Chapter 3 – The Head of the Body Summary
In Chapter Three of “The Mystical Body of Christ,” entitled The Head of the Body, Fulton Sheen discusses the nature of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ. He begins by explaining that the Church is not just a human organization, but a divine organism. It is the body of Christ on earth, and Christ is the head of the body.
Sheen then goes on to discuss the implications of this doctrine for our understanding of the Church. He says that the Church is a mystery, and that we cannot fully understand it. However, we can understand some of its implications.
One implication is that the Church is a unity. Christ is the head of the body, and all of the members of the body are united to Him. This unity is reflected in the sacraments, which are the means by which we are united to Christ and to each other.
Another implication is that the Church is a living organism. It is not a dead organization, but a body that is constantly growing and developing. This growth is driven by the Holy Spirit, who is the soul of the body.
Sheen concludes the chapter by discussing the importance of the Eucharist for the Mystical Body of Christ. He says that the Eucharist is the sacrament that unites us to Christ and to each other in a special way. When we receive the Eucharist, we are not just receiving a piece of bread and wine. We are receiving the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ.
The Eucharist is also a sacrifice. When we celebrate the Eucharist, we are participating in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This sacrifice unites us to Christ’s redemptive work and makes us one with Him in His death and resurrection.
Sheen says that the Eucharist is the source of all of the Church’s life and grace. It is the sacrament that makes the Church the Mystical Body of Christ.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post