Fidelity: Faithfulness to God

Fidelity: Faithfulness to God and Others

• Fidelity comes from the Latin word "Fides," which means faith and loyalty.
• Fidelity involves being faithful to God, to others, and to commitments, especially in relationships.
• The modern world often promotes a "throw-away culture" where commitments are easily broken.
• Complete trust in God aids in remaining faithful.

God's Role in Fidelity

• The Sixth Commandment states: "You shall not commit adultery."
• The Ninth Commandment states: "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife."
• Adultery is a sin against justice and society because it breaks trust and causes harm.
• Marriage is a permanent partnership of life and love.
• Fidelity in marriage respects the nature of human sexuality.
• Sexuality is a fundamental, God-given aspect of who people are that should be used responsibly.
• The commandments prohibit evil desires that can lead to unfaithfulness.

Chastity: Purity of Heart

• Chastity involves having a pure heart and self-control over actions and desires.
• "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8
• Chastity applies to both married and single people.
• For married couples, chastity involves remaining true to marriage vows and honoring their spouse.
• For single people, chastity means living in purity and virginity for God’s kingdom.
• Chastity protects against adultery and divorce by strengthening love and respect.
• Practicing chastity requires purity of intention, purity of vision, discipline of feelings, and prayer.

Respect for Truth

• Respect is a crucial value in all relationships.
• People are called to respect themselves, others, and their environment.
• The Church should always speak the truth.
• Matthew 7:1-5 teaches about avoiding judgment and hypocrisy.
• Individuals should address their own faults before criticizing others.
• Treat others with fairness, honesty, and understanding.

Offenses Against Truth

• Lying: Stating something false to deceive others.
• False Witness: Lying specifically about someone.
• Perjury: Lying in public or in court, is a serious sin.
• Rash Judgment: Assuming someone is guilty without proof or a good reason.
• Slander: Spreading false negative information about someone.
• Defamation: Revealing someone’s faults to ruin their reputation.
• Calumny: Spreading false accusations to destroy a person's good name and honor.
• Flattery: Saying nice things insincerely to gain favor.
• Adulation: Excessive, fake praise to get something in return.
• Boasting & Bragging: Talking about oneself proudly to impress others.
• Gossip/Tale-bearing: Spreading private or harmful information about someone.

Living with Truth and Respect

• Respect involves treating everyone with fairness and honesty.
• Avoid lying, gossip, and unfair judgment.
• Being truthful and respectful strengthens relationships and faith.
• Always seek to do what is right in the eyes of God.

The Essence of Christian Worship

• A primary duty as Christians is to know, love, and serve God.
• Worship is being united with the perfect sacrifice of Christ.
• God calls people to rest in His presence through prayer and worship.
• True worship brings tranquility, serenity, peace, and repose.

The Significance of the New Day of Worship

• Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is a gift: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." - Mark 2:27
• The Sabbath safeguards both the rights of God and of humankind.
• God desires mercy more than sacrifice: "It is mercy that I desire and not sacrifice." - Matthew 12:7
• Easter Sunday is the new Sabbath, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.
• It symbolizes the coming of the new creation, where we are renewed in Christ.
• Active participation in the Eucharist is essential.

How to Worship God in Truth

• Pray with sincerity, having a personal connection with God.
• Join in the Eucharist, participating in the Mass and receiving Christ.
• Meditate and reflect, spending quiet time with God.
• Live out your faith, showing love through good actions.

Loving and Serving God

• The greatest commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." - Deuteronomy 6:5
• God must be the first priority in life.
• "You shall have no other gods before Me." (First Commandment)
• People must serve only one Master: God, not material wealth.
• "Mammon" refers to wealth or property, which can become a false god.
• Jesus teaches to seek God first and trust Him to provide for our needs.

The First Commandment: Teachings and Prohibitions

• The First Commandment teaches the Lordship of the one true God.
• God alone should be worshiped and should be the center of our lives.
• Modern-day false gods include money, fame, power, social media, or personal success.
• Anything that takes God's place in our hearts is a false god.
• The First Commandment prohibits sacrilegious actions and not honoring God properly.
• Sacrilegious actions include disrespecting places, objects, or people dedicated to God.
• Worship should be done with sincerity and love.

Levels of Honor in the Catholic Church

• Latria: Worship and adoration given only to God.
• Hyperdulia: Special honor given to Mary, the Mother of God.
• Protodulia: Special veneration for St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus.
• Dulia: Honor given to saints, who are models of holiness.

Fulfilling Our Duty to God

• Pray daily and attend Mass faithfully.
• Follow God's commandments with love.
• Avoid idolizing money, fame, or anything above God.
• Respect sacred things, places, and people dedicated to God.
• Trust in God’s plan and seek Him first in all things.

Holiness in Ordinary Life

• Holiness is about faithfulness in daily life, not extraordinary deeds.
• Value daily experiences and find holiness in small acts of goodness.
• Faithfulness in doing good, however simple, brings individuals closer to God.

The Time It Takes to Achieve Holiness

• Holiness is a journey, not an immediate achievement.
• It requires patience and perseverance.
• True holiness expects nothing in return; do good out of love, not for reward.
• Matthew 6:3 advises doing good without seeking attention.

Sanctity as a Response to Love

• Sanctity is a result of loving God and others, not a personal achievement.
• Holiness is a response to God's love.
• God rewards faithfulness in small things with greater responsibilities and joy.
• Matthew 25:23: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"

Living a Life of Holiness: Gospel Teachings

• Gospel teaches that holiness is shown through actions.
• Share what you have and give to those in need.
• Be honest in all dealings.
• Avoid injustice and exploiting others.
• Holiness means doing what is right, being honest, and helping others.
• John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, who brings true baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire.
• Holiness involves being "wheat" gathered into God’s kingdom, not "chaff" that is wasted.

Everyday Holiness

• Be faithful in small things and do good daily, even in small ways.
• Be patient, as holiness takes time and effort.
• Expect no reward; do good out of love, not recognition.
• Live with love and make holiness a response to God’s love.
• Be generous and just, helping others and living honestly, like John the Baptist taught.

Examines fidelity as faithfulness to God, others, and commitments, especially in relationships. Explores how complete trust in God helps maintain fidelity and discusses relevant commandments.