The Church and History

Mary

What began in Jerusalem 2000 years ago, with a small group of Jesus’ disciples, anointed with the Holy Spirit, has now become an enormous Church, with members everywhere. How this Church has suffered! First it was cut in two (1054 Orthodox division). Then many parts were broken off (1517 with Luther). Now these little parts continually split into many Churches.

The Church has also sustained internal sufferings, the betrayal of its own members and the sins, even of its popes. Still, the Catholic Church remains the true bride of Jesus, beloved in his eyes and special in my heart. We direct our gaze of love toward her and place our hope in her mission.

She is the Church of history, going back to the apostolic times. She also carries the sins of her history, the massive burdens that other Christian Churches have thrown off. I have a special gift awaiting her. She will be freed of her past sins. While retaining all of her historical blessings, she will suddenly leave behind the sins of her past. She will be old in her wisdom and young in her freedom. Only the Father can bring this about.

Comment: History is both the Catholic Church’s claim and its burden.