Celebrating a Chair

Today is the FEAST of the CHAIR of St. Peter.  Of course, we are not actually celebrating an old chair, but rather the authority of St. Peter, given to him by Jesus, and passed on through the centuries. Why a chair? While in our culture it is customary to stand to give important speeches or to teach in classrooms, this isn't the case in the Jewish Tradition. The Rabbi, teacher, sits down to give his teachings on the Sacred Scripture. Accordingly, there are a few places in the Scriptures where this position is explicitly described in order to give weight to the following teaching. The "chair" then is a definitive sign of authoritative teaching. Such authority was given to St. Peter, and with it came the usage of the term "chair" to express this authority.

Peter's authority is present throughout the New Testament. In the Acts of the Apostles it is strikingly clear that St. Peter was the leader. The primary position as "teacher" belonged to him, and has been handed down until our own Pope Benedict XVI.

Where else do we see the chair, this teaching authority, represented in the Church? You are likely familiar with "ex cathedra" and "cathedral". The former literally means "from the chair" and it denotes a teaching that is infallible. The latter, you know well, is properly speaking the bishop's church, where he instructs, teaches, and leads worship.

Simply put, when we celebrate the "Chair of St. Peter" we are celebrating the unique teaching authority of the Church. This authority is an instrument of great unity, so desperately needed in today's society, for all those who will humbly bow before the throne. It demonstrates Jesus' unwillingness to leave us alone without a Shepherd to guide us and illumine our search for Truth. This Feast, then, is a cause for much rejoicing. Let us commit ourselves with renewed passion to the authority of the Church, and give thanks to Our Lord for the our shepherd and teacher - seated on the Chair of St. Peter - Pope Benedict XVI.

His Heart is Beating

Our sins are on His back, but He no longer hangs on the cross; He is Risen for our Salvation!  Paraphrased from a speaker at the Walk for Life West Coast, this sentence aptly reflects today's theme for the week of prayer for Christian Unity. More than at any other pro-life event, this weekend dug deep into my thoughts and feelings as I contemplated the murder of millions, and the Savior who loves them with an Infinite Love. I pondered the Infinite Love of God that yearns to draw all people to Himself, especially those who are farthest from knowing Him, loving Him, and serving Him.

I realized that we have a particular role to play in the society. We are called to be His love and mercy for a grieving world. We are called to comfort the sorrowing, even if they are mourning their own grievous sin. We are called to welcome the sinner, even if they had once caused painful divisions. We are called to serve, even those whose poverty results from stupid decisions. We are called to pray, even for our enemies. We are called to fellowship, even with those who don't think just like we do. We are called to be His hands and His feet. But, primarily and without exception, we are called to be His heart... full of love, compassion, and zeal. And, we can, everywhere and always, because our God is a living God.

His Heart is beating. It's up to us to let the world know.

Day 7 takes us beyond the four elements of unity, as the Jerusalem church joyfully proclaims the Resurrection even while it bears the pain of the Cross. The Resurrection of Jesus is for Christians in Jerusalem today hope and strength that enables them to remain constant in their witness, working for freedom and peace in the City of Peace. (http://www.vatican.va/)

Day 6 - Unity in Fellowship

All people enjoy, and seek a way of, feeling welcomed and a part of a greater whole.  We naturally look for ways to share our joys and our sorrows.  As we look to union with the Divine, and strive for final beatitude, we do not go alone. And, in fact, we begin to experience this communion in the Church on earth, through Her life giving sacraments.  These sacraments bind together all Her members.  This is a very important part of a truly Catholic Community, and the Church today tends to call this community building - Fellowship.

            In the early Church, "They were devoted to the communal life," (Acts 2:42) and they "ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people." (Acts 2:46)   Meals and celebration are a part of our human make-up.  Meals draw us together, cross cultural lines, and create an air of festivity.  Meals have a certain supernatural "flavor", even when outside the liturgical context. Take for example the meal of celebration offered after the baptism of the jailer in Acts 16.

            A Catholic Community enjoys fellowship through common prayer, such as in the Sacred Liturgy, but also through rejoicing, suffering, and interceding for one another.  They interceded for the success of the Church's common mission, such as when John and Peter went before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4) (Acts 10). They interceded for the sick and the dying, such as in the healing of Tabitha (Acts 9).   They rejoiced together, such as when "the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit", upon the baptism of Cornelius' household (Acts 13).  They mourned with one another, as in the time that Paul was headed to Jerusalem and would "bound and handed over to the Gentiles", but simultaneously sought the will of God (Acts 21).  Indeed, this is a mark of Christianity that has spoken louder than all the preaching in the world, that they were willing to "undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." (Acts 14) United in prayer and fasting, placing their faith in the Lord, the worship the Church renders to God binds them together. This authentic fellowship overflows into a charity that permeates every aspect of life.

