10/17/2018 - Words of Encouragement

10/17/2018 - Words of Encouragement

 Getting to the Point - how what we talk about relates to our lives:

We took the last two weeks to cover Session 3, which is about who Jesus is, understanding how he lived, and how we see Jesus in our own lives.

In the decision point video to intro chapter 3, Matthew Kelley talks about how inside each of us we may see Jesus, but we also have a bit of Judas in us - and by that he means our natural inclination to sin which is called concupiscence. Even though we want to do good, we sometimes choose to do bad. We discussed how because we choose to do bad, instead of the good God wants for us, we find the world in a mess. Additionally, we suffer ourselves. Thankfully, God gives second chances, and when we come back to him with a humble heart with true sorrow for our sin with the purpose of not doing wrong again, he will forgive us through the sacrament of Confession. We are called to be radicals, going against the world, as Jesus did - living out God's will for our life.

Parent Point – A little piece of information relating to adult living:

I think it is easy to neglect the idea of needing Confession. I know it's easy to say, well God will forgive me - I don't need to go to a priest to be forgiven, or to say well, since I never commit any serious sins I don't really need to go.

The truth is this: Jesus instituted the sacrament of Confession to be a channel of his mercy. It's not meant to hurt us, but to heal us and strengthen us. Yes, it's hard - I know! But God's mercy  is endless. As to why we should confess to a priest, I think Jesus's words say it better than me when he told his apostles in John 20: 22-23

"When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained."

Jesus gave his apostles that power to forgive sins through God himself. This has been handed down to our current priests. We have to stop making excuses and go. Trust me, it is worth it. The feeling of knowing how close you are to God after making a good Confession is unmatched. Even if you haven't been in a long time, just go in and talk to a priest and let him know and he'll help you know what to do. God's love and mercy awaits you - trust in him!

If you have any questions I would be happy to talk with you or just share resources on the sacrament. Just let Gary or I know.

Resource Point – Support for what is said above and where to learn more:

The theme for our opening Bible and Catechism reading has been around who Jesus is and how he is willing to offer his mercy to us if we are truly repentant. 

9/19 - Bible Reading: Mark 3:11

9/19 - Catechism link: Paragraph 424 

9/26 - Bible Reading: John 8: 3-11

9/26 - Catechism link: Paragraph 457 

Prayer Point – A small prayer we did in class or we think applies:

Prayer of Pope Clement XI

From: http://theradicalcatholic.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-universal-prayer-of-pope-clement-xi.html

O my God, I believe in Thee; do Thou strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in Thee; do Thou secure them. I love Thee with my whole heart; teach me to love Thee daily more and more. I am sorry that I have offended Thee; do Thou increase my sorrow.

I adore Thee as my first beginning; I aspire after Thee as my last end. I give Thee thanks as my constant benefactor; I call upon Thee as my sovereign protector.

Vouchsafe, O my God, to conduct me by Thy wisdom, to restrain me by Thy justice, to comfort me by Thy mercy, to defend me by Thy power.

To Thee I desire to consecrate all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings; that henceforward I may think only of Thee, speak of Thee, refer all my actions to Thy greater glory, and suffer willingly whatever Thou shallt appoint.

Lord, I desire that in all things Thy will may be done, because it is Thy will, and in the manner that Thou willest.

I beg of Thee to enlighten my understanding, to inflame my heart, to purify my body, and to sanctify my soul.

Grant that I be not puffed up with pride, moved by flattery, deceived by the world, or duped by the devil.

Give me grace to purify my memory, to bridle my tongue, to restrain my eyes, and to mortify my senses.

Give me strength, O my God, to expiate my offenses, to overcome my temptations, to subdue my passions, and to acquire the virtues proper for my state.

Fill my heart with tender affection for Thy goodness, a hatred of my faults, a love for my neighbor, and contempt of the world.

Let me always remember to be submissive to my superiors, condescending to my inferiors, faithful to my friends, and charitable to my enemies.

Assist me to overcome sensuality by mortification, avarice by alms-deeds, anger by meekness, and tepidity by devotion.

O my God, make me prudent in my undertakings, courageous in dangers, patient in affliction, and humble in prosperity.

Grant that I may be ever attentive at my prayers, temperate at my meals, diligent at my employments, and constant in my resolutions.

Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, and my life according to rule.

Assist me that I may continually labor to overcome nature, to correspond with Thy grace, to keep Thy commandments, and to work out my salvation.

Help me to obtain holiness of life by a sincere confession of my sins, by a devout reception of the Body of Christ, by a continual recollection of mind, and by a pure intention of heart.

Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of eternity.

Grant that I may prepare for death, that I may fear Thy judgments, that I may escape hell, and in the end obtain heaven, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Challenge Point – What can we add to help us become better Catholic Christians:

Get to Confession, especially if you haven't been in a while.

News Point – What’s up for CCD in the upcoming weeks:

• We'll be moving into the next sessions.