Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

 Lectionary: 430

On the subject of fraternal charity you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

As we have read Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians I have been struck several times by his deference to the direct work of God who taught, guided, and built up the Church. 

In his greeting, the Apostle reminded them that,

"in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe."

In today's brief passage from the same letter, he honors the living action of God: 

"On the subject of fraternal charity you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another."

And in the last chapter, 

May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.

Professional business people and those familiar with their lingo sometimes wonder about the business plan of the Roman Catholic Church. Wikipedia defines this,

A business plan is a formal written document containing the goals of a business, the methods for attaining those goals, and the time-frame for the achievement of the goals. It also describes the nature of the business, background information on the organization, the organization's financial projections, and the strategies it intends to implement to achieve the stated targets. In its entirety, this document serves as a road-map (a plan) that provides direction to the business.

Some Protestant churches might say their "...business plan is the Bible," an ancient document formulated long before the twenty-first century, which remains vague enough to justify anything. 

The Catholic response, I believe, is more precise. It is to discern and honor the work of the Holy Trinity as God creates, redeems, and sanctifies our world. Our Holy Father Pope Francis, representing his Jesuit tradition, has often spoken of discerning the work and direction of the Holy Spirit. 

A business plan that adapts too readily to the current cultural environment and the demands of a consumer society would not do justice to the nature and mission of the Church. I hear, for instance, some urging the Church to ordain women to the priesthood and I wonder if that might happen someday. 

But, given the widespread confusion about sexual and gender identity, the leaping back and forth of some "trans" persons, and the uncertainty of some "cis" persons, I think we'd better let the issue rest for another century or three. When they can speak more clearly about male and female, husband and wife, brother and sister, we might discuss the matter. In the meanwhile, let it ride. We have more important News to announce. 

We can only work within and under God's directions. Clearly a universal church must address a universal crisis like climate change. How can we care for the billions of people whose lives, customs, and cities are being uprooted and obliterated by rising temperatures and sea levels? What fraternal charity do Catholics and Christians owe to their coreligionists in these afflicted places? What does the Holy Trinity want us to do? 

Is it time to stop manufacturing weapons and study the ways of climate peace? 

Dear God, speak to us a word of direction, courage, and comfort. Amen