[unspun]

I never said there shouldn't be organization and organizers on to get the earthly responsibilities of the Chuch met. And there are leaders in that regard, but all are followers of Christ and Christ alone.

But relationship with God is not hierarchical -- not in the least.

BTW, look up the root of "apostle" in the NT and you will find "sent one." You probably already know that. When you see the list of "offices of the church," isn't it strange that it doesn't say "missionary?" Not strange at all, because it does: "sent ones."

[Mad Dawg]

Funny, I was just thinking about that during yesterday's homily.

I think that we are really close here.

Sacraments - and each one of the Baptized is in some sense sacramental - are great helps, VERY great helps. But whatever helps, catalysts, assistances, reminders, pledges, .... it is not only God and community and we; it is also God and I, mano a mano - with my devout prayer that He wins the fight. What's a hip joint here or there if God triumphs?