Christian Living Education (Learning Package) 2nd Sem, Midterm.docx

**CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN IFUGAO** **CHRISTIAN LIVING EDUCATION 12** **2^ND^ SEMESTER MIDTERMS AY 2024-2025** **Week 1** **ENTERING INTO CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT** **Choosing Christ in the World Today** **Context:** **WHAT IS YOUR HEART'S DEEPEST DESIRE?** Most of us say, "I want to be happy." We als...

**CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN IFUGAO** **CHRISTIAN LIVING EDUCATION 12** **2^ND^ SEMESTER MIDTERMS AY 2024-2025** **Week 1** **ENTERING INTO CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT** **Choosing Christ in the World Today** **Context:** **WHAT IS YOUR HEART'S DEEPEST DESIRE?** Most of us say, "I want to be happy." We also want to succeed in life---to be successful in what we will be doing in the future. At this point, as Filipino high school seniors, you look forward to the future. You want to enter a prestigious college or university, succeed in your studies, and graduate with honors so you can get a good job and be able to afford a comfortable life with a family of your own. Looking at these goals in a high school senior's life, we can see that there is nothing inherently wrong with them. We all want the "good life." We want to enjoy life, to be happy. Even the Christian "Good News" proclaims to us that God wants us to be happy and have the "good life." But what precisely is this "good life" that God wants for us to have? First, let us take a look at what the good life is not, according to God's plan for us. What we really need to be careful about in the pursuit of our dreams is not to fall into the trap of careerism. "Careerism" is making "career" into an "ism" --an ideological view of the good life that reflects an exaggerated self-concern and materialistic notion of success. It is looking at the basic meaning and purpose of our whole life only in terms of the type of work, profession, or lifestyle that brings with it riches, reputation, and power. But this excessive focus on oneself and material satisfaction runs directly contrary to our Christian faith. Material success and personal growth should not come at the expense of allowing our dignity as disciples of Jesus Christ, and as sons and daughters of God our Father to be obscured or taken for granted. Our major goal in life is to be an authentic Filipino Christian person through our loving personal relationship with others, grounded on our relation with Jesus Christ. [To attain great material success while forgetting the living triune God who has given us life] [and everything that we have is life climbing to the top only to find that there is nothing there. We need to be aware of the danger in forgetting our Christian identity in the pursuit of our dreams.] We know we are persons created by God, who redeems us in Christ Jesus and fills us with the Holy Spirit. We are raised by grace to share in God's own life as adopted sons and daughters of our Father. In years to come, as we advance along our path toward our chosen career, we will be called to make choices that call us to go beyond the self-centered focus on the "me, myself, and I." Our career must be something that will develop our authentic selves through an intimate loving faith relationship with God and with others---a career that inspires us to contribute positively to the good of others, the common good. This is the "good life" that God would have us share---a life of friendship with God and others, a life of dedicated, loving service. Before you continue reading this module, pause and ask yourself the following questions: (No need to write your answers.) **Exposition UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN HEART--- THE CENTER OF OUR BEING** The Sacred Scriptures give us various meanings of and insights into the human heart. The heart is seen as the 1. Deep center of a person a. \"With closest custody, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life\" (Prv. 4:23). b. "For wisdom will enter your heart" (Prv. 2:10). c. "From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts\" (Mk 7:21). 2. Core of one\'s being a. Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my concern\" (Ps 139:23). b. \"A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks\" (Lk 6.45). 3. Place of prayerful reflection with God and others c. \"God\'s teaching is in their hearts\" (Ps 3T.31). d. \"When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you\" (Jer 29: 13-14). e. \"In the night I meditate in my heart\" (Ps 77.6). f. \"Were not our hearts burning \[within us\] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us\" (Lk 24:32)? The prophet Micah pointed out that [whole-heartedness is needed to fulfill God\'s directive to \"do the right and] [to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God\" (Mi 6:8).] Ezekiel and Jeremiah bring us the incredible news that God has promised to take away our stony hearts and replace them with hearts filled with compassion, kindness, and love (Ez 36:26; Jer 31:33). What kind of a human heart does God want us to have?...a noble and good heart; a wise and discerning heart; a heart at peace; a happy heart; a clean heart; a heart that is blameless; a steadfast heart; and a pure heart. [What God] [wants most for us is the inner attitude, a disposition toward what is good, wise, and beautiful.] Those who dedicate themselves to make better the lives of people who are oppressed, lonely, sick, and suffering need what Pope Benedict XVI calls a "formation of the heart." +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **ACTIVITY 1** | | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | WEEK 1 | Understanding | Activity: | Instruction: | | | | | the Human | Song analysis | | | | | | Heart | and | 1\. Reflect | | | | | | Reflection | on the | | | | | | | song. (Sing | | | | | | | it | | | | | | | meaningfully | | | | | | | if you know | | | | | | | it. You may | | | | | | | also search | | | | | | | for it on | | | | | | | youtube.) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2\. Answer | | | | | | | the | | | | | | | questions | | | | | | | that | | | | | | | follow. | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | | **Strong and Constant** | | | | **By Frank Anderson** | | | | I will be Yahweh who walks with you. You will be always within my | | hand. | | | | Take your heart, and give it all to me. | | | | \*Strong and constant is my love | | | | Strong and constant is my love. | | | | Should you wander far away from me, I will search for you in every | | land. | | | | Should you call, then you will truly.\* | | | | When you know sorrow within your life. I will come, I will embrace | | your heart, | | | | Through your pain, you will discover me. \* | | | | Instructions: | | | | 1\. On a whole sheet of paper, create symbol of the main message of | | the song. (5pts) | | | | 2\. Below or beside your illustration, answer the following: | | | | a\. What do you consider as the most striking line from the song? | | Why? (5 pts) | | | | b\. As described in the song, what are our human experiences where | | we long for God? (5 pts) | | | | c\. How is God\'s love for us presented in the song? (5 pts) | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ If we want to be authentic promoters of the social teachings of the church, we have to learn how to love and accept the love of God and the love of persons around us. We cannot live without love, for it is out of love and for love that we are given life. It is important to keep ever present in our lives the source of this love---God. The love of God the Father is manifested in a manner that nothing can surpass: He sent us His only begotten Son, whom He loves, to become one of us, to save us from our sins. Pray for the grace to see and feel in your hearts that you are loved by God, who will never forget you. This is what discernment is all about. **DEVELOPING A DISCERNING HEART** *[What are my plans in life? What does God want me to do? What decisions and commitments am I being called to make in my life? What is the place of my relationship with]* *[God in my plans for the future?]