Reflections on Article 777 of the Catechism

Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

My dear Parishioners,

Peace! The ninth article of the Apostle’s Creed is “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.” There are thirty-five (35) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding this article of the Creed. The following is a reflection on article 777.

As a foundation for our understanding of the ‘Church’ we should consider the meaning of the term and its designation. There are three (3) terms to consider here: convocation, assembly, People of God. There are two (2) further Eucharistic references as concerns the Church as the Body of Christ which are pertinent.

The word ‘church’ means ‘convocation.’ Who has done the calling together? God, specifically, Jesus Christ, true God and true man has called and continues to call together those who believe in Him (cf. Matthew 4:19; 11:28; 19:14, 21…). Together, these faithful people make up the Church.

Jesus Christ who is the Word of God made flesh calls us together to be His people. There is a ‘double meaning’ to the phrase ‘Word of God’ which is missed, seemingly, by some. The primary sense of the phrase refers to Jesus Himself, the Word made flesh (cf. John 1:1-14). Secondarily, the phrase ‘Word of God’ refers to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible (cf. Ephesians 6:17). The book does not call us together but the Primary Author of the Sacred Scripture does, namely God. The best place for us to hear and read His book is among His people, the Church.

When the term ‘assembly’ is used in reference to the Church it is important to distinguish the assembly of God which is the Church from an assembly at a sporting event, musical performance, or school setting. Many a gathering may be had, but it is those gatherings called for by God that are properly the assembly of God, the Church (cf. Luke 22:19-20).

The phrase ‘People of God’ is also used to designate the Church. As the people of God we have no part with false gods or idols but have become temples of the living God who dwells within us (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:16). In the Old Testament we read of Israel as the People of God (cf. Exodus 3:12; 5:1; 6:7; 7:16; 9:1, 13; 10:3; 18:1; 32:11; Deuteronomy 7:6; 9:26; 14:2, 21; 26:19; 27:9; 28:9…). The Church is the new People of God, the new Israel (cf. Hebrews 8:8-13; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Revelation 21:3).

Without the Eucharist, the sacramental Body of Christ, the Church as the mystical Body of Christ withers from lack of nourishment. The Church is referred to as the Body of Christ, repeatedly throughout the New Testament (cf. Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; Ephesians 3:6; 4:12; Colossians 1:24). The Lord Himself refers to the reality of the Eucharist as His body and blood and that unless we eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood we will not have true life within us (cf. John 6:53-55).

God bless you!

Father John Arthur Orr