Jesus Christ Conquers

Lesson 17

Purification and Enlightenment

What is Lent?

Lent, also known as the ‘Season of Lent,’ is a specially marked period (Season) within the liturgical calendar year of the Church. It is a time of purification and enlightenment for those wishing to enter the Church as well as those already initiated into the Church. It covers a period of 40 days before Easter in which Catholics as well as other Christians pray, fast, contemplate, and engage in acts of spiritual self-discipline. The 40 days are devoted to repentance as a way of purification and preparation for the Holy days which come at the end of Lent. The act of fasting is often seen as being synonymous with Lent. A more suitable aspect for Lent is “the giving of oneself” as a selfless act. ‘Alms Giving’ and giving one’s time as a disciple of Christ are forms of selfless giving and should be sought after as an act of discipline.

Alms Giving: helping the poor through monetary means, your time and talents.

Catholics do such sacrifices out of love for Christ’s sacrifice for us. They also do this as a form of purification and readiness for Easter. The celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the greatest holy day of the Christian year (even above Christmas) and Catholics have recognized that it is appropriate to prepare for such a holy day by engaging in such disciplines.

Lent is an opportunity for transformation in ourselves by appealing to God’s grace therefore it involves sacrifice.

Why are there 40 days in Lent?

The season of Lent lasts 40 days because 40 is the traditional number of judgment and spiritual testing in the Bible (Gn 7:4, Ex 24:18, 34:28, Nm 13:25, 14:33, Jon 3:4). In the Bible, such references about 40 days include, God sending the great flood by allowing it to rain 40 days and 40 nights[1]. In the Acts of the Apostles, there is an oral account regarding Moses fleeing Egypt to Midian after he killed the Egyptian, where he spent 40 years in the desert tending flocks[2] Moses spent a period of 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai.[3]

In Christianity, the 40 days of Lent mirrors the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert before entering into his public ministry (Mt 4:1-11). Catholics imitate Christ by spending 40 days in spiritual discipline before the celebration of Christ's triumph over sin and death through His death and resurrection.

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[1] Genesis 7:12 - The whole context of the flood is told in Genesis chapter 6 & Chapter 7

[2] Acts 7:30

[3] Exodus 24:18

Other Biblical examples where the number 40 is used includes:

Moses intercedes before God on Israel’s behalf for 40 days and 40 nights.[1]
In the Book of numbers, it recalls a story where Israelite spies took 40 days to spy out Canaan.[2]
As a punishment for their hedonistic lack of Faith, the Israelites wander in the wilderness for 40 years.[3]
Israel served the Philistines for 40 years before Samson’s deliverance.[4]
Goliath taunted Israel’s army under King Saul for 40 days before David slew him.[5]
In order to flee the persecution of prophets by the evil Jezebel, Elijah traveled 40 days and 40 nights to Mt. Horeb.[6]

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[1] Deuteronomy 9:18,25

[2] Number 13:25

[3] Deuteronomy 8:2-5

[4] Judges 13:1

[5] 1 Samuel 17:16

[6] 1 Kings 19:8

Ashes on Ash Wednesday

Lent begins with “Ash Wednesday.” The common practice of getting ashes on the forehead has biblical parallel roots. The placement of ashes on one's head was a common biblical expression of mourning and was tied to repentance. (2 Sm 13:19, Est 4:1, Is 61:3; see also Est 4:3, Jer 6:26, Ez 27:30, Dn 9:3, Mt 11:21, Lk 10:13). On Ash Wednesday there are masses or often scriptural liturgies which conclude with the people coming forward to have ashes placed on their foreheads. The sign of the cross is made with ashes on the foreheads of each person. Catholics mourn Christ's suffering on the cross and their own sins, which made that suffering necessary.

At Lent sacrifice is done as an act to show you mourn for your sins, your fallen state and seek God’s continued grace to purify you. This spiritual exercise is done as a response to God’s love for you and is concerted effort to seek God’s will and follow it.

When considering the available responses to God, there are those of adoration (worship), thanksgiving, supplication[1], repentance and sacrifice. It is Sacrifice which often encumbers all of the them as a formative response to God’s call and God’s touch in our lives.

What is meant by Fasting?

Fasting is limiting your consumption. Generally, it is limiting food intake for the sake of self-sacrifice as a form of repentance and prayer. Fasting includes reducing material excessiveness and reducing waste, especially waste of time. Fasting is a discipline found in both the Old and New Testament and is valid for Christians because Christ directed his disciples to fast (Mt 9:14-15), and gave them instructions (Mt 6:16-18). The Catholic Faith continues this by the practice of fasting during Lent.