* These are important questions. They call on us to *[listen to God\'s call more intently. They call for wise decision making.]* The process of finding answers to our questions and making decisions in the light of our faith is part of what is called *Christian discernment.* [Discernment is concerned with finding the will of God in the events of our daily life and with regard to our major choices.] Christian discernment refers to [*all* Christians reflecting on God\'s will for them], not just those called to a specific religious vocation. Discernment is also important in the moral decisions that we make in our daily Christian life. We are called to \"discern\" God\'s will in the many choices that we face and the many words and actions we receive from others, in our personal lives, in our interpersonal relationships, and in our studies. The task at hand for young Christians is to develop a discerning heart. Discerning the direction in which our graced hearts are drawing us is often a difficult task. Many times, without our knowing it, our attention is drawn only to what is external. *We need to quiet* *ourselves so we can hear the voice within us asking, \"What is the meaning of all this?\" This puts us on the right track for discovering our deepest authentic desires.* These desires are like the pearl of great price that Jesus likened to the kingdom of God in one of His parables (Mt 13:45---46). Once we identify what our deepest desires really are, we can direct our lives in pursuit of these deepest aspirations toward a meaningful life. **How to Discern: Skills in Discernment** We will refer to the practice of discernment from the Christian spiritual tradition for some guidance in choosing between good courses of action. **1. *An Experience of God*** First of all, it is important that we have experienced God in our life. Sincerely believing in God\'s reality is the way to encounter God *"in Spirit and in truth\"* (Jn. 4:23) in our human experiences. Scripture teaches us that [God] [constantly uses human persons and material realities to make his presence felt]. We can become aware, then, of how God touches us through our human experiences. [Religious experience is any experience that God uses to break into our lives. It is an event in our life that tells] [us God is real, He is near, and He loves us.] As we grow in our faith, we grow in sensitivity to the presence of God in our lives. At key moments in our lives, God\'s presence bursts forth in us in a special way. Read the following insights of persons who describe how they encountered God in their lives: a. If someone were to ask how to find God, I would smile and tell them that I see God every day. Being a farmer requires one to work with the **earth and nature**, and I cannot think of one occupation outside the clergy that would expose a person to God and His Creation more than farming. (Chris Erickson, farmer) b. You will eventually find God whether you want to or not. If you want to (even if you don\'t happen to believe He exists) all you have to do is find some quiet place, be quiet inside yourself, and ask Him to let you find Him (or Him you). As far as I know, it is a **prayer** that is always answered. (Fredrick Buechner, author of 27 works of fiction and nonfiction) c. How can you find God? In your own **life experiences**! People of faith live in the belief that God has created them and the world, loves and sustains them, and desires the fullness of life and justice for all. (Kathleen Haser, director of Jesuit Volunteer Corps) d. First of all, **relax**, and be assured that God is also seeking you. (Kathleen Norris, an award-winning poet) e. The first and foremost way of finding God for me is in the **Eucharist and in other sacraments and rites**. (Ron Hansen, author) +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **ACTIVITY 2** | | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | | Skills in | Reflection on | Read and | | | | | Discernment: | a Religious | reflect on | | | | | | Experience | the story. | | | | | 1\. An | | Then answer | | | | | Experience | | the | | | | | of God | | questions. | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | | **Finding God Who Seeks Us** | | | | Read the following experience of a young man\'s spiritual journey and | | his realization of what it is that will really make him happy. Take | | note of the thoughts and feelings that are stirred in you as you | | read. | | | | My parents are Marian devotees. I remember seeing various images of | | the Blessed Virgin at home. I remember singing Marian songs, and I | | remember reading about the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin when I | | was a child. Most of all, I remember praying the rosary with my | | family every day whether I wanted to or not. | | | | That is why when I started to live by myself, when I finally gained | | my independence from my parents, that was the first prayer that I | | stopped saying. In fact, I stopped praying altogether, and living a | | busy life, I didn\'t mind not praying at all. For years, I became | | quite immersed in my work, worrying about my boss, worrying about | | graduate studies, about my career path, or even worrying about | | worrying. But one night, I realized I was not really happy. I was | | moved to the point of despair as I could not see the significance of | | it all. I was confused---I did not know what to do. | | | | All my friends were out that night and I had no one to talk to. And | | so I wanted to pray---but I didn\'t really know how. How was I to | | pray? Instinctively, that night, I took out my rosary and mumbled a | | \"Hail Mary,\" and I wept. | | | | \" Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you | | among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. \" | | | | As those words echoed in my heart I felt a familiar warmth: my mother | | (as a Christian) was always there waiting for me, I just had not | | noticed it. From that moment of conversion, I felt guided to | | religious life, Mary\'s hand was there to show the way. Sure, I would | | often forget, fall down and cry---like a child would forget his | | mother---but only to find myself running back into her open arms. She | | would then smile at me and whisper, "My child, you are home.\" Let | | us, as our Gospel says, \"behold our mother\" and hold her, and walk | | home with her to her Son. | | | | **Guide Questions** | | | | 1\. What do you find most striking about the young man\'s | | experience? (2 pts) | | | | 2\. What is the young man\'s religious experience? (3 pts) | | | | 3\. Narrate your own religious experience. (any experience that God | | uses to break into our lives. It is an event in our life that tells | | us God is real, He is near, and He loves us.) (1 paragraph- 10pts.) | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **2. *Listening to the Living Word of God*** Authentic Christian discernment is always grounded in **Sacred Scripture**. We come to know God\'s will through His Living Word. By referring to Sacred Scripture *[to guide and teach us]*, we can test our own personal aspirations against the Word of God and see either a confirmation of, or a clear case of going against, God\'s will. One way of recognizing God\'s presence in our lives is to *[be aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit]*. St. Paul teaches us that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23) One way then, to develop a discerning heart involves *[becoming more at home with Sacred Scripture and letting the living Word of God fill and illumine our hearts.]* **3. *Prayer*** Discerning God\'s action in our daily lives requires *a spiritual sensitivity that comes only from authentic* Christian *prayer and worship* (CFC 1 00). **We can develop a discerning heart only by becoming persons of prayer**. We need to be faithful to our prayer time, to create a certain sacred time and space for communing with God. **4. *Seeking God in Peace*** The psalmist calls us to the **silence that is filled with the presence of God: \"Be still, and confess that I am God\" (Ps 46:1 1).