16. The Church

16. THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST, IS A SIGN OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH.
Compendium 147-160 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,26-27
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and Mary and the mission of the Church began in earnest. Christ lives and acts in and with his church, especially through the preaching of the Word and the Sacraments. "Ekklesia" are those who are called and gathered in Faith and Baptism to become children of God, members of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit. As members of Christ we are called to live our vocation, faithfully and robustly, for the common good.
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" Matthew 28:16-17
The Church does not only point to the Kingdom of God, it is the Kingdom of God in seed form, teaching us to live in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
We are called to live the new commandment of love, to be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, leading all to God's Kingdom already begun on earth.
The Church is the Body of Christ and we are the members of that Body. The Church is the Bride of Christ and we are the children of that Bride. The Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit and we are the living stones of that Temple through Faith, Worship and Service, through the Sacraments and sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.