The Church, insofar as she is the Bride of Christ, remains enshrouded in mystery. Certainly she is the 'People of God', and as such, in great measure accessible--resembling here the synagogue. The real distinction begins with Mary, in whom the Word made flesh; with the Eucharist, which is the flesh, by which we are united with God’s substance; and with the Holy Spirit, breathed by the risen Son of man into earthen vessels. The Church is a mystery of love, to be approached only with reverence. Many windows have been opened for us to see into the center, but in the most secret chamber the Church remains hidden. In faith we know this, and it is from this standpoint that we are directed to interpret what can be seen of the Church. And if that is so, then the image of the Church which results is likely to be quite different from the current fashionable ones.