Christian Life Formation - Lesson 1 Notes PDF

## Christian Life Formation ### Lesson 1 #### Life and Death * Word of God (Mark 5:21-43) * Jesus went back across the lake. A large crowd gathered around him. * Jairus, an official of the local synagogue, arrived and begged Jesus to heal his sick daughter. * While Jesus was on his way...

## Christian Life Formation ### Lesson 1 #### Life and Death * Word of God (Mark 5:21-43) * Jesus went back across the lake. A large crowd gathered around him. * Jairus, an official of the local synagogue, arrived and begged Jesus to heal his sick daughter. * While Jesus was on his way to Jairus's house, a woman with severe bleeding for twelve years, touched Jesus's cloak and was healed. * Jesus asked who touched his clothes, and the woman trembled and confessed to him what happened. Jesus said to her, "My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your trouble." * As Jesus was speaking, messengers came from Jairus's house and said that his daughter had died. * Jesus told Jairus, "Don't be afraid, only believe." He took Peter, James and John with him and went into the room where the child was lying, took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha, koum" (which means "Little girl, I tell you to get up!") * The girl got up and started walking around. She was twelve years old. * Main events: * The twelve-year-old daughter of Jairus was brought back to life. * The woman was healed from her 12 years of illness (severe bleeding) by touching Jesus's clothes. #### Resuscitation & Resurrection * Three Kinds of Resurrection * Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead - "if Christ has not been raised, then, your faith is in vain.” 1 Cor 15:14 * Resurrection of the Dead on the Last Day - the resurrection of Christ is the cause of the resurrection of everybody. This is the inauguration of the kingdom of God and the resurrection of the dead is its complete and final stage. * Resurrection of the Wicked - "many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." - Dan 12:2 * The Communion of Saints * Three States of the Church * Militant - church as it exists on earth * Suffering - these are the souls in purgatory * Triumphant - the church in heaven, these are saints known by the church as well as those saints known only to God. * Catechism of the Catholic Church says: (CCC) * Life (CCC 2258) * The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred and should be respected from conception until natural death. * Every person is created in the image and likeness of God and has inherent dignity. * Life is a precious gift from God, and it is our responsibility to protect and nurture it. * Death * Is a natural part of human experience. It is the separation of the soul from the body. * Is a consequence of original sin, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it has been transformed. * For others, death is not the end but a passage to eternal life with God. * Eternal Life * The Catholic Church teaches that after death, every person will face judgement by God (CCC 1021). * Those who have lived in a state of grace and embraced God's love will enter into eternal life with Him. * It is the fulfillment of our deepest longing for union with God. * Resurrection * The Catholic faith professes belief in the resurrection of the body. At the end of time, when Christ returns, the bodies of the dead will be raised and reunited with their souls (CCC 997) * This belief in the resurrection gives hope and meaning to our understanding of life and death. * Two Sacraments of Healing * Emphasize the importance of spiritual and physical well-being in the life of a Catholic. * Address forgiveness, reconciliation, and strength during times of illness and the approach of death. * **Reconciliation (Confession)**: **Is a source of healing and forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, Catholics have the opportunity to confess their sins to a priest, receive absolution, and be reconciled with God and the Church (CCC 1422).** * Brings spiritual healing and restores the grace of baptism, helping individuals to grow in holiness and renew thier relationship with God. * **Anointing of the Sick** * Is administered to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, or experiencing the reality of old age. * Through the anointing with holy oil and the prayers of the priest, the sacrament brings spiritual and physical healing, comfort, and strength to the sick person (CCC 1513) * St. Joseph * The patron saint of happy death. * He died a blessed and happy death because of Jesus and Mary were at his side. * His Holy death reflected his holy life. * He was just a man and lived his life loving and serving Jesus and Mary, through being obedient to God's will. * Summary: * Three Kinds of Resurrection * Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead * Resurrection of the dead on the last day * Resurrection of the Wicked * Three States of the Church * Militant (church on earth) * Suffering (souls in purgatory) * Triumphant (church in Heaven / the saints) * Catechism of the Catholic Church Says: * Life (human life is sacred) body <-> soul