Jesus and His Church Are One

CNY ^ | January 26, 2012 | Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan

[NYer]

Conversion of St. Paul
Caravaggio 1600-1601.
Oil on wood.
Cerasi Chapel, S. Maria del Popolo, Rome.

It’s one of my favorite works of art: The Conversion of Saul by Caravaggio. There it is, meekly on display in the corner of the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. Saul, the raging persecutor of the followers of Jesus, literally “knocked off his high horse” by the radiance of Jesus, the “light of the world,” transformed into a passionate apostle of Christ and His new Church, whom we now venerate as St. Paul.

And what question does Jesus bellow out to the shocked Saul?

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

Parse that very carefully. Saul, of course, has been harassing the Church, killing the followers of Jesus.

Yet, note well: Jesus does not inquire, “Why are you persecuting my Church” or “my people” or “my followers.”

No! The Lord asks, “Why are you persecuting me?”

Get it? The Lord is saying, “You hurt my Church, you hurt me. The Church and I are one.”

That epic lesson came up again yesterday, January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. (By the way, today, January 26, is the feast of Paul’s loyal disciple, St. Timothy—just thought I’d mention it!)

Jesus Christ and His Church are one.

Now, that’s a revealed truth that needs repeating today.

What we’ve got now, if the scholarly research is accurate—and I’m afraid it is—is a growing tendency to split Christ from His Church. More and more seem to be claiming such things as:

“Oh, I’ve got faith. I just don’t need the Church.”

“Faith is great; religion stinks.”

“I believe. I just don’t want to belong.”

“I got Jesus. Why bother with the Church?”

“I pray how and when I want. What’s the big deal about the Mass and Church on Sunday?”

St. Paul would take exception. So would Jesus.

When God chose Israel he selected not a person but a people. Faith in God is communal by its very nature.

Like our Jewish neighbors, we Catholics have always believed that God chooses us and gives us the supernatural gift of faith. It’s not that we decide our faith. You bet, we freely decide how firmly and generously we will live out our faith, but we are “born into” a Church. Faith is a gift from God given us on the day of our baptism into His Church.

Just like we’re “born into” a natural family. We are a member of a human family. That family is often flawed and imperfect. In fact, there are times when we’re angry at it and might even drift away from family events. But, family membership is in our blood.

So it is with our spiritual family, the Church. Oh, we may get upset with her to be sure; we may even drift away from her. But, she never leaves us. The Church is in our supernatural DNA.

Jonathan D. Fitzgerald, writing last week in the Wall Street Journal about the viral video “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus,” concludes with this cogent thought:

“Stating that religions build churches at the expense of the poor…turns a blind eye to the single greatest charitable institution on the planet. Blaming religion for wars ignores the fact that the greatest mass murderers in the 20th century—indeed in all of history—killed for nonreligious reasons. And advocating for a kind of Christianity that is free of the ‘bondage’ of religion opens the door to dangerous theological anarchy that is all too common among young evangelicals and absolutely antithetical to biblical Christianity.”

Speaking of Jesus and His Church, the acclaimed French theologian Henri de Lubac exclaimed, “For what would I ever know of Him without Her.”

Never give up on your family.

Never give up on Jesus.

Never quit His Church.

For, as St. Paul learned the hard way, Jesus and His Church are one.

[NYer]

Catholic “family” ping!

[Ingtar]

Yes. This is true as long as it is the same Jesus we are worshiping. The Muslims, for one example, have a “Jesus” who is not infallible and not the only son of god. I use lower case here as they also do not worship the same God.

[sayuncledave]

If you suffer through reading their purported religious texts, you’ll find someone they call Issa. Not incidentally, the first thing that the religion of pieces “borrowed” from either Judaism or Catholicism. Not the last, either. Thing is, they forget to return them when they’re done.

[sayuncledave]

I neglected to also say, excellent piece by Archbishop Dolan.

[johngrace]

