Posted by: Jennifer Martinez on: Saturday, 7 February 2009
My notes on Father Mark Lawlor’s “Pastor’s Reflection” from 18 Jan 2009:
The English word “Catholic” is originally from the Greek word Katholikos, which means universal or whole. The word “church” is from the Latin word Ecclesia, which in scripture refers to the gathered assembly of God.
The Catholic Church, therefore, refers to the Universal People of God. Consider the following three states of the church:
* Church Triumphant – the Saints in Heaven
* Church Suffering – - the souls in purgatory
* Church Militant – the faithful on earth