The Creed, the Life of Jesus and Lectio Divina Tonight s Topic Review through the Nicene Creed Key components of following Jesus Prayer Vocal Prayers Praying Through Emotions Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture Aka - Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed Adopted at the Council of Nicea in 325 Modified at the Council of Constantinople in 381 Addresses heresies of the time (incorrect beliefs about the Trinity and Christ) Prayed by Catholics for over 1600 years I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 1
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore, make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always until the end of the world. Holy Trinity One God in Three Persons One Divine Nature, one what, one Divine Being 1 Divine Intellect, 1 Divine Will Three Divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Not a contradiction because there is a distinction between who you are and what you are Being what you are entity / nature Person subject of a rational nature Jesus Christ: Both God & Man The Eternal Son of God (Divine Person) Divine Nature (one with the Father & the Holy Spirit) Same Divine Intellect as Father & Holy Spirit Same Divine Will as Father & Holy Spirit Human Nature (Body and Soul) Unique Human Intellect Unique Human Will This is called the Hypostatic Union For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. 2
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen Review The Meaning of Life to know, love and serve God in this life and to be with Him forever in heaven How do I get to heaven? I must die in a state of grace i.e. with sanctifying grace Sanctifying Grace grace of salvation that makes us partakers of the divine nature (2 Pt 1:4) Given through the sacrament of Baptism Lost through mortal sin Restored by going to confession to a priest/bishop Review Jesus Christ started the Catholic Church Divine Revelation is transmitted through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition Magisterium (Pope & Bishops) have the authority to infallibly defend and teach on faith and morals The Holy Eucharist the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ The Mass makes present Christ s one sacrifice The Lord God loves you this much! How will we respond? 3
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1:14-15 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-38 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:9-11 Key Components of Following Jesus Repentance & Conversion turning away from sin and turning to the Lord and following His commandments Faith, Hope & Love entrustment of one s entire self to God and an embracing of all that God has revealed in hope & love Salvation (i.e. Sanctifying Grace) the forgiveness of sins and restoration of communion with God, making of temples of the Holy Spirit, children of God and heirs of eternal life Discipleship & Sanctification - Ongoing conversion from sin, growth in sanctifying grace through the sacraments, and a life of prayer & charity (love of God & neighbor) Life as a Catholic Daily Prayer seeking intimacy with God Heart speaks to heart Mass on Sundays & Holy Days our life revolves around the sacrifice of Christ at Mass and is sustained by the Body and Blood of Christ (intimacy) Confession regularly reconciling with the merciful God who wants to forgive and restore & heal us Growing in Holiness studying the faith, charity, evangelization i.e. following God s will daily Simple Gameplan for Prayer Praise Worship God and give Him thanks Offering Offer your day, emotions, struggles, the needs of others, etc. to God Receive Read Scripture and cherish God s Word Open your heart to receive God s graces 4
Praying Through Your Emotions Acknowledge what you are feeling Relate it to God and invite Him to share it Receive from God what He wishes to give Respond to God appropriately Repeat until you get to a place of peace Meditation / Lectio Divina Catholic Meditation is very different from Buddhist or other eastern religion meditation Goal is intimacy with God vs. nothingness or self Lectio Divina Praying with Scriptures Lectio read the text (can also use Catholic commentary) Meditatio placing ourselves in the scene or thinking about the scene, paying attention to what jumps out at us, and applying it to our lives Oratio talking with God about the meditation Contemplatio being with God who is present to us Questions to Ask when Reading the Bible What is going on in the Heart of Jesus? What does this reveal about who He is? Let it lead to praise & gratitude for who He is How does this connect with other passages of Scriptures or the teachings of the Catholic Church? How does this apply to my life? What might God be trying to tell me? Matthew 14:22-33 Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. Matthew 14:22-33 But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." The Beatitudes Mt 5:3-13 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 5
The Beatitudes Mt 5:3-13 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. Matthew 9:9 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34 Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Luke 23:43 Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit! Luke 23:46 Woman, behold your son! John 19:26 Behold, your mother! John 19:27 I thirst John 19:28 It is finished. John 19:30 Discussion Questions How was your Christmas break? Did any faith conversions come up? How has going to Mass been? Have you been getting the hang of it? Outside of Mass & RCIA, what has been helpful in closing close to Christ? Rite of Election March 9 th at 12pm at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 1530 Logan St., Denver, CO Parking is horrible - Arrive by 11:30am For those being baptized or received into the Church at the Easter Vigil Not for Catholics being confirmed Or those not ready to receive the sacraments for whatever reason Other Items Godparent / Sponsor Forms please turn in ASAP Missed Classes watch videos online and turn in homework Struggling? Meet with Fr. Matt or Fr. Nathan to talk 6