What is meant by Abstinence?

Abstinence is a form of fasting and is the practice of not doing or not having something that is wanted or enjoyable. Abstinence from certain foods is also a biblical discipline. The Old Testament book of Daniel says:

"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks." (Daniel 10:2-3)

During Lent, Catholics Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as well as abstain from eating meat on these days as well as on Fridays. This is done as a way of commemorating Christ's Crucifixion. The only flesh which may be eaten during Lenten Fridays is fish, which is a symbol of Christ. Fish in older times was also considered a pauper’s meal.

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[1] Supplication: the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly. (Petition, Entreat, plea)

Fasting can mean eliminating (fasting from) or adding or doing something (fasting to do an act of charity).

You can Fast from:

Food

Alcohol consumption

Profanity

TV watching

Internet Time wasting

Being a couch potato

Cell Phone indulgence

Sweets/snacks

General time wasting

Abrasive attitudes

Dangerous behavior

Gossip

Sulking

Pity parties

Criticizing

Judging Others

Materialism

Selfish Behavior

Too much recreation

Favorite things to do

You can also Fast to:

(To do something)

Help your family

Help the Needy

Help your neighbor

Give alms

Help in a ministry

Study your Faith

Read the bible more

Read books on the Faith

Activities which help you become a fuller person in order to help others

Purification and Enlightenment The RCIA Process

The period of Lent relates to the RCIA Journey by emphasizing a preparation for receiving Christ in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. One expression which helps understand Lent is, “you thirst” for the waters of Baptism, whether you are anticipating baptism or have already been baptized. This thirst is for the promise of salvation, the hope it brings and initial union with God..

The period of Purification and Enlightenment, begins on the first Sunday of Lent and ends with the Easter. During which you prepare spiritually through repentance in order to celebrate the Paschal Mystery which includes the celebration of the Last Supper (Thursday), Crucifixion (Good Friday), and Easter (the Resurrection). You focus intently to be more spiritually centered in preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation. This preparation includes participating with the whole community in prayer, fasting and with reflection of the holy days leading up to Easter.

There is self-examination as well. This is being sincerely honest with yourself, self-reflection and allow the holy spirit to guide your conscience to reveal sinful areas in your life which need to be transformed. This introspection underscores the importance and seriousness of your Journey in Faith. Such purpose leads you to a conclusion for the need to cling to Jesus. Jesus is your salvation from the sin in your life.

Your soul longs to have the darkness of sin removed and have yourself restored to God. That is where God’s saving grace comes in. The grace of God brings purification and enlightenment of the soul. The light of God’s grace illuminates the darkness.

(The Easter Vigil is the Saturday before Easter -The RCIA Elect receive the sacraments of initiation).

Baptism

Confirmation

Holy Communion

A fore-thought on the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sin Separates you from the loving companionship of God. In sin, you need to be reconciled with God. Reconcile means to join what was never meant to be separated.

God as a forgiving Father, through His son Jesus Christ, clearly communicates He loves you and wants to alleviate the condition of sin. God sacrificed His only son for the forgiveness of your sins. For those already baptized the Sacrament of Reconciliation, provides a chance to seek forgiveness, renew the broken relationship with God, to repent turn( away from sin), and walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

The rites you will experience during this period of the RCIA are the penitential rites, which is for the candidates, the anointing of the catechumens, the scrutinies, the rite of exorcism, and the presentations. The anointing of the catechumen/elect takes place during the period of purification and enlightenment (Lent). This is an invocation done by the Priest as an anointing which strengthens the catechumen with God’s grace during this intense period of examination.

What are ‘Scrutinies?’

In the above statements the word “Scrutinies” is introduced. A scrutiny carries a notion of mystery or secretiveness. It really means “To look Deep inside.” The name “Scrutinies” is given to the three brief ceremonies provided for those who are preparing for baptism at the Easter vigil. These are done during Mass on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. The catechumens/elect are presented to the Church community, who in turn prays for them with the intention that they may defeat sin and Satan, successfully endure temptation, and be strengthened in Christ.

The Mass readings for the scrutinies are taken from the Liturgical cycle year A. Generally, ‘The Samaritan woman’[1] is read on the third Sunday, the man born blind[2] is read on the fourth Sunday, and the story of Lazarus[3] is read on the fifth Sunday.

