Corpus Ecclesia: Body of Christ

By Michael Edwards

We suffer a loss of our ancient understanding that language and speech provide. That is, a clear appreciation of what St. Thomas Aquinas called elementum lacutionus seu vocus, the element of speech or of the word. Of these ecclesia, like logos, means far more than the English translation implies. Ecclesia is the mystical body of the Universal Church, the corporate body of all believers in Christ as Logos, archetype and architect of the world.

Joining in this, the true communion, immerses the devotee in the fullness of his redemptive power. As soul, each of us becomes one in Christ, pure and without blemish. The transformation from corrupt to purified being comes from being born of earth, cleansed by rebirth in the holy waters, and purified and uplifted by fire and divine breath. Together we contribute to the presence of Truth in the world, being participants in the mystery of the action of God in the world.

Some like Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection left letters recording his transformation in The Practice of the Presence of God. But, within personal devotions, each participates in the community as outward extensions, becoming aware of gifts of grace showered on body and mind by the mercy of God. Among these gifts of grace, wisdom bestows a clarity of understanding available to all in need and willing to devote themselves to bathing in her sacred waters. Lifted into true knowledge of divine truth, devoted to love and charity, our outer works measure out the secret gifts provisioned by Christ. He is the consciousness and intelligence acknowledging our lives. It seems proper for us to likewise join in acknowledging his presence and Kingdom on Earth, as it is in Heaven. In doing so, the mystical bonds of brothers and sisters in Christ create continuum and wholeness. When we participate in his kingdom, we may begin to access our collective wisdom body. Only then may we consciously return our attentions to the world of appearances and fill it with his presence and grace.

May the Spirit of God be with you all.