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