** If we want to hear God\'s voice we need to *[be silent and reflect]* on what the Lord wants us to do. When we enter into prayerful silence and let go of our fears, insecurities, and hang-ups in life, we let the Lord speak to our hearts. By looking into our lives, noticing what is unfolding there, probing the movements of God\'s Spirit dwelling within us, we are helped in discerning how to live as disciples of Jesus Christ--- we realize what God the Father desires for us personally as our lives unfold. **5. *Seeing a Spiritual Director*** A lot of people may claim that what they are doing is God\'s will but we need to be very careful about branding our actions as the will of God. At times, we only have to listen carefully in silence to detect where we are going astray. But most often we need some objective help to uncover these defects. Talking about our plans and seeking guidance by talking to a spiritual director---*someone who can properly discern the Lord\'s Word to us*---will help us achieve authentic discernment. *Mary walked quietly through her life with her Son Jesus. From the moment of Jesus\' conception to His death on the Cross, Mary was there, following Jesus, listening to His words, keeping everything in her heart. It is this silent \"walking with Jesus\" that we are invited to. Life is worth living and can be full of deep joy and meaning when we walk humbly with God as we walk with others---our family, friends, and the people we serve. The beauty of living our life lies in our firm belief that we are not alone---\'di tayo nag-iisa---for God is with us always.* **WEEK 2** **CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP: COMMITMENT TO \"WALK HUMBLY\" WITH OUR GOD** The phrase \"to walk humbly with God\" is a description of the life of faith. It means placing our deepest trust in God alone. This expression stresses the kind of life God wants for us, how we ought to walk our day-by-day life in His Presence. This call to \"walk\" is reflected in the call of Jesus, who invites us to walk with Him, or follow Him, to remain in His love (Jn 1 5:4---9). In Mark 1:17, Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom with the call to repent and believe in the Gospel. Jesus\' call has a certain urgency---that we respond in faith. To follow Jesus means to be his disciple, to \" imitate Jesus\" through the power of the Spirit whom Jesus sends to us. It is the Spirit that empowers us to faithful commitment to Christ and the Kingdom of God. **Following Christ---the Way, the Truth, and the Life** [This call to discipleship is a call to holiness. All of us are called to a life of holiness, a life of grace that is offered] [to everyone by the Father through the Risen Christ and the Holy Spirit]. The call to holiness is a call to the fullness of Christian life and love. By simple, unpretentious holiness, a more human manner of life is fostered in our local communities (Lumen Gentium 40). **What does being a disciple of Christ actually mean?** The Gospel of Mark (3: 1 3---1 5) presents to us the basic and most significant elements that pertain to discipleship: Our discipleship is a [gift, something that is freely offered to us] (Jn 15:16). What makes it beautiful is that Christ \"chose\" us in spite of our imperfections and sinfulness. Our first calling is to \"remain with\" Jesus and go through life\'s journey with Him by our side. This is the [vertical aspect of discipleship]---our relationship with the Risen Christ, God\'s only begotten Son-made-man who died and rose for us (Gal 2:20). 3\. *\"to be sent out\"* We are chosen for a mission---to go out and bear fruit that will remain.\" (Jn. 20:21). When we have been touched by a concrete experience of being loved by God, we cannot contain His love within us. Instead, we are driven by the fire of God\'s love to \"love our neighbor.\" This is the [horizontal aspect of our discipleship.] Being a real Christian, therefore, involves both loving God and loving our neighbor. **DISCIPLESHIP MEANS FORMING AN INTEGRATED FAITH** Discipleship entails a personal commitment to forming an integral faith: 1\. Knowledge of the Word of God (doctrine); 2\. The profession of faith in daily life (morals); and 3\. Celebration of faith in the sacraments (worship) (NCDP 414). **Commitment to Believe in Jesus \[Doctrine\]** Our Christian faith is not a blind faith but an *informed, thinking faith.* When we love a person, we want to know more about him or her. When we truly love Christ and have felt his love for us, we thirst to know him ever more deeply. Whoever believes in Jesus, the Son of God, will also strive to know and accept the truths that he continues to teach through his Church. Every disciple of Jesus must have an \"informed\" faith (PCP Il 65). How do we gain such a faith? Our faith needs to be grounded firmly on Sacred Scripture and the living Tradition of the Church that transmits to us the teachings of Jesus. Our active participation in our CLE classes, attentive listening to the Word of God in the Mass, reading the Bible, living the written Word of God, reading articles and books on our faith---all these will help us develop a real sensitivity to, and love for, the Word of God in Scripture and a personal appreciation for the teachings of the Church\" (NCDP 79). **Commitment to Follow Jesus \[Morals\]** Fullness of life here on earth means that in all the innumerable actions, events, and problems of daily life, we strive to walk with Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, who is \"the Way, the Truth, and the Life\" (Jn. 14:6; CFC 674). Discipleship is a process of commitment that involves turning from a self- centered way of life to an other-centered self-development. Every day calls for a conscious effort to faithfully fulfill the many tasks before us. Let us go about our daily tasks and relating to others in accordance with the ways of Christ. *If Jesus were in my place, how would he speak to my enemy? How would he answer someone who said unpleasant words to me? How would he relate with my parents? or go about my schoolwork? What kind of a career in life would he choose? Would he work to help street children? What would he do to stop global warming?* Part of following Jesus is putting into action our love for Him by serving Others and contributing our small bit to social transformation. We have to admit, however, that there will be times when, in the midst of our zealous work to help and serve others, we might feel the burden of our own needs and human limitations. We might even question what we are doing -- "What's the Point of helping others?\" lt is precisely during these moments of discouragement that we have to remember that we are mere instruments of God. **Commitment to Worship Jesus \[Worship\]** Pope Benedict XVI reminds us: \"It is time to reaffirm the importance of prayer in the face of the activism and the growing secularism of many Christians engaged in charitable work." We should always be conscious that all our expressions of our love for our neighbor, especially the needy; flow from our faith in Jesus. [True faith results in a] [sincere desire to do something to help build Gods kingdom here on earth. Our faith lives and grows through prayer and] [worship (PCP Il 74). Without prayer, our life is not nourished spiritually]. Whenever we pray or receive the sacraments, we open ourselves to divine action. Our openness provides an opportunity for God to reveal Himself in thousands of different ways. The Catholic Tradition offers certain precepts or basic practices (popularly known as the five commandments of the Church) as necessary not only for active membership in the Church, but especially to guide us toward nourishing our faith life: 1\. *Keeping the Lord\'s Day* 2\. *Celebrating the major feasts (*The Immaculate Conception - December 8, Christmas - December 25, Mary, Mother of God - January 