It is not uncommon today for Catholics, even prominent politicians to claim to be devout Catholics, and yet publicly disagree ignore set moral teaching. We see this particularly in issues like abortion, contraceptives, euthanasia and similar life issues. It is, in fact, a common source of what St John Paul II called the culture of death. This is becoming particularly evident as we look toward the possible reversal of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court this term. Some states thankfully are rushing to make abortion more restrictive after Roe. Others, like, unfortunately New Jersey, seek to make their states “go to” states for abortion on demand. When we see such division, it is perhaps important for us to remember how the Church comes to its decisions—that is—by what authority does it speak. Our readings today were written in the first century AD, within about 20 years of each other and addressing three distinct times, all point to a single source that enlightens Church decisions—The Holy Spirit. Let’s look at the readings.
Our First Reading today comes from the Acts of the Apostles, often referred to as Acts. Acts is often referred to as Book 2 of the Gospel of Luke and picks up, by the same author, at the end of the Gospel. It is believed to have been written, like the Gospel of Luke, between 80-90 AD. The story presented in our reading today recalls the first Church Council, that is the coming together of Church leaders to discuss pressing issues. In this Council of Jerusalem the hotly debated issue was: Do Gentiles who want to join the new Christian faith have to be circumcised, and follow the 600 plus rules that Jews follow? The Council concluded that only limited rules were necessary. But what is important to note is how their decision was introduced—“It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us”. The Holy Spirit – the Council recognized the participation of the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity participated in the deliberations. To challenge this decision would be challenging something that God Himself was part of.
The Second Reading is from Revelation and was probably written around 96 AD. Revelation is an apocalyptic book—it looks to the end times. The excerpt that we read this morning is a description of the heavenly Jerusalem. One would expect a beautiful temple to be the center of power in the Heavenly Jerusalem. But there is no temple. The source of light and power here is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. Just as the Holy Spirit provided justification to the findings of the Council of Jerusalem, the Lord provides the power to the Heavenly Jerusalem.
Our Gospel this morning is from John, written between 90 and 100 AD. Our First Reading focused on the early Church, the Second Reading on End Times, now in the Gospel we focus on the Last Supper—the end of the public ministry of Jesus. Jesus promises the apostles, “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” There is a pattern here. We have Christ’s word that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the Church. We see in Scripture that The Holy Spirit was there at the first Church Council, and that God will be the Light of the Heavenly Jerusalem. It is this assurance that has strengthened Church findings for 2000 plus years. With this in mind, how can someone decide that they know better than the Church and ignore Church teachings? As Catholics we are called to embrace Church teachings. Now saying this I must readily admit that throughout its history, the Church, as any gathering of fallible humans, has had some bad actors. But we must never let the bad actions of a few dismiss the validity of Church teaching inspired by the Holy Spirit. In addition, we must remember that when some well-known purported Catholics choose to ignore select teachings is no excuse for us to do so. In fact, it likely is an excuse for us to reconsider these purported Catholics. As we approach the upcoming and every election, we should consider the announced moral positions of those we vote for.
As I finish writing this homily on Saturday afternoon, news was breaking that the Archbishop of San Francisco had just ordered that one prominent politician who spoke often of being both a devout Catholic and a strong supporter of abortion would not be admitted to Communion in his Archdiocese. This was done in attempt to encourage a change in that person’s position leading to forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is essentially an attempt to save the politician’s soul, as well as end the damaging message continued support of abortion could bring to the Church and to other souls that might model this message. I mention this only to point out the reality that ignoring Church moral teachings can mean. It can be paid for in eternity.
The Holy Spirit inspires Church leadership and Jesus promised He Himself would always be with us. Any time we dare to think, “I know what the Church teaches, but….” We should realize the serious eternal ramifications that “but” could have.
