Day 11: Cooperatio in Externis

“It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more,
with knowledge and all discernment.” (Philippians 1:9)

Faithful preachers carefully avoid unionism
        that the Truth not be compromised.
With equal zeal, they seek opportunities for cooperation
        that the Truth not be confined.

From establishing crisis pregnancy centers,

        to participation in the National March for Life,

                advocacy for the lives of others often requires us to work with those of other faiths.

 

Discerning faithful cooperation from unfaithful communion

        can mean the difference between helping a neighbor in need

                or denying help to the dying.

 

Thanks be to God that the Church has been blessed with a most clear and useful distinction. The distinction between communion in sacred things and cooperation in external things (Communio in sacris, cooperatio in externis) has been in the Church for many centuries and has guided Lutherans since the days of Martin Luther.

Let us diligently study this distinction and make proper use of it. Not only will it keep us both engaged in the world, and faithful to Christ, it will also enable us to teach the truth to many who join us in the advocacy for life.

O God, from whom all good things do come: grant to us, Thy humble servants; that by Thy holy inspiration we may think those things that be right and by Thy merciful guiding may perform the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.