The Heretic Within

In today’s first reading (Acts 20:28-38), St. Paul gives the following warning:

I know that after my departure
fierce wolves will come in among you,
not sparing the flock;
and from among your own selves
will arise men speaking perverse things,
to draw away the disciples after them.
Therefore be alert...

St. Paul says this to those identified as “elders” and “overseers” of the Church. The Greek words used here would in other contexts be translated respectively as “presbyters” (the technical term for ordained priests) and “bishops.”

This passage could therefore be seen as a prophecy about heretical priests and bishops leading people astray. “Therefore be alert…”

But it would be foolish to assume that the dangers of heresy come only from priests and bishops. St. Paul says the danger will come from “your own selves.”

We should not just be on the alert about them, we should be on alert among “our own selves” as well – and not just our fellow bloggers or fellow parishioners, but our individual selves.

Indeed, St. Paul doesn’t exempt even himself from the possibility of going astray.

But even if we,
or an angel from heaven,
should preach to you a gospel
contrary to that which we preached to you,
let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8

The point here is not so much that we are to be engaged in a never-ending heresy hunt, but that each of us must be vigilant in fidelity to the truth.

Even as we strive to present the Gospel as effectively as possible within different cultures and different situations, we must take care that we do not distort that Gospel. The Gospel is for today’s world, but not of today’s world.

What brings eternal life is not the Gospel of the world, nor is it the Gospel of political conservatives or progressives, nor is it your Gospel or my Gospel. What brings us salvation is the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.