1, Easter - Feast of the Resurrection, The Ascension - Forty days after Easter, Pentecost - Fifty days after Easter, The Assumption of Our Lady - August 15, All Saints\' Day - November 1) 3\. *Observing the days of fasting and abstinence* 4\. *Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)* In this sacrament we the Risen Christ sacramentally, precisely in mission to forgive our sins through the absolution of the priest, heal our sinfulness, and promote our growth in our spiritual life. 5\. *Receiving the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick* - We are encouraged to receive this sacrament of healing whenever serious illness strikes us. **ACTIVITY 3** +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | Week | **Topics:** | **Activity:** | **Instruction | | | | | | REFLECTING ON | :** | | | | 2 | CHRISTIAN | THE LIFE OF | Read the | | | | | DISCIPLESHIP: | CARLO ACUTIS | biography of | | | | | COMMITMENT TO | | Carlo Acutis | | | | | \"WALK | | and answer | | | | | HUMBLY\" WITH | | the questions | | | | | OUR GOD | | that follow. | | | | | | | Write your | | | | | DISCIPLESHIP | | answers on a | | | | | MEANS FORMING | | whole sheet | | | | | AN INTEGRATED | | of pad paper. | | | | | FAITH | | You may also | | | | | | | encode and | | | | | | | print. | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | | (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/carlo-acutis-bless | | ed-assisi-eucharist-patron-internet.html) | | | | 1\. Read the biography of the latest saint-to-be, a millennial like | | you. | | | | Carlo Acutis: Millennial Generation has a Blessed | | | | By Angela Mengis Palleck | | | | A member of the Millennial generation, fifteen-year-old Carlo Acutis, | | will be beatified in Assisi on Saturday (October 4, 2020). A brief | | biography recounts how his passion for the Eucharist and internet | | savvy have left us a tangible connection with him. | | | | He was only 15 years old when he died in a hospital in Monza, Italy, | | in 2006, offering all his sufferings for the Church and for the Pope. | | | | He was a normal, handsome and popular boy. A natural jokester who | | enjoyed making his classmates and teachers laugh. | | | | He loved playing soccer, video games, and had a sweet tooth. Carlo | | couldn\'t say \"no\" to Nutella or to ice cream. Putting on weight | | made him understand the need for self-control. It was one of the many | | struggles Carlo had to overcome -- to learn how to master the art of | | self-control, to master the virtue of temperance, starting by the | | simple things. He used to say, "What's the use of winning 1,000 | | battles if you can\'t beat your own passions?" | | | | **\"Being originals and not photocopies\"** | | | | Carlo\'s motto reflects the life of a normal teenager who strived to | | be the best version of himself, living the ordinary in an | | extraordinary way. He used his first savings to buy a sleeping bag | | for a homeless man he often saw on the way to Mass. He could have | | bought himself another video game for his game console collection. He | | loved to play video games. Instead, he chose to be generous. This was | | not an isolated instance. His funeral was packed with many of the | | city\'s poor residents that Carlo had helped, demonstrating that the | | generosity he had extended to the homeless man on his way to Mass had | | been offered to many other people as well. | | | | When he was gifted a diary, he decided to use it to track his | | progress: \"good marks\" if he behaved well and \"bad marks\" if he | | did not meet his expectations. This is how he tracked his progress. | | In that same notebook he jotted down, "Sadness is looking at oneself, | | happiness is looking at God. Conversion is nothing but a movement of | | the eyes". | | | | **Natural jokester** | | | | He was a \"natural jokester\" as his mother, Antonia Salzano, once | | commented in an interview. His classmates would burst out in laughter | | at his remarks, and so would the teachers. Since he realized it could | | annoy and disrupt others, he made an effort to change in that regard | | as well. Making life pleasant for those around him through little | | acts was a constant in his life. He did not like the cleaning staff | | picking up after him, even if they were paid for that. So he set the | | alarm clock a few minutes earlier to tidy up his room and make the | | bed. Raejsh, a Hindu who cleaned at Carlo\'s house, was impressed | | that someone \"as handsome, young and rich" decided to live a simple | | life. "He captivated me with his deep faith, charity and purity," he | | remarked. Through Carlo's example, Raejsh decided to be baptized in | | the Catholic Church. | | | | **Cleanliness** | | | | Purity was very important in Carlo\'s life. \"Each person reflects | | the light of God\", was something he commonly said. It hurt him when | | his classmates did not live according to Christian morals. He would | | encourage them to do so, trying to help them understand that the | | human body is a gift from God and that sexuality had to be lived as | | God had intended. \"The dignity of each human being was so great, | | that Carlo saw sexuality as something very special, as it was | | collaborating with God\'s creation,\" his mother recalled. | | | | Our new Blessed also enjoyed putting on his diving goggles and | | playing "fetch trash from the bottom of the sea". When he took the | | dogs out for a walk, he always picked up whatever garbage he came | | across. It was his way of improving his corner of the world. | | | | **Passion for the Eucharist** | | | | Carlo\'s true passion was the Eucharist: \"his highway to heaven\". | | This led to his mother\'s conversion. A woman who had only gone | | \"three times to Mass in her life\" was conquered in the end by the | | boy\'s affection for Jesus. She enrolled herself in a theology course | | so she could answer all the questions of her young son. | | | | At the age of 11, Carlo began to investigate the Eucharistic miracles | | that have occurred in history. He used all his computer knowledge and | | talents to create a website that traced that history. It comprises | | 160 panels and can be downloaded by clicking here and that have also | | made the rounds of more than 10,000 parishes in the world. | | | | Carlo could not understand why stadiums were full of people and | | churches were empty. He would repeatedly say, "They have to see, they | | have to understand.\" | | | | **Early Death** | | | | In Summer 2006, Carlo asked his mother: \"Do you think I should | | become a priest?\" She answered: \"You will see it by yourself, God | | will reveal it to you.\" At the beginning of that school year he did | | not feel well. It seemed like a normal flu. But when he didn\'t get | | better, his parents took him to hospital. \"I\'m not getting out of | | here,\" he said when he entered the building. | | | | Shortly after, he was diagnosed with one of the worst types of | | leukemia -- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML or M3). His reaction was | | striking: \"I offer to the Lord the sufferings that I will have to | | undergo for the Pope and for the Church, so as not to have to be in | | Purgatory and be able to go directly to heaven.