Monday of the
Fourth Week of Easter
(Acts 11:1-18; John 10:11-18)
At the Second Vatican Council discussion of religious
freedom became a burning issue. Some
felt that a social policy protecting the freedom of each person to worship as he
or she thinks is necessary. They argued
that the inner sanctum of conscience must not be forced. Others thought a policy favoring Catholic
belief where possible would be preferable since only the Church professes the
fullness of faith. Adherents to this
thinking charged, “Error has no rights.”
The American Jesuit John Courtney Murray countered that neither error
nor truth has rights since both are abstractions. People have rights, one of which is to pursue
religious belief as the person sees fit.
In the reading from Acts today the Christian community in Jerusalem
grapples with a similar issue.
Jewish Christians are upset by the news that Peter not
only baptized Gentiles but ate at their table.
They demand some explanation since the law forbids taking foods that are
not kosher. Peter explains that he was only
following the will of the Holy Spirit made known to him in a vision. Evidently Peter’s explanation convinced his
critics. They too recognize the work of
the Holy Spirit.
It is easy for one to say that the Holy Spirit or “the
spirit” moved her to do something. But
such a defense for an innovation begs more justification. The Holy Spirit is not just the Spirit of
peace and tranquility but also of wisdom and prudence. We must question actions that veer from established
norms. Are they motivated out of love?
Do they contradict the teachings of Jesus? Are they reasonable? Only after receiving the appropriate answers
to these questions may we accept the actions as the will of God.
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