Preview

The Mystery of the Church
 

"I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."
John 15:11

Good News

Jesus startled many of the people of his day with his teaching and his work. From the time Jesus appeared in the Temple as a young man, those who heard his message knew that it was unique. The people to whom Jesus reached out were often those who were poor "outsiders," or sinners. Jesus proclaimed the Good News of God the Father's great love for them. This Good News, in turn, caused many people to follow Jesus.

After Jesus' Resurrection, his disciples could not contain themselves with the great news they had witnessed. They preached the Good News in neighboring towns and countries. They eventually wrote down the teachings they had heard in what would come to be known as the "Gospel" or "Good News." The four Gospels reflect the desire of Jesus' disciples to reach specific groups of people in ways that these people could understand, and so learn who Jesus was.

The Image of the Church

Those who received the Good News formed themselves into communities of faith. As time passed, various images helped them understand the new relationship that Christians had with God the Father and his Son, Jesus. As the people of God, these early Christians came to understand life as a pilgrim's journey toward God's heavenly reign.

Reflect

• On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your active participation in the Church?
• How would you describe where you are on your own "pilgrim's journey?"
• What images of the Church help you deepen your faith?

Prayer

Spirit of the living God, fill me with enthusiasm for the Good News and the community of Church. Amen.