Authority

We hear that some of our members have disturbed you with their demands and have unsettled your minds. They acted without any authority from us.
Acts.15:24

Paul and Barnabas return from Jerusalem with a letter from the Apostles addressing concerns over demands being made of believers of pagan birth. The authority of the Apostles settles the matter and leaves the community in great joy.

The fledgling early Church has its first major disagreement over whether pagan believers need to be circumcised. Being made up of human beings this was bound to happen. The discord was resolved by the exercise of authority. 

Human nature needs to be under check. Zeal needs to be harnessed by wisdom. An army without lines of authority is doomed for defeat. The Church Militant is strong when its authority is observed and respected. Disunity among believers is what an unbelieving world finds unbelievable.

I need to come under the authority of my parish priest. As Major Winters said in the movie Band of Brothers, "You salute the rank not the man". I have plans I would like our parish involved in. I need to be patient and wait for his blessing.

Jesus, you declared the Centurion who described himself as a man under authority as having the greatest faith in all Israel. Help me also exercise faith by bowing under authority.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.