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Lumen Gentium
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church
Lumen GentiumWhy is it important we know what Church
is?Understanding who are the Church & what
is the Church influences how the Church understands itself and it’s relation with world
Influences understanding of 1. nature of salvation outside the Church;2. the approach towards other religions or
ecumenicalism3. the collegiate of bishops4. the purpose of the liturgy5. the role of the laity
Lumen GentiumBackground to Vatican II Document Lumen
GentiumJohn XXIII in preparation for this topic received over
9000 documents on what the Church isMajor themes of the draft document on Church
1. Nature of Church Militant2. Authority of Bishops & Obedience3. Need of Church for salvation4. Highest office of Church was ordinate
(bishops)5. Religious tolerance
This draft was rejected by the Council Fathers!
Lumen GentiumDraft rejected by majority of bishopsLack organic unity & ignored living
structure of ChurchBishops wanted emphasis on “communion”
& not on hierarchy structure of ChurchFocus on outward role of Church; rejected
inward lookingCorporate Nature of Church as Light to the
WorldRejection of clericalism & legalism approach
Lumen GentiumLumen Gentium keystone of Vatican II
CouncilDeals with Nature & Purpose of ChurchCommunion, meaning fellowship is
central & fundamental foundation of Church “I no longer call you servants, but friends” John 15:15
Communion with God through Scripture & Sacraments
Mystery of Church not fully comprehended by humans as founded by God & work of God’s grace (art 6 gives many images of Church)
Themes of Lumen GentuimWhat is the Church? Church is organic as it continues to growChurch reflects the Light of ChristChurch exists to bring people into
communion with God & each otherChurch is source of union & rallying point for
humanityAll are called to belong to ChurchArt 6 gives different images of Church – field,
vineyard to give different insights to traits of Church
Themes of Lumen GentiumWhat is the Church?Sign and instrument of communion with
God & unity of all – Church is SacramentMakes visible the invisible & visible
structure communicates the TruthVisible & Invisible elements show Divine &
human nature of ChurchChurch is People of God, chosen by God,
called to salvation & to proclaim Gospel for salvation of World
Lumen GentiumChapter 1 – Mystery of the Church
Art 2: Church found in Old Testament (present in figure) in the history of Israel and old Alliance (covenant)
Art 3: Jesus to carry out Will of the Father inaugurated Kingdom of God on earth; the Church!
Origin & Growth of Church symbolized by blood & water that flowed from Jesus side John 19:34
Art 4: Father sends Holy Spirit on Pentecost to continue to sanctify Church; guiding Church to all Truth
Nature of Church Reflects Trinity
Lumen Gentium Chapter 2 – The People of God
Church exists for Salvation: Is Salvation possible outside the Church?
Reformation & Council of TrentProtestant idea of Church was invisible union of
for members of Church were God’s electCatholic response in Trent was on visible
membership of Church for Salvation with bishops, laws & creeds
No salvation outside the ChurchYet many elements of Church found outside
Church – Scripture, acts of Charity
Lumen GentiumTime of Council:
Tension between Church as source of Salvation & no salvation outside the Church
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. 1Peter 9
Art 14: Catholic Church a “pilgrim” church & Christ necessary for salvation; those fully incorporated into Church access to all means of Salvation
Art 14: Fully incorporation without charity – not saved (rejection of “faith” alone); sacraments not automatic path to Heaven
Lumen GentiumIs Salvation possible outside the Church?
Art 15: Church joined to those who are baptized & hold Sacred Scripture in honor as rule of Faith & Life, celebrate the Eucharist & honor Mary are recognized as part of the “invisible” Church
Art 16: “those who have not received the Gospel are related to the People of God in various ways” – those of the Jewish and Islamic traditions; those who seek with a sincere heart, moved by grace and try in their actions to do His will
Fullness of Christ resided in Church, but does not exclude elements of Faith & Truth found outside
Church
Lumen GentiumIs there need then to evangelize?
Art 17: the Son himself sent the apostles saying, “go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” John 20:21
Art 17: The Church is driven, to do her part to realize the plan of God in its fullness for the salvation of the world
Art 17: Each disciple of Christ has the obligation of spreading the faith to the best of their ability
All elements – belief, desire and charity are considered by the Church to be a preparation for the Gospel
Lumen GentiumChapter 5 The Call to Holiness
Art 39: Christ gave himself up for the Church; therefore all in the Church, whether they belong the hierarchy or cared for by it, are called to holiness.
Art 40: “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” Matthew 5:48
Art 40: All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life
Art 41: “each one according to their own gifts & duties, must steadfastly advance along the way of a living faith
All are called to holiness, regardless of state or condition of life, not just ordained & religious
Lumen Gentium“God is loves, and he who abides in loves
abides in God and God abides in him” 1John 4:16
Art 42: First & most necessary gift is Charity by which we show love to God & our neighbor; but if to grow necessary to hear Word of God; frequent participation in the Sacraments, prayer, service & self denial
Chapters 3, 4 & 6 deal with they Hierarchy, Laity & Religious as components of what
make the Church
Lumen GentiumChapter VIII – Our Lady
Initially at the Council, there was a call for a separate document on Mary, Mother of Gods
But recognized Mary, Mother of God as example for the Church, the People of God in her fellowship with us!
Biblical references of Lumen Gentium allows Mary to be understood in Scriptural terms
Lumen Gentium Chapter VIII powerful treatment of Catholic understanding of Mary & essential reading for any Marian follower.
Lumen GentiumChapter VIII – Our Lady
God sent His Son… born of a woman.. Gal 4:4Art 52: “He, for us men and our salvation, came
down from Heaven and was incarnated by the Holy Spirit for the Virgin Mary” – the faithful recognize Mary’s role
Art 53: Acknowledged & honored as Mother of God & of the Redeemer; & been of the family of Adam, she is united to all who are to be saved
Art 55: Articles of both Old & New Testament show role of Mary in the plan of Salvation – Gen 3:15; Is 7:14; Matt 1:22-23
Lumen GentiumChapter VIII – Our Lady
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
1Tim2:5Art 60: Mary’s function as mother in on way
obscures or diminished this mediator role of Christ, but rather shows its power; Mary influence originates in the disposition of God & flows from the superabundance of the merits of Christ, depending on His role as mediator
Lumen GentiumChapter VIII – Our Lady
Art 62: The Virgin Mary is given many titles such as Advocate and Helper but this “neither takes away anything from nor adds anything to the dignity and efficacy of Christ as the one Mediator”
Art 62: “No creature could ever be counted along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer, but just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by His ministers & the faithful….gives rise to a sharing in the one source
Church doe not hesitate to profess subordinate role of Mary
Lumen GentiumWork of the Holy SpiritCouncil is Faith Event where Church is guided by
the Holy SpiritAfter first draft of Lumen Gentium which gave
attention to hierarchy & sacramental nature of Church, speech given by Cardinal Suenens highlighted the charismatic nature of Church
Art 12: “Allotting his gifts according as He will (Cor 12:11), He also distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank… for the renewal & building up of the Church… “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for profit”
Lumen GentiumWork of the Holy Spirit & The Charismatic
Movement• Nature of Church is charismatic Catholic Catechism 749• Charismatic movements recognized by Pope John Paul II
in St. Peter’s Square in 1998 – Year of the Holy Spirit; gave recognition to charismatic movements
• Institution & Charismatic c0essential to Church’s nature• Since Vatican II, vast outpouring of grace with growth in
lay & religious movements• Existence of Third Orders groups lay foundation for
explosion of groups after Vatican II Council
Lumen GentiumSummaryUnderstanding what the Church is helps us
understanding role & mission of ChurchChurch as sign & instrument of GodFellowship or communion as Church reflects
communion or fellowship found within the Trinity
ALL are called to holiness, with Mary as example of response to this call
Lumen Gentium lays ground work for other documents & later encyclicals