MATTHEW 16:18 I will build my CHURCH; and the gates of
MATTHEW 18:17 tell it unto the CHURCH: but if he neglect
MATTHEW 18:17 neglect to hear the CHURCH, let him be unto
ACTS 2:47 Lord added to the CHURCH daily such as should
ACTS 5:11 came upon all the CHURCH, and upon as many
ACTS 7:38 that was in the CHURCH in the wilderness with
ACTS 8:1 great persecution against the CHURCH which was at Jerusalem;
ACTS 8:3 made havock of the CHURCH, entering into every house,
ACTS 11:22 the ears of the CHURCH which was in Jerusalem:
ACTS 11:26 assembled themselves with the CHURCH, and taught much people.
ACTS 12:1 forth his hands to vex certain of the CHURCH.
ACTS 12:5 without ceasing of the CHURCH unto God for him.
ACTS 13:1 there were in the CHURCH that was at Antioch
ACTS 14:23 them elders in every CHURCH, and had prayed with
ACTS 14:27 and had gathered the CHURCH together, they rehearsed all
ACTS 15:3 their way by the CHURCH, they passed through Phenice
ACTS 15:4 were received of the CHURCH, and of the apostles
ACTS 15:22 elders with the whole CHURCH, to send chosen men
ACTS 18:22 up, and saluted the CHURCH, he went down to
ACTS 20:17 to Ephesus, and called the elders of the CHURCH.
ACTS 20:28 overseers, to feed the CHURCH of God, which he
ROMANS 16:1 a servant of the CHURCH which is at Cenchrea:
ROMANS 16:5 Likewise greet the CHURCH that is in their house.
ROMANS 16:23 and of the whole CHURCH, saluteth you. Erastus the
1 CORINTHIANS 1:2 Unto the CHURCH of God which is at Corinth,
1 CORINTHIANS 4:17 Christ, as I teach every where in every CHURCH.
1 CORINTHIANS 6:4 to judge who are least esteemed in the CHURCH.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:32 to the Gentiles, nor to the CHURCH of God:
1 CORINTHIANS 11:18 come together in the CHURCH, I hear that there
1 CORINTHIANS 11:22 or despise ye the CHURCH of God, and shame
1 CORINTHIANS 12:28 set some in the CHURCH, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
1 CORINTHIANS 14:4 edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the CHURCH.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:5 except he interpret, that the CHURCH may receive edifying.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:12 ye may excel to the edifying of the CHURCH.
1 CORINTHIANS 14:19 Yet in the CHURCH I had rather speak five
1 CORINTHIANS 14:23 If therefore the whole CHURCH be come together into
1 CORINTHIANS 14:28 keep silence in the CHURCH; and let him speak
1 CORINTHIANS 14:35 a shame for women to speak in the CHURCH.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:9 an apostle, because I persecuted the CHURCH of God.
1 CORINTHIANS 16:19 the Lord, with the CHURCH that is in their
2 CORINTHIANS 1:1 our brother, unto the CHURCH of God which is
GALATIANS 1:13 measure I persecuted the CHURCH of God, and wasted
EPHESIANS 1:22 be the head over all things to the CHURCH,
EPHESIANS 3:10 be known by the CHURCH the manifold wisdom of
EPHESIANS 3:21 be glory in the CHURCH by Christ Jesus throughout
EPHESIANS 5:23 the head of the CHURCH: and he is the
EPHESIANS 5:24 Therefore as the CHURCH is subject unto Christ, so
EPHESIANS 5:25 Christ also loved the CHURCH, and gave himself for
EPHESIANS 5:27 to himself a glorious CHURCH, not having spot, or
EPHESIANS 5:29 and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the CHURCH:
EPHESIANS 5:32 mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the CHURCH.
PHILIPPIANS 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the CHURCH; touching the righteousness which
PHILIPPIANS 4:15 departed from Macedonia, no CHURCH communicated with me as
COLOSSIANS 1:18 of the body, the CHURCH: who is the beginning,
COLOSSIANS 1:24 flesh for his body’s sake, which is the CHURCH:
COLOSSIANS 4:15 and Nymphas, and the CHURCH which is in his
COLOSSIANS 4:16 read also in the CHURCH of the Laodiceans; and
1 THESSALONIANS 1:1 and Timotheus, unto the CHURCH of the Thessalonians which
2 THESSALONIANS 1:1 and Timotheus, unto the CHURCH of the Thessalonians in
1 TIMOTHY 3:5 shall he take care of the CHURCH of God?)
1 TIMOTHY 3:15 God, which is the CHURCH of the living God,
1 TIMOTHY 5:16 and let not the CHURCH be charged; that it
PHILEMON 1:2 our fellowsoldier, and to the CHURCH in thy house:
HEBREWS 2:12 the midst of the CHURCH will I sing praise
HEBREWS 12:23 the general assembly and CHURCH of the firstborn, which
JAMES 5:14 the elders of the CHURCH; and let them pray
1 PETER 5:13 The CHURCH that is at Babylon, elected together with
3 JOHN 1:6 thy charity before the CHURCH: whom if thou bring
3 JOHN 1:9 I wrote unto the CHURCH: but Diotrephes, who loveth
3 JOHN 1:10 that would, and casteth them out of the CHURCH.
REVELATION 2:1 the angel of the CHURCH of Ephesus write; These
REVELATION 2:8 the angel of the CHURCH in Smyrna write; These
REVELATION 2:12 the angel of the CHURCH in Pergamos write; These
REVELATION 2:18 the angel of the CHURCH in Thyatira write; These
REVELATION 3:1 the angel of the CHURCH in Sardis write; These
REVELATION 3:7 the angel of the CHURCH in Philadelphia write; These
REVELATION 3:14 the angel of the CHURCH of the Laodiceans write;

[mtg]

Thank you for all those references. It seems some people don't believe the word “Church” even exists in the Bible.

