Understanding the Church
as the
Mystical Body of Christ
Dual Nature of the Church
1) The Catechism begins its teaching on the Church by stating clearly
that “Christ is the light of humanity” (CCC 748).
✓ It follows that the Church, which reflects Christ, shares in that light
— not by her own merit, but because of her union with Christ.
The Church is presented as:
❑ Visible: A structured society with bishops, priests, lay faithful,
sacraments, liturgies, and Canon Law.
❑ Invisible: A spiritual communion with the Trinity, the angels,
saints, and souls united by grace.
What is the “Church”?
1) Church (English) derives from the Greek word kyriakon — meaning
“belonging to the Lord.”
The Greek New Testament word ekklesia is used to describe the
Church:
✓ Ek = out of
✓ Kalein = to call
✓ ekklesia means “those who are called out” — to form a sacred
assembly of God's people.
❑ In Hebrew, the concept corresponds to qahal, the assembly of Israel.
Church as Sign and Instrument (CCC 775)
• The Church is not just a symbol; she is a sacrament herself.
• CCC 775 says:
“The Church, in Christ, is like a sacrament—a sign and instrument,
that is, of communion with God and of unity among all men.”
• The Church makes visible the hidden mystery of divine communion.
Why both human and divine?
✓ Human: so we can see, hear, and belong.
✓ Divine: so it can be effective in bringing us to salvation.
Analogy to the Incarnation
• Just as Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, so too the
Church participates in this mystery:
• Jesus = God made flesh.
• Church = The Body of Christ visible in history and time.
• The Church is not perfect in its human members — but holy
in its divine origin.
• Understanding this dual nature helps us love the Church
despite its faults, while remaining in awe of its divine mission.
The Mystical Body of Christ
CCC 787–795: Foundational Teachings
❑ Jesus began to form His Body, the Church, during His
earthly ministry by calling disciples and forming a
community.
❑ After His death and resurrection, the Church was born
through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
❑ This Body is mystical because it transcends mere physical
association—it's a spiritual, supernatural union.
What Does “Mystical” Mean?
❑ From the Greek word mystikos, meaning “hidden” or
“spiritual.”
❑ The term “Mystical Body” does not mean
metaphorical—it means a real but spiritual body,
formed and sustained by grace.
❑ This mystery is “hidden with Christ in God”
(Colossians 3:3), but made visible through faith and
sacraments.
Biblical Foundation: 1 Corinthians 12:27
❑ “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members
of it.”
❑ St. Paul explains how believers are not separate units but
interconnected parts of one living organism:
❑ Eye, hand, foot, ear — all different but necessary (1 Cor
12:12–26).
❑ Each member serves the whole body and cannot say to the
other: “I don’t need you.”
If the Church is a
body, then Christ
is the head.
Christ is the Head
1) As the Head, Christ governs, nourishes, and unites the Church
(CCC 792).
Ephesians 1:22-23:
“And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the
head over all things for the Church, which is his body...”
1) Without the Head, the Body is lifeless. Likewise, without
Christ, the Church loses its true identity and purpose.
The Church as Christ’s Presence in the World
1) CCC 795:
“Christ and his Church thus together make up the ‘whole Christ’
(Christus totus).”
❑ St. Augustine says:
“Let us rejoice then and give thanks that we have become not only
Christians, but Christ himself.”
✓ The members are united with Christ so intimately that His
mission is now ours — to love, to serve, to proclaim the
Kingdom.
Points for reflection…
1) When we receive the sacraments,
especially the Eucharist, we are drawn
deeper into this living Body.
2) Being part of the Mystical Body means
we are never isolated — our joys and
sufferings are shared with the whole
Church, and we are called to build up one
another in love.
Unity and Diversity
The Church as the Mystical Body of
Christ is one and united, but this
unity includes a beautiful diversity of
members, roles, vocations, and
gifts—all working together
harmoniously.
CCC 791: The Body is One, but Has Many Parts
1) The Catechism, drawing from 1 Corinthians, teaches that:
“The body’s unity does not do away with the diversity of its
members.”
1) Each baptized person is a member of Christ’s Body, with a
distinct mission and charism (gift) to offer.
2) This diversity is not a threat to unity—it's essential to the
richness of the Church.
Etymology of ‘Unity’ and ‘Diversity’
1) Unity: from Latin unitas, meaning “oneness,
harmony.”
2) Diversity: from Latin diversitas, from divertere –
“to turn in different directions.”
3) The Church embraces different directions (paths,
gifts) without breaking unity.
Unity and Diversity
Unity Through the Holy Spirit
1) The Holy Spirit is like the soul of the Church, animating each
part while preserving harmony.
2) CCC 813 affirms:
“The Church is one because of her source: the unity of the Trinity of
Persons in one God... her founder: Jesus Christ... and her soul: the
Holy Spirit.”
Even though people come from different cultures, races, languages,
and social status, the Spirit makes them one in faith and mission.
Roles and Vocations in the Church
1) St. Paul explains (Romans 12:4–8) that we have different
functions:
2) Some are teachers, others are preachers, healers, leaders,
caregivers, artists, administrators, or contemplatives, etc.
3) CCC 873 emphasizes the distinction between clergy, laity, and
consecrated life — but all are equal in dignity.
4) Vatican II (Lumen Gentium, 32):
“There is, therefore, in Christ and in the Church no inequality
arising from race or nationality, social condition or sex.”
Practical Analogy: The Human Body
1) Just as your hand, eye, and heart have different tasks but
belong to one body, the Church thrives when each member
contributes their unique gifts.
2) Division begins when members want the same role or think
their task is superior or inferior.
In the Church, we are not all called to be the same, but we
are all called to belong and contribute.
AD
MAJOREM
DEI
GLORIAM
Questions
from the
class…
AD
MAJOREM
DEI
GLORIAM
NOTE:
Mag review kayo. All
questions were taken from
this file. Lalo na sa
objective parts. However,
essay questions are both
objective and subjective.