            Finally, let's turn to Acts 20. A young man falls asleep listening to St. Paul preach, showing his determination to learn, and the expectation to remain for the community gathering.  He falls out of an upper story window, and crashes to his supposed death. Paul leans over the young man, and subtly restores him to life, reminding us of the purpose (Resurrection) of all our efforts, but also of the intercession of the community. Then, the community gathered, and Paul celebrated the breaking of the bread, the highlight and source of all. The people converse for a long time, a moment of fellowship, and then bring the boy home healed.

            In this brief story, we see the 6 essential qualities of a Catholic Community: United under One Head; United in Worship; United in Service; United in Learning; United in Fellowship. To the extent that our local and greater Catholic Community models itself after the Church, we will know the same joy and perseverance of the early Church, and be witnesses to the living God among us.    

Day 6 presents the fourth mark of unity; with the church in Jerusalem, we draw strength from spending time in prayer. Specifically, the Lord’s Prayer calls all of us in Jerusalem and throughout the world, the weak and the mighty, to work together for justice, peace and unity that God’s Kingdom may come.

Day 4 - Sharing, an Expression of Our Unity

Authentic worship leads to service, because a true worship of God opens the heart to love Him in all things, and to love all things for His sake.   As we are transformed by grace into living witnesses of the living the Lord, so our worldview is transformed. No longer are we attached to things of this world, and no longer do we see people as merely “somebody else”, but instead they are truly brothers and sisters in Christ. So strongly did the early Church support one another, they actually had all things in common. There was “no needy person among them...each received according to his need.”(Acts 4:35, 1:45)

            Transparency in dealings, a truly selfless service, is vital to the communion of the early Church, as bluntly noted in the Acts 5:1-10. Ananias and his wife Sapphira, upon being denounced by Peter for lying to God, die suddenly.  Peter clarifies that the goods were theirs to do with as they please, but to present them before the Lord and the community as their entirety - when in fact it was not – was to betray ones brethren. But, above all, it was a sin against the Spirit as they attempted to “fool” God.  This whole story reminds us that we are stewards of what we possess, and the need to be forthright and honest in our service to the people of God.

            Special care was given to those who could not care for themselves. At this time widows had no social status or  prospects. Chapter 6 points out two things: 1. the work was so great that the Deaconate was born in order to render service to the widows, and 2. there was to be no picking and choosing according to cultural background.           

            When a local area was unable to care for itself, the churches of other areas would provide for them through collections. One definitive example of this practice, still so much in practice today, was in reaction to the famine in Jerusalem. "The disciples determined that, according to ability, each should send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea. This they did, sending it to the presbyters in care of Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:29) Certainly not to be overlooked as a ministry of service are the great number or miracles and healings that were performed by the Lord through the Apostles. Though these miracles were not then, nor are they now, the essence of the faith, they indeed demonstrate God’s fatherly care for His children.  “So great were the works done by God through Paul” that even objects touched by him could bring healing to the sick. (Acts 19:12)

            This charity was not limited to collections of money, great miracles, and the service of the Deacons. Several lay people are noted for their good works. Lydia of Joppa gave alms and did many good works, young men buried Ananias and his wife, homes were opened to the apostles for safety and for hospitality. The breaking of the bread, occurring in the homes of the people, meant that this service did not merely extend outside in the public square, but was brought into the home. This perhaps is a crucial point: service begins in the home, and with those nearest to you.  PRAYER, SERVICE, and fidelity to the ONE HEAD

Day 4 emphasises Sharing as the second expression of unity. Just as the early Christians held all things in common, the Church in Jerusalem calls upon all brothers and sisters in the church to share goods and burdens with glad and generous hearts, so that nobody stays in need.

Right to Life - a Hope for Unity

In the very middle of the week for Christian Unity, we in the United States of America, mourn the legalization of abortion in our country. The "abortion issue" has been a seed of division in human hearts, families, and our country as a whole. It was born from division and sows division. It is right then that our prayers for unity include a plea for the end to all crimes against life, beginning with impurity and ending with full blown genocide. At the same time this "issue" has been a huge unifying factor among Christians of all denominations. For together we recognize the dignity of the human person, mourn the loss of the innocent: whether ripped from the womb or blown from their Churches in the Middle East. This dignity that we all share must be the animating force behind our search for unity as we search in our hearts for the courage and conviction to love every human person (no matter how small, or how powerful) with the very love of God.

Day 2: United in Worship

          Yesterday we considered the unity of the Church under one head, a sometimes difficult teaching, but none the less crucial to our witnessing to the Presence of Christ among us.  Though there is only one head and one body, there are many parts.  We are drawn together in the Church through Sacred Worship, in which in the mystery of sacraments we are transformed – together – into the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.

            It is the Holy Spirit that enacts this transformation; a Spirit that was sent to us after the Ascension of Our Lord. This Pentecost is vividly retold in the opening chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, where we find “unity” and “worship” joining forces to give birth to the visible Church on earth. They “devoted themselves with one accord to prayer” (Acts 1:14) “When the time of Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.” (Acts 2:1)  In order to receive this transforming presence of the Holy Spirit it was necessary for the community to come together and to pray, and the same holds true today. 

