articulate ways that relationships based on faith are reasonable
express what it means to have a relationship with God through Jesus
describe how faith in Jesus Christ challenges them to love and respect others
Key Concepts
“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord…” (Deuteronomy 6.4).
Jesus is the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega.
Faith cannot be fully explained, but it is reasonable. Faith admits mystery.
Our moral life has its source in faith in God, who reveals his love to us. (CCC #2087) Faith in God’s love encom- passes the call and the obligation to respond with love and respect – the first and second command- ments call us to love and respect God above everything, and to respect all creatures for and because of God.
Being faithful means being open to develop- ing our relationship with God.
Theme 2: What’s the point of prayer?
Outcomes
Students will
define Christian prayer
locate in Scripture, describe and demonstrate five forms of prayer:
Adoration and Blessing
Petition
Intercession
Thanksgiving
Praise
express different ways that God responds to prayer
demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between human freedom, divine prerogative and prayer
Key Concepts
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heav- en” (Matthew 5.3).
Prayer is our living relationship with God.
The third commandment calls us to stop and pray. The Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life.
Jesus teaches us how to pray.
God always answers our prayers.
God answers our prayers in ways that are not limited by our own perspectives. God’s view is infinitely bigger than our view.
In answering our prayers, God does not take away human free- dom.
value the sacredness of the human body, regardless of appearance
identify ways that we can co-operate with God in car- ing for our bodies
express ways in which the Incarnation shows the sacredness of the human body
respect physical change as integral to God’s creation of us
understand the ways we use our bodies in prayer
Key Concepts
The Incarnation shows us the sacredness of the human body.
Jesus affirms the dignity of every person.
We are made in the image and likeness of God.
The fifth commandment underlines the sacredness of human life.
We are called to co-operate with God in the care of our bodies.
God’s creation of us does not end: we constantly change physically; we are called to respect that change in ourselves and others.
Theme 2: How do I know what I know?
Outcomes
Students will
identify their own preferred ways of learning
name a variety of ways of learning and of growing intellectually
respect the unique intellect of each person
consider how intellect shapes faith
realize God’s desire to be known through Jesus Christ
Key Concepts
Each person has a unique way of learning.
The fifth commandment underlines the value of all people, regardless of their abilities.
God desires all to come to know the truth – especially religious truth, which enables us to know and love God.
Searching, questioning and doubt may be avenues to intellectual growth.
We change intellectually throughout life; this is part of God’s plan.
Theme 3: Is it okay to feel this way?
Outcomes
Students will
identify emotions and their functions in their lives
demonstratehowfaith guides how we act in response to our emotions
respect the right of all people to experience their own feelings
understand that there are morally acceptable and morally unacceptable ways to express any emotion
Key Concepts
“Blessedarethosewho mourn, for they will be com- forted” (Matthew 5.4).
God created us to experience a wide range of emotions.
Everyhumanlife,fromthe moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God (CCC #2319). The way we express our emotions must respect the sacredness of all human life.
ThroughouremotionsGod calls us to decision and action.
Ouremotionsareagiftthat helps us to relate to others and to God.
Emotions are not “good” or “bad” in themselves. “Passions are morally good when they contribute to a good action, evil in the opposite case…. Emotions and feelings can be taken up into the virtues or perverted by the vices.” (CCC #1768)
Our faith guides our expression of emotions so that we, and those with whom we relate, become more loving.
Theme 4: How do I get along with others?
Outcomes
Students will
explain how they are social beings responsible for the care of one another in accordance with God’s plan
summarize stories where Jesus models how to live in and challenge society
interpret the model of table fellowship, as used by Jesus Christ, for their own lives
explain how the Christian concept of society is inclusive
Key Concepts
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5.9).
God created us as social beings, called to love and serve one another.
Jesusmodelshowtolivein and challenge society.
The Christian concept of society is inclusive.
Faith shapes our criteria for healthy relationships.
Through table fellowship, Jesus changed the stan- dard for how people relate socially.
explore and express the qualities of relationships they want to have
name how they want others to “be with them”
know that each person has been created with the freedom to shape his or her own relationships
repeat and explain the Beatitudes
identify ways that the Beatitudes help us understand the Christian attitude toward being with others
articulate the Christian call to take on the attitude of Christ
Key Concepts
We are created with the freedom to shape our own relationships and to determine what kind of persons we will be with others.