\" | | | | He died shortly after. "He is being a priest from heaven,\" says his | | mother. | | | | 2\. Answer the following questions: (2-3 sentences each only | | | | a\. What is your reaction on the life story of Blessed Carlo Acutis? | | (2 pts) | | | | b\. Describe Carlo as a millennial disciple of Jesus Christ. (3 pts) | | | | d\. Give specific examples on how Carlo lived an integral faith (10 | | pts) | | | | 1)Commitment to Know and Believe in Jesus \[Doctrine\] | | | | 2)Commitment to Follow Jesus \[Morals\] | | | | 3\) Commitment to Worship Jesus \[Worship\] | | | | e\. What is Carlo's most important message to young people like you? | | How can you apply it in your own life? (5pts) | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **Week 3** **LOOKING INTO THE CHRISTIAN VOCATION** **Opening** Our commitment to Christ in the world today is the vocation shared by all Christians. "Vocation here means responding to Christ's call - "Follow me"- in the here and now. Our vocation as Christians is to pattern our lives on the Spirit, teaching, and example of Jesus Christ, to whom we are joined through our creation, our built-in destiny, our baptism -- our whole graced life. There are different careers and states of life by which Christians live out their vocation: as lay persons (married or single), as religious, or as ordained priests/bishops. As Christians, we actually have a common vocation -- "Lahat tayo ay may bokasyon." This statement should make us all think again, and lead us to another question -- "Ano ang bokasyon ko?" Lest we go through life without reflecting why we are here and what we should be doing, it is important to spend some time on what we are "called" to do -- our vocation(s). **Exposition DISCERNING ONE'S CALLING** We are all in search of something that will make us whole and happy, something that will satisfy our deepest longings. At certain times, many of us have that feeling of incompleteness and restlessness -- "Parang may kulang sa buhay ko." We naturally yearn for completeness. Young persons yearn to know themselves, the meaning of their lives, and their career in life. There is a persistent longing that calls for some eventual solution. As St. John Paul II says, young people search for meaning in life and for a concrete way to go about living that life. Where do we find that which will fill our deepest longing? St. Augustine puts it: "Our hearts are restless till they rest in Thee." Our vocation is to love graced with God's love forever. Forever starts in the here and now, in our daily lives. **THE MEANING OF OUR CALLING** The Latin word vocare means "to summon" or "to call someone over." "Vocation" in Sacred Scripture describes [God's call to all human persons] -- God gives the same basic calling to everyone. We are called by God to a personal loving relationship with Him, and with all others. This tells us that: 1\. *The one who calls is God*. Most of the time we use the word "vocation" to speak of the one who is called, but not so much about the One who calls -- God. This God is the source of our life, the one who sustains every moment of our existence, from birth to our final destiny. Sacred Scripture tells us that God is the initiator and the source of our vocation. St. Peter thus describes God: "He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves" (1 Pt 1:15). 2\. *We share a common Christian vocation that is rooted in our baptism*. The vocation of every Christian is a response to the call of Jesus Christ: "Come follow me" (Mt 19:21). Every single Christian, by virtue of baptism, is called to seek Christ, find him, and remain with him (CFC 1946). *Our first calling is to be with and in Christ* -- to live our lives through Him, with Him, and in Him (cf the Great Doxology in the Mass). Loving others and serving the needy are essential dimensions of responding to the call to be with and in Christ. We nurture this life in Christ through loving service of others, reflecting on the Word of God in Scripture, personal and ecclesial prayer, and celebrating the Sacraments. When did our vocation to follow Christ start? From the moment of our baptism, God our Father has offered us new life in Christ through the Spirit. Our parents and our godparents promised to help us along the path of holiness until the time when we ourselves confirm in faith, "We believe, we strive to follow, we worship the living God revealed by Jesus Christ." 3\. *We share this call with others*. God has willed to call all people to be holy, and to save them not just as individuals without any bond or link between them, but rather as members of a community, a people who acknowledge him and serve him in holiness (Lumen Gentium 9). Christians are never alone; they do not live in isolation, but as members of a distinct community, the Church, the Body of Christ. It is within this community of believers that we are enabled to grow in our faith in the Lord and love for one another. Without the "People of God," the Church, there would be no Scripture, no Sacraments, no Creed or moral norms and values. We grow in our vocation together with others, most especially within the Christian community, because as members of the Body of Christ we help and inspire one another to reach our goal, the fullness of our Filipino Christian lives. Together we journey toward growing in ever deepening faith and love. **THINGS TO CONSIDER IN DISCERNING A CALL** Where and who will you be five to ten years from now? How many of your classmates will become priests or nuns, get married, or stay single? Here are some important things to consider when you are about to make a major decision, specifically on your particular vocation. 1\. ***Discern.*** Review our lesson on "Developing Skills in Discernment". If it is a major decision that you have to make in the future for your particular vocation -- your state of life -- you need to spend time to carefully reflect on your choices. For vocations to the priesthood and the religious life, there are seminaries and convents that conduct search-in seminars/recollections to guide young searchers in discerning their particular calling in life. For choosing a lifetime partner, there are also seminars designed for young couples, for them to better understand each other and help them decide on satisfying their union with the Sacrament of Matrimony. Part of the process of discernment is consulting a spiritual director. Articulating your thoughts and feelings about choices in life will enlighten you on the path you want to take. **2. *Study yourself.*** How do you know if you are called to the priesthood or to the religious life? Basically, in the same way, anyone discerns his/her vocation in life. There is a certain attraction to this way of service, and certain conditions and abilities are needed to exercise this way of living out one's life, etc. It is your person that you bring to a particular commitment. It is important, therefore, to have a realistic knowledge of yourself -- your talents, skills, interests, character, imitations, weaknesses, etc. Most of all, ask yourself what you can contribute to be of fruitful service to the community. Consider your health, too What are your physical limitations? The priesthood and the religious life may require you to be in the pink of heath -- to have stamina for immersion programs, community work, even household in the convent or seminary. ***3. Live a good life as you prepare for a future vocation.*** Preparation in terms of formation for any state of life in the future is important. While you are in school study hard and do well in the course of your choice. Whether it is for the religious life or married life, a good formation would be an advantage in terms of doing well in your chosen state of life. ***4. Develop good relationships with your family, friends, and the community to become a more loving person.*** Developing authentic friendships, caring for members of the family, and developing your own love-relationship with God gradually form you toward becoming a good and loving person. We cannot give and share with others what we do not have ourselves. We cannot love truly unless we have experienced the love of others and especially of God. True love for Christians is loving others by sharing in Christ's love within them through grace. \["Love one another as I love you" (Jn 15:12).\] As children and youth grow older, they are preparing themselves for a future commitment in love to others by becoming more loving, self-giving persons. *In the meantime, as a high school student, exercise and fulfill to the best of your ability your responsibilities as a student, a son or a daughter to your parents, and a true friend to your friends. Regular prayer and celebrating the Eucharist offer needed help and moral strength. Every day of your present formative years during your adolescent stage prepares you for your particular vocation in life.