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[1] John 4:4-42

[2] John 9:1-39

[3] John 11:1-44

Trivia/background: The time of Lent originated as a time of prayer and fasting for those who were preparing for entry into the Church with baptism? The entire Church quickly caught on to the season, but unfortunately the baptismal roots of Lent were forgotten. With some of the reforms of Vatican II, the RCIA process was re-introduced. The Church, as One Body in Christ, once again accompanies the catechumen/elect toward the great feast of Easter.

St. Michael the Arch-Angel subduing Satan.

Rite of Exorcism

The priest or deacon usually celebrates the Rite of Exorcism (minor). Learning from mother church, the mystery of deliverance from sin comes only by Christ. The presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s prayer usually takes place after the scrutinies. They can also be done during the catechumenate period for pastoral reasons. These ancient texts express the beliefs we hold true as catholic Christians.

In these rites the Catholic faith is handing on the Gospel and faith which are parts of the whole tradition, to those who are going to be “reborn” through the water and the spirit. The elect will join Church for the first time in reciting these prayers (The Creed and the Our Father) at the Easter Vigil mass. This period ends on Holy Saturday night as the elect are initiated fully into the Catholic Church and into the Body of Christ!

The Challenge

To renounce Satan is not to reject a mythological being in whose existence one does not even believe. It is to reject an entire worldview made-up of pride and self-affirmation, of that pride which has truly taken human life from God and made it into darkness, death and hell. And one can be sure that Satan will not forget this renunciation, this rejection, this challenge. A war is declared! A fight begins whose real issue is either eternal life or eternal damnation. For this is what Christianity is about! This is what our choice ultimately means!

--Alexander Schmemann

Jesus Forgives Our Sins

Jesus died for the salvation of all people on Earth - men, women and children. This salvation is for all people regardless of makeup, disposition, background or origin. He was born into the world for this reason. His sacrifice and call to repentance from sin was done in order to bring all peoples back into union with God. He alone was qualified to pay the only price of sacrifice so that man could have redemption.

2 And there, people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”3 At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 7 He rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings. (Matthew 9:1-8)

In the passage from Matthew, Jesus reveals what he intends to do for you. Notice Jesus says “Courage.” Courage is a lasting and engaging virtue, and, in this case, it is notion and action of not being afraid to go to Jesus or to be approached by Jesus (God) nor are you to be afraid to be transformed by God’s Holy Spirit.

What happens to the Paralytic? He is healed 100%. One can only begin to imagine what a life changing transformation like this meant for the paralytic. While this life changing transformation is begun with the gift of faith (actually in this case the faith of others); it is completed and fulfilled by God himself in the person of Jesus Christ.

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In (Matthew 9:1-8) the paralytic is transformed! What do you suppose the transformation meant for him?

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Jesus Forgives us with Love

You should never feel ashamed to approach God or feel that you will be dragged through the mud or made to be scoffed at. Jesus because he loves you very much, does everything to preserve not your pride but your dignity so that you can hold your head up, not to boast but to look at his face. When you look at Jesus you obtain the kindness and love that He and the Father have for you. Jesus did not come to condemn mankind.

1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle.

4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?”

6 They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.

7But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

8 Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.

9 And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So, he was left alone with the woman before him.

10 Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin anymore.” (John 8:1-11)

The passage above concerning the woman caught in adultery, clearly conveys the compassion Jesus provides for sinners. This is one thing that should surely be grasped from this Gospel passage and never forgotten.

Jesus knew there was a sinner in front of him. He knew it all too well! In addition to that fact, there was an entire crowd of sinners in front of him. This passage for the ages, has been a keen one of focus and meditation. Let’s ask a few questions for meditative purposes:

Are the Pharisees trying to set a trap for Jesus?
Who is missing in this story?
Because this person is missing in the story; what trap do you think the Pharisees and scribes fall into themselves?
What is Jesus writing on the ground?
Who are the first persons to leave this scene?
Does Jesus forgive the Woman?
As a result of forgiveness, what does Jesus give her?

But Will God really forgive me?

This is a trick question by Satan himself. Satan loves to get inside your thinking and plant the seed of doubt. Do not fall for it. Jesus always forgives. It is what He came for, He lives for and what He died for. You just need to go to Him and ask for forgiveness. Trust Jesus and surrender to His grace.

Three Attitudes Against the Forgiveness of Jesus

Sometimes a person says, “God can never forgive me for what I have done.” This can be said out of ignorance, pride or despair. Each of the three reasons neglect the appeal of Jesus’ Act of Salvation. With such an attitude a person risks losing eternity with God. It also declares an ignorance of who God is by setting limits on His limitless love and abounding grace. What is required of you, is to give up your sin and humbly lay it at His feet by asking forgiveness.

