The church and society

How does the church Jesus founded relate today with our modern-day society?

Is it the same way the church related to society at the time Jesus walked the earth?

Two thousand years have elapsed, societies have changed and some societies exist now that did not exist in the first century.

But the church has witnessed to the Gospel in varying times and through the shifting sands of the world, including changing governments, natural disasters and advancing technology.

It is safe to say that the church is here to stay in an ever-changing world: “And so, I say to you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it” (Mt 16: 18).

We have the assurance of Jesus that his church has been and will remain immovable, no matter what problems occur around us in our society or in the world.

His church is where we commune with the Holy Trinity and with the members of his community: “The Father realizes his eternal plan for the church, the salvific community of people, through the Incarnation of the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit” (“Christ our Pascha,” para. 277).

The church, the icon of the Trinity, proclaims the Gospel in our society to permeate it with the love of Christ.

It is not to form or lead society, but to form the conscience of individuals in society in conformity to the Kingdom of God, so that they may form a society in God’s image: “‘Return to your family and tell them what God has done for you.’ The man went off and proclaimed throughout the whole town what Jesus had done for him” (Lk 8: 39).

Therefore, the church’s social doctrine has theological and moral qualities; it is transcendent and earthly. Jesus gave us the church, which has the responsibility of proclaiming the Good News of Christ to every person for their salvation. The church promotes the God-given dignity and rights of people, by evangelizing the Gospel in society.

After hearing the Gospel and homily during Divine Liturgy, studying the Bible in class or privately, the Christian lives the Word of God in their daily activities.

Proclaiming the Word of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, permeates the hearts of Byzantine Catholics and transforms us; then we share Christ’s love with others. 

God’s plan for his church is accomplished by promoting the equal dignity of all people and realizing that we are all interconnected.

We are bathed in the grace of God for our salvation and for the good of our neighbor, which gives us an authentic Christian meaning to our lives. 
 
As published in Horizons, Nov. 11, 2018.
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