THE SOURCES OF REVELATION
The charism of infallibility is a divine gift, so we can confidently
respond to—and declare—the saving truth of Christ.
Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron
from the original interaction between
the “Word made flesh” (Jn 1:14) and his
apostles. How can we confidently identify
what the Church teaches today with what
Jesus said and did centuries ago?
In my remarks here about the charism
of infallibility, I want to respond to this
question.
Christ gives the “keys of the kingdom” to
Peter (Mt 16:18-20), meaning he passes his
authority onto the apostle, who represents
the Church and the papacy. (A stained glass
image from Sacred Heart’s chapel.)
F
ifty-five years ago, when I was preparing for
Confirmation, I had to demonstrate to Sister Frances’s
satisfaction that I had memorized my prayers, including
the “Act of Faith.” I have never forgotten how it ends: “I
believe . . . all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church
teaches, because Thou [God] hast revealed them, who
canst neither deceive nor be deceived.”
This firm conviction about God’s unfailing truthfulness is the foundation for
placing our unconditional confidence in
his revelation of himself and his message.
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As the Second Vatican Council says, Sacred Revelation, especially Sacred Scripture, is without error.1
Yet, many generations separate us
Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Spring 2015
Christ’s Promise to Peter
After Peter’s confession of faith that
Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the Living God,” Christ replies to him: “You are
Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
church, and the gates of the netherworld
shall not prevail against it. I will give you
the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven; and whatever you loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:18-19).
Our Lord promises that Hell and the Evil
One will not defeat the Church. Peter and
his successors, in union with their brothers in the Apostolic College, have a special
role to play in Christ’s fulfilling his pledge.
To them in various ways is giv