杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

杏MAP导航 Francis began his catechesis by saying that the Book of Acts recounts the long journey of the Word of God. 鈥淭his journey鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航, began after a 鈥渟trong persecution鈥�. During this persecution, Christians were forced to flee taking the Word with them, rather than being discouraged from evangelising.

Amongst those fleeing persecution were Paul and Barnabas, who took the Word of the Gospel to the Jewish community of Antinoch in Syria.

鈥淭he book of Acts reveals the nature of the Church,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航. He explained that she is 鈥渘ot a stronghold, but a tent, capable of widening her space鈥� so that all may enter. 

An expanding Church

The Church is 鈥渙utgoing鈥�, continued the 杏MAP导航. She is either walking and expanding 鈥渙r she is not Church鈥�.

The 杏MAP导航 then used the example of certain churches he has seen both in Rome and in Buenos Aires in Argentina with their doors closed, describing it as a 鈥渂ad sign鈥�, because the Church鈥檚 doors must be always open.

杏MAP导航 Francis then went on to explain that these 鈥渙pen doors鈥� are the cause of some controversy, because many people ask themselves 鈥榦pen to whom?鈥�.

The 杏MAP导航 recalled that some of the Jews who had converted stressed the necessity to perform ancient Jewish rituals, such as circumcision, before baptism 鈥渋n order to be saved鈥�.

Reject idolatry

Therefore, Paul goes to Jerusalem to consult with Peter and James, who were considered the 鈥渃olumns鈥� of the early Christian Church. At the 鈥淐ouncil of Jerusalem鈥�, the Apostles find a middle way, saying that non-Jewish members are not required to be circumcised but must reject idolatry and all its expressions.

杏MAP导航 Francis said this way of addressing differences offers us a key to resolving conflict. 鈥淚t reminds us that the ecclesial method of resolving conflicts is based on dialogue through careful and patient listening and discernment in the light of the Spirit鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航.

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis invited the faithful gathered to live in dialogue, listening and encounter in faith, with our brothers and sisters around the world.