             After Pentecost, when the first community of believers had been baptized, “every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes.” (Acts 2:46) In this very early period of the Church the people were primarily Jews who continued to live the Mosaic Law, hence they gathered in the temple area to pray the customary prayers. You often see in the Acts the various apostles entering the synagogue to pray, such as when Peter and John go into the temple area for the 3 o’clock prayer (Acts 3).  However, already there was specifically Christian worship, that is the “breaking of the bread”.  The first Masses would have been celebrated in the homes of Christians.  Other sacraments testified to in the Acts of the Apostles include, of course, Baptism – not only of Jews, but also the Gentiles, uniting all nations in Christ. Following baptism came the laying on of hands (Acts 8:16) which imparted a strengthening of the baptismal graces, the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a particular way in the sacrament of Confirmation.

            Intercessory prayers and prayers of thanksgiving are also marks of the Catholic Community.  The Acts of the Apostles calls to mind the importance of praying as one. When Peter and John were arrested for proclaiming Jesus Christ, the community “raised their voices to God with one accord”. 

            Finally, they prayed in order to discern. Even before Pentecost, the apostles prayed to God in choosing a replacement for Judas. Also, before the institution of the deaconate and the subsequent ordination of St. Stephen. (Acts 6:5) As has been noted, for the sake of unity there are authority figures in the Church, but the discernment is one done as a whole Church and by the Power of the Holy Spirit.   Time and time again the community would pray, for unity, protection, discernment, and healing. They worshiped the Lord, gave thanks, repented, and offered praise. Ultimately their prayer not only recognized the apostles' role as shepherds of the flock of Christ, but manifested their desire to give Glory to God.  Such rectitude of intention and common voice ought to mark the worship of the entire Catholic Community.

(Fr. Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata)

"Day 2 Many Members in One Body - recalls that the first community united at Pentecost contained within itself many diverse origins, just as the church in Jerusalem today represents a rich diversity of Christian traditions. Our challenge today is to achieve greater visible unity in ways that embrace our differences and traditions."

www.vatican.va

An 8 day reflection for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Today marks the beginning of the week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  This year the prayers come to us from Christians in Jerusalem, who challenge us to embrace the ideal of the early Church. We are invited to reflect and make concrete in our lives Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.’ 

The Catholic Church is one - United under One Head. 
A Divine Mandate: In the opening chapters of Acts we find St. Peter  taking a position of authority. In Acts 1:15-22 he moves the other apostles to elect a replacement for Judas; in Acts 2:14-47 it is Peter that addresses the crowd after the Descent of the Holy Spirit; in chapter 3, after healing the crippled man, and though John was present, it is Peter that calls the crowd to repentance, and again it is Peter who speaks on behalf of Christ to the Sanhedrin in chapter 4. Peter also oversees other aspects of the community. In chapter 5 he oversees the collection of goods for the poor, etc.  At the Council of Jerusalem (Chapter 15), Peter proclaims the final decision regarding the circumcision of the Gentiles, and it is James – bishop of Jerusalem – to suggest its practical application for the people. Once again, the cycle of Pope, Bishop, Presbyters, and Laity is upheld. 

            So, this idea of authority and the submission that comes with it is not new to the Church.  In every instance that Peter steps forward, even where not explicitly stated, it stands to reason that many more stepped aside to listen, learn, and obey. However, it is important to note that while authority is clearly given to Peter, who then turns and gives it to the Bishops, etc… it is not a tyrannical oppression of ideas and practices.

            St. Paul gives us the greatest example of how to be united under this one head in a manner at once zealous, humble, and filial. Paul had authority directly from Christ (Acts 9:1-22), but he knew the essential need for unity in the Body of Christ. When decisions needed to be made, St. Paul approached Peter and the others. Together they discerned the right course of action. And yet, in all of this, when St. Paul was aware that there was division in the Church – even though it was being caused in part by Peter himself – he boldly and clearly denounced the root of the problem and urged Peter to quit causing public scandal. This is charity at its finest. How can we know that Paul was motivated properly? Because following this episode (told in Galatians) and seeing the division in the Church over it, Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem – not to solve the problem themselves – but to present it to the Church’s authority on earth: Peter himself, and the other apostles and presbyters.

            Following the example of Peter, James, Paul, and the laity of the early Church we work to help and support those in authority through prayer, action, and even counsel. We obey them, finally, because they are God’s servants on earth and it is only through unity in the Church that the world will know that Christ is indeed present.

(Fr. Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata)



Day 1 We pray for the Church in Jerusalem. It "sets forth the background to the mother church of Jerusalem, making clear its continuity with the church throughout the world today. It reminds us of the courage of the early church as it boldly witnessed to the truth, just as we today need to work for justice in Jerusalem, and in the rest of the world."
(http://www.vatican.va/)