We are called to make God manifest by acting in conformity with our creation “in the image and likeness of God.” (CCC #2085)
Our relationship with Jesus calls us to be of the “same mind” with Jesus, looking out for the interests and well-being of others with compassion and love. (Philippians 2.1-11)
The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes describe for us the paths that lead to the kingdom of heaven. The grace of the Holy Spirit helps us to travel these paths. (CCC #1724)
The Beatitudes outline a distinctly Christian attitude toward being with other
Sometimes a good villain makes a good point. Recall the Grinch’s hatred for all the noise on Christmas morning.
For many of us, it is in the build up to Christmas that we get annoyed by the noise, the pushy people in the mall, lineups at every store, commercials, endless TV reruns. How do you cope with “all the noise” in the buildup to Christmas?
In all the hubbub build up to Christmas, how can you hear “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight'”?
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
4John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
5And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
4John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
5And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
If relationships between peoples become so tense that war threatens, certain clear conditions for a legitimate defensive war must be maintained. For example, all other means to resolve conflict must have been exhausted before resorting to military force as a way to defend oneself.
Take a closer look at a current conflict in the world. Write about the conflict as an advocate of Peace or Just War.
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
4John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
5And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
33Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is.
34Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35Watch ye therefore, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,)
36Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.
37And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
CCC 2304
¶2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity.
CCC 2309
¶2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine.
The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
Read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10. Who are the people in your life who show you examples of each of these “Be Attitudes”? Write about how these people – and you – demonstrate how to live the Beatitudes.
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
4John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
5And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
33Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is.
34Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35Watch ye therefore, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,)
36Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.
37And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
CCC 2304
¶2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity.
CCC 2309
¶2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine.
The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
286. Nor can we ignore the fact that the configuration of our own mode of being, whether as male or female, is not simply the result of biological or genetic factors, but of multiple elements having to do with temperament, family history, culture, experience, education, the influence of friends, family members and respected persons, as well as other formative situations. It is true that we cannot separate the masculine and the feminine from God’s work of creation, which is prior to all our decisions and experiences, and where biological elements exist which are impossible to ignore. But it is also true that masculinity and femininity are not rigid categories. It is possible, for example, that a husband’s way of being masculine can be flexibly adapted to the wife’s work schedule. Taking on domestic chores or some aspects of raising children does not make him any less masculine or imply failure, irresponsibility or cause for shame. Children have to be helped to accept as normal such healthy “exchanges” which do not diminish the dignity of the father figure. A rigid approach turns into an overaccentuation of the masculine or feminine, and does not help children and young people to appreciate the genuine reciprocity incarnate in the real conditions of matrimony. Such rigidity, in turn, can hinder the development of an individual’s abilities, to the point of leading him or her to think, for example, that it is not really masculine to cultivate art or dance, or not very feminine to exercise leadership. This, thank God, has 216 changed, but in some places deficient notions still condition the legitimate freedom and hamper the authentic development of children’s specific identity and potential.
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
4John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
5And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
33Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is.
34Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35Watch ye therefore, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,)
36Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.
37And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
CCC 2304
¶2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity.
CCC 2309
¶2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine.
The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
4John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
5And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
33Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is.
34Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35Watch ye therefore, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,)
36Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.
37And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
CCC 2304
¶2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity.
CCC 2309
¶2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine.
The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
4Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant5or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;6it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
3A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
4John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
5And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
8I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
33Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is.
34Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35Watch ye therefore, (for you know not when the lord of the house cometh: at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning,)
36Lest coming on a sudden, he find you sleeping.
37And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.
CCC 2304
¶2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity.
CCC 2309
¶2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:
- the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
- all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
- there must be serious prospects of success;
- the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine.
The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Today is supposed to be a great and joyful feast in honour of the glory of Mary and the triumph of God’s mercy in her life. It reveals the destiny for which God has created each person. Yet, today the Church finds herself in mourning, covered with shame, confusion and hurt. It's also a call […]
It’s been a while –– I’ve stopped writing our my homilies and recording them has been a bit challenging, so there hasn’t been much to post. I’ll work on it. In the meantime, I’ve added some other audio files. Last week … Continue reading →
Zech 9:9-10 Ps 145 R/. I will bless your name for ever, my king and my God. Rom 8:9, 11-13 Mt 11:25-30 In our second reading today, St. Paul reminds us: Brothers and sisters: You are not in the … Continue reading →
Last week I had what was perhaps the most difficult funeral I’ve ever had. One of our parishioners, a middle-aged and beloved man, took his own life. We’ll never really understand why he did this, but we trust in God’s … Continue reading →
2 Kgs 4:8-12a, 14-16 Ps 89 R/. Forever I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord. Rom 6:3-4, 8-11 Mt 10:37-42 I remember a conversation I had with my dad years ago, when I was beginning to discern … Continue reading →