is together * Death (natural part of human experience and is the separation of body and soul) body <-> soul is separated. * Eternal Life (after death, we will be judged by God during the Judgement Day) * Resurrection (when Jesus returns, our souls are reunited with our bodies) -> body <-> soul is reunited. * Two Sacrament of Healing * Reconcilation (confession) * Anointing of the Sick (healing of the people who are about to die or way sick) * St Joseph (St. Joseph Patron Saint of Happy Death) ### Lesson 2 #### Person and Community * Word of God - Luke 10:29-37 * A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke * Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levie came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, "Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back." Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." * Summary: * The priest and the Levite did not help the half-dead man (the Jew). * It was the Samaritan who helped the Jew even though it was known back in the day that there was something between the Jews and Samaritans. * Fun Facts * Levie, member of a group of clans of religious functionaries in ancient Israel who apparently were given a special religious status, conjecturally for slaughtering idolaters of the golden calf during the time of Moses (Ex. 32:25-29). * The priesthood of ancient Israel was the class of male individuals, who, according to the Hebrew Bible, were patrilineal descendants from Aaron (the elder brother of Moses), who served in the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple and Second Temple until the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. * Samaritan, member of a community of Jews, now nearly extinct, that claims to be related by blood to those Jews of ancient Samaria who were not deported by the Assyrian conquerors of the kingdom of Israel in 722 bce. * **1. Person** * **A. Inviolability of every Human Being** * This word has its roots in the Greek word PROSOPON. * PROSOPON refers to the mask that is worn by actors in a theater play. Max Scheler ( a Catholic thinker) says that the very first truth that is given importance in the notion of "person" is uniqueness and depth. * There is this inviolable, inherent and inalienable value to the human person that s true of every human being. * **>> TRUTH ABOUT BEING HUMAN << Inviolable - person has dignity because of the Paschal Mystery done by Jesus Christ. Inherent - person is being made in the image and likeness of God. Inalienable - person's value and dignity is a gift coming from the truth that she is the dialogue partner of God.** * The uniqueness of every person finds expression in the ability of each human being to utter the words, "I am." * **I AM AN IMAGO DEI.** * **Contempoary Catholic thought about Personalism or it centers on the "Who the person is?" (theology - the science of God or of religion) rather than "What the person is?" (anothropology - the science of human beings).** * ** thus, IDENTITY NEPHESH SPIRIT is to mean what endures in human person even beyond death and can only be awakended in the depth of human person in love and truth (GOD)** * **B. Equal Worth of all Human Being** * "BEING YOU" can also be describe in a community where you belong. * "No man is an island" the depth of this dialogue is kept in the interpersonal encounter between "I and YOU" relationship. Going beyond the self to finding deeper dimension of meaning and fulfillment through "others". * The self is ushered unto the view that is in the "we" and can be fully realize as being true to self and to other through "LOVE" or "FIDELITY" Jesus tells us, "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF." living in this world means a Christian task of Self-care and care to others. * **SELF CARE or LOVING OTHERS is to be dignified in one's self-worth and value. Building positive relationships allows is to know that each and every human beings is worth the respect and recognition of equal worth and dignity.** * **SELF CARE and FIDELITY will result to higher virtue which is Justice. Justice allows us to understand our obligatin to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the immigrant, attend to the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25: 31-45)** * **2. Community** * Communities can be thought of as physical spaces (such as neighborhoods, cities, states) and as group of people. * Communities are made up of individuals, familial units, services, organizations, and institutions. * The various communities to which we belong influence who we are socially and psychologically. * **SOCIAL-JUSTICE oriented community aims to build a community that values all members equally listens to all voices, acknowledges differences among the community members and nonmembers as well as recognizes commonalities, shares resources, members of a community help each other, and collectively seeks to remedy injustices. -to value, build and maintain friendships, and empowers them to be resposible and contributing citizens.