, calling him Rock. This authority given to Peter and the disciples by Jesus is what built and has sustained the cohesiveness of the Catholic faith, while others sects or heretics broke from her because they took that authority upon themselves. This Gospel reading doesn’t dismiss the Church’s authority, it supports it.
This was important during the early years of Christianity. Eventually, Jesus’ instructions in today’s Gospel led to Church Councils to help resolves conflicts and disputes, the first being in Jerusalem in the year 50 A.D. It led to the Creeds, to combating heresies, and even how teach or catechize those who were not yet Christian, but desired to be so.
To become a Christian in the early years of Christianity involved a lifestyle change, a change of heart: a conversion. It also required an understanding of the teachings of Christ. The early Church leaders, instructed by the apostles, themselves, continued to hand on the teachings and the method of catechesis. The formal catechesis became more developed as Christianity grew. Teaching the faith that Jesus handed on to the disciples for those seeking Baptism involved understanding the Liturgy, Mass and the doctrines that Jesus preached. It is what forms the current model of the OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. The early church fathers like St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom wrote instructions to teach those seeking Baptism. The Church was the authority, not only in resolving conflicts of faith and doctrine but also on instructing those who wished to become Christian.
As we prepare to launch a new year in passing along the faith to participants in the OCIA, Religious Education program, Catholic school students, adult formation opportunities, and special liturgical events and prayer opportunities, we are happy to be reminded that what we teach is not up to us or our own ideas. It is the authority of the Church, along with the teachings that have been handed down over the last 2000 years that gives us the material. We are reminded in today’s readings the we must use a courageous, humble, and loving approach. Frankly, that is a relief! We thank God for giving us the desire to know him and search for him, and the people who evangelize with courage, humility and love who help spur others to become Catholic or to love their faith as Catholics.
We may still find it awkward to correct someone about our Christian beliefs and lifestyles and worry we may be in for a battle if we do, but have comfort in knowing that when it comes to our faith and how to live it, how to help others understand and know it, how to have a relationship with the Holy Trinity, and conform our lives to Christ, Jesus gives us the model.
Teresa Oross
Director of Sacramental Preparation & OCIA
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