Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
Parents of toddlers as well as Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts already know what research reveals. Toddlers around 2 to 3 years old will at that age start asking questions like “What is that?” or “Dat?” This happens as the little ones develop a greater understanding of language and express their curiosity. It’s essentially all about beginners needing help.
At the whole enterprise of being a Church, St. Paul and Barnabas were also beginners. As their mission caught on, all kinds of questions arose that needed answers. How to apply Christ’s teachings to new situations was their challenge. Of course, they did have the confidence of knowing they had the guidance of the Holy Spirit because that was what Jesus promised them.
Today the First Reading tells us that St. Paul in Antioch faced the problem of certain people claiming that any new male convert to the Faith had first to be circumcised before Baptism. In response, the Church of Jerusalem had its first Council and decided that the idea was wrong. What remained necessary, as recorded in Acts 15, was for converts to “abstain from items associated with idols and to refrain from unchastity.”
This topic brings to the fore the matter of respectful questioning of the Church’s teaching these days on any given subject. When I call it “respectful” I have in mind the healthy exploration of an inquiring mind. Not at all that of a hostile attitude about the matter at hand
Certainly, divine teaching has a distinct place. To question that would be tantamount to blasphemy. This implies that the person’s understanding of the teaching is correct. Only confusion ensues without that/
The more common questioning springs from Church teaching. Frequently this involves teaching on moral issues. Again, we can narrow that category down to issues of sexual behavior.
This issue centers around the teaching of what God wants us to do with our bodies. Here a questioner can always begin by researching the Scriptures, especially the Gospels. Or he/she may turn to the official Catholic Catechism in hard copy or online.
Of course, with any topic a researcher will most likely find an answer that contradicts what the popular opinion is. That’s when we must remember an overarching truth about Church teaching. It is an application of Christ’s teaching, and we believe that “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
On a lighter note, realize that our faith these days faces all kinds of challenges, there is another real test of faith. It’s when you find yourself in church with nothing but a twenty-dollar bill in your wallet!
God love you and give you His peace.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29
The local Church in Antioch reaches put to the apostolic Church in Jerusalem where Peter works for advice on a doctrinal challenge. The Council’s decision is guided by the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus.
Reading II: Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23
The foundation of the heavenly Jerusalem is the 12 Apostles of the Lamb. The balance of the inscriptions honors the Old Testament righteous ones.
The Gospel: John 14: 23-29
Jesus answers Judas (not the traitor) that a person who keeps God’s word will receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.