To the Ends of the Earth: Legacy – Week 8, Day 1 – The Church Speaks the Truth about Christ

Mark C. McCann | 05/26/2025

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear omen to them of

their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict which you saw and now hear to be mine.

Philippians 1:27–30

The Church is not some cultural club for organizing and enacting administrative and spiritual tasks; she is the Mystical Body of Christ, formed under the leadership of the Apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, and strengthened by the word and the sacraments. She is a living entity, whose members are joined to Christ the Head. We as members of the Church are charged with standing firm in unity, contending with those who would challenge the truth of Jesus Christ.

Together, we are called to take up our cross and follow in the footsteps of Our Lord (see Mt 16:24). We have been granted not just to believe, but to share in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of the kingdom. Under the leadership of the Pope, the successor of Peter, we are united in doctrine, in spirit, and in purpose, as we journey ever forward in service to one another and the world until Christ comes again. Each of us contributes to the mission of the Church and the call to lead future generations into the kingdom. As we work with our leaders to help shape the Body of Christ, we build a lasting legacy that submits to God’s great truths revealed by Christ.

Questions for reflection

Why is it necessary for the Church to be united under her leaders? What role do you play in this?

Have you ever found it difficult to accept the leadership of the Pope or other members of the clergy? How have you dealt with these struggles?

How can Catholics engage in honest dialogue with one another over struggles within the Church, while continuing to honor both her leaders and her people?

Praying with Scripture

If I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. (1 Tm 3:15)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.