THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH:

CHRIST’S BODY, HIS BRIDE, AND THE HOME OF SALVATION

Having considered the Church’s worship in Sacrosanctum concilium, we now begin Lumen gentium, the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.

Our first reading covers Chapter 1, Sections 1-8: “The Mystery of the Church.” We begin with the Church’s source of life: Jesus Christ. Through the images of His Body, His Bride, His flock, and His household, we consider the Church He founded and our call to live faithfully within her.

Together, we will read the document alongside Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Church’s perennial teaching. We will also examine difficult expressions and the objections raised against them, including the phrase “subsists in.” Our purpose is to understand what the document teaches and to deepen our fidelity to Christ and His Church. 

Please read the accompanying Day One reflection: “The Mystery of the Church: Christ’s Body, His Bride, and the Home of Salvation.” Set aside time for the Scripture passages, commentary, and questions for reflection.

As we begin let us thank Our Lord for the gifts of Baptism and the Eucharist, pray for those who teach and govern the Church, and ask for grace to grow in truth, charity, and holiness.

In Christ,

The Pillars of Faith Team