Is the Church behind the times? Or more precisely, are Church teachings behind the times?
This is a complaint we hear frequently, claims that the teachings of the Church are outdated and need to keep up with the times.
We must remember that the “teachings of the Church” do not belong to the Church, they belong to God. It is the duty and responsibility of the Church, the bride of Christ, to teach God’s children.
The teachings of the Church cannot be behind the times because they are the teachings of God and God transcends time.
These teachings are supported by three pillars; Scripture, the Word of God, Tradition, handed down to us by God in the flesh, and the Magisterium, composed of successors to the apostles personally appointed by God. Each of these is so inter-related that one cannot stand without the other two, and where one is present, the other two are also there.
It is to our bishops that the responsibility falls to pass on the teachings of God. And the bishops share this authority with their priests. And our priests, particularly our pastors, take this responsibility very seriously, for they are charged with the care of souls
This responsibility extends to all of us, for we are told to go and spread the good news to all the world. We too are included in the warning God gives to the kings of Israel. “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture.”
Pax Vobiscum
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time