Membership Qualifications

Groucho Marx once said, “I don’t want to belong to any club that would have  someone like me for a member.” We laugh because usually, the opposite is the case. We don’t want to belong to any club that would have anyone very different from me as a member. The Church, however, is true to its calling when the welcome mat is out for all. 

Acts today gives us a “tweeter’s” version of the early council of Jerusalem on the issue of whether Gentiles can be received into the community without circumcision and accepting the Law of Moses. Take some time to read all of Chapter 15  to hear the three important speeches that determined the conditions for the outcome of this debate. The final decision was reached under two influences: “the  Holy Spirit and us”—the “us” being Peter, Barnabas, and Paul, and James, leader of the church in Jerusalem. 

In a more intimate manner of expression, though no less binding, Jesus speaks  about the requirements for having the Father and him come to dwell with the  disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” That “word” we heard last week, his great commandment: Love one another as I have loved you. Jesus gives further assurance: “The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will  teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” 

In both instances, the Holy Spirit is recognized. May the Holy Spirit always continue to work on the Church’s membership drive and guide the deliberations of its leaders. 

Consider/Discuss

• What do you see as necessary for being a member of the Catholic Church?
• Do you know what the Church declares necessary for being a member in good standing? 

Responding to the Word

Holy Spirit, you descended upon Christ at his baptism, guided him through his ministry, and were his first gift after the Father raised him from the dead.  Continue to be with his body, the Church, to guide its work so that all its members live according to his word.