Saint Paul begins his first letter to Timothy with a warning to instruct certain fellow believers in Ephesus not to teach false doctrines. Apparently, some of the Ephesian Christians had begun to look at the law (the Old Testament) as something other than the first part of God's revealed plan of salvation fulfilled by Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection.*
Avoiding false doctrines remains a practical challenge for our own Church leaders even today. The recent Synod on the Family shows that we still struggle to reconcile the truth of doctrine with our pastoral command to bring the gospel to all the world.
Paul's aim: That the Ephesians should stay focused on what matters most, which was instructing others correctly and living lives that reflected their faith in God's salvation through his son, Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis' aim today (though I would not pretend to speak for him): That our bishops will seek discernment through the Holy Spirit and the intersession of the Holy Family of Nazareth as they look for ways to be welcoming while remaining faithful to the truth found in Church doctrine.
Today, I will pray for our bishops as they continue this year-long journey regarding family, and for all who are in positions of leadership who also help define family in our world.
Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us.
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