** * She is fully herself in being responsible towards others. * Holding interpersonal value and dignity of the people with severe mental disabilities and differently-abled person, they awakened the heart of humanity. * **B. Network of Communications** * The human person then find herself always already in a community. * The self is only self before a non-self. This ability to day "I AM" is therefore meaningful as given space in the hearing of another who communicates with the self. The lifelong effort to build up who one wants to be is made always in the presence of other human person. * The self of the human person is mediated by her use of language. * **COMMUNICATION therefore is very important in the stewardship of the self. – we are first learners and hearers before we grow into being speakers.** * Human person being immersed in the community of communication further finds herself as addressed by the words of Jesus. * **A. Complex Relationships** * St. John Paul Il tells us that a human person only finds fullness in her network of relationships. * The self finds the best version of herself in full participation in the community. * He tells us that more than being a center of action, the human being is also a person of responsiveness. She lives as able to respond before another. <start_of_image>* **Characters in the Parable:** * Priest * Levite * Samaritan * Jewish Man * **This parable encourages us to be like the Good Samaritan, to actively seek opportunities to show love and compassion to those around us, and to contribute to the well-being and unity of our community.** * **Overall, the Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us about the importance of loving our neighbors and caring for one another, regardless of our differences. It emphasizes the impact our actions have on the community and calls us to be active participants in fostering a sense of care and support within our communities.** * **It is easy to love oneself, friends and family, but it is much more dificult to love those who you may not get along with, or even those who may harm or hurt you.** * **"Pope Francis, preaching on this reading, said: “The priest and the Levite see but ignore; they look but they do not offer to help. Yet there is no true worship if it is not translated into service to neighbor. Let us never forget this: before the suffering of so many people exhausted by hunger, violence and injustice, we cannot remain spectators."** * **The parable teaches us about the importance of love and compassion towards others, regardless of their background or social status. It challenges us to broaden our understanding of who our neighbor is and to extend our care and concern to all those in need.** * **The priest and the Levite in the parable represent individuals who prioritize their own interests and fail to show compassion towards their neighbor in need. Their actions contribute to a breakdown in the community's sense of care and support.** * **On the other hand, the Samaritan demonstrates the qualities of a good neighbor. He goes out of his way to help someone in need, showing love and compassion. His actions contribute to the restoration and strengthening of the community's bonds.** * **Truths About Human Person** * **1. The Human Persons are Rational Beings** * Human beings can think over a situation before making a decision and choose their action. * **2. The Human Person is Relational** * This relatedness implies togetherness. * The human person looks for someone his/her likeness. * The person is involved in concrete relationship with his/her family, co-workers, friends and God. * **3. The Human Person is Embodied Spirit** * By virtue of creation, the human body is good and honorable. * **4. The Human Person is Historical** * The historicity of a human person is the conglomeration of his/her past, present, and future dimension. * This historical person is pilgrim on-the-way who, gradually, through time, becomes full self. * **5. The Human Person are Unique** * Human persons are unique, but FUNDAMENTALLY EQUAL. * When God creates human couple, male and female, in the divine image, no such discrimination is made. * **(3) Truth about being Human:** * **Inherent - person is being made in the Image and likeness of God** * **Inviolable - person has dignity because of the Paschal Mystery done by Jesus Christ** * **Inalienable - person's value and dignity is a gift coming from the truth that she is the dialogue partner of God** * **Equal Worth of All Human Beings** * Every human person is awakened her being who she is always as a member of human community. The depth of this dialogue is kept in the interpersonal encounter between an "I and you" relationship. In the very depth of this encounter, the self is surprised by the fact that she not only sees but is seen deeply and intimately by an other. Looking at another set eyes that looks back at us, decenters us; which means we are not the center of the whole world. * **Equal Worth of All Human Beings** * A personal encounter with another human being awakens us to the truth the dignity of both are equally inherent, inviolable and inalienable. * To live in fidelity is to stand before an other who is also as an inherent value. * **Community** refers to a group of individuals who