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Handout #285 |
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Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen gentium |
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Chapter II The People of God
9. God has willed to make men whole and save them, not as individuals without any bond or link between them, but rather to make them into a people who might acknowledge him and serve him in holiness ... Christ called a race made up of Jews and Gentiles which would be one, not according to the flesh, but in the Spirit, and this race would be the new people of God For those who believe in Christ, who are reborn, not from a corruptible seed, but from an incorruptible one through the word of the living God (I Peter 1. 23), not from flesh but from water and the Holy Spirit (John 3.5 -6),are finally established as 'A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation ... Who in times past were not a people, but now are the People of God (1 Peter 2.9-10). That messianic people, although it does not actually include all men, and at times may appear as a small flock, is however, a most sure seed of unity, hope and salvation for the whole human race. Established by Christ as a communion of life, love and truth, it is taken up by him also as the instrument for the salvation of all, as the light of the world and the salt of the earth (cf. Matt.5.13-16) it is sent forth into the whole world . Destined to extend to all regions of the earth, it enters into human history, though it transcends at once all times and all racial boundaries. Advancing through trials and tribulations, the Church is strengthened by God's grace, promised to her by the Lord so that she may not waver from perfect fidelity, but remain the worthy bride of the Lord, ceaselessly renewing herself through the action of the Holy Spirit until, through the cross, she may attain to that light which knows no setting. |
