The Council of Jerusalem, recalled in our readings these last few days, (Acts 15:1-29}, opened the church to the peoples of the world. Over the centuries church councils, as instruments of the Holy Spirit, have guided generations of Christians on their journey to the Kingdom of God. It’s important to study them when we hear, as we do today,  criticisms of the Second Vatican Council, which the Catholic Church follows in our time.

  Early 4th century councils, like Nicea, Ephesus and Chalcedon explored the mystery of  the Trinity and the mystery of Christ. We still recite creeds that summarize their teaching. Churches like St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major in Rome recall their work. The good resulting from these councils was not immediately obvious, however. Only in time do councils unfold and reveal their gifts.

The Council of Trent (1545-63), gave us decrees and a catechism for renewing  the church following the Protestant Reformation. The basilica of St. Peter was rebuilt at the time under the leadership of the popes. The council’s calls for reform were not immediately or easily implemented.

The First Vatican Council  (1869-70) continued Trent’s efforts of reform, but was abruptly cut short due to the political situation of the time.  Fr. John O’Malley, SJ, an historian of the councils, gives a short history of the First Vatican Council. 

The Second Vatican Council

The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) was convened by Pope John XXIII to update church practices, foster the reunion of Christian churches and contribute to the well being of the modern world. Its decrees provide a path for the Catholic Church into the future; it shapes the decisions and actions of our church today. 

There was much interest and hope among Catholics for the Second Vatican Council as it ended, but that interest declined, in fact some now see the council as a failure. Like all the great councils, however, the Second Vatican Council must be seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, who works in God’s time and not ours.  Here’s Bishop Barron: 

The Second Vatican Council shaped Catholic life through its reform of the church’s liturgy. The renewed liturgy of Vatican II is the primary prayerbook and the basic catechism of the Catholic Church. 

How is it our prayerbook? We celebrate the mystery of the Risen Christ each Sunday and every day of the year in prayer and sacraments. To know the Risen Christ the council called for a liturgy enriched by the treasures of the scriptures. It accepted insights into scripture that modern studies provide. From a church strongly tied to devotional prayer, the council provided a liturgical prayer rooted in God’s word so that the faithful could engage wisely in the modern world. 

How is it our catechism? The council affirmed the faith found in all the councils of the past. At the same time, It called for a church that is the people of God, united under its pastors, and so asked for a church where all its members have their voices heard and their gifts accepted.

If we look at the history of previous councils, a council’s work is never immediately evident or fulfilled. A council takes time to unfold. This blog is a humble attempt to follow the path of Vatican II.