The Ignorant

You must not be ignorant of God’s saving grace. Jesus Christ the Son of God came, lived, suffered, and died for the forgiveness of all sins. He took the weight of the entire world with its sins on his shoulders when he died on the cross. Not only the sins of the past and present but also the sins of the future generations of man. To remain ignorant of this is to suffer needless guilt. It is also a big risk and can result in the ignorant rejecting of God’s grace and mercy for one’s salvation.

Out of despair or pride the foolish person can wrongfully insist on justice. Out of such a decision this person rejects the salvation of Jesus and insist on wanting to “Get what they deserve.” For such foolishness they might choose Hell for all eternity!

Jesus came and died on the cross for your sins as well as everyone’s sin, so that all might have eternal life with God in Heaven. By the grace of His salvation, you can dare approach God and call him ‘Abba’ ‘Father.’ By this same grace you obtain the gift of faith as well as the strength to endeavor to act in this grace as you continue on Earth until you die. You continually pray that at the end you will rest in heaven forever.

The Proud of Heart

The result of a proud heart, rejects the unconditional love God offers. This can cause one to say; “God can never forgive me (Or will never forgive me) for what I have done.” OR even worse, “I don’t need God’s forgiveness.” Understand, this is not a pride which is in anyway good. This is an arrogant pride led by an ego which rejects God’s goodness or at the very least fears it. The heart becomes closed to God’s overtures of love. The utterance of such words accompanied by an arrogant heart, is to declare yourself to be judge and jury. It also declares yourself to be the sole arbiter of truth for yourself. This is very dangerous!

Know this for sure, when speaking these words, never can there be such a deceiving phrase which although short in length, carries a broad litany of despair, faithlessness, and a grave misunderstanding of God’s love. These words whether spoken or carried in one’s heart, means the person is turning their back on God’s goodness and His love. This is why such souls easily fall into despair. Such a person disregards the grace freely given for them, of which God so badly wants to continue to give.

The utterances of a proud arrogant heart say to God, the death of his son Jesus Christ on the cross is not good enough or is meaningless. Such Arrogance tells God, one personally can have no hope or part in what Jesus has done for the salvation of all people. Regardless, God always wants to give this love through His mercy because it is His right to offer this as His essence of divine charity.

St. Peter shares this:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you 5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.

(1 Peter 1:3-5)

Those who are Proud of Heart, need to look again at Jesus crucifixion. Can anyone dare to suggest for even one second that Jesus did this for sentimental reasons? I do not think so! Every soul was on the line and pointed towards hell forever. He died so that ALL sins could be forgiven. You need but only respond in humility by giving Him your sins (yes, all that dirtiness), to repent and remain in His grace.

Despair

Despair is turning your back on God, His love and His mercy!

Regarding having hope in what Christ has done for you, perhaps there is one verse which stands out to the faithful. The Apostle John says this about hope in Christ:

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Also:

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17)

Choosing to despair of the forgiveness God offers, resists the grace and love God has freely given. Despair can indicate a non-relation or poor relationship with God.” Perhaps, you may know about Him but, to despair means you may not know Him or do not want to KNOW Him!

8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. ( 1 John 4:8)

An attitude of despair comes with it the false belief that true love from God is conditional. This is incorrect! The love God gives is constant and is unconditional. Unconditional love or “Agape” love from God contains boundless mercy. In the Epistle to the Ephesians, St Paul puts it this way:

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions[1], brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved) (Ephesians 2:4-5)

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[1] Transgressions: another word for Sin. It is an action(s) deliberately setting ourselves against someone.

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1 John 4:8 in English simply says “love.” However, the term originally written in Greek means ‘unconditional love’ and comes from the Greek word ‘Agape.

It is the Humble Person whom God listens to.

It is only in humility and by His mercy and grace that you can approach God. It is with this humility where the image of God becomes clearer and you cry out in need of His mercy. It is in the humble approach where you begin to realize He cares for you and loves you. It is the humble person who graciously accepts a relationship with God.

5 ……. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: “God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your worries (anxieties) upon him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5-7)

With humility, you allow God’s grace to work in you. You constantly prevail upon the sacraments for God’s grace. Pray unceasingly to God so that you are moved and transformed, which places you before God appealing for salvation. Do this with trust in God and humility. This is a transformation of the heart and soul. God will not turn away a willing heart. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah writes:

12 When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. 13 When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will let you find me—oracle of the LORD—and I will change your lot; I will gather you together from- all the nations and all the places to which I have banished you oracle of the LORD and bring you back…. (Jer 29:12-`14a)

It is only God’s grace where you obtain the free gift of faith. As such you offer up your brokenness with all of your sins to Jesus Christ. You must not be proud or despair, but allow grace through faith[1] to overcome these. St John in his epistle writes:

13 I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:13)

True love and a real relationship require vulnerability along with your response. By being vulnerable to God’s grace you are converted. With this you can truly repent and be transformed. In His grace is where you find confidence to continually approach His thrown and call him “Abba” (father).

