Was the early church “the (Roman) Catholic Church”?
This is the typical claim: “We were all Catholic at one time”
Except, no.
Just like the Talmudic Judaism of today is not the same as the faith of Moses or David (oops, did I step on some toes?) so too the Catholic faith of today has core tenets which are foreign to the catholic (i.e. “universal”) church of the early centuries. They are not the same.
Mark 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
click here for today’s passage
Summary of Mark 12:
Parable of the Vineyard (vv. 1-12): Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who sends servants and finally his son to collect from the tenants, who kill them all. This parable criticizes the religious leaders for rejecting God’s messengers and, ultimately, His Son.
Question about Paying Taxes (vv. 13-17): Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.
Question about the Resurrection (vv. 18-27): Sadducees, who don’t believe in resurrection, question Jesus with a scenario about a woman marrying seven brothers. Jesus teaches about the resurrection and life after death.
The Greatest Commandment (vv. 28-34): A scribe asks Jesus which command is the most important. Jesus answers with the Shema (loving God) and adds loving neighbors as oneself, which the scribe affirms as wise.
The Messiah’s Lordship (vv. 35-37): Jesus questions how the Messiah can be David’s son if David calls him “Lord,” challenging the traditional views of the Messiah’s identity.
Warning against the Scribes (vv. 38-40): Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the scribes who love public recognition but exploit others.
The Widow’s Offering (vv. 41-44): Jesus observes a poor widow giving two small coins and praises her for giving all she had, contrasting with the rich who give from their surplus.
The central theme of Mark 12 revolves around the understanding of true devotion to God. It emphasizes that the greatest commandments are to love God wholeheartedly and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. The chapter also critiques religious hypocrisy and highlights the value of genuine faith over outward appearances or wealth. Through parables and direct teachings, Jesus redefines what it means to live righteously, focusing on internal devotion and love rather than external religious practices or status.
Mark 11:24 “Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours.”
click here for today’s passage
Today’s reading begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He rides on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. People spread their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting “Hosanna!” in praise. Following this, Jesus curses a fig tree that bears no fruit, which later withers, symbolizing judgment and teaching on faith.
Next, Jesus enters the temple and drives out those buying and selling, overturning the tables of the money changers because they had made the temple a “den of thieves” rather than a house of prayer. This act illustrates His authority and concern for the sanctity of worship.
The chapter continues with Jesus teaching about faith. He uses the incident of the fig tree to explain the power of faith in prayer, emphasizing that if one has faith and does not doubt, even seemingly impossible things can happen. He also stresses the importance of forgiveness when praying.
The overarching theme of Mark 11 is the authority of Jesus, demonstrated through His actions in Jerusalem, His teaching on faith, and His cleansing of the temple. The chapter underscores the importance of faith, prayer, and the need for spiritual purity in worship, culminating in the lesson that true faith can move mountains if coupled with right motives and forgiveness.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
click here for today’s passage
Jesus teaches on marriage and divorce, blesses children, tells the the story of the rich young ruler, and He predicts His death. He also responds to the disciples’ request for positions of honor in heaven by teaching about servant leadership.
This chapter emphasizes humility, service over authority, the value of all people (especially the marginalized), and the sacrificial nature of true discipleship.
34vQuvxL3xHxRxNbSVTg1xxju7FfkT2fo1
