In our first reading today from 1 Timothy 3, St. Paul mentions “the pillar and foundation of truth.” Care to take a guess at what St. Paul said that was? We’ll talk about it in a moment. Our Gospel reading is from Luke 7. Here Jesus talks about how mixed up that generation was. They railed on John the Baptist because he “came neither eating food or drinking wine.” Then they go off on Jesus saying, “Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” You know, sometimes you just can’t win…
Back to our trivia question for today. If I asked the question, What is the pillar and foundation of truth, what would your answer be? The Bible? Chances are good that if you are a Protestant, that may well be your answer. But it wasn’t St. Paul’s answer. So, what is? The Church! That’s right! “The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” Now remember, as Paul wrote this, there was no New Testament, per se. There was only the Church.
From the beginning, the Church has been the arbiter of God’s truth. Again, before there ever was a word of the New Testament written, there was the Church. In fact, it was the Church that decided what books would be included in the New Testament. Many Protestants who believe in sola scriptura, or the Bible alone as the sole rule of faith, may find this off-putting. But these are not my words. If you got a beef, take it up with St. Paul.
Father, we thank you for the Church, the pillar and foundation of truth. May we always remain faithful to Her, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
If you would like to help more people understand the Biblical basis for Catholic teaching, get them a copy of A Minute in the Church. You can get them for $1 a copy every day at www.GusLloyd.com.
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