In this weekend’s reading from Acts of the Apostles we hear of the first council of the Church. This is known as the Council of Jerusalem, and was brought about by some members of the Church claiming you had to follow the Jewish faith prac tices first in order to be brought into the Church of Jesus, the Catholic Church. The reading indicates this teaching was coming without authority of leaders of the Church; the Apostles. Upset by what they had been told, the members of the fledgling Church were seeking clarification from Jerusalem, where the Church was head quartered at that time.
We see that even in these first years of the Church there was a hierarchy and a teaching authority. And we hear that after listening to the issue the leaders made their decision, but only after listening to what the Holy Spirit was telling them. This is a wonderful example of how our Church teachings have been developed and continue to be developed to this day. These wise men listen to God speak to them, then articulate to us what God desires. This Magisterium, or teaching authority of the Church, (the Holy Father and the bishops in union with him) have the responsibility and authority to shape the teachings of the Church when new issues come up. That is why it is so important that we pray for our pope and bishops. They have a lot of responsibility weighing upon them and must humbly submit themselves to God asking they be allowed to “be a pencil in His hand” when new decisions are needed.
As members of the Catholic Church we are called to follow these teachings. This is where our faith can be tested at times. If we do not agree with some of the teachings we should educate ourselves on why the Church teaches what it does. Rather than ignore certain teachings, do some research. Unfortunately, there is a lot of division within the Church. I ask each of you to pray for the Church, our Holy Father, Pope Leo, and our Bishops. Also pray for each other that we come into the union God desires. And may God bless you.