By Fr. Paul D. Scalia, The Catholic Thing, May 22, 2022
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. He is the author of That Nothing May Be Lost: Reflections on Catholic Doctrine and Devotion and the editor of Sermons in Times of Crisis: Twelve Homilies to Stir Your Soul.
Today’s first reading includes a rather curious line. The Apostles write to the Christians in Antioch, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us.” (Acts 15:28) It sounds as though they’re placing themselves on equal level with the Holy Spirit, as if their approval is necessary for his decision. It’s like the priest who began his sermon, “Our Lord once said, and I think he’s right. . .”
It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us. Although a curious line, it is extraordinarily important as a statement about the Church’s teaching authority and indeed about the authority of all Christians. …