La Leçon de catéchisme (Catechism Lesson), 1890, by Jules-Alexis Muenier (1863-1942), oil on canvas, Musée des beaux-arts et d’archéologie de Besançon

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”

cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16

catechesis

A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.

Church

Authority

QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:

Why do I have to listen to the Church? God gave me free will to make my own choices.

CATHOLIC ANSWER:

Jesus established his church on earth and gave the apostles and their successors – the bishops – authority to teach in his name. To listen to the Church is to listen to Jesus. We would be wise to follow his voice.

He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

Luke 10:16

Free will is a wonderful gift from God. It comes with great responsibility. The Church is also a wonderful gift from God. The Church helps us learn how to use our free will correctly, so that we can be happy both on earth and in heaven.

Other References: Mt 10:40, 16:18-19, 18:17-20; Lk 10:16; 1 Tim 3:15; CCC 87, 860-870

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catechism of the Catholic Church

For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

PRAYER

Let us pray.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.