(October 23, 2016 at 10:15 pm)Jörmungandr Wrote:(October 23, 2016 at 9:58 pm)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: Should not the church provide an example to its followers, though?
It's worth looking at the preceding passage for context.
Quote:16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” 17 And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 Then he *said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man *said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?”
Matthew 19:16-20
So Jesus answer is to how one is to obtain eternal life [in heaven]. This is the same concern that the church has for its members, the body of Christ. Is this responsibility most ably discharged by dispossessing itself of all its possessions? I don't think so. I think that just as a father and mother have a duty to maintain a household for the benefit of their children, the church has a duty to maintain its influence in this world because the eternal fate of many souls depends on it.
So we see that at its root, the church is exercising the same concern which motivated the advice to the man in Matthew. However, the best way to fulfill that concern differs for each. It is not a matter of providing a model for behavior, as both are motivated by the same concern. It's the practical ramifications of their respective responsibilities concerning the issue which are irreconcilably different. It makes no sense for the church to act as just another parishioner given its responsibilities.
You have to look at that passage within the context of Jesus' eschatological views. He wasn't expecting any fancy Catholic building in the far future with men of God wearing exquisite robes and adorned with expensive ornaments. No, he was expecting the end of the world to come in his days.
