Communion of Saints

The 'church' is neither your mega-complex nor is it you alone with your own private devotions.

The Holy Spirit gathers us together and keeps the church in the true faith, and He does it all by way of the Gospel.

While the Holy Spirit does work within us, He always comes to us from the outside, through the external Word and Sacraments.

Being a member of a church connects people to the whole reason the church has for existing: that we might obtain justifying faith in Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament.

I have often stated above and elsewhere that it pleases me greatly and is salutary for us to hear of the weaknesses of the saints, for these examples of weakness are more necessary for us and bring more consolation than the examples of that heroic and very great fortitude and other virtues.