If we were asked, what the Church is about, what would be our reply?
Of course, that is a rather broad question, and we can try to respond from the Catholic perspective.
For a start, we can say that the Church is a building, yet it is not just an ordinary building.
The Church is the House of God, and we come to Church to offer worship and prayer.
So, the Church, as a building, is a holy place, where those who are tired and troubled go to for refuge and solace.
We can also say that the Church is an organization with a hierarchy.
But, it is not just an organization with a human hierarchy of ranks and titles.
The Church is the Body of Christ, with Jesus as the Head, and we are the members of His Body.
And as members of the Body of Christ, we form a community.
But the Christian community is not just governed by precepts and statutes.
More than just precepts and statutes, the Church is guided and directed by the Holy Spirit.
So, the Church is the sign of God's presence in the world.
And the Church is also the sign of God's salvation for the world.
When we look at today's readings, we will see the essence and the foundation of the Church.
In the 1st reading, the Church is portrayed as a community of disciples united in prayer.
Praying together with them was Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other disciples.
As it was then for the early Church, so must it be for the Church in today's world.
Because, being united in prayer is a powerful sign that God is present in the Church.
Whether it is individual prayer or community prayer, when the Church prays, God grants His abundant blessings.
And Jesus assures us of God's blessings, because in the gospel, He says that He prays for us, His Church.
We are His body, He loves us, He cares for us, He saves us.
And He sends us into the world to be witnesses of His saving love for others.
As the 2nd reading tells us, in this world we have to be prepared to face sufferings.
It is only with prayer that we can give a Christian response to suffering.
The 2nd reading says that if we can have some share in the sufferings of Christ, we ought to be glad, because we will enjoy a much greater gladness when His glory is revealed.
In other words, when we accept sufferings, we will receive blessings.
But like Jesus who raised His eyes to heaven and prayed, may we also raise our eyes and hearts to heaven in prayer.
Let the voices of prayer be heard in the Christian homes, as we pray for God's blessings on husband and wife relationships, and parent and children relationships.
Let the voices of prayer be in the workplace, although it may be silent prayers, so that all will work for the glory of God.
And may the voices of prayer be always heard in the Church, as we pray, that filled with the power of the Holy spirit, we will go into the world to proclaim and witness to God's saving love for the world.
The world is in need of prayers, in need of salvation, in need of God's love.
Let us bring God's love and salvation into the world with our faithful and fervent prayers.