When we speak of “the Church,” many of us first imagine a place — a building with a cross on top, where people gather to pray. But in Scripture, the Church is not defined by walls or stones. It is first and foremost a people — a community of believers called together by God to live in communion with Him and with one another.
In the New Testament, the word “Church” comes from the Greek ekklesia, meaning “those who are called out.” The Church, then, is the assembly of those called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus Himself spoke of this when He told Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church” (Matthew 16:18). The Church is His creation, His Body, and His Bride — founded not by human effort but by the will and love of Christ.
Saint Paul helps us see this mystery more deeply: “Now you are the Body of Christ, and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each believer, through baptism, becomes part of this living Body. The head is Christ, and every member has a unique role. Some are called to teach, others to serve, others to pray — but all are united by the same Spirit. The Church is not an organization we join; it is a life we share in Christ.
The Church also has a visible and sacramental reality. In Acts 2, we see the first Christian community gathering to pray, to break bread, and to listen to the apostles’ teaching. From that moment, the Church became both spiritual and visible — a sign of God’s kingdom on earth. The sacraments, the Word of God, and the communion of believers are all ways Christ remains present through His Church.
To belong to the Church, then, is not merely to attend Sunday Mass or belong to a denomination. It means to live as part of a family where Christ is the center — to share faith, love, and mission together. The Church is Christ’s hands and heart in the world, sent to bring the Good News to all people.
The Church is not far from us; we are the Church when we live in Christ’s love. May we remember that each act of faith, mercy, and unity builds up His Body on earth — until the day we are all gathered in His eternal communion.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
