On True Knowledge and Apostolic Intelligence

Catholic World Report ^ | 3/3/19 | Fr. James Schall SJ

[marshmallow]

What we most need is not how we can conform to modernity, but how it can conform to the truth of things as they are handed down to us.

“Today, more and more, individuals are of the opinion that religion is a waste of time, that only social action can make a significant contribution to man’s well-being.” — Joseph Ratzinger, 1980.1

“Men need more than just grasping and holding; they need understanding, which gives power to their actions and their hands; they also need perception, hearing, reason that reaches to the bottom of the heart. And only when understanding remains open to reason, which is greater than it is, can it be genuinely rational and acquire true knowledge.” — Joseph Ratzinger, 1983.2

In Chapter 8 of Mark’s Gospel, the Pharisees and Herod were looking for some sign from Christ that would prove to their skeptical minds that He was who He said He was. Later on, Christ is quizzed by the Apostles about not having enough bread. Christ recalls for them an earlier multiplication of loaves. But, they tell Him that they only have a couple of loaves. This is not enough to go around.

With some prodding, the Apostles do remember the seven baskets of leftovers. Implicit in Christ’s logic is His expectation that the Apostles can grasp ordinary evidence. Christ tells them to relax. He will take care of the bread detail. They won’t go hungry.

The Apostles still do not see the point. They missed the analogy: If the crowd of several thousand did not go hungry for lack of bread, neither will the Twelve. Obviously, Christ expected them to grasp what He was driving at without having to drag it out of them. But they didn’t see what He was driving at. Finally, in exasperation, Christ seems......

[veracious]

The power of revelation, key new insights, comes thru obedience. Obedience to His entire word, not just the new side of the Book.

[caww]

‘Insight’ into scriptures is through the work of the Holy Spirit period.

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, ‘so that’ we may understand what God has FREELY given us” 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

The Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of the believer is essential to his total understanding, appreciation, ‘and implementation’ of Scripture.

As is written...” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” Luke 24:45

Further.....” As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” 1 John 2:27