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.”299 All members of the Church, including her ministers, must acknowledge that they are sinners.300 In everyone, the weeds of sin will still be mixed with the good wheat of the Gospel until the end of time.301 Hence 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
327. What is the office confided to a Bishop in a particular Church?
151. In what way is the Church a mystery?
479. How are the bodies of the deceased to be treated?
397. How does sin proliferate?
81. What is the meaning of the name “Jesus”?
108. Why did Jesus manifest the Kingdom by means of signs and miracles?
595. How is forgiveness possible?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the message behind the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican?
What does the phrase “we live by faith, not by sight” in 2 Corinthians 5:7 mean?
What was David’s attitude toward Mephibosheth, and what can we learn from this story?
What is the story of Abimelech and forgiveness in Judges 9:22-57?
How important is courage and boldness according to Proverbs 28:1?
The power of community: the unity of the Jewish people in Esther (Esther 9:1-5)
What is the story of the healing of the bleeding woman in Mark 5:25-34?
