Obecność nieobecnego. „A oto Ja jestem z wami przez wszystkie dni” (Mt 28, 20b)

Abstract

After the resurrection, leaving this world, on the day of his Ascension, Jesus Christ assures the Apostles of his presence in the Church which He founded. Although absent in the historical dimension from earthly reality, He is still present, in various ways, in the Church which is His Body, as the Head of this Body. Also other terms-images of the Church such as Sheepfold, God’s Building, Vineyard, Lamb’s Bride and God’s People point to his presence. In addition, the Saviour is present in the liturgy of the Church. „He is present in the sacrifice of the Mass, not only in the person of His minister, «the same now offering, through the ministry of priests, who formerly offered himself on the cross», but especially under the Eucharistic species. By His power He is present in the sacraments, so that when a man baptizes it is really Christ Himself who baptizes. He is present in His word, since it is He Himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the Church. He is present, lastly, when the Church prays and sings, for He promised: «Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them»” (SC 7).