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Church and Sacrament Report
Church and Sacrament Report
The Church's remote preparation began with the call of Abraham to be the
"father of many nations" (Gen 12:2, 15:5-6). The immediate preparation for the
Church was God's election of Israel. However, the prophets accused Israel of
breaking the Covenant and prophesied the new and eternal Covenant (Jn 31:31-
34) instituted by Christ.
The Church is born from Christ's total self-giving. The blood and water flowing
from Christ's side symbolize the origin and the growth of the Church. Just as Eve
came from the side of Adam, so the Church came from the side of Christ.
The Spirit gives the Church hierarchical and charismatic gifts. Endowed with
these powers, the Church receives the mission to proclaim and establish the
Kingdom of God among all peoples.