A debate has been going on for centuries between the inclusivists and exclusivists. Inclusivists maintain, Jesus set an inclusive example and died so all can be saved. The exclusivists say, God chooses among people and some exclude themselves from God. That redemption by Jesus is found exclusively within the Catholic Church. The exclusivists worry following the inclusivists' path takes one down the treacherous path of relativism.
Pope Francis rocked some conservative Catholics in 2013 declaring, in highly inclusive terminology, that everyone is redeemed through Jesus. “The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone.” Even atheists? He was asked. “Everyone,” he replied. He used a phrase straight out of the Second Vatican Council documents that describes the church as “the People of God.”
How does one become a member of this people? To be the People of God, he said, “first of all means that God doesn't belong to any particular people because He is the one who calls us ... and this invitation is addressed to all, without distinction, because God's mercy 'wills everyone to be saved.’”[1]
In our first reading today, Barnabas and Paul have teamed up and were having extraordinary success among the gentiles. After setting out on a relatively small missionary trip, the two returned to Antioch’s predominantly Jewish community, where Peter was revered. They enthusiastically had reported their success. BUT (Side Note: if you really want to throw cold water on someone's enthusiasm, throw your "but" in their face) But, then representatives from James came from Jerusalem, insisting the gentiles ought to be circumcised and practice other aspects of Jewish law in order to be saved. Because this sowed dissension and confusion, the Church at Antioch sent delegates to Jerusalem to ask for guidance on the matter. What do we need to do to be saved? What is the Law?
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.” (Jn 15:1) Did you know the secret to pruning grapevines in knowing that the vines produce fruit on one-year old wood. The primary goal of pruning is to maximize the amount of one-year old wood on each grapevine without encouraging the plant to produce so many grape clusters that it lacks the energy and nutrients to fully ripen them. The second purpose for pruning grapes is to encourage the vines to grow a structure that is conducive to harvesting.[2]
The Church encourages us to remain connected to the vine by capturing the traditions of the first Christian communities, holding up witnesses, like St. Athanasius, who inspired by the Spirit, drafted & defended Church doctrine, collected the canon of sacred writings into the bible, and dispenses the sacraments to encourage regular pruning and structure so that when we are sharing our faith story, we remain connected to the true vine. Connected to the vision of Him who laid down His life to gain the gift salvation. Connected to His strategies of invitation, forgiveness, mercy and love. Connected to His Father’s vision of inviting all to partake in the Eucharistic feast of our salvation.
[1] National Catholic Reporter Publishing Co. https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/pope-francis-envisions-inclusive-church by Thomas C. Fox. June 12, 2013.
[2] Modern Farmer. https://modernfarmer.com/2016/02/pruning-grapevines/ by Brain Barth. February 1, 2016.
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