[johngrace]

If you look up every epistle/letter you will see it starts with a plural meaning Church or the Leader of the Church. Nowhere is it first address to the individual in the back row in it's title. It goes to THE Leader of the Church for the Church. Or from a leader to a Church.

The New Testament: The Epistle of Paul to the Romans

The New Testament: The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

The New Testament: The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians

The New Testament: The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians

The New Testament: The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians

The New Testament: The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians

The New Testament: The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians

The New Testament: The First Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians

The New Testament: The Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians

The New Testament: The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy

The New Testament: The Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy

The New Testament: The Epistle of Paul to Titus

The New Testament: The Epistle of Paul to Philemon

The New Testament: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The New Testament: The Epistle of James

The New Testament: The First Epistle of Peter

The New Testament: The Second Epistle of Peter

The New Testament: The First Epistle of John

The New Testament: The Second Epistle of John

The New Testament: The Third Epistle of John

The New Testament: The Epistle of Jude

The New Testament: The Book of Revelation

Also Notice the end of the Bible.REVELATION 22:

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony FOR THE CHURCHES. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

TO GIVE YOU[A] THIS TESTIMONY FOR THE CHURCHES.

It is Through The Churches.

[johngrace]

It is "One Hit Wonder" verses isolated from the text that are used without the the whole Beginning, Middle and End of a Text.

Who is it addressed.

The Leader of a Church or The Churches. Because of Geography it is really a Group of Churches meaning One Church (umbrella) as a Whole. Notice the City Churches. The Epistles/Letters Are addressed to Cities.

Romans,Corinthians,Galations,Ephesians,Philipians,Colossians....

Epistle to the Romans First Epistle to the Corinthians

Second Epistle to the Corinthians

Epistle to the Galatians

Epistle to the Ephesians

Epistle to the Philippians

Epistle to the Colossians

First Epistle to the Thessalonians

Second Epistle to the Thessalonians

THEN IT"S TO THE INDIVIDUAL LEADER FOR THE CHURCH

[edit] Pastoral Epistles

The Pastoral Epistles, written by Paul, are addressed to individuals with pastoral oversight of churches and discuss issues of Christian living, doctrine and leadership. They often address different concerns to those of the preceding epistles.

First Epistle to Timothy

Second Epistle to Timothy

Epistle to Titus.......

[johngrace]

Amen!

[RobbyS]

The idea that the churches would have been run by committees is amusing. We can see the principle of organization in his instruction to the 72 by Jesus in Luke. The House church was the basis of the early church and the head of that house would naturally have been at least the nominal leader. Obviously, some women were very strong in the faith, which lends substance to the feminist claim. But social mores being strong, even a rich widow would have had to have had a “front man” to serve as nominal leader. The letter to Timothy shows pretty clearly how Paul organized his communities. But I think we can safely assume that Luke tells us that even before the Resurrection, the practical foundations for the spread of the Gospel were being laid down. His choosing of the Twelve with Peter as the evident leader and the sending of the disciples is a delegation of authority.

[johngrace]

"His choosing of the Twelve with Peter as the evident leader and the sending of the disciples is a delegation of authority."

Amen!!

Also Why does it not read Faith Comes By Reading And Reading The Word. I am not saying it is absolutely wrong but true authority is in the verses mean Faith comes by Hearing and Hearing the Word.

Why Hear? Only an Authoritive Leader Can Speak it? Yes. I believe this makes sense.

ROMANS 10:

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

[Salvation]

**Never give up on your family.

Never give up on Jesus.

Never quit His Church.

For, as St. Paul learned the hard way, Jesus and His Church are one.**

BTTT!

[RobbyS]

The model would be the synagogue, and what is that but a gathering to hear the Scripture, which would be in the care of the leader, and commentary on that. But the Christian synagogue would have significant differences, with its focus on Christ, the hearing of the Gospel and the Eucharist. The Didache is probably a witness to that liturgy.

[cookcounty]

"Also Why does it not read Faith Comes By Reading And Reading The Word. I am not saying it is absolutely wrong but true authority is in the verses mean Faith comes by Hearing and Hearing the Word. "

Context is important. In the first century, only the very wealthy had their own copy of Scripture. For the great majority, "reading" the Word was not an option. They heard the Scripture read in the synagogue, that was their only option. The early Christians continued in the synagogues until they were eventually tossed out or made to feel uncomfortable

The eighteenth benediction was added to the Amidah and could not be recited by followers of Jesus: "Let the noẓerim and the minim be destroyed in a moment. And let them be blotted out of the Book of Life and not be inscribed together with the righteous. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who humblest the arrogant""

The "nozerim"refers to the early Christians (English: Nazarenes)...they would be pronouncing a curse on their heads..

...but as the early Christians formed their own congregations, it is likely they followed the governance they already knew....government by committee.