 |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
THE ROCK
(LA ROCCIA)By: Joseph Cardinal Siri
From “Il Dovere Dell’Ortodossia”
Page 6 in Il Dovere Dell’Ortodossia
and originally published in RENOVATIO II (1967), fasc. 2, pp. 183-184
Red bold print added for emphasis.
In The Gospel of Matthew (16,18) the “roccia” (rock), is not only a person, but also an “istituzione” (institution).
The Church founded by Christ on that “roccia” (rock) – Peter, appears clearly (in the aforementioned cited Gospel) acquiring solidity, stability, indefectibility.
The bond between the firmness of the “rock” – Peter – and the firmness of the Church appears totally beyond discussion, that one cannot make any undue inference, qualifying that same Church like “roccia” (the rock).
Here we speak of that rock. As Christ wants it.
That placed, there are many important considerations to be made.
The Church provides security because it is the “roccia” (rock), not thick, and not sand. It deals with a significance that goes beyond the material sense of the metaphor: in fact the rocks of the earth crumble in time, due to the effects of the elements. This “roccia” (rock) will never crumble, nor flake, given that its solidity is guaranteed in the text of Matthew until the end of time. The “rock” remains and no one will scratch it, implicated as she is in a divine undertaking. But on occasion some men may take from others the vision of the rock. Other things may be made to seem like the rock, other things that may appear to all as such. The distinction is a profound one, even if the errors of these men are capable of veiling the reality (truth), they cannot destroy it. The question, easy for all, that presents itself is one of the visibility of the rock. If then situations should occur, that took from certain men the visibility of the “roccia” (rock) in the Church, the consequences would be grave. Those that convert to the Church, convert because they are convinced that they have found the “roccia” (rock), not doubt, hesitation, contradiction or doctrinal anarchy. One converts when one knows that ones hope is not futile. Taking away the visibility of the “roccia” (rock): what happens?
It is necessary that the “roccia” (rock) remains visible in her unity and her invulnerability.
Maybe it is best that we emerge from the metaphor for a moment. Here are the elements from which the Church can be in her significance, full and pure, considered the “roccia” (rock).She has for her head and divine guarantor Jesus Christ. He has assigned to her the four distinctive marks mentioned in the Nicene Creed
It (the Church) has legitimate and secure sacramental efficacy.
It has ability to reconcile, a distinction that cannot be disregarded (or omitted) between the truth acquired with certainty and hypothesis, opinion, the always free search. In total because in her (the Church) operates an Infallible Magisterium.
The infallible Magisterium is tied to the hierarchical structure of the Church. It is for this reason that he who does not see the hierarchy, does not see the “roccia” (rock). He loses and does not acquire easily the security.
Fair Use Notice:
This web site may contain copyrighted material the use of which may not always have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of political, human, religious, and social issues. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.