Fr. Paul D. Scalia: Set Apart

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*Image: The Transfiguration by Raphael, 1516-20 [Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican City]

By Fr. Paul D. Scalia, The Catholic Thing, Feb. 28, 2021

Fr. Paul Scalia is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington, VA, where he serves as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Pastor of Saint James in Falls Church. …

The Church of Christ is holy. And an essential part of holiness is to be set apart. Of course, this separateness can be misconstrued and lead to a “ghetto” mentality – an isolationism and unhealthy self-focus. Nevertheless, that abuse doesn’t eliminate the use. Or the truth. Saint Peter proclaims, “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own.” (1 Pt 2:9) So, the Church must be distinct and to a degree separate from the world. Today’s account of the Transfiguration (Mk 9:2-10) outlines for us the how and the why of the Church’s being set apart.

First, “Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.” To form His people, the Lord always draws them away from the world. Abraham, Moses, and Elijah were each called up a mountain, apart by themselves. …

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