* **ACTIVITY 4** +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | Week | Discerning | Reflection on | Watch and | | | One's Call | Discernment | understand the | | 3 | | | message of the | | | | | video/vlog. | | | | | Then answer the | | | | | questions. | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ Click this Youtube link of the the vlof of Fr. Roniel: Watch the video and answer the following questions: **Questions** 1\. What is vocation? (2 pts) 2\. What is discernment? (2 pts) 3\. According to Fr. Roniel, how can we discern our personal calling? Elaborate your answer. (6pts.) **WEEK 4** **THE CHRISTIAN VOCATIONS** (Bugnot, Julita J., et.al. Becoming a Community of Disciples. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc., 1998, pp. 214-268.) **I. HOLY ORDERS: A COMMITMENT TO SERVE GOD AND PEOPLE** "but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be the slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mk. 10:43-45 Mark's message is very relevant and important to all, especially to those who are in leadership positions. To be a Christian is to be a servant, as Jesus was (v.45). to be first and greatest is to serve the needs of all, as Jesus did (v.44). Mark stresses "servant leadership." The Church 's leaders are meant to be the first to "drink the cup," daily serving the needs of their brothers and sisters (Linden, commentary on Mark). Jesus had come to serve and his service to humanity was to be his voluntary death. "He made himself obedient, took the condition of a slave and died on the cross" (Phil 2:9). Jesus' examples of service cannot be underestimated. Every baptized Christian is invited to serve his or her fellow human being. It is our responsibility to respond to God's invitation to serve. There are various means of service. It could be a very simple way or in a complicated way depending on the necessity and according to our gifts and talents. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *God, who is the holy one and sanctifier, has willed to take (humans) as allies and helpers to become humble servants in his work of sanctification. The purpose then for which priests are consecrated by God through the ministry of the bishop is that they should be made sharers in a special way in Christ's priesthood and, by carrying out sacred functions, act as his ministers who through his Spirit continually exercise his priestly function for our benefit in the liturgy. Presbyterorum Ordinis 5* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Enrichment** All religions in this world, no matter how small or big, primitive or advanced, choose some people to perform the sacred functions in the community and to act as mediator between God and people. These mediators with special calling are **priests.** In ancient times, the priestly functions were ascribed to the kings or political leaders. In Israel, these functions were assigned to the members of the tribe of Levi. The priestly functions in Israel were limited to the temple service which consisted mainly in taking charge of the offering of sacrifices. Jesus is the perfect mediator between god and human beings. In the human acts of Jesus, people truly experienced and encountered God's own love. When Jesus offered healing for those who suffered from any kind of sickness, and when he forgave the sinners he encountered, he brought salvation and grace to all people. **A. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS** Holy Orders refers to the consecration of a man to a certain position of service in the hierarchical Church. A hierarchical Church suggests that the Church is meant to be organized in a certain way, that there are certain ranks and functions in the Church. Holy Orders is the sacrament of service and leadership for people who wish to commit their lives to the service of humanity through witnessing to the Gospel message and values. It is also called the "sacrament of apostolic ministry." This means that those men who are called to Holy Orders continue the mission entrusted to them by Jesus. ***Three Different Orders or Degrees in the "Ministerial Priesthood": bishop, priest, deacon*** The different functions of the order of priesthood (Pennock, The Sacraments and You): +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | **BISHOP** | **PRIEST** | **DEACON** | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | 1\. Word comes from | 1\. word comes from | 1\. Word comes from | | episcopoi which | presbyteroi who | diakonoi which | | means "overseer" | were "elders" in | means "servers" | | | the early Church | | | | and who presided | | | | over the Eucharist | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 2\. Successor to the | 2\. Helps the | 2\. Today, a | | apostles; in union | bishops; is his | "revived" order | | with the pope- the | extension into the | which can include | | bishop of Rome- and | diocese | married and single | | other bishops; is | | men of more mature | | responsible for the | | age as well as | | welfare of the | | celibate young men. | | whole Church | | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 3\. Spiritual | 3\. Presides at | 3\. Ordained by a | | "father" of the | Eucharist; leads | bishop; serves the | | local | the people and | people of God by | | church/diocese | serves the Lord in | doing the | | | representing the | following: | | | sacrifice of the | | | | cross | - Baptizes | | | | | | | | - Anoints the sick | | | | | | | | - Distributes | | | | Communion | | | | | | | | - Reads and teaches | | | | the bible | | | | | | | | - Conducts | | | | marriages and | | | | funerals | | | | | | | | - Administers the | | | | "sacramental" | | | | | | | | - Does many other | | | | works of charity | | | | | | | | - Can do Church | | | | administration | | | | work | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 4\. Chief priest and | 4\. Serves the Lord | | | pastor of a diocese | and the community | | | | by celebrating the | | | | sacraments (except | | | | Holy Orders and | | | | usually | | | | confirmation). | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 5\. Symbol of | 5\. Is symbol by his | | | service to the | prayerful witness | | | people of God | to the Lord's | | | | presence | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | 6\. Minister of all | 6\. Preaches and | | | sacraments; the | teaches God's Word, | | | only one who can | calling on his | | | administer Holy | blessing for the | | | Orders and is the | people | | | normal minister of | | | | confirmation. | 7\. Is an active | | | | agent for building | | | | the Christian | | | | community | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ ***Conditions to Enter the Priesthood*** Priesthood is a vocation, a call from God. It is God's privilege to choose whomever he wants to serve him and the community as a priest. No one can become a priest unless God calls him. The person who is called by God is the one who must make a personal and free decision to follow that call. No one may compel a young man to enter the priesthood. Certain conditions must be met before a person can be admitted to the priesthood. Here are some important ones. 1. Only Baptized Men 2. After Confirmation- has received the sacrament of sacred confirmation 3. After Diaconate- only upon those who have completed their twenty-fifth year of age and possess a sufficient maturity; moreover, an interval of at least six months between the diaconate and the priesthood must have been observed (CCL 1031) 4. After Sufficient Preparation-Aspirants to the priesthood may be promoted to the diaconate only when they have completed the fifth year of the curriculum of philosophical and theological studies (CCL 1032) ***Required Qualities in a Candidate for Holy Orders*** **1. Physical health and Balanced Personality** Candidates must undergo physical and personality tests before they can be admitted to the seminary. The life of a priest can be very demanding because it is a life of total service