The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”
Today’s reading might be used to support the Church’s teaching about sensus fidei – which is roughly translated, “the sensibility of the faithful.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes it thus:
❡91 All the faithful share in understanding and handing on revealed truth. They have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who instructs them53 and guides them into all truth.54
❡92 "The whole body of the faithful cannot err in matters of belief. This characteristic is shown in the supernatural appreciation of faith (sensus fidei) on the part of the whole people, when, from the bishops to the last of the faithful, they manifest a universal consent in matters of faith and morals."55
❡93 "By this appreciation of the faith, aroused and sustained by the Spirit of truth, the People of God, guided by the sacred teaching authority (Magisterium), receives the faith, once for all delivered to the saints. The People unfailingly adheres to this faith, penetrates it more deeply with right judgment, and applies it more fully in daily life."56
(Wikipedia has a good article describing sensus fidei, what it means and what it doesn’t mean.)
In today’s gospel, the Pharisees are driven by their ideological conceit while the crowds trust their own eyes, remember their history and traditions, and – especially -- are guided by the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees are compelled by their partisan opinions into nonsense, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.” In Saint Matthew’s telling, the Lord doesn’t bother to argue with them. What do you say to stupid?
In this Year of Our Lord 2020, Christians and Catholics find reassurance in the doctrine of Sensus fidei. Polarization is not just an American affliction; it is worldwide as nations respond to the brave new world of the Internet, social media, and the discontent of minorities. Millions of people, feeling unmoored in a new reality, attach their hopes and dreams to a messiah-type leader. These anointed ones swear that they have the instincts, skills, and wisdom to guide us back to a stable, familiar past. That fantasy future would be rid of demanding, untraditional values.
In dark hours like this the Holy Spirit counsels patience and prudence. We must not fall into the trap of supporting demagogues, nor should individuals go it alone. Rather, we cling to the “whole body of the faithful” and traverse this wilderness together.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
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