Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Week 26: Passages 1168-1225
Well, life got in the way again for me this week, so no blogging on these readings- I'll be lucky if I can mange to find time to read them! But feel free to share your comments, they really encourage me!!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Week 25: Passages 1130- 1167
This week we finish up Chapter One (The Liturgy- Work of the Holy Trinity) of Part Two (The Celebration of the Christian Mystery).
We are discussing the sacraments: the sacraments of faith, sacraments of salvation, and now the sacraments of eternal life.
V. The Sacraments of Eternal Life
In the sacraments, the Church shares in the guarantee of eternal life with Christ.
Chapter Two: The Sacramental Celebration of the Christian Mystery
Article 1: Celebrating the Churches Liturgy
I. Who Celebrates?
The whole community of the body of Christ celebrates the sacramental liturgy. All the baptized share in the common priesthood of Christ and offer sacrifices for the good of all. Some are called to the sacrament of Holy Orders to act as an “icon” of Christ. There are also particular ministries not consecrated by Holy Orders, such as servers, readers, commentors and members of the choir.
II. How is the Liturgy Celebrated?
Signs and symbols
Words and actions
Singing and music
Holy images
III. When is the Liturgy Celebrated?
Liturgical seasons
The Church commemorates the saving work of her divine spouse on certain days throughout the year. She unfolds the whole mystery of his saving work over the course of the year. From the time of the Mosaic Law the people of God have celebrated fixed feast days to commemorate the astonishing actions of God.
The Church’s celebration is marked by the word “Today!” – echoing the prayer the Lord taught her.
The Lord’s day
In a tradition handed down from the apostles the Church celebrates the Paschal Mystery every seventh day. This day is both the first day of the week, the memorial of the first day of creation, and the eighth day on which Christ institutes the “day that has no evening”.
The Lord’s supper is its center, and this day is the most important day for liturgical assembly.
Have a blessed Sunday!
We are discussing the sacraments: the sacraments of faith, sacraments of salvation, and now the sacraments of eternal life.
V. The Sacraments of Eternal Life
In the sacraments, the Church shares in the guarantee of eternal life with Christ.
Chapter Two: The Sacramental Celebration of the Christian Mystery
Article 1: Celebrating the Churches Liturgy
I. Who Celebrates?
The whole community of the body of Christ celebrates the sacramental liturgy. All the baptized share in the common priesthood of Christ and offer sacrifices for the good of all. Some are called to the sacrament of Holy Orders to act as an “icon” of Christ. There are also particular ministries not consecrated by Holy Orders, such as servers, readers, commentors and members of the choir.
II. How is the Liturgy Celebrated?
Signs and symbols
Words and actions
Singing and music
Holy images
III. When is the Liturgy Celebrated?
Liturgical seasons
The Church commemorates the saving work of her divine spouse on certain days throughout the year. She unfolds the whole mystery of his saving work over the course of the year. From the time of the Mosaic Law the people of God have celebrated fixed feast days to commemorate the astonishing actions of God.
The Church’s celebration is marked by the word “Today!” – echoing the prayer the Lord taught her.
“This ‘today’ of the living God which man is called to enter is ‘the hour’ of
Jesus’ Passover, which reaches across and underlies all history.” (CCC 1165)
The Lord’s day
In a tradition handed down from the apostles the Church celebrates the Paschal Mystery every seventh day. This day is both the first day of the week, the memorial of the first day of creation, and the eighth day on which Christ institutes the “day that has no evening”.
The Lord’s supper is its center, and this day is the most important day for liturgical assembly.
“When we ponder, o Christ, the marvels accomplished on this day, the Sunday
of your holy resurrection, we say: ‘Blessed is Sunday, for on it began
creation…the world’s salvation…the renewal of the human race…On Sunday heaven
and earth rejoiced and the whole universe was filled with light. Blessed
is Sunday, for on it were opened the gates of paradise so that Adam and all the
exiles might enter it without fear.” (CCC 1167)
Have a blessed Sunday!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Week 24: Passages 1076-1129
I'm sorry I am way late posting this weeks readings, I had to fly out to New Jersey for my mother's back surgery. She is recovering well, please pray for her continued battle with cancer. I'll post this week's readings by Monday. Hopefully.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Week 23: Passages 1030-1075
Passages 1030-1075
This is an exciting week! We finish Part One and embark on Part Two! I'm taking a deep breath and looking forward to a new section.
III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory
All who die in God’s grace but are still imperfectly purified, must be cleansed in purgatory. Teachings on purgatory are based on Scripture which speaks of a cleansing fire and the practice of praying for the dead.
IV. Hell
We can choose to be separated from God forever, a state known as Hell. The teachings of the Church on Hell are a call to man to use his time on earth wisely and consider his eternal destiny. God predestines no one for Hell, a choice is necessary. Eternal separation from God is the chief punishment of Hell.
V. The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment will come when Christ returns in glory. He will separate the good from the wicked and all their deeds will be known. Only the Father knows the hour. We shall know the meaning of the work of creation and the economy of salvation.
VI. The Hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth
At the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come to fullness. There will be a new heaven and a new earth and God will dwell among men. The unity of the human race, which God willed from creation will be restored.
AMEN
The Creed ends with the word ”amen” just like the last book of the Bible and all our prayers. It means “believe” and expresses God’s faithfulness towards us and our trust in Him.
PART TWO The Celebration of the Christian Mystery
It is through the liturgy that the work of our redemption is accomplished. It is the participation of the People of God in the work of God. Through the liturgy Christ continues our redemption.
The liturgy makes the Church present as a visible sign of the communion between God and man. It is also a participation in Christ's own prayer to the Father.
Catechesis is intrinsically linked to the liturgy and the sacraments.
Question for reflection:
This is an exciting week! We finish Part One and embark on Part Two! I'm taking a deep breath and looking forward to a new section.
III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory
All who die in God’s grace but are still imperfectly purified, must be cleansed in purgatory. Teachings on purgatory are based on Scripture which speaks of a cleansing fire and the practice of praying for the dead.
IV. Hell
We can choose to be separated from God forever, a state known as Hell. The teachings of the Church on Hell are a call to man to use his time on earth wisely and consider his eternal destiny. God predestines no one for Hell, a choice is necessary. Eternal separation from God is the chief punishment of Hell.
V. The Last Judgment
The Last Judgment will come when Christ returns in glory. He will separate the good from the wicked and all their deeds will be known. Only the Father knows the hour. We shall know the meaning of the work of creation and the economy of salvation.
VI. The Hope of the New Heaven and the New Earth
At the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come to fullness. There will be a new heaven and a new earth and God will dwell among men. The unity of the human race, which God willed from creation will be restored.
AMEN
The Creed ends with the word ”amen” just like the last book of the Bible and all our prayers. It means “believe” and expresses God’s faithfulness towards us and our trust in Him.
“Thus the Creed’s final ‘Amen’ repeats and confirms its first words: ‘I
believe.’ To believe is to say ‘Amen’ to God’s words, promises and commandments;
to entrust oneself completely to him who is the ‘Amen’ of infinite love and
perfect faithfulness. The Christian’s everyday life will then be the ‘Amen’ to
the ‘I believe’ of our baptismal profession of faith: May your Creed be fro you
a mirror. Look at yourself in it, to see if you believe everything you say you
believe. And rejoice in your faith each day.” (CCC 1064)
“Jesus Christ
himself is the ‘Amen’.” (CCC 1065)
PART TWO The Celebration of the Christian Mystery
It is through the liturgy that the work of our redemption is accomplished. It is the participation of the People of God in the work of God. Through the liturgy Christ continues our redemption.
The liturgy makes the Church present as a visible sign of the communion between God and man. It is also a participation in Christ's own prayer to the Father.
Catechesis is intrinsically linked to the liturgy and the sacraments.
