Thought for the Day – 19 January – The Church – Jesus’ Masterpiece

Thought for the Day – 19 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

The Church

“Jesus Christ did not found the Church only as the Mystical Body, of which He is the Head and we are the members.
He also made it a visible and hierarchical society, the supreme authority in doctrine and morals, the distributor of His grace and of the means of Redemption.
If He had not done this, it would be impossible to understand how men could have carried on the saving work of the Redeemer, throughout the centuries.

The Church is Jesus’ Masterpiece.
It is empowered by His grace and authority, to enlighten men and guide them safely along the path of sanctity.
Jesus said to His Apostles and through them to their successors: “He who hears you, hears me and he who rejects you, rejects me” (Lk 10:16).
He also said: “I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world” (Mt 28:20).

This is why obedience is our first duty to the successors of the Apostles, in other words, to the hierarchical Church.
We must obey the Church, as we would obey Christ.
Anybody who makes exceptions or compromises in this matter, is not a true Christian!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci