CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

COME FOLLOW ME

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Jesus summoned the crowd and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel* will save it.

MARK 8:34-38


TAKE UP YOURCROSS AND FOLLOW ME

I must lose my life to save it.  This saying of Jesus at first glance seems to make no sense. We cling to our lives. to what seems to make us happy and comfortable. We are number one. Are we? Who better to know what is good for us than the one who loved us into existence, our Father in heaven.

Jesus summoned the crowd. Whenever Jesus summons a crowd in Scripture you know He has some very important information to share. Jesus will lay out what it means to be His disciple. What it means to be a disciple is to conform to Jesus, to be Jesus in this world to others.

Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels. MARK 8:34-38

I have always thought if we don’t pay attention to Jesus here on earth in this lifetime why would we want to spend eternal life with Jesus?  Would Jesus even recognize us if we have been a stranger here on earth?

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,* but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven….  Matthew 7:21-23

WHAT DOTH IT PROFIT A MAN

MARK 8:34

“What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” Jesus is talking about end times, for some of us sooner than later.  You can’t take anything material with you.  What would you pack if you could take a suitcase?

How have I loved?  Am I thankful for the life God has gifted me with?  Have I borne witness to Christ or have I been ashamed, embarrassed,or fearful, to bear witness to Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Is life eternal with God something I will be compatible with or have I been estranged in my life on earth?

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MUST EVANGELIZE

JESUS TEACHES HIS DISCIPLES

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

The baptized have become “living stones” to be “built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.”74 By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ…They are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that [they] may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvelous light.”75 

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1268

“The faith we have received is a gift that came to us, in many cases, from our mothers/grandmothers and fathers/grandfathers. They were the living memory of Jesus Christ within our homes. It was in the family that most of us learned to pray, to love and to live the faith.” U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.2016

All baptized Christians are called to do the work of God, not just priests and religious, All Christians are commissioned through our baptism to be other Christs in the world. All of us were chosen by God to be on mission.

To be a disciple of Jesus means a daily renewal of our relationship with Jesus. If any man would come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me… whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it.” Luke 9

  FOR MY YOKE IS EASY, MY BURDEN LIGHT 

                Matthew 11:30

We don’t give up anything when we turn our lives over to Jesus?  What are we afraid of?  Why don’t people want to learn more about Jesus??? Jesus is all about love.  What are we afraid of? We will never be asked more than we can handle.  Any cross we have to bear with Jesus is designed for us because Jesus knows it is the path to love!

What are some crosses we may be asked to bear?  Sometimes health, maybe even cancer, getting along with family members, providing for our family needs, welcoming children into our families, visiting the sick, taking care of elderly parents and so forth.

Witnesses testify not only with words but their lives. It is not enough to discover Christ for ourselves, we must bring Him to others.

We, on earth, are now God’s instruments, His voice, His deeds.  Imitation and proclamation of Jesus Christ is not an option.  Our mission is the salvation of souls.  It is unthinkable that a person accepts the Word for himself and keeps that light to himself, without bearing witness to others.

CLOSING PRAYER

With the guidance of the Most Holy Spirit,

we pray that we may accurately and lovingly pass on the faith given by Christ

 so that others may know Jesus in their hearts,

Worship Jesus in Liturgy,

and follow Jesus’ moral teachings in their daily lives.

 

TASTE AND SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD

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TAKE AND RECEIVE

According to Pew Research Center, only 31% of Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The US CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS is addressing this issue by launching The NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL.

It’s mission is to “renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist,”

In summer of 2024, thousands are expected to participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage beginning from each corner of the country and ending in Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress July 17–24.

 LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

”The priest takes the host saying these words of consecration, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you… 

Then the priest takes the chalice, “Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME

Jesus is truly present on the altar, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. The separate consecration of bread and wine represents the death of Christ by the separation of His Body and Blood.

To understand better the words, “Do this in memory of me,” we need the context of Old Testament stories like Passover. Biblical memorials were not just recalled but re-lived. 

A liturgical memorial brings the past and present together, making the long-ago event mystically present for the current generation.

We are then present at Calvary, a witness to Jesus’ bloody sacrifice for our salvation but this time in an un-bloody manner but the same sacrificial offering. Jesus is truly present, body and blood, soul and divinity

 HOLY COMMUNION

In the Book of Revelations an angel instructs St. John to write: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (REV 19:9).

