Welcome!
- “Now you know why Jesus wants to make us fisher’s of men…”
Overview:
Despite our class schedule conflicting with the Bible Study folks and time spent at choir practice, we did manage to carry out some of our planned studies and activities, even with the loss of class time.
Believer, Unbeliever Exercise:
Who is Jesus? / How can I come to know Jesus?
Sorry to put you all to the test on your faith right from the start! But, my purpose was twofold…
First, I wanted an idea of your knowledge and comfort level when faced with the question(s) of who Jesus is and how would one come to know Him if asked by an unbeliever. And honestly, I am impressed by many of the answers I heard in response, along with your willingness to do so!
If you chose in class to pass on the questions, don’t worry about it. This exercise was geared toward letting each of us know that we all continually need to grow in knowledge of Our Lord. Which, brings me to my second purpose for the exercise:
To develop within your hearts a true thirst to both love and be loved by God, and then, direct you toward the only way anyone ever comes to concretely know Jesus Christ and become His true witnesses in the world—the Spirit of Love, the Holy Spirit…
Major Class Note:
Remember to write the following within your journals:
We come to know the Holy Spirit through the Church in:
– in the Scriptures he inspired;
– in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses;
– in the Church’s Magisterium, which he assists;
– in the sacramental liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ;
– in prayer, wherein he intercedes for us;
– in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up;
– in the signs of apostolic and missionary life;
– in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation.
Odds and Ends:
Looks like we’ll move class to Monday night from now on, but will confirm with you all…
Finally, below is an example of the Holy Spirit found in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation…
“Amid dangers, difficulties, and doubts, think of Mary, invoke Mary’s aid…. If you follow her, you will not stray; if you entreat her, you will not lose hope; if you reflect upon her, you will not err; if she supports you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you will not fear; if she leads you, you will not grow weary; if she is propitious, you will reach your goal….”
St. Bernard, Second Homily on the Missus est: PL CLXXXIII, 70-71.
END OF POST
St. Patrick of the Forest Catholic Church 