827. “Christ, ‘holy, innocent, and undefiled,’ knew nothing of sin, but came only to expiate the sins of the people. the Church, however, clasping sinners to her bosom, at once holy and always in need of purification, follows constantly the path of penance and renewal.”299All members of the Church, including her ministers, must acknowledge that they are sinners.300In everyone, the weeds of sin will still be mixed with the good wheat of the Gospel until the end of time.301Hence the Church gathers sinners already caught up in Christ’s salvation but still on the way to holiness:
The Church is therefore holy, though having sinners in her midst, because she herself has no other life but the life of grace. If they live her life, her members are sanctified; if they move away from her life, they fall into sins and disorders that prevent the radiation of her sanctity. This is why she suffers and does penance for those offenses, of which she has the power to free her children through the blood of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit.302
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
394. How are sins distinguished according to their gravity?
180. How is the collegial dimension of Church ministry carried out?
3. How is it possible to know God with only the light of human reason?
556. What is the prayer of praise?
127. What are the signs that bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus?
90. Did the incarnate Son of God have a soul with human knowledge?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
God’s Law and Justice: Exploring Their Relationship (Deuteronomy 16:18-20)
What can we learn about the desire to always be with a loved one from Songs 3:1-5 and 6:1-3?
How important is the Word of God in the Christian life according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17?
How can wisdom protect us from evil, as revealed in Wisdom 7:28-29?