When the priest says, “Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb,” he echoes the angel’s invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb in the Book of Revelations.

We are being called to participate in the marriage feast of Jesus and his Church.  When we go to receive Holy Communion, as a member of the Church, we are coming to be united to our bridegroom, Jesus.

THE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God fulfills the Old Testament by allowing Himself to be slain for the forgiveness of sins and rise again, conquering the consequence of sin, death.  We thank God that we received Christ physically hoping He receives us divinely.

Come back to Mass, you will be glad you did and the world will be a better place for your participation in the cloud of witnesses.   Hebrews 12:1

GLORY AND PRAISE TO GOD THE CREATOR, GOD THE REDEEMER, AND GOD THE SANCTIFIER.  ONE GOD, THREE PERSONS!

WE REMEMBER, WE CELEBRATE, WE BELIEVE!

 

REPENT AND COME TO ME

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him

might not perish but might have eternal life.” JOHN 3:16

 

 JESUS CHRIST SAVIOR OF THE WORLD

 The Sacrament of Penance is sometimes referred to by various names such as, Sacrament of Confession (we acknowledge our sins); Sacrament of Forgiveness (our sins are forgiven and removed); and Sacrament of Reconciliation (we are reconciled to God and His Church).

After Original Sin, man was separated both from God’s presence and God’s divine life of grace.  At the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, God lets it be known that one day a Savior will come and restore man’s relationship with God.

“I will put enmity between you and the woman (Mary the New Eve), and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” Genesis 3:15 

 The Prophets of the Old Testament promise in their oracles a Savior one day who will offer himself up for the many that we might be restored and reconciled with the Father.

 “See the days are coming when I will make a New Covenant….it is Yahweh who speaks…since I will forgive their iniquities and never call their sins to mind.” Jeremiah 31

During his public ministry, Jesus called the people to conversion just the same as the Church does today.  Prior to receiving the Sacrament of Penance, we must turn back to God and reject sin.

Jesus is at dinner, with tax collectors and other sinners, some Pharisees object, “why is he eating with tax collectors and sinners?”  Jesus replies, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick; I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners.” Mark 2:15-17

In Luke 7:36, Jesus is administered to by a woman, a known public sinner.  The Pharisee who invited Jesus is distraught by the attention this sinful woman was paying and Jesus allowing her to do so. 

Jesus says, “…this woman though with many sins has shown great faith and love.  The one who is pardoned more will love more.”  Jesus absolves the woman of her many sins, “Your sins are forgiven.”

What great peace and joy the woman must have felt to hear these words of absolution.  Jesus told the woman, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” 

How similar these words are to the words of absolution we hear from the priest who absolves us in the name of Jesus today in Sacrament of Penance.

The Sacrament of Penance was instituted by Jesus Christ on the evening of his resurrection. “In the evening of the same day… As the Father sent me…so I am sending you…After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.  For those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'” John 20:19-35

REPENT AND BE SAVED

 Like all the Sacraments, Penance is a liturgical action.  The elements of celebration are ordinarily these: a greeting and blessing from the priest, reading the word of God to illuminate the conscience and elicit contrition, exhortation to repentance, the acknowledging of sins to the priest, the imposition and acceptance of a penance, the priest’s absolution, a prayer of thanksgiving and praise and dismissal with a blessing from the priest. (CCC 1480). 

“Catholics should go to Confession because everyone needs forgiveness for their sins.”  “Whoever says he is without sin is a liar or blind!”  Confession is meant to be a sincere moment of conversion, trusting in God’s willingness to forgive His children and help them back on the path of following Jesus, Pope Francis

The sacramental sign of the Sacrament of Penance are the words of absolution through which forgiveness of our sins and distinctive graces of sanctification are conferred.

The Priest receives the penitent with a greeting, a sign of the cross and invitation to trust in God’s mercy

 When the priest receives the penitent, he is fulfilling the ministry of the Good Shepherd who seek the lost sheep, of the Good Samaritan who binds up the wounds, and the merciful Father of the Prodigal Son who welcomes the son back to his family.  The priest is the sign and instrument of God’s mercy.

Reading of God’s word

 The reading of God’s word is a sign that it is God calling the penitent to conversion.  It is this call which draws us to God’s mercy and forgiveness.  It is the call which invites us back into right relationship with God and His Church.

 Confession of sins

 Through the admission of our sins, we look squarely at our relationship with God and our neighbor and open ourselves again to be reconciled with God and full communion with His Church.  We accept our Penance as satisfaction for the offense to God and the harm to His Church.

 Our act of contrition

 Our act of contrition expresses our sorrow for offending God and our detestation of sin.  Our words of contrition (sign) express an inward condition and meaning to love God and avoid sin in the future.

Prayer of absolution

 The words of absolution by the priest, “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit” and the reply by the penitent, “Amen” restores the penitent to God’s grace, reconciles him with the Church, with himself, with his brothers and sisters whom he has somehow offended, and all Creation. 

 Proclamation of praise of God and Dismissal

 “Give thanks to God for he is good.  His mercy endures forever.”  This proclamation of praise by the priest and penitent expresses all glory to God the Father and commitment to the First Great Commandment, to love God with our whole mind, our whole heart, our whole soul and with all our strength.

LORD JESUS CHRIST HAVE MERCY ON ME, A SINNER

 

 

 

 

RESURRECTION OF THE BODY AND LIFE EVERLASTING

CATECHESIS

OPENING PRAYER (WELCOME GOD INTO OUR STUDY)

Heavenly Father, Eyes have not seen, Ears have not heard what you have prepared for those who love you.  We pray Father, that our bodies will rise in glory on the last day through the merits of your only begotten Son, Jesus, who goes before us to prepare for us a place in His Heavenly Mansion and who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

CATECHESIS (STUDY THE FAITH)

REFERENCES FROM CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH 2ND EDITION

CCC 992 -1001 Christ’s Resurrection and Ours;

CCC 1002 -1004 What does it mean to rise and die in Christ

CCC 1006 -1014 The meaning of Christian Death;

CCC 1021 -1022 Particular Judgement;

CCC 1023 -1029 Heaven;

CCC 1030 -1032 Purgatory;

CCC 1033 -1037 Hell;

CCC 1038 – 1041 Last Judgement

CCC 1020 I believe in Life Everlasting

CCC 1042 – 1050 New Heavenly Jerusalem.

                                                                                                                                                              

HE IS RISEN!

St. Paul preaches in his first letter to the Corinthians, “How can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead then Christ has not been raised and if Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.”  Corinthians 15:12-14

Death is a consequence of Original Sin.  After death, each person faces a particular judgment before God.  After the particular judgment, the person will either immediately enter into the blessedness of heaven, purification in purgatory, or eternal damnation in hell.

To die in grave sin, without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love, means remaining separate from God for all eternity.  The state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and his blessed is called hell. . Only a free will choice on our part and a persistent state of unrepentance leads one to hell. Hell is the bitter fruit of a final no to God.

Those who die in the grace and friendship with God and perfectly purified from sinfulness will see God face to face as He really is and live with Christ forever. This perfect life with the Blessed Trinity, Mary, and all the saints is called heaven, a state of supreme and definitive happiness forever.

The resurrection of all the dead, the just and unjust, will occur just before the Last Judgment when all who died hear the Son of Man’s command to come forth.  Then the bodies will reunite with their souls.                                                                                                

 

 LAST JUDGMENT

In the resurrection we will have spiritual bodies. Our natural bodies came from Adam, our spiritual bodies come from Christ.    St. Paul says: “as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man [Adam], so we shall bear the likeness of the heavenly one [Christ]” 1 Corinthians 15:49

St. Paul says: “What is sown is perishable, but what is raised is imperishable; what is sown is contemptible but what is raised is glorious; what is sown is weak, but what is raised is powerful; what is sown is a natural body, and what is raised is a spiritual body” 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

Everlasting Life refers to the perpetuity of happiness, blessedness, wholeness, and union with the Most Blessed Trinity in heaven.

“They shall no more hunger and thirst.  Neither shall the sun fall on them nor any heat.  God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and death shall be no more.  Nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Our essential happiness in heaven will be the Beatific Vision, to see God as He is, God who is the source of all goodness and perfection.

“Dearly beloved we are now the sons and daughters of God and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be.  We know when He shall appear we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is.”  I John 3:2

When the Church is present to a dying person, they absolve them from their sins, anoint their bodies, sealing them in holy oil for Christ, and give them Jesus in the Eucharist (Viaticum) for their journey home.  The Church sends them home with sweet assurance in the following prayer:

“Go forth Christian soul from this world in the name of God, the Almighty Father who created you.  In the name of Jesus, the Son of the Living God who suffered for you.  In the name of the Holy Spirit who was poured out upon you.   

 Go forth faithful Christian.  May you live in peace this day.  May your home be with God, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph and all the angels and saints.  May you return to your Creator who formed you from the dust of the earth.   May Holy Mary, the angels and all the saints come to meet you as you go forth from this life.  May you see your Redeemer face to face.”  (CCC #1020)

CLOSING PRAYER   (PRAY THE FAITH)

Heavenly Father, You sent your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, not to condemn us but to save us.  Do not look upon our sinfulness and what we truly deserve, but in your mercy, forgive us. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

 LIFE APPLICATION (LIVE THE FAITH)

  1. What experiences have I had that have strengthened my belief in the immortality of the soul  and life after death?
  2. Am I frightened of death? Why?  If I knew I was going to die soon, would I make changes in my behavior?  If so, what?
  3.  Since the body will rise on the last day, why do you think God would have such a plan that   body and soul would live for all eternity together.

 

BLESSINGS FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS

CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING, CATHOLIC COMMENTARY

FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS (“Supplicating Trust”) is a 2023 Declaration on Catholic Doctrine that allows Catholic priests to bless couples who are not considered to be married according to church teaching, including same-sex couples.

INTRODUCTION

Let the games begin! Once again the Francis Papacy is jarred by controversy.  The Church on the left believe Francis approves same sex marriages. The church on the right wants Francis charged with heresy and removed from office for blessing same sex couples.

Division is the main tool of the adversary, the Evil one. There is nothing Satan, wants more than division in God’s family the Church.

Satan is not going to bother those who have already drunk his Kool-Aid.  Satan’s attacks are on those struggling to go home to Abba, Father.  Satan, so envious, wants no one to have what he can never have, union with the Father.

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world… into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10

 COMMENTARY

Fiducia Supplicans

DECLARATION

                     On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings

                      Ex Audientia Die  18 December 2023
Francis

 VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A Catholic priest can bless a gay or other unmarried couple as long as it is not a formal liturgical blessing and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage,

Key points of Fiducia Supplicans

 1. It reaffirms the traditional Catholic doctrine on marriage. It makes clear that the Church the Church does not have the power to impart blessings on unionsof persons of the same sex”

 2.It clarifies the role of the Church in offering blessing.a distinction between blessing a same-sex couple and blessing their union.

3. It emphasizes Pope Francis’s focus on pastoral charity and inclusivity. Fiducia Supplicans encourages the Church to avoid being overly judgmental or exclusive in its ministry where people seek blessings in faith and sincerity, regardless of their life circumstances.

 4. It makes a clear distinction between liturgical rites and blessings. The Church may not create liturgical rites for blessings of unions outside the traditional marriage definition. But the Church can still offer blessings in a pastoral context, to those who ask for a blessing that all that is true, good, and humanly valid in their lives and their relationships be enriched and healed by the presence of the Holy Spirit” FS 29

 Fiducia supplicans remains firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage, but it also explores the “pastoral meaning of blessings” in a way that opens “the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.”

The Church responds to the requests of people who are in objectively sinful and disordered situations (either same-sex relationships or other irregular situations, like those who are divorced and invalidly “remarried”) with a prayer that God may help them to overcome sin, to live holier lives, and even discern how they may be restored to full communion..

When we ask for blessing to help us along the way, we receive Actual grace, a divine assistance given to help one do the right thing, distinct from sanctifying grace which is habitual.

Sanctifying grace is the gratuitous gift of His life that God makes to us; it is infused by the Holy Spirit into the soul to heal it of sin and to sanctify it. Sanctifying grace makes us “pleasing to God Sanctifying grace is the habitual experience of God’s love.

Actual grace is God’s love at work in specific moments. An example of actual grace might be a revelatory moment of prayer. It could be a timely phone call or answer to a prayer.

REFLECTION

 What blessings have I asked God for myself?

 For others?

Are there times when I bless myself with sign of cross? Bless others with sign of cross?

The sign of the cross must be a prayer not a good luck charm or superstition.

The last image of Jesus on earth is that of his hands being raised in the act of blessing the Eleven, “And lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven” Luke. 2450-51

 

 

WE BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

CATECHESIS

A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN

HEBREW 12:1

 OPENING PRAYER (WELCOME GOD INTO OUR STUDY)

Heavenly Father, you sent us your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to found a Church, a Communion of saints.  Grant us, your Pilgrim church, perseverance in our journey that we may join the saints in heaven in praising you, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name we pray.

CATECHESIS (STUDY THE FAITH)

 REFERENCES FROM CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH 2ND EDITION

 CCC 946 – 953 How are we a Communion of Saints

CCC 954 – 962The Communion of the Church of Heaven and Earth

CCC 968 – 972 Mary the mother of Christ-Church

The “Communion of Saints,” is also called the Mystical Body of Christ or the Church, We are the pilgrim Church on earth still making our way back home.  We fight hard to overcome the World, the flesh, and the Devil.  We are sometimes called the “Church Militant.”

Another part of the Communion of Saints are souls purgatory,  not yet purified and perfected but will one day enter heaven.  They are members of the Church who have died and have not yet entered into the glory of God’s presence because of some unrepentant sin or effects of sin still remaining at the time of their death.

We believe that God in his mercy purifies Souls in Purgatory and purges them of their sins and effects so they may worthily enter into the presence of the all Holy God, “before whom nothing unclean shall enter.” Revelation 21:27

We call the souls in Purgatory, the Church Suffering.  It is painful in Purgatory just as it is here on earth when God breaks us from our addictions and willfulness.  The souls in Purgatory also suffer because they are separated from full communion with God.

We can pray for these loved ones in purgatory that they soon may be purified and perfected.  Souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves but can pray for us.  They can pray for us that we may have fortitude and perseverance in our journey home.   They pray for us now and will intercede for us when they get to heaven.

The final group of saints is already in heaven, already experiencing the Beatific Vision.  We call these saints, the “Church Triumphant.”   We, the pilgrim church, celebrate in liturgy the “Communion of Saints” here on earth on back to back Feast Days of All Saints and All Souls.

The communion of saints, the Church, is truly God’s family.  This should give us great encouragement.  We are vast in numbers, too many to comprehend.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run the race, before us, with perseverance, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith who for the joy, set before Him, endured the cross, and is seated at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

CLOSING PRAYER   (PRAY THE FAITH)

Lord God, you are glorified in your saints.  In their lives on earth, you give us an example. In our communion with them, you give us their friendship.  Around your throne, the saints, our brothers and sisters, sing your praises forever.  With their great company and all the angels in heaven, we, too, praise your glory, now and forever.  Amen.

LIFE APPLICATION    (LIVE THE FAITH)

1.Who are my favorite saints?

What is there about them that appeal to me?

2. How often do I pray for the souls in purgatory? My deceased family members? Those who have no one to pray for them?

3. Jesus is the one mediator and our Savior. Do we still pray to saints to intercede for us?

 COME FOLLOW ME

 JESUS IS THE WAY THE TRUTH THE LIFE

KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

CATECHESIS

CATECHESIS HANDING ON THE FAITH

Jesus empowered the Church to continue His mission when He said, Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth; go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of time. Matthew 28:18-20

This great commission has been handed on to women and men, whom God has called, to proclaim the Good News. This ministry of teaching and forming has traditionally been referred to as catechesis.  Catechesis is the effort within the Church to make disciples, to help people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God…and to educate and instruct them in this life and thus build up the Body of Christ. (Catechesi Tradendae #1)

Knowledge of God

 OPENING PRAYER  (WELCOME GOD INTO OUR STUDY)

Almighty and Great God you created us out of love.  Jesus, your Son has taught us to call you Abba, Father.  You sustain us, Father and nourish us in your revealed Word.  Father lead us into a deeper knowledge of you who is love itself.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.

CATECHESIS (STUDY THE FAITH)

 REFERENCES FROM CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH 2ND EDITION

CCC 27 -30 Man’s desire for God

CCC 31 – 35 Ways of coming to know God

CCC 36 -38 Knowledge of God according to the Church

CCC 39 – 43 How we can speak about God

The first Roman Catechism was commissioned in 1546 by the Council of Trent.  It prevailed for four centuries and was still highly recommended by Pope John XXIII in 1960. On June 25, 1992 Pope John Paul II officially approved The Catechism of the Catholic Church now in its second edition.  The Roman Catechism of Trent and the recently published Catechism of the Catholic Church are the only official Catechisms published by the Catholic Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1992 is broken into four parts like the Roman Catechism of Trent: The Creed (Faith Professed) Sacraments (Faith Celebrated) Commandments (Faith Lived) and Our Father (Faith Prayed.)

Our Creed begin with the words “I believe.”  To believe does not mean to think, to suppose, or to be of the opinion of but rather it is an expression of a person with the deepest conviction and of unhesitating assent to all God has revealed and taught through his Son, Jesus Christ. 

The knowledge derived from faith is NOT to be considered less certain than knowledge derived from physical objects and sense experience.  Our Faith is given to us by a God who can neither deceive nor be deceived and testified to by Jesus Christ and his disciples. 

The desire for God is written in the human heart because man is created by God, for God.  God never ceases to draw us to Himself.  God loved me into existence. We can forget God or reject God, but God never ceases to call everyone to seek Him and to find eternal life.

There are many ways to know or approach God.  Beginning with Creation, its beauty, and order, we can come to the knowledge of an intelligent First Cause.  There is a first cause that exists outside of ourselves that most people call God.  Nothing in Creation is necessary.  All is contingent. Something exists in creation because God loved and willed it into existence.

Our holy Mother, the Church, holds and teaches us that God is the first principle and last end of all things and can be known with certainty from the created world and by the natural light of human reason. When we speak about God it is always limited because God is infinite and we are not. 

It is easier to say what God is not. God is always more than we can know or say about Him.  We may speak about God, even if our knowledge is limited and our human words always fall short of the full mystery of God

CLOSING PRAYER:  (PRAY THE FAITH)

Loving God, I praise you for the gift of divine Revelation which helps my reason discover you in creation and in my conscience.  Thank you for giving me a capacity for your presence within the depths of my heart.  Cleanse my heart of any obstacles to your loving presence. In Jesus’ name we pray.

 LIFE APPLICATION:  (LIVE THE FAITH)

 1. Is my curiosity about God and the world still alive and well or am I too grown up to be amazed in awe and wonder?

2.  Do I sense a spiritual restlessness in my soul?  What have I done to satisfy this restlessness that makes me feel a deepening need of God’s presence in me?

3. What am I most passionate about in life? Where do I place my enthusiasm and energy?

4.  We make plans and God laughs! What is God’s plan for me?

    

 

 

GOD’S REVELATION TO MAN

CATECHESIS, CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

GOD REVEALS HIMSELF TO THE PROPHETS

Through the prophets, God forms his people in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting Covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts. The prophets proclaim a radical redemption of the People of God, purification from all their infidelities, a salvation which will include all the nations.  CCC 64

 OPENING PRAYER (WELCOME GOD INTO OUR STUDY)

 Heavenly Father, you desire us in relationship. Your Divine Revelation in Scriptures, especially in the Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ, demonstrates your desire to be found.  Let our desire for you be as strong as your desire for us, in Jesus’ name we pray.

CATECHESIS (STUDY THE FAITH)

 REFERENCES FROM CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH 2ND EDITION

CCC 51-53 God reveals His plan of Love and Goodness

CCC 54-58 Covenant with Noah

CCC 59-64 God chooses Abraham and forms His people

CCC 65-67 Jesus, the Word made Flesh

Divine Revelation to man begins in the Garden of Eden.  God revealed himself to our first parents, Adam and Eve.  Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, original sin did not stop God from reaching out to them and their descendants.  After the fall, God gave our first parents hope by promising a Redeemer who will once and for all make salvation, accessible to all human kind.

GENESIS 9:12-13

After the great flood, Noah became our new ancestor.  In the covenant with Noah, God promised never to destroy all mortal beings again by a flood.  God placed a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with His people.  “I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis. 9:12-13

God began to form His people in Abraham.  God begins to gather scattered humanity.  “In you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 22:18

Abraham and his descendants Isaac and Jacob will be caretakers of God’s people until God gathers all his people through Jesus Christ into the universal Church.

