CODE OF CANON LAW
This lecture was given to us by Fr. Dominic on Saturday, 30 October 2010. I came with the pre-conceived idea that the lecture would be dry as dust considering the subject. I should have known better. With Fr. Dominic taking this course I ought to have known that he would bring his own personal charisma to the table and make the talk not only informative but very interesting as well. In fact, to be honest, it was a lot of fun.
Father began the talk with a very encouraging quote for us catechists from the book of Daniel Chapter 12:3
"Those who acquired knowledge will shine like the brilliance of the firmament; those who taught people to be just will shine like the stars for all eternity."
The Code of Canon Law is the book of fixed rules. The Catholic Church is guided by it. It contains 1752 laws. The last law Canon 1752 says that Canon Law is for the salvation of souls. ... canonical equity is to be observed, and the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one's eyes." ...
As the supreme purpose is to lead us all to heaven.
Father elaborated on 14 points which highlighted the salient features of the new code of canon law and how it was first initiated in the pontificate of Blessed Pope John XXIII, continued through the pontificate of Pope Paul VI and reached its conclusion in the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. The pontificate of Pope John Paul I lasted for only a month before JP II became Pope.
- The old Canon Law was introduced in 1917. In 1959 Pope John XXIII, announced for the first time his decision to reform the existing canon which had been promulgated (a fancy word for 'formally proclaimed), on the feast of Pentecost in the year 1917.
- A journey had drawn to a conclusion on 03 February 1983 when the New Code of Canon Law was presented to the public in the Hall of Benedictions.
- JP II on this occassion repeated the phrase that led to the conversion of St. Augustine of Hippo (Algeria), who is considered the greatest mind of all time, "Tolle et lege," which means take and read. The Code should be read by all God's people and should encourage us to, "Give up all evil and take up the road of Jesus Christ." As St. Paul exhorts us.
- The only official and binding version of the Code is the Latin text which is the official language of the Vatican.
- The 1983 Code of Canon Law, replaces the 1917 Code of Canon Law as the Church saw a need to update it according to the needs of the changing world.
- For the first time permission was given by the Pope to change it into the vernacular, so tat all could read it.
- Blessed Pople John XXIII is the originator of the review of the code in 1959. He was inspired by the Holy Spirit. As JP II wrote in his Apostolic Constitution, SACRAE DISCIPLINAE LEGES, "It is clear to everyone that John XXIII's intuition was very true, and with good reason it must be said that his decision was for the good of the Church in the long term."
- The Code is the heritage of the laws contained in the books from the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is from the Bible that the juridical and legislative tradition of the Church is derived. The Old Testament is a preparation for the coming of the greatest Son of Israel - the only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is the promise, the New Testament is the fulfillment.
- Jesus did not in the least wish to destroy the rich heritage of the Law and the Prophets but He brought it to completion in a way that is more sublime. Matthew 5:17, "Do not think that I have come to remove the Law and the Prophets. I have not come to remove but to fulfill them ."
- The Code is based on the juridical and legislative heritage of Revelation (Scripture) amd Tradition (Unwritten Word of God handed down to us by the Apostles.)
- It is the essential instrument for the preservation of right order in the Church to enable her exercise all the functions which have been divinely entrusted to her, such as, the administration of the sacraments, justice based upon charity, rights of individuals guaranteed and well defined, and common initiatives undertaken so that the faithful may be assisted in living a Christian life by striving for perfection, strengthened, sustained and encouraged by these laws.
- The purpose of the Code (Book) is to present to all the members of the people of God with th eir duries and rights in their three fold office of preistly (spiritual sacrifice) prophetic (teaching the word and speaking the message of God) and kingly (being able to judge and discern between right and wrong and make the right choices.)
- The Canonical laws by their very nature demand observance.
- The purpose of the Code is to fervently promote the salvation of souls.
The Code was presented by JP II on 25/01/1983. 25th January is an important date in salvation history as it is the day of the greatest conversion that ever took place - the conversion of St. Paul who is revered as the greatest saint of all time. He has influenced the Church with his 13 letters. Jesus said of him, "I have chosen him to be the instrument of my salvation."
The New Code of Canon Law took effect on 27th November 1983 which was the 1st day of Advent. The Church year begins with the 1st Sunday of Advent.
THE OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF THE LAY CHRISTIAN FAITHFUL ARE CONTAINED IN (Cann. 224 - 231)
Three important Laws of the Church concerning the obligations and rights of all the Christian faithful are mentioned here:
Can. 219 All the Christian faithful have the right to be free from any kind of coercion in choosing a state of life.
Can. 220 No one is permitted to harm illegitimately the good reputation which a person possesses nor to injure the right of any person to protect his or her own privacy.
Can. 225 §1. Since, like all the Christian faithful, lay persons are designated by God for the apostolate through baptism and confirmation, they are bound by the general obligation and possess the right as individuals, or joined in associations, to work so that the divine message of salvation is made known and accepted by all persons everywhere in the world. This obligation is even more compelling in those circumstances in which only through them can people hear the gospel and know Christ.
By the fact of our baptism and confirmation we are soldiers of Christ and we are to defend our Catholic faith by our good example. We must portray a Catholic way of living in our dress, speech, behavior if we are to be considered serious soldiers of God.
The laity are able to go where the priest cannot go and thus be witnesses of Christ.
And lastly we must remember the words of St. Peter in 1 Peter 3:15, " But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
