Church and churchmen VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 10/17/2010

Church and churchmen

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

10/17/2010
There is a fundamental, real and essential distinction between the Catholic Church and the Catholic churchmen. This signal and living reality could be easily overlooked if not actually ignored. Yet, its significance and consequences however may not be over-emphasized — even if only for a clearer and better understanding of the Church and the churchmen. To unconsciously miss or deliberately ignore this profound and relevant truth is not merely pitiful but also disastrous for all those concerned, viz, the people in general, the churchmen in particular, and the Church in a special way. In other words, let the Church and churchmen be not confused with one another — under penalty of confusion and falsity.

The Church is the ecclesial Institution founded by Christ some 2,000 years ago, The Church is but one of a kind, apostolic in origin, universal in scope and holy on account of her Founder the Lord Jesus Himself — the Son of God. Everything that is intrinsic to the Church is holy — like her doctrine, her sacraments, her devotions, her prayers. In short, a Holy Founder established a Holy Church for holy purposes here and now, in view of a holy destiny hereafter and beyond..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20101017com5.html