Spiritual Presence of Christ in the Church - Fr. Nick Vance

In this episode Fr. Nick Vance, associate pastor at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota looks at Newman’s 1838 sermon “Spiritual Presence of Christ in the Church.” Fr. Nick unpacks Newman’s words: “The Holy Spirit causes, faith welcomes the indwelling of Christ in the heart.” In other words, The Holy Spirit makes the presence of Christ within you a reality. Newman tells us that the indwelling of Christ is made possible by the paradox that it is better for us that Christ ascended to The Father. Newman tells us that we enjoy a more real possession of Him than when He walked the earth because it is spiritual, because it is invisible. The invisible spiritual reality enables Christ to be with each of us today. Fr Nick shares an ancient metaphor that speaks of The Holy Spirit as an engagement ring – a present participation in a future fulfillment. The ring is a tangible reminder of that veiled reality that the bride will one day find fulfilled. The Holy Spirit functions, among other things, as a reminder of what we one day shall become. A reminder that Christ’s words ring true, “I will not leave you as orphans.” This is a present participation in a future reality – to be with the Lord in heaven. Our participation in the Lord here and now is an anticipation of complete participation in heaven. We are in this privileged place of knowledge of Christ without sight. Christ is more powerfully present to us in His sacramental presence. Our hearts burn with love for God when we realize the spiritual presence of Christ in His Church and in us.  

To approach Newman's majestic thought it is highly recommended to download the formatted sermon at www.newmanontap.com. Comments and suggestions are appreciated on the same site.