Mother Church

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As Catholics in America, we have a great thing. Sometimes we forget just how great it is and how fortunate we are. We go to Church when we want to; we know it's always there, whenever we choose it. Sometimes we go more than others, but we always know it's there.

As you know, there are other cultures on this earth who do not have the freedom to attend Mass. Some Catholics on this earth go under danger of persecution and even death. Imagine. Imagine. The Gospel today reminds us how dangerous is is to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Father said at Mass this morning, "Yes, it could cost you your head."

Yesterday, I read in the Divine Intimacy, a text about the Church. It really struck a cord with me, especially after attending Mass this morning.

In part:

"To be a "Child of the Church" is the most glorious title for a Christian and second only to that of "Child of God." These two titles can never be separated -- one depends upon the other; for as St. Cyprian has said, "He who does not have the Church for a Mother, cannot have God for a Father." Jesus wishes to save and sanctify us, but He wishes to do it by means of the Church. He gave His life and shed His blood for us; He gave us the Holy Eucharist and left us the heritage of His doctrine, but He wished the Church to be the sole depository and dispenser of these inestimable benefits, so that all who wish to enjoy them must have recourse to her. Let us go, then, to the Church with complete confidence of children, certain to find Jesus in her, Jesus who sanctifies, nourishes, teaches, rules, and directs us by means of His representatives. If the thought of being a Child of the Church does not make our hearts vibrate, if our love for the Church is weak, if our recourse to her is not confident, this indicates a lack of the spirit of faith: we have not sufficiently understood that the Church is Christ, continuing to live in our midst to sanctify and sustain us and lead us to eternal beatitude.

"We can think of nothing more glorious, more noble, and more honorable than membership in the Holy Roman Catholic Church, by which we become members of such a holy Body [the Mystical Body of Christ], are guided by one and so sublime a Head [Jesus Christ], are filled with one divine Spirit [the Holy Spirit], and finally are nourished in this earthly exile with one doctrine and one same heavenly Bread until we are permitted to share the one eternal beatitude in heaven." (Mystici Corpus)

"We beseech You, eternal King of souls, Christ our Lord, stretch Your omnipotent Hands over Your holy Church and the holy people who belong to You; defend them, guard them, preserve them; combat, challenge, subdue all their enemies.

"May Your Church always remain pure and living! May she chant Your praises under the guidance of the holy angels! We pray to You for all her members; grant them pardon and remission of all their sins; grant that they may sin no more. Be their defense; take away from them all temptation. Have pity on men, women, and children; reveal Yourself to all, and let the knowledge of Your Holy Name be written in their hearts."






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