First, let's understand what the Church is
According to Ephesians 1:23 and 1 Corinthians 12:27, the church constitutes the body of Christ, and we are integral parts of it.
Ephesians 2:20 reveals that the church is founded upon the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.
Notably, the Catholic Church is the only institution traceable directly to Jesus Christ and His apostles. St. Peter was the first pope appointed by Jesus Christ Himself. This lineage is still unbroken. Similarly, every bishop can trace their ordination back to one of the twelve apostles.
The Catholic Church steadfastly upholds traditions passed down by the apostles (2 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:6).
Interpretation of the Bible
Interpreting the Bible without guidance can be daunting and may lead to misinterpretation (2 Peter 1:20).
If not through personal interpretation, where can one learn more about it?
In John 16:12-15, Jesus acknowledged that his disciples are not yet ready to grasp the full depth of his teachings. However, he assured them that the Holy Spirit, who will come after his departure, will provide them with divine guidance and insight into the truth. This promise was specifically made to the apostles, who would later become the foundation of the Church.
After His resurrection, Jesus revealed the depth of Scripture to His disciples. On the road to Emmaus, He interpreted the Scriptures, showing how everything points to Him (Luke 24:27). Later, He opened their minds to fully understand the Scriptures, explaining how they foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection. He then commissioned them as witnesses, entrusting them to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations (Luke 24:44-48).
In 1 Timothy 3:15, St. Paul called the Church a pillar and foundation(bulwark in some translations) of truth. He recognized the church as a visible entity while writing this letter. He was talking about the church handed down by the apostles of Jesus Christ, which He established before His ascension and later empowered them with the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Pentecost.
Let's not forget the wisdom endowed by God to the Church (Ephesians 3:10).
As Jesus' disciples, where else can we seek truth if not through His church? As Peter confessed in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
The Eucharist
Body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord.
This is the source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324).
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