1 Faith is the realization (confidence) of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

God Freely gives us Grace and we must respond

An outward sign you must offer in return for God’s free gift of grace (sanctifying grace) is to respond in charity, obedience and service .

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.(1 John 4:7-8)

Grace comes from God and enters you. This grace transforms you so that you can see as God sees in so much as how He responds to the needs of all his children for the sake of being holy. In this love you are called to respond likewise by loving one another. St John the Apostle in his first epistle continues by saying this:

9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. 10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.

(1 John 4:9-11)

St. Peter says this in his first epistle “for Love covers a multitude of sin.”

8 Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins .9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:8-10)

In the Our Father you pray:

…. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…

Therefore to be indifferent to God’s grace and sacrifice greatly saddens Our Lord. It is indifference which separates you from Our Lord. God always allows you to have freedom of choice to respond to His Call and follow His will. Indifference is choosing to ignore God’s love and the appeal of His grace. Indifference garners an attitude which suggest God’s Act of Love for you is meaningless or that you simply do not care. Indifference is a careless breach of the heart and yields a disillusionment brought on by pride which keeps you separated from God’s Love and invitation to an everlasting life with Him.

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[1] [Hebrews 11:6] But without faith it is impossible to please him (God), for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

A Jesus Moment: Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.

3 The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.”

4 He said in reply, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’ ”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you’ and ‘with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

7 Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’ ”

8 Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,

9 and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”

10 At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.’”

11 Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. (Mt 4:1-11)

In this passage, Jesus Christ is challenged by Satan to capitulate in his mission. Satan wants Jesus to see the world as Satan does. Satan does not want the world to be redeemed so his view is completely skewed.

Satan would want the world to be bedazzled by a spectacle of greatness for us to think that somehow we can glean or through some vicarious nature obtain happiness. Satan would have us conditioned by perpetual satisfaction, constant entertainment and personal greatness as a substitute for true worship of God. Satan’s vision and intensions are so evil, in his monstrous pride he would try to use all his power and prowess to even tempt the Son of God!

Do you think Satan has any care or respect for you?

Would you not guess that if Satan was so bold to tempt the Son of God surely, he would want to tempt you away from your journey towards eternal happiness with God?

Why would he do that? Because Satan hates you and is envious of you as a child of God. Satan has declared war on you and would rather see you destroyed.

The responses Jesus give are guidelines to the faithful. The First response He provides has to do with Faith and belief. Put your Faith in God and Believe in Him (as what was explained in the chapter concerning Belief). The second response has to do with “Doubt” or rather not conceding to doubts but seek Jesus as divine truth. The Last response deals with Worshipping God. You are to live your life moving towards God. You do this with the sacraments, faith, prayer, acting in Faith and Worship!

Self-reflection:

Re-read (Matthew 9:1-8)

Ask yourself these personal questions:

· Am I beginning to see that the closer I draw to Jesus I will be transformed?

· Do I know where and what my fears, prejudices, attitudes and misconceptions about others are?

· Am I willing to shed fears, prejudices, attitudes and misconceptions which are paralyzing me spiritually, mentally and emotionally?

· Do I let fears, prejudices, attitudes and misconceptions define who I am?

· Do I fear letting go of these?

· Do I want or need more courage to take Jesus’ Hand in order to get up and “walk’ with him?

Re-read (John 8:1-11)

Ask yourself these personal questions:

· Do I hold Grudges?

· Do I harshly Judge others?

· Do I base my journey in Holiness as it differs from other’s sinful ness rather than my sinfulness in the face of God’s love?

· When placed in a situation where wrong is occurring; Is the whole picture always presented and Do I understand ALL the facts?

· Can it make sense to me to love the sinner and hate the sin?

Answer the Questions:

1 What is fasting?

2 What is Abstinence?

3 Jesus forgives our ________ . Jesus forgives us with _________.

4 In your own words; What does it mean to be “Proud of Heart?”

5 Explain a little about: The period of Purification and Enlightenment for RCIA

6 What are scrutinies?

7 What Holy day begins the Lenten season?

8 Does God forgive all of my sins?

9 What must I do to allow God to forgive my sins?

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