The people descended from Abraham would be the trustee of the promise made to the patriarchs, the chosen people, called to prepare for that day when God would gather all his children into the unity of the Church. They would be the root on to which the Gentiles would be grafted, once they came to believe. CCC 60

EXODUS 20:1-3

Then God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall not have other gods beside me.

God frees His people from the Egyptians and establishes a covenant on Mount Sinai through his prophet, Moses.  The first commandment Moses receives on Sinai is to love and serve this one, only, living and true God.  Through other prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, God continues to form his people in expectation of a new and everlasting covenant.

The word covenant means “coming together.” God wants to come together with us. God promises to love and care for us and we are expected to accept and live this goodness.  A covenant results in blessings if kept and curses if violated. 

 By His covenants, the Creator is fathering a family. He is saying to His people, “I will be their God and they shall be my people…I will be a Father to you and you shall be sons and daughters to Me” 2 COR, 6:16

In the New Testament God revealed to us His greatest covenant and everlasting covenant in the person of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, consubstantial with the Father.

Jesus Christ frees us from the enslavement of our sins that separate us from God and restores our inheritance, a share in the Divine Life of the Blessed Trinity. Jesus Christ is the end of public revelation.

Throughout the ages, there have been “private revelations” to individuals, some which have been recognized by the authority of the Church.   It is not, however, the role of these ‘private revelations” to improve or complete Christ’s definitive revelation but to assist one to live more fully by the faith revealed by Christ.  We do not have to believe in private revelations.

THE FULLNESS OF DIVINE REVELATION IS TO BE FOUND IN CHRIST ALONE.

 CLOSING PRAYER   (PRAY THE FAITH)

 Father, with grateful hearts, we thank you for your gift of revelation.   Thank you for the gift of your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the most perfect expression of divine revelation,  Thank you for seeking us wherever we are, loving us as we are, and offering us a share in your divine life, In Jesus’ name, we pray.

 LIFE APPLICATION  (LIVE THE FAITH)  

1. Since God gave me reason and intellect that can prove God’s existence why is Divine Revelation still needed?

2. The fullness of divine revelation is to be found in Christ alone. What does that mean to me?

3. Are there private revelations since the time of Christ that have assisted in my faith?

 

 

 

FAITH: A DIALOGUE OF LOVE

CATECHESIS, CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHING

FAITH: A DIALOGUE OF LOVE

 GOD AND MAN IN RELATIONSHIP

 OPENING PRAYER (WELCOME GOD INTO OUR STUDY)

Most Loving Father, you have revealed yourself through the prophets Abraham and Moses.  You gave us the fullness of your Word in your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  Your overwhelming love for us is clear.  All you ask in return is our Faith and our Trust.  Help us to Trust in you. Replace our disbelief with belief, in Jesus’ name we pray.

CATECHESIS (STUDY THE FAITH)

 REFERENCES FROM CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH 2ND EDITION

 CCC 142-143 Man’s response to God

CCC 153-162 Characteristics of Faith

FAITH IS A GIFT FROM GOD, ANIMATED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO CREATES IN OUR HEARTS A DESIRE FOR GOD.

When we are young, God gives us the gift of Faith through our family, friends, and Church.  When we become adults, Jesus asks us not to just talk about Him but to really get to know Him in a personal way in relationship.

Faith is a dialogue of love with God.  In His revelation, God says, “I love you.”  In Faith we say, “We gratefully accept your love and return it to you, Father.”

It is not so much about our love for God that is so very crucial in the beginning but an acknowledgement and an acceptance of God’s love for us.  In Faith we say, “Yes, God loves me, through no merit of my own but because God is good. 

In Faith, man completely submits his intellect and will to God.  With his whole being, man gives his assent to God. That response is called the “obedience of faith.”  This “obedience of faith” can most perfectly be seen in Blessed Virgin Mary’s reply to Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word.”  Luke 1:38

In the letter to the Hebrews we find this definition of faith given by St. Paul, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

 JESUS CHRIST SON OF GOD,

CONSUBSTANTIAL WITH THE FATHER

Belief in God cannot be separated from believing in the One He sent.  “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.”  And one cannot believe in Jesus Christ without believing in the Holy Spirit who is sent by Jesus Christ.

