Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Periodically, the question is raised, "Won't God save everyone?" or, "Didn't Jesus die to save everyone? Can his mission fail?" I heard a Muslim imam assure his Christian audience of that universal salvation. His Allah is that "generous" -- or violent And some Christian pastors comfort their congregations with the word that their delinquent grandchildren will be saved in the end.
There are, of course, strong arguments against the notion, including both justice and mercy. Justice assures those unfairly punished that their suffering will be avenged, and Mercy promises the neutralization of the wicked.
Concerning the salvation of the wicked, the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers the words of Saint Augustine:
"...the justification of the wicked is a greater work than the creation of heaven and earth," because "heaven and earth will pass away but the salvation and justification of the elect . . . will not pass away." He holds also that the justification of sinners surpasses the creation of the angels in justice, in that it bears witness to a greater mercy."
However, that wonderful work cannot violate the freedom of those who choose not to be saved. Gratia -- which is the Latin word for freedom -- will cancel neither angelic nor human freedom. The suggestion that God should save everyone insults the majesty of God. Who are you to tell God what God should do? Don't go there.
Finally, Charity impels us to announce the Gospel to every creature Now. Before it's Too Late! Because it will be too late at some point.
Saint Paul was driven by that divine impulse from the day he encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus. It drove him through the many difficulties he encountered from friends and enemies. It overcame natural catastrophes and personal weakness, both physical and spiritual. He sarcastically called certain Christian missionaries "super apostles" to save them from the coming wrath. He could not pause to feel sorry for himself; he would not agonize over his past sins. He was a man on a mission.
Since the Second Vatican Council, we have entered "the age of the laity," meaning the mission of the Church belongs to everyone. And millions of Christian laity have responded to the call as they carry the word through food kitchens, women's shelters, and foreign missions. Many young people take theology courses in college to complement their STEM studies. What would be the point of knowing how to do something if you don't know why?
There will never be enough priests for all the chores they used to handle, from plant maintenance to coaching fourth grade basketball. Nor should there be. The Lord fills the positions of catechist, Eucharistic Ministry, lector, parish administration, and others with competent individuals and not by ordination.
We are compelled by the same word of joy and terror that drove Saint Paul,
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
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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.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.