THE CHURCH IN THE LIGHT OF VATICAN II Flashcards
NATURE OF THE CHURCH
THE CHURCH AS A MYSTERY
THE CHURCH AS A SACRAMENT
It is a reality we can never fully grasp because there is always more to learn
The Church as Mystery
A reality imbued with the hidden presence of God – always open
to new and greater exploration.
The Church as Mystery
The Church is a mystery by reason of
Its origin in the Father’s plan of Salvation.
Its ongoing life in the Risen Christ and the Spirit.
Its Ultimate goal in the fully achieved Kingdom of God.
The Church, in Christ, is the nature of Sacrament – a sign and instrument, that is of communion with God and of unity among men.”
The Church as a Sacrament
It is a sign, which means that it is a reality that points beyond itself.
The Church as a Sacrament
Images of the Church
KINGDOM OF GOD
PEOPLE OF GOD
BODY OF CHRIST
TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The major theme of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels.
KINGDOM OF GOD
is the sign and instrument of the Kingdom of God
Church
Vat. II’s favorite image of the Church
People of God
we offer spiritual worship for the glory of God and salvation of men
Priestly
we give witness to Christ by our understanding of the faith [sensus fidei], and the grace of speech
Prophetic
we share in the power of Christ the king who came to serve and give his life as a ransom for the many” (Mt. 20:28). Thus we serve others, especially the poor and the suffering in whom we recognize the likeness of our poor and suffering Founder
Kingly
ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHURCH’S LIFE
CHURCH AS ONE
THE CHURCH AS HOLY
THE CHURCH AS CATHOLIC
THE CHURCH AS APOSTOLIC
The unity inherent in the Church is derived from its
source, founder and communal life.
The Church as One
From its source, the Church originated from the unity of the trinity: the Father, the Son and the Spirit.
The Church as One
is concerned with restoring unity of the Christian Churches… Efforts include fair and respectful dialogue, working together on projects for the common good and even common prayer
Ecumenism
is a dialogue between the Catholic Church and the non Christian religions, seeking common grounds of unity and holiness.
Inter-religious dialogue
meaning
general, total or universal
CATHOLIC – Gk.” Katholikos
Jesus Christ grounded her permanently on the “foundation of the apostles”
The Church as Apostolic
The Church: A Great Mystery and a Divine Gift
CHURCH AS INSTITUTION
CHURCH AS SACRAMENT
CHURCH AS BODY OF CHRIST/MYSTICAL COMMUNION
CHURCH AS Community/SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
CHURCH AS HERALD
CHURCH AS SERVANT
CHURCH AS PILGRIM
The Church is defined primarily in terms of its visible structures, especially the rights and powers of its hierarchy. Church government is not democratic or representative, but hierarchical.
The Church as Institution
This means the Church is a visible sign of Christ still in the world today! A sign and instrument of Grace in the world. It emphasizes the visible (human) and invisible (Divine) nature of the church
The Church as Sacrament
This model emphasizes community – but it is deeper than that – like a family that is related by DNA, the church is a community that is related by Spirit – we are connected to each other not just by what we say and do but by GOD! We are united to God and to one another. We read in Acts about the followers of Jesus being one in mind and heart.
CHURCH AS BODY OF CHRIST/MYSTICAL COMMUNION
it announces or proclaims the Good News of salvation that God offers to everyone who believes in Him. It is necessary for the Church to be herald because some people have never heard of this Good News. Others may have heard of it partially.
CHURCH AS HERALD
SERVICE OR
diakona