come together, united by shared values, beliefs, and a common purpose. In the Catholic faith, community is seen as an essential aspect of the Christian life. * "The human person needs to live in society. Society is not for him an extraneous addition but a requirement of his nature. Through the exchange with others, mutual service, and dialogue with his brethren, man develops his potential; he thus responds to his vocation." CCC #1879 * Being part of a community allows individuals to grow, develop, and fulfill their potential. It provides opportunities for mutual support, service, and dialogue with others. * **The Church is referred to as the "People of God" and is seen as a community of believers who come together to worship, pray, and support one another. The Catechism emphasizes the importance of active participation in the life of the Church and encourages Catholics to be actively engaged in their local faith communities.** * **Being part of a community allows individuals to grow, develop, and fulfill their potential. It provides opportunities for mutual support, service, and dialogue with others.** * **In summary, community is an integral part of the Christian life. It provides a context for growth, support, and service to others. Being part of a community, whether it is the larger society or a specific faith community, allows individuals to live out their vocation and respond to the call to love and serve their neighbors.** * **"Fratelli tutti (All Brothers) Third Encyclical of Pope Francis** * **CHAPTER: DIALOGUE AND FRIENDSHIP IN SOCIETY** * **198. Approaching, speaking, listening, looking at, coming to know and understand one another, and to find common ground: all these things are summed up in the one word "dialogue". If we want to encounter and help one another, we have to dialogue. There is no need for me to stress the benefits of dialogue. I have only to think of what our world would be like without the patient dialogue of the many generous persons who keep families and communities together. Unlike disagreement and conflict, persistent and courageous dialogue does not make headlines, but quietly helps the world to live much better than we imagine.** * **203. Authentic social dialogue involves the ability to respect the other's point of view and to admit that it may include legitimate convictions and concerns. Based on their identity and experience, others have a contribution to make, and it is desirable that they should articulate their positions for the sake of a more fruitful public debate. When individuals or groups are consistent in their thinking, defend their values and convictions, and develop their arguments, this surely benefits society. Yet, this can only occur to the extent that there is genuine dialogue and openness to others. Indeed, "in a true spirit of dialogue, we grow in our ability to grasp the significance of what others say and do, even if we cannot accept it as our own conviction. In this way, it becomes possible to be frank and open about our beliefs, while continuing to discuss, to seek points of contact, and above all, to work and struggle together".[197] Public discussion, if it truly makes room for everyone and does not manipulate or conceal information, is a constant stimulus to a better grasp of the truth, or at least its more effective expression. It keeps different sectors complacent and self-centred in their outlook and their limited concerns. Let us not forget that "differences are creative; they create tension and in the resolution of tension lies humanity's progress".[198] * **SUMMARY: Third Encyclical of Pope Frances** * **Approaching, speaking, listening, looking at, coming to know and understand one another, and to find common ground: all of these are summed up with "DIALOGUE".** * **DIALOGUE > to encounter and help others we have this.** * **AUTHENTIC SOCIAL DIALOGUE > the ability to respect the other's POV and to admit that it may include legitimate convections and concerns.** * **Equal Worth of All Human Beings** * Every human person is awakened her being who she is always as a member of human community. The depth of this dialogue is kept in the interpersonal encounter between an "I and you" relationship. In the very depth of this encounter, the self is surprised by the fact that she not only sees but is seen deeply and intimately by an other. Looking at another set eyes that looks back at us, decenters us; which means we are not the center of the whole world. **Lesson 3** * Law and Grace * Gospel: The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34) * One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well [Jesus] had answered them, asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" * Jesus replied, "The first is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul with all your mind, and with all your strength. ' 31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." * The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, 'He is One and there is no other than he.' 33 And 'to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." * And when Jesus saw that [he] answered withunderstanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions. * **Points to Ponder** * **The Great Commandment (the two great commandments)** * The Ten Commandments are fulfilled in Jesus' Great Commandment: "You shall love...God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.... You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:30-31) * **The New Commandment** * Before his death on the cross, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should live one another" (John 13:34). * **Summary:** * **Jesus states that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He then adds that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves.** * **This passage highlights the centrality of love in the teachings of Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of a genuine and wholehearted love for God and a selfless love for others. Jesus affirms that these two commandments are inseparable and that they summarize the entire law and the prophets.** * **By emphasizing love for God and love for neighbor, Jesus teaches that our relationship with God and our relationships with others are interconnected. Loving God with our whole being leads us to love and serve others, treating them with the same love and respect we have for ourselves.** * **Law of the Church** * **(5) Different Laws in Catholic Teachings** * **Divine Law** * **Moral Law** * **Natural Law** * **Old Law** * **New Law** * **What is LAW?** * **The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1976) teaches that law is "an ordinance of reason for the common good, made by him who has care of the community and promulgated".** * **An expression of God's wisdom and love, intended to guide and protect His people.** * **Purpose of Law in the Church** * 1.) To promote the common good and ensure the proper functioning and unity of the church community. It provides guidelines for the administration of the sacraments, the exercise of authority, the resolution of disputes, and the protection of the rights and dignity of individuals. * 2.) To lead individuals and the Church as a whole to holiness and communion with God. A means of fostering justice, charity, and the spiritual growth of the faithful. * **Living in accordance with the law of the Church involves obedience and respect for the laws established by legitimate authority. It also requires a spirit of discernment and understanding, recognizing that the law is not meant to be burdensome but to guide and protect the faithful.** * **Different Laws** * **1. Divine Law** * Highest and most fundamental law * Includes the OLD LAW given to the people of Israel and the NEW LAW of Christ * Is revealed by God and is binding on all people. * **2. Old Law (the 10 commandments)** * Also known as the MOSAIC LAW or the LAW OF MOSES * Was given by GOD to the people of Israel through Moses. * It includes the TEN COMMANDMENTS and various other laws and precepts found in the old testament. * **3. New Law (the 2 great commandments)** * The law of love and grace * Was given by JESUS CHRIST * He fulfilled and surpassed the old law, revealing the fullness of God's plan for humanity. * **4. Natural Law** * Refers to the moral law that is written in the human heart and can be known through reason. * A universal and objective standard of right and wrong that applies to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs or cultural background. * Based on the understanding that human beings have a nature and purpose that is inherent to the being. * **5. Moral Law** * Is a broader concept that encompasses both natural law and positive law. * Includes the principles and rules that guide human behavior and determine what morally right or wrong. * Can be derived from natural law, divine law, or human laws. * **Grace and Free Will** * **Grace** * Free and undeserved gift * Freely given to humanity (to restore our relationship with God and enable us to live according to His will) * Is what empowers and transforms us, helping us to grow in holiness and overcome sin. * “God's free initiative demands man's free response" (CCC 2002). * Does not eliminate or override our free will but rather elevates and perfects it. * Helps us make choices that align with God's will and leads us to true freedom. * **Relationship between Grace & Free Will** * **Grace enables free will:** * God's grace strengthens and enlightens our free will, making it more capable of choosing what is good and pleasing to God. It helps us to overcome the limitations and weaknesses of our fallen nature. * **Free will cooperates with grace:** * Our free will is called to respond to God's grace and cooperate with it. We have the freedom to accept or reject God's offer of grace and to make choices that align with His will or go against it. * **Grace respects free will:** * God's grace respects our freedom and does not force us to accept it. We have the freedom to resist or ignore God's grace, but doing so can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with Him. * **Grace and free will are not in opposition but work together in a harmonious relationship. God's grace empowers and transforms our free will, enabling us to make choices that align with His will. Our free will, in turn, has the capacity to respond to God's grace and cooperate with it. God respects our freedom and invites us to freely choose to accept His grace and live in accordance with His plan for our lives.