to God and the community. The work of a priest can also bring lots of stress with it, since the priest must listen and share the problems, anxieties, and guilt of his people. A reasonably good health and balanced personality are indispensable for a candidate to the priesthood. **2. Intellectual Ability and Interest** A candidate to the priesthood must spend a number of years in study after high school. Therefore, a certain intellectual interest is required. Moreover, the kind of studies he has to take up demands at least an average intellectual ability. Not all priests are required to be scholars. Yet, the training and the work of a priest require at least a certain amount of scholarly interest and an average mental ability. **3. Moral Integrity** The priest is "another Christ". He represents Christ in the community. He speaks for and in the name of Christ when he proclaims and explains the gospel. He acts for and in the person of Christ when he administers the sacraments. The candidate to the priesthood must be a person or moral integrity. He must be loyal to Christ and to his teachings. this does not mean that the priest must be a man without sins. We are all sinners, including the priests. Yet, the priest should not be a habitual sinner and exert greater effort to overcome sin in his own life. **4. Proper Motivation** Proper motivation for the priesthood must be based on love for God. This may take different expressions. It can be expressed as a desire to show one's gratitude to God, to be of service to God and the community, to make God known to the world, or others. ***Life and Works of the Priest*** Priests must bring God present in the daily life and activities of the people. they must make God's concern for the people visible through their own availability to them. Through a life of celibacy (unmarried), the priests can be more available to their flock. Main task: to be of service to his people. The services expected from a priest can have different dimensions: either as a father and teacher, a counselor and animator, and administrator and organizer. In order to carry out these different tasks, the priest must be a man of prayer, a man of God. The life of a priest is full of challenges, its ups and downs, its hardships and joys. However, with God's grace, the priest will find the strength to overcome all hardships and be a happy and fulfilled man. Every priest is called to continue the mission of Christ on earth. His works are the works of God himself. The priest is an instrument in the hands of God. He is God's representative on earth. When the priest stays close to God in prayer, then, people can recognize him as a man of God and his work as that of God's self. Different priests may engage in different activities, each according to his own individual talents and particular assignment. Some priests may be engaged in parish work, others in teaching, counseling, or any other ministry. Yet, they all work in the service of God and the community. +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **ACTIVITY 5** | | | | -------- ------------------------------------- -------------------- | | --------------------------------------- ----------------------------- | | --------------------------- | | Week 4 Topic: The Sacrament of Holy Orders Activity: Sentence c | | ompletion: INSIGHTS ON THE PRIESTHOOD Instruction: complete the giv | | en sentences and explain. | | -------- ------------------------------------- -------------------- | | --------------------------------------- ----------------------------- | | --------------------------- | | | | Complete the following sentences correctly. Explain further the | | completed sentence with one additional sentence. Write your answers | | on a ½ sheet of pad paper. (3 points each) | | | | 1\. My most important learning about priesthood is | | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. | | | | 2\. There conditions and required qualities to become a priest | | because \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. | | | | 3\. The life of a priest consists of | | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. | | | | 4\. The joys of the life of the priest are | | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. | | | | 5\. The challenges of the life of a priest are | | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **WEEK 5** **II. RELIGIOUS LIFE: A COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE GOD'S KINGDOM** The Scripture tells us of how the apostles fearlessly responded to Jesus' invitation to follow him and prepared themselves to partake in the mission of Jesus. "Peter began to say to him, "See, we have left everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers and sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundred fold now in this time, houses, brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, and in the age to come eternal life. but many that are first will be last, and the last first." Mk. 10:28-31 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Religious, faithful to their profession and leaving all things for Christ's sake (cf Mk. 10:28), should follow him, regarding this as the one thing that is necessary (cf. Lk. 10:39). Perfecta Caritatis 5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Religious commitment (nuns, sisters, brothers)** Another way of committing oneself to the love and service of God through our fellow human being is by means of religious life. Religious life is not a sacrament, but there are various things that are quite related to the Sacrament of Orders, like dedicating the entire life unconditionally to God and the life of celibacy. Religious commitment is a special call to those who wish to follow Jesus in a special way and to devote themselves totally and unconditionally to God. Ever since the beginning of the Church, there have been men and women who have wanted to follow Christ wholeheartedly and perfectly by following the evangelical counsels. Those who are to follow the evangelical counsels devote themselves to God in a very special way and join a religious community. Religious life is a form of consecrated single life in which a man or woman serves God by means of a life of the vows of poverty, obedience, and celibacy. He or she lives in a community according to a set of rules duly approved by the Church. **Some elements of Religious Life:** a\. Profession of Public Vows- He/she commits himself/herself to live the evangelical counsels through the profession of the religious vows. They become living witnesses to Christ in the Church. b\. Life in a Community- He/she becomes a member of a religious institute. He/she shares in its community life and witnessing. c\. Radical Discipleship-He/she commits himself/herself more completely to Christ, and to dedicate his/her whole life to His service. d\. Commitment to the Evangelical counsels- He/she chooses to strive after the higher values of God's kingdom. He/she constantly tries to follow Christ more radically by living the 3 evangelical counsels. **The Evangelical Counsels-Celibacy, Poverty, Obedience** -By following these, they make themselves free to live more exclusively for God's kingdom and its lasting values. *1. A Life of Poverty*- implies detachment, sharing and giving up of earthly possessions. It is true that nobody can live without certain material goods. We need these goods to live a dignified human existence. The religious wants to call attention to the relative value of earthly things through the vow of poverty. Poverty proclaims that God is (the person's) only treasure. *2. A Life of Celibacy*- refers to the unmarried state of life which the religious accepts for the sake of the kingdom of God. The unmarried state is not a state without love. He/she expresses total commitment to Christ. He or she is called to love others more freely. *3. A Life of Obedience-* For Jesus, obedience is more than simply saying "yes" to orders. Obedience means doing what God wills (Mt 21:28-32). The religious vows or promises to make his or her own