"The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is
directed; it is also the font from which all her power flows." (CCC 1074)
Question for reflection:
- As we finish Part One on the profession of faith, do you have a better understanding of the Creed and what we profess to believe? I think I may have to go back over my notes :)
Monday, September 1, 2008
Week 22: Passages 992-1029
Passages 992 – 1029
I. Christ’s Resurrection and Ours
Belief in God has always included a hope in the resurrection, and when Jesus came he made this more specific by linking the Resurrection to himself. The resurrection f the body is one of the most opposed points of the Christian faith.
How do the dead rise?
In death, the soul is separated from the body which decays. At the resurrection we will be united with our glorified bodies. All will be resurrected. Those who did good will rise to life, and those who did evil will rise to be judged. Just as Christ raised his own body our earthly bodies will be changed into immortal glorious bodies. This exceeds our understanding, but the Eucharist gives us a foretaste. The resurrection of the dead will occur on the last day, the end of the world.
Risen with Christ
In a certain way we are already risen with Christ. Through our baptism we are united with Christ, but this life is a mystery “hidden with Christ in God.” Through the Eucharist we are part of the Body of Christ. Because of this we should treat our bodies with respect and dignity, and also treat others with the same respect, particularly the suffering.
II. Dying in Christ Jesus
Death
I. Christ’s Resurrection and Ours
Belief in God has always included a hope in the resurrection, and when Jesus came he made this more specific by linking the Resurrection to himself. The resurrection f the body is one of the most opposed points of the Christian faith.
How do the dead rise?
In death, the soul is separated from the body which decays. At the resurrection we will be united with our glorified bodies. All will be resurrected. Those who did good will rise to life, and those who did evil will rise to be judged. Just as Christ raised his own body our earthly bodies will be changed into immortal glorious bodies. This exceeds our understanding, but the Eucharist gives us a foretaste. The resurrection of the dead will occur on the last day, the end of the world.
Risen with Christ
In a certain way we are already risen with Christ. Through our baptism we are united with Christ, but this life is a mystery “hidden with Christ in God.” Through the Eucharist we are part of the Body of Christ. Because of this we should treat our bodies with respect and dignity, and also treat others with the same respect, particularly the suffering.
II. Dying in Christ Jesus
Death
- Death is the end of earthly life, it reminds us we have a limited time to live our lives to fulfillment.
- Death is the consequence of sin. The Church teaches that man was created to be immortal but death entered the world because of sin, and is the last enemy to be conquered.
- Death is transformed by Christ. The obedience of Jesus transformed the curse into a blessing.
The meaning of Christian death
In death God calls man to himself. Death is the end of our earthly pilgrimage, the time of grace and mercy God gives us to decide our ultimate destiny. The Church encourages us to prepare ourselves for the hour of our death, by asking the Mother of God to intercede for us “at the hour of our death” and to entrust ourselves to St. Joseph, patron of a happy death.
In death God calls man to himself. Death is the end of our earthly pilgrimage, the time of grace and mercy God gives us to decide our ultimate destiny. The Church encourages us to prepare ourselves for the hour of our death, by asking the Mother of God to intercede for us “at the hour of our death” and to entrust ourselves to St. Joseph, patron of a happy death.
Article 12 “I Believe in Life Everlasting”
I. The Particular Judgement
Each man is judged immediately after his death, and receives either entrance into heaven (immediately or after purification) or everlasting damnation.
II. Heaven
"Those who die in God's grace and friendship and are perfectly purified
live for ever with Christ. They are like God for ever, for they 'see him as he
is,' face to face." (CCC 1023)
"This perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity- this communion of life and
love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed- is
called 'heaven.' Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest
human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness." (CCC 1024)
Jesus opened heaven for us, and shares his glory with all who believe in him and remain faithful to him. Heaven is a mystery beyond description. Scripture uses images of light, peace, wedding feast, wine of the kingdom, the Father's house, the heavenly Jerusalem, and paradise. God cannot be seen as he is, unless he wills it and and gives man the capacity to understand the mystery. This is called "the beatific vision".
In heaven the blessed continue to fulfil God's will toward men and all creation.
Question for Reflection: What are we doing to prepare for the hour of our deaths? I know death is NOT something I think about very often as I am surrounded by all these little ones so full of life. Am I teaching my children about heaven?
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