** * **The Old Law** * The old law served as a preparation for the coming of Christ and was meant to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and with one another. * **The Ten Commandments** * You shall have no other gods before Me. * You shall make no idols. * You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. * Keep the Sabbath Day Holy. * Honor your father and mother. * You shall not murder. * You shall not commit adultery. * You shall not steal. * You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. * You shall not covet. * **The New Law (the 2 great commandments)** * The law of love and grace * Was given by JESUS CHRIST * He fulfilled and surpassed the old law, revealing the fullness of God's plan for humanity. * Is summarized in the commandments of love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and live our neighbor as ourselves. * A law that goes beyond external observance and calls for interior conversion and a transformation of the heart. * **Ecclesiastical Law / Canon Law** * A set of rules and regulations that govern the organization, governance, and practices of the Catholic Church. * Covers various aspects of Church life, including sacraments, liturgy m governance, and the rights and responsibilities of the faithful. * **"No man is an island" the depth of this dialogue is kept in the interpersonal encounter between "I and YOU" relationship. Going beyond the self to finding deeper dimension of meaning and fulfillment through "others". The self is ushered unto the view that is in the "we" and can be fully realize as being true to self and to other through "LOVE" or "FIDELITY" Jesus tells us, "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF." living in this world means a Christian task of Self-care and care to others.** * **Mary, Model of Obedience** * The mother of Jesus, is considered a model of obedience in the Catholic faith. * Is admired for her complete trust and submission to God’s will throughout her life. * Teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God and trusting His plan, even when we may not fully understand it. * **1. Mary's obedience is seen in her response to the angel Gabriel when he announced to her that she would conceive and bear a son, even though she was a virgin. Despite not fully understanding how this would happen, Mary responded with faith and humility, saying, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). This moment known as the Annunciation.** * **2. Mary’s obedience continued as she journeyed with Joseph to Bethlehem for the census, giving birth to Jesus in a humble stable. She faithfully followed the instructions of the angel to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from King Herod’s threats. Later, she and Joseph returned to Nazareth when it was safe, fulfilling God’s plan for their lives.** * **3. Mary’s obedience is also evident in her presence at key moments in Jesus’ life, such as the Wedding at Cana, where she encouraged Jesus to perform his first public miracle, even though he initially hesitated. Mary’s trust in her Son’s divine power and her desire to help others led her to intercede on behalf of the wedding couple.** * **4. Mary's most profound act of obedience was her presence at the foot of the cross, where she stood by Jesus in his suffering and death. Despite the immense pain and sorrow, she experienced, Mary remained faithful and obedient to God’s plan, accepting her role as the spiritual mother of all humanity.** * **Sacrament of Confirmation** * Preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation is not just a catechetical program where we instill knowledge in the minds of young Catholics. It is a process where young people experience God in their lives through the signs, symbols, rituals, and Sacraments of the Church. By our Baptism, we are all called to be disciples of Christ in our world. The Sacrament of Confirmation is an extension of our Baptism and First Communion, where we realize he gifts that the Holy Spirit has instilled in and we go forth and use those gifts for the glory of God. however we may be called to that. * **The 7 Gifts Of The Holy Spirit** * **1. Wisdom** helps us see the world differently and from God’s point of view. * **2. Understanding** enables us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith. * **3. Counsel** (also known as Right Judgment): helps us to discern what is right and what is wrong. * **4. Fortitude** (also known as Courage): strengthens our will so that we can actually accomplish what is true, good and beautiful. * **5. Knowledge** enables us to discover God’s will in all things. * **6. Piety** helps us to love God, our merciful Father, and to obey his precepts out of love for him. * **7. Fear of the Lord** (also known as Wonder and Awe): helps us to understand how we must depend on God for everything. In other words, he is God, we are not. *(Source: aleteia.org)