submission slip
“God has put us apostles at the end of the line.” —1 Corinthians 4:9
Jesus’ apostles were not always respected. Sometimes, they were “like men doomed to die in the arena” (1 Cor 4:9). They became “a spectacle to the universe, to angels and men alike” (1 Cor 4:9). They were “fools on Christ’s account” (1 Cor 4:10), “the world’s refuse, the scum of all” (1 Cor 4:13).
The bishops are the successors of the apostles. Some of them, especially the Pope, are also despised by the world, especially by some “Catholics.” When the bishops oppose abortion and artificial contraception, they are dismissed as fools. When they warn nations of the immorality of embargoes, unbridled capitalism, and the use of the death penalty, they are ignored. When they call us to sexual purity, they are portrayed as “spectacles” by the secular humanistic media (see 1 Cor 4:9).
No matter how much the world and some members of the Church hate the Church and her leaders, Jesus loves the Church (Eph 5:25) and her bishops. His disciples must do the same. Jesus, referring to the leaders of the Church, commanded: “He who hears you, hears Me. He who rejects you, rejects Me. And he who rejects Me, rejects Him Who sent Me” (Lk 10:16). Joyfully submit to the authority of the Church.
Prayer: Father, I submit to the authority of the Church because of my fear of You (Eph 5:21).
Promise: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” —Ps 145:18
Praise: Pope St. Gregory the Great certainly lived up to his honorary title. He reformed the liturgy and stabilized the Church as the Roman Empire crumbled in Western Europe.
Reference: (For a related teaching on The Church in God’s Plan, listen to, download or order our CD 67-3 or DVD 67 on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 31, 2022"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.