It is the Holy Spirit who animates our minds and hearts so that we may recognize Jesus for who He is.  “For no one can say Jesus is Lord except the Holy Spirit and who He has revealed him.”  I Corithians. 12:13

 Faith is a priceless gift, a pearl of great price.  We must pray never to lose it and ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance and protection against onslaughts and attacks by a faithless world.  “By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made a shipwreck of their Faith.” I Tim.1:18-19

To love, grow, and persevere in our Faith, we must nourish it with the Word of God and practice it through works of charity.  Faith makes us taste in advance the light of the beatific vision.  “Then we shall see God, face to face, as He is.”  I Corinthians. 13:12   The Theological virtue of Faith is the beginning of eternal life.

CLOSING PRAYER   (PRAY THE FAITH)

Heavenly Father, you have in your wisdom given us your precious gift of Faith.  May the inner secrets of your word be opened to us in our hearts.  This. we beg of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in whom is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

LIFE APPLICATION    (LIVE THE FAITH)

  1. Has my approach to faith changed from childhood, through adolescence, into adulthood?
  2. Is my faith deeper now than when I was younger? How?
  3. How important are regular religious practices of devotions and prayer for my faith development? What might I do to improve my prayer life?
  4. Do I make faith the mover of my moral behavior? How?

 

 

WHO IS GOD?

CATECHESIS

WHO IS GOD?

 OPENING PRAYER (WELCOME GOD INTO OUR STUDY)

God of Truth, help us to know your revealed Word.  Merciful and loving Father, help us to love you in the same abundance as you have loved us.  Let us care for our neighbor as you have cared for us, in Jesus’ name we pray.

CATECHESIS (STUDY THE FAITH)

 CCC 189-195 Different Creeds  

Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty the Creator of Heaven and Earth

CCC 201-202 One God  

CCC 203-206 God’s Name

CCC 210-211 Merciful   

CCC 215-217 Truth   

CCC 219-226 Love

 “I believe in God,” is the first affirmation in the Apostles Creed and the most fundamental of all beliefs.  Nine out of ten Americans believe in the existence of God.

But do they believe what God teaches in Scripture and in His son, Jesus Christ. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will be saved but those who do the will of my Father. Matthew 7:21

The Apostles Creed is considered a summary of the Faith of the Apostles.  It is the ancient baptismal creed of the Church of early Rome. The Apostles Creed is broken into three parts in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The first part speaks of the 1st divine person and His wondrous works of Creation.  The second part speaks of the 2nd Divine Person, Jesus, our Redeemer.  The 3rd part speaks of the 3rd Divine Person, the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, Lord and giver of Life.

“We firmly believe and confess without reservations that there is only One True God, eternal, infinite, unchangeable, incomprehensible, almighty, and ineffable, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons indeed but one essence and substance.” Lateran Council IV DS 800

God revealed Himself progressively under different names to His people but the revelation that is fundamental for both the Old and New Testament was the revelation to Moses in the burning bush, “I AM WHO AM.” Exodus 3:4-14

God had no beginning and has no end.  No one made God.  He always was and always will be.  God is always present, faithfully caring for His people.  God is just as present in the world today as He was in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:8

After the Israelites turned away from God and worshipped the “golden calf,” God reveals Himself as a God of Mercy, “Yahweh, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:1-9

…Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment   Joel 2:12-13

God is also the God of Truth. The sum of your word is Truth as the Psalmist sings, “Your every word is enduring;“ Psalm. 119:160

God is Love. “Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. I John 4:8 “God’s love is everlasting.” Isaiah. 54:8    Remain in my love.” John 15:9

 CLOSING PRAYER   (PRAY THE FAITH)

I believe in you, my God.  You are a God of Truth and Love.  O my God, you know my poverty and weakness, and that I am unable to do anything good without Thee;  I give you thanks for caring for me.   In return, I ask only that you give me your grace to never to refuse you anything.  All Glory and praise be to you Almighty God, in Jesus’ name we pray!

 LIFE APPLICATION    (LIVE THE FAITH)

1.Why is belief in God important in my life?

2. Generally what do I know about God? What don’t I know about God?

3. Does it bother me  that God is beyond all understanding… incomprehensible and ineffable a mystery in so many aspects?

4. How does the Church help me with my faith? How do my family and friends help me with my faith in God?