Monday, April 26, 2010

word on fire

Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 42;43 Athirst is my soul for the living God; John 10:1-10

Several words of notice in the first reading:

"He related to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, saying, 'send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter, who will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.' As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them as it had upon us at the beginning, an dI remember the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water, but you will baptize with the Holy Spirit."

To piggy back on the blog of this past saturday. We encounter another example of Peter's primacy in the New Testament. Peter was sent to speak to the gentiles. He opens his mouth and the Holy Spirit comes down.

The angel's message needs to be heard again, "Send someone and summon Peter who will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.'

In the catechism of the catholic Church 891 we read the following:

"The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful, who confirms his brethren in the faith, he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith of morals...the infallibility promised the Church is also present in the body of the bishops when, together with Peter's successor, they exercise supreme Magisterium, above all in Ecumenical council. When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine "for belief as being divinely revealed, and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions "must be adhered to with the obedience of faith." This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself."

Peter exercises his role in the Acts of the Apostles. He invites us to allow his successor the Pope to do the same.

If only we were to heed the word of Peter's successor then perhaps the Holy Spirit would once again fill the world and set it a blaze. The word on fire comes forth from Peter's mouth.

Let it burn forth. let it burn forth.

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