Holy Mother Church

To the media and the outside world, the Church is just an organization like any other organization (albeit with a religious focus and a very, very long history).

Sad to say, even some members of the Church think the same way.

Scripture, however, sees the Church as much, much more than that: it is the Body of Christ and also the Bride of Christ.

The Church is also in a sense the New Jerusalem and it is in this sense that we may see a special layer of meaning in today’s first reading (Isaiah 66:10-14c):

Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,
all you who love her;
exult, exult with her,
all you who were mourning over her!
Oh, that you may suck fully
of the milk of her comfort,
that you may nurse with delight
at her abundant breasts!
For thus says the LORD:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.
As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.

May we never look upon the Church as just another organization.

May we experience the Church as our Holy Mother: from which we receive the love of God and the abundant grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.