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

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)

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