will conform to the will of God. He/she sees the concrete expression of God's will in the rules and decisions of his/her religious community. In remaining faithful to the vow of obedience, he/she becomes more like Christ and unites himself/herself with Christ's obedience to his Father's will. **Different Forms of Religious Life** There are many different religious institutes to answer the diverse needs in the Church. There are two distinct groups: *1. Contemplative Institutes*- Their whole lives are dedicated to prayer and penance. They live in closed communities and observe a very strict and ascetic (very simple) way of life. For their material support, they depend on the fruit of their own labor and/or on charity. They divide their time equally between prayer, work, and rest. Although separated from the world, they offer their prayers and sacrifices for the conversion of the world. They offer public worship to God for the good of others, and pray for those who forget to pray or have no time to pray. *2. Active Institutes*- They also pay much attention to their prayer life. however, they go out to the world and engage in all kinds of activities and tasks that serve the mission of the Church. They perform these in their own country or they go out to mission countries. Example is the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SIHM) or Tuding sisters, a native congregation of sisters serving as catechists, pastoral workers, teachers etc. in our own Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe and in the Cordilleras. (One of them is teaching in our CSI schools). All active institutes have the same aim: the promotion of God's Kingdom. The activities of the members of these institutes cover a wide range- in charity, education, promotion of human dignity, improvement of living condition and other areas. **Requirements for Admission to Religious Life** **The Theological Virtues- the foundation of the religious life** +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **ACTIVITY 6** | | | | -------- ----------------------- --------------------- ------------ | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | Week 5 Topic: Religious Life Activity: Mini-quiz Do as instru | | cted below. Write your answers on ½ crosswise pad paper. | | -------- ----------------------- --------------------- ------------ | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | | | 1\. List down the: a. Evangelical counsels (3) b. Theological | | virtues (3) c. Requirements for Admission to Religious Life (4) | | | | 2\. Differentiate contemplative life from religious life (10pts) | | | | --------------- -------- | | Contemplative Active | | --------------- -------- | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **WEEK 6** **III. SINGLE BLESSEDNESS: A COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE GOD'S KINGDOM** In the following Scripture text, God shows how he invited Jeremiah to experience abundant life by committing himself to God through serving people. *"The word of the Lord came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.' Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you," says the Lord. Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to overthrow, to build and to plant."* The text clearly shows how God prepares a person to fulfill and accomplish a God-given mission. It also proves the wisdom of God in choosing his messenger. **Enrichment** Like Jeremiah, every baptized person is commissioned by God to partake in His missionary activities. We, Christians, believe that there is a specific task waiting for each newborn child. Some are called to be priests, others to be religious, and most remain lay people. Two states of life are open to the laity, namely the married and the unmarried. Most opt for marriage though others prefer to remain single for various motives and reasons. **The Single Life** A choice to remain single for life does not necessarily mean a rejection of marriage. There may be valid reasons and motives for a person's choice to remain single for life. that choice also could be the result of certain circumstances in life. Here are some reasons why persons remain single. *1. Single for the Sake of Service*- This choice may be a great act of self-sacrifice. Some decide to remain single in order to take care of a sick or elderly relative or to help younger brothers and sisters go through school and receive a good education. *2. Single for the Sake of a Career-* Some may be committed to some form of the arts, such as writing or painting, which does not pay enough to support a family so the decide to remain single. Others may decide to dedicate themselves more fully to their profession or life task. Single life is suited for works of Christian charity, education, and the care for the sick and elderly. *3. Single for the Sake of Freedom-* Some are so attached to their privacy and independence that they could not give it up anymore. They want to remain free and independent for the rest of their life and thus forego marriage. *4. Single Due to the Absence of a Suitable Partner*- Some allow to pass reasonable opportunities because of their determination to wait for the perfect match. Others are afraid to commit themselves to another person in marriage. They remain single because of their failure to choose and to make up their minds. Regardless of the reasons or motives for not marrying, the single adult must come to terms with the reality of his/her state of life. single life is a call to love God and others. Those who choose it freely in response to their vocation will grow through it as persons. *1. Faith Dimensions of the Single Life-* By answering the call to single life, a person accepts the challenge of a life of celibacy. Celibacy is more than a physical reality. It can be described as total availability for God and fellowmen and women. They will find the strength to live single life in their close union with God, achieved though prayer and sacraments, which leads them to a greater desire to serve and love others more. *2. Reward of Single Life-* He/she is more free than the married person; free from obligations of married life and one's own family. Positively, it is freedom to be of more service to others, not merely freedom form obligations or doing what one wants to do. *3. Challenge of the Single Life-* Loneliness, because the single adult will be alone more often. Loneliness, however, cannot be equated with being alone. Being alone may even be one of the rewarding aspects of the single life. it offers the opportunity to arrive at a deeper understanding of the self and others. It may lead to a greater appreciation of love and friendship of others. It may offer more opportunity to be alone with God in prayer. It can become a true path to perfection and ultimately to God. (Colla, The True Story of My Journey to God) +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **ACTIVITY 6** | | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | Week 5 | Topics: | Activity: | Instructions: | | | | | Sacrament of | | Read each of | | | | | Holy Orders & | TELL WHY | the | | | | | Religious | | statements | | | | | Life | | below. They | | | | | | | are all true. | | | | | | | With 2 | | | | | | | sentences | | | | | | | each, tell | | | | | | | why they are | | | | | | | true. (15pts) | | | +---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+ | | | | Write your answers on ½ crosswise sheet of pad paper. | | | | 1\. The candidate to the priesthood must be a man of moral | | integrity. | | | | 2\. By taking the vow/promise of poverty, the religious gives up the | | right to own anything in private. | | | | 3\. A choice to remain single for life does not necessarily mean a | | rejection of marriage. | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ Sources: Bugnot, Julita J., et.al. Becoming a Community of disciples. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc., 1998, pp. 214-268. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/carlo-acutis-blessed-assisi-eucharist-patron-internet.html