In today’s first reading, Saint Paul, writing to Timothy, speaks of the Church as the pillar and mainstay of truth. Now, my brothers and sisters, how often do our Protestant brothers and sisters challenge us on the question of authority—by what authority are we led? Many of them will say that it is the Bible alone, that only the Scriptures can be held as our authority. Of course, the Word of God is indeed authoritative; that goes without saying. But we also know that Jesus established a living Church: a hierarchy, an authority in this world to guide us.
The truth is, although the Word of God is inspired and authoritative, the very books of the Bible had to be discerned and compiled by the inspired Church. Recall in the Gospel when Jesus says to the apostles: “The Pharisees are not perfect, but listen to them because they sit on the chair of Moses.” In other words, they have authority given to them by God to govern, to interpret the Scriptures, and to proclaim them.
In the same way, Jesus says to Peter: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” He continues: “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loosen on earth will be loosed in heaven.” In these words, Jesus entrusts His Church with authority—an authority we can trust, one that safeguards the truth, draws us closer to Him, and shows us the path that leads to eternal life.
Therefore, Saint Paul is simply reaffirming what Jesus Himself established: that we must conduct ourselves appropriately within the household of God, which is the Church.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about those in the marketplace who are swayed by moods, complaints, or trends, instead of maturing as true witnesses who live the Gospel in word and deed. He concludes by saying: “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” And who are her children? They are the Church—each one of us. The Church is vindicated when her members live faithfully the truth of Christ in love, mercy, and justice.
My dear friends, let us listen attentively to our pastors, our bishops, and the Holy Father when they teach us the Gospel. Let us follow them as they show us the way, the truth, and the life—who is none other than the second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ our Lord and God. He is the one who has saved us from complacency and indifference, and who has brought us into the marvellous light where we may bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Amen.
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