February 3-Reflections on the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our Salvation through the 

One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church

The day's readings can be found here.

Every Sunday, towards the end of the Nicene Creed, we say: I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.  These are called the “Four Marks of the Church,” that is, the four qualities of the true Church founded by Jesus Christ Himself (CCC 811-870).  Because Jesus Christ chose to found one Church (Mt 16:18) – not a collection of churches – and that this one Church has visible boundaries (Mt 5:14), there is a doctrine we hold that is often avoided and at best misunderstood.  The name of this doctrine in Latin is: Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus, that is, “Outside the Church there is no salvation” (CCC 846-8).  Now, firstly, what does this mean?  It means that membership in the true Church, the Church Christ founded, is necessary for salvation.  St. Paul teaches that the Church has Christ as its head and we are individually members of His body (1 Cor 12).  It is impossible to be joined to Christ without somehow being joined to His body.

Secondly, what does this doctrine NOT say?  We as Catholics are not saying that everyone else, including Protestant Christians, are going to hell!  (That is not our call!).  We, as members of the true Church, acknowledge the millions of non-Catholic Christians out there who love Jesus Christ and are faithful to their interpretation of the Holy Bible (Vatican II: Lumen Gentium, 15).  However, we lament the fact that they are not in full communion with us and have instead interpreted the Scriptures in their own way — not in keeping with the Sacred Tradition (2 Thess 2:15) and the consistent teaching of the Church’s Magisterium (1 Tim 3:15).  In a certain sense, they have severed the Head from the Body (Jesus—Yes; the Church—No).  The worst part is that many lack the sacraments except for baptism (and sadly today even some have rejected Trinitarian Baptism).

Nevertheless, it is not for us to condemn anyone.  Actually, because we know so many fine, committed non-Catholics, we can hope and pray for their salvation — but not apart from the Church.  If they are saved, they are still saved because of the Catholic Church, of which they are members in an imperfect way because of their faith in Christ and through sacramental baptism.  Many Protestants, especially Evangelicals, are our greatest allies in promoting a Culture of Life.  We should seek to work together for common goals.  On the other hand, just because we are Catholic does not give us a free ticket to heaven.  Yes, God’s grace is free and the Church (as Christ’s Mystical Body) is the mediator of grace, but we must freely choose to cooperate with that grace to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  And as Catholics, we have a duty to do our best to get Protestants and the lost sheep (fallen-away Catholics) into full communion with the Catholic Church.  Evangelization is not opposed to ecumenism, because both endeavors seek the same object: truth.

We are all on a road towards Christ.  Even though there are many highways and backroads that can get us to Him, the most direct route is the Catholic Church.  As we receive Him worthily in Holy Communion today, He keeps us in perfect union with Himself.  St. Augustine reminds us: Receive whom you are; become whom you receive.