Nothing More Beautiful: The Church We Believe In Is Apostolic

Matthew Harrison

May 13, 2011
The Son of God came into this world, and good carpenter that he became under Joseph’s training, he gathered together the most rickety and knotty pieces of wood that he could find, and  he built a ship that is still afloat after 2,000 years.
That's from the Scottish Catholic writer Bruce Marshall. Papal household preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., quoted him as part of his catechesis talk in the final edition of Nothing More Beautiful's third year.
It's an interesting thought to consider, and the Capuchin Friar uses it to illustrate his point that the Apostles our Lord chose were not perfect, and neither is His Church.
Though we may not want to admit it, we contribute to those imperfections. Fr. Cantalamessa explains:
The children criticize their mother for being full of wrinkles, not realizing that they themselves are the cause of these wrinkles. Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her so that she would be without spot. And the Church would be without spot if we were not there. The Church would have a wrinkle less if I had committed one sin less.
It's an interesting point to consider. How have I contributed to the imperfections of the Church? Perhaps an even better question to ask is how have I built up the Church? How have I followed the example of the Apostles, who were sent out to bring the Gospel to all the nations?
Fr. Cantalamessa addresses what the Apostolicity of the Church means, what we can learn from the Apostles, and offers a reflection on the mystery of the Church as a whole. It's an engaging talk you won't want to miss!
The witness talk is given by Edmonton married couple Cam and Nadine MacDonnell. This young couple reflects on how God has worked in their life, recount some of the holy men and women who have guided them along the way, and speak about what it means to them to live an Apostolic life.
Join us either Saturday May 14th or Wednesday May 18th, at 8:00pm ET or 9:00pm PT for Nothing More Beautiful: The Church We Believe in Is Apostolic.