May 14 2019 - St. Matthias - Apostolic Church

“I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.” What does it mean that the Church is Apostolic?

Firstly, it means that the Church was and remains built on "the foundation of the Apostles," We are heirs to that original mission given by Jesus to the Twelve apostles—to preach, to teach, to cast out demons, to baptize, to forgive sins. We are the fruit of their faithfulness.

Secondly, that the Church is Apostolic means that the Church, with the help of the Holy Spirit dwelling within her, keeps and hands on the “deposit of faith” entrusted to the Apostles by Christ. The content of the faith is guarded and passed on by the Apostles.

Thirdly, that the Church is Apostolic means that the Church continues to be taught, sanctified, governed and guided by the apostles until Christ returns through their successors, the bishops.

That third dimension of Apostolicity is rooted in the election of St. Matthias whose feast we celebrate today. Matthias was the first to be appointed Apostle after the death and resurrection of Jesus. And as the Church continued to grow, the number of Apostles needed to shepherd the Church also grew.

The apostolic ministry continues unbroken from the apostles to every Catholic bishop throughout history.  Hence we believe, as the Catechism states, that "the bishops have by divine institution taken the place of the apostles as pastors of the Church, in such a way that whoever listens to them is listening to Christ and whoever despises them despises Christ and him who sent Christ."

Jesus governs the Church through his faithful bishops. To be a Christian is to look to and follow the leadership of the apostles, the bishops, who are a of mark of guarantee that the Church remains faithful to the teachings of Jesus.

We live in an age that mistrusts authority, that seeks to forget the past and work for a future fashioned simply according to our own ideas. But this is not Christianity. The Christian recognizes the importance of being faithful to what has been received by God. That Christian truth doesn’t simply change according to the whims of each generation.

We pray for our Bishop and for all bishops, the successors of the Apostles, that they may be faithful in teaching, governing, and sanctifying the Church, handing on the “deposit of faith” which enables us to follow Christ without error for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

- - - - - - -
 
May we join the Holy Apostles in our prayer for the world and the Church.

As the Apostles witnessed to the Resurrection of the Lord, may we be his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.

For the bishops, the successors of the apostles: That they may be courageous in stirring up the flame of faith and defending the Church from error.

For all of the sick and suffering, especially victims of natural disaster, poverty, and addiction, may they be comforted and supported by God’s healing love. We pray to the Lord.

For all who long to see the face of the Father, for all our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered. We pray to the Lord.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord