You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, God’s own people…(1 Peter 2:9)

A race, a nation, a people….We are a community; we are Church. Peter goes on to say, Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house…We are as living stones, chosen and fashioned by the builder, united together to form a single, beautiful edifice built upon the cornerstone which is Christ Jesus.

But the Church is not a completed building, a finished community, perfect and enclosed. The Church is ever developing, always adapting herself to the world in which she is a part, continually growing, constantly proclaiming the Good News of the Risen Christ, unceasingly uniting and receiving new members. The Church is a missionary community; we are God’s own people, chosen to proclaim the mighty acts of God. (1 Pe 2:9)

          The Church is a community that prays and celebrates together. Like living stones, you are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Pe 2:5)

It is not sufficient to pray and read the Bible in private. We are a royal priesthood. We are called to celebrate together in community, in our own parish, the Eucharist and the other Sacraments, to hear and reflect on the Word of God.

The Church is a community of service. The Church was instituted to serve the world and promote the Kingdom of God on earth. Jesus, at the last supper, gave the example of service by washing the feet of the disciples. For I have set an example, that you also should do as I have done. (Jo 13:15)