Monday, January 18, 2010

Between Belief in Visions and Obedience to the Church: Which is which?

I just feel sad reading about the events in Medjugorje.  As a faithful Catholic I feel sad that there are fellow Catholics who would trust in so called Marian visions, unauthorized by the Church, and yet disobey their local bishop.  We should be reminded that the teaching of the Church is based on the teaching of the apostles, the fathers, as guided by the Holy Ghost.  No apparition or visionary  can overthrow that.  Apparitions and visions are private revelations and therefore when they contradict the teachings of the Church and foment disobedience should be rejected.  Belief in visions are not obligatory, but belief and obedience to the teaching authority of the Church is necessary for salvation.  St. Paul has this to say and we better pay attention:


"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema." Galatians 1:8 (Douay-Rheims)


You may visit the Diocese of Mostar for the statement of His Excellency Ratko Peric, Bishop of Mostar.  let us pray for the suffering church of Mostar.

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