June 28 2024 - St. Irenaeus - Apostolic Tradition and Unity with God

 

In the top middle stained-glass window in the east nave here at St. Ignatius is a depiction of St. John the Apostle consecrating two bishops: on the right is St. Ignatius our patron, and on the left is St. Polycarp. The bishop St. Irenaeus, whom we honor today, was a student of bishop Polycarp. And so he was still very close to the apostolic origins of the church. And that theme of apostolicity—that we are recipients of the faith taught by Jesus Christ to the apostles—was prominent in his writings and pastoral work.

For the time in which Irenaeus was bishop of Lyon, the gnostic heretics were threatening the unity of the Church. The Gnostics claimed to possess secret knowledge of God that was superior to the faith taught by the Apostles.  In other words, they thought they knew better than the Church.  

But good bishop Irenaeus rightly pointed out their error. For, Christianity is not a personal creation or private revelation. It’s not something for intellectuals and academics to recreate. To do so would be to deviate from Apostolic Tradition which Christ wants us to receive, believe, and live out.

Irenaeus demonstrated the importance of faithfully adhering to the true doctrine that could be traced back to the apostles through the succession of bishops, and even emphasized the authority of the Church of Rome.

Back in 2007, Pope Benedict was giving weekly catechesis on the Church Fathers. Listen to what he had to say about the great St. Irenaeus, who Pope Francis declared as a doctor of the Church in 2022. 

Pope Benedict wrote: “Irenaeus was first and foremost a man of faith and a Pastor. Like a good Pastor, he had a good sense of proportion, a wealth of doctrine, and missionary enthusiasm. As a writer, he pursued a twofold aim: to defend true doctrine from the attacks of heretics, and to explain the truth of the faith clearly.”

Unity and peace in the Church and unity and peace with God do not come from knowing better than the Church, but receiving and practicing the whole Truth, in obedience to the Word of God and Apostolic Tradition.  

May St. Irenaeus help us to foster authentic Christianity unity on earth through faithfulness to Christian Truth, that we may come to communion with God in heaven for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Let us turn to God in prayer, asking for the intercession of St. Irenaeus, as we strive to faithfully adhere to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles.

That bishops, priests, and deacons may be inspired by the example of St. Irenaeus to defend true doctrine with clarity and compassion, fostering unity and peace within the Church, protecting the transmission of the faith from heresy, and guiding all people to the truth of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

That those tasked with spreading the Gospel may be emboldened by the example of St. Irenaeus, sharing the faith with enthusiasm and clarity, and bringing many to the fullness of truth in Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.

That those who have been misled by erroneous beliefs may find their way back to the truth of the Gospel, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the loving support of the Christian community. Let us pray to the Lord.

That scholars and theologians may approach the study of faith with humility and a sincere desire to deepen their understanding of the truths revealed by Christ, without deviating from the Apostolic Tradition. Let us pray to the Lord.

For the sick, the impoverished, the lonely, those suffering from mental illness, those most in need, and those near death: may God, through the mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, be close to them in their trials

That through the intercession of St. Irenaeus, we may foster authentic Christian unity and peace in our parishes, families, and communities, reflecting the love and truth of Christ in all our interactions. Let us pray to the Lord.

Almighty God, through the intercession of St. Irenaeus, strengthen our faith and unity. Help us to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, and grant us the grace to live out these truths in our daily lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.