PASCHAL MYSTERY & OUR LIFE Living as a disciple Following the model of Jesus Suffering Accept suffering keep faith in God

Living as a Disciple Vocation: Our Call to Holiness ◦ Set apart to do service for God ◦ Live a morally good life ◦ Be a person of prayer ◦ Reveal God’s love through service  Works of Mercy  Corporal  Feed the hungryShelter the homeless  Clothe the nakedBury the dead  Give drink to the thirstyVisit the sick or imprisoned  Spiritual  Comfort the sorrowfulTeach the ignorant  Forgive injuriesCounsel the doubtful  Pray for the living and deadWarn the sinner

Aids to Holiness God provides help to strengthen us Teachings and example of Jesus Intellect Helps us to see and understand the natural order God has created Helps us weigh decisions and evaluate outcomes toward good moral choices Free will Allows us to act on those choices Grace God’s supernatural gift that helps us respond to his love and restore us to original holiness and justice Sanctifying: Grace at Baptism that points us to God. Heals sins and restores us to god Actual: God’s support for us every moment of life Sacramental: specific to each sacrament Special: Associated with our state in life

Aids to Holiness Self-reflection ◦ God given ability and responsibility to engage in self- reflection. We need to look into our hearts and examine the choices we have made and listen for an follow the voice of our conscience.  a God given sense of the Law of God  Formed and driven by Divine Law The Church ◦ God’s greatest gift to us in living holy lives  Sacraments unite us to Christ and provide the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit  Members give us strength and support on our journey  Provides the opportunity for prayer, education, community and service

Members of the Church Ordained Ministers ◦ Deacons ◦ Priests ◦ Bishops Consecrated persons ◦ Religious communities Laity ◦ Married ◦ Single

Participating in Christ’s Ministry Participating in Christ’s Priest ly Ministry Participating in Christ’s Prophet ic Ministry Participating in Christ’s King ly Ministry

Christ’s Priestly Ministry Participating in Christ’s Priestly Ministry: United by Baptism and Confirmation we share in Jesus’ priesthood Participate in worship especially Mass Join with Jesus in offering his sacrifice to God Daily prayer Participate in Reconciliation We ask for forgiveness and offer forgiveness Offer sacrifice Sacrifice time and comfort to share God’s love

Christ’s Prophetic Ministry Participating in Christ’s Prophetic Ministry Spread the word of God Actions Words Stand up for justice Speak out for social injustices (ie. Abortion, war, poverty, etc.) Organize help for people in need Spiritual Warrior Remind others of God’s law

Christ’s Kingly Ministry Participating in Christ’s Kingly Ministry Serve the people of God Personal moral behavior Participate in service to others Practice humility Think of yourself as a servant to others

Suffering Making Sense of Suffering ◦ Mystery that we cannot understand (Book of Job) ◦ Messianic Mystery ◦ Pathway to redemption and salvation “No pain, No gain” ◦ Paradox of the Cross Is accepting suffering a sign of weakness? ◦ Sign of courage and strength ◦ Courage and sacrifice give us what is valuable Finding strength in times of suffering ◦ Fortitude (cardinal virtue)