CC 10 …. Did St.Paul have in mind a ‘future’ for the Church ?
Yes, in fact, during his imprisonment, when he had practically lost all hope of regaining his freedom, or of living much longer, Paul wrote to Timothy to proceed with the appointment of other men, to whom he could transmit the same ministry which he (Timothy) had received from the Apostle.
“You, then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me, before many witnesses, entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2Tim. 2: 1 – 2)
THE APOSTOLIC LINE OF SUCCESSION
So the links in the chain / line of succession increase as the years roll on. It is an unbroken chain, which, beginning from the Apostles, personally chosen, authorized and sent by the Lord Jesus, must go on through their legitimate successors, “even till the end of time.” (Mt.28:20)
Why is this line of succession so important ?
The Apostolic Succession is essential to verify the authenticity of the preacher and his message. Anyone who is outside this unbroken line, has evidently NOT received any mandate from Christ Himself, to proclaim the Gospel (Mk. 3: 14). He would simply be ‘self-appointed’, which bears, holds, NO VALUE and NO AUTHORITY.
Furthermore, he does not enjoy the assistance Jesus promised to those He Himself has chosen, assuring them of His presence “till the end of time” (Mt.28: 19 – 20; Mk. 16:15)
Listening to one outside the Apostolic Succession is listening to a mere man, and NOT to Christ. The Master speaks through, and identifies Himself ONLY with those whom He had personally chosen: “He who hears you, hears Me.” (Lk. 10: 16) /CC 11
Extracts by kind permission of HG Mons. Sylvester Magro ofm, Apostolic Nuncio of Benghazi.
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