Posts Tagged ‘Authority of God’

Recognizing the “Higher Authority”

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

 

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Acts 5: 27–33; John 3: 31-36

Dc. Larry Brockman

A higher authority- the Apostles told the authorities that they owed their obedience to a higher authority.  This, it seems to me is a really difficult teaching for us.  Not so much on the surface of the matter but because in today’s society, our American system teaches all of us to question authority, and to do what we feel is right, letting our conscience be the guide.  So, as a people, we have been trained to pick and choose which rules we will follow, and which rules the “higher authority” of our conscience overrides.  The trouble is that the “Higher Authority” we are talking about this morning is God, not the spirit of independence and self-determination that seems to be the hallmark of American Society.  There is a difference, a profound difference, between the two.   

As Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel, what comes from above, from God, is trustworthy.  And whoever listens to that merits life. In today’s world, a very secular and pluralistic society, we find ourselves confronted with lots of tough issues- right to life; fertility issues; the efficacy of our tax laws; health care; the economic implications of runaway spending; and freedom of speech to name a few.  There are laws that cover each of these areas to be sure.  And there are interpretations of these laws by secular experts.  But, as believing Catholics living in the 21st century,  How should we vote?  For what should we lobby?  And when and how should we make our voices known?     

Our biggest problem is knowing what God has said, because there are so many issues to deal with.  That’s why we have a Church Teaching authority.  As Catholics, we need to educate ourselves on what God’s word and what God’s position is on these issues.  It is not easy- but it is part of our responsibility as Catholics.  I participated in Why Catholic this past Lent.  It is a good start- because it uses the Catechism as a basis.  But it was not very well attended.  For those who are not otherwise involved, I urge you to think very seriously about joining one of these groups next time.  We all need to listen to God.  The ultimate Higher Authority.