Lesson 1a
Lesson 1a
Embedded Files
All Journeys Start Before the Beginning
Imagine if you will, your first step as your foot touches the entrance aboard an aircraft or train coach. The aircraft or train has yet to begin the journey, but your first step for the journey is ‘getting on board.’ Even before that first step, you somehow decided to come to a place where you could get on board to begin a journey.
Your OCIA beginning starts with acknowledging what brought you here to this point in time and place. You have arrived at a point where you are now seeking to learn about a Christian way of life inside the Catholic Church and to eventually reach a decision point on whether or not to join the Catholic Church. The culmination of reasons and experiences to get you to this point is not singular nor isolated. They are connected by previous moments that led you here. Even now new experiences are being added. Later in life, more experiences will be joined to all previous ones. No single moment is ever isolated. Your experience in OCIA is the beginning of a lifelong walk in faith toward full communion with God
Can your search or inquiry into a faith encounter with Christ be characterized, so that it will benefit you by bringing you towards a proper understanding of the Christian Faith?
Yes. It is characterized as a journey or pilgrimage toward God while on Earth.
A characterization of your inquiry and eventual immersion into your walk in faith helps attain a clearer understanding of what the Christian undergoes while moving towards full communion with God, and to know Jesus Christ more and more. You begin with an inquiry, then embark on experiencing the faith at a basic level then onto initiation into the faith and acceptance as a way of life. This can be characterized as ‘a Journey’ or as a ‘Pilgrimage on Earth.’ It is referenced by other names, as well, such as “Walk,” “Quest,” or “Search.” Each term connotes the acts of doing, movement, and change thus conveying Christianity as a transforming lifestyle.
OCIA— the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The ’journey’ characterization emphasizes you setting foot on new road to life which is a commitment like no other because it is a spiritual journey towards God. In this journey, initially, there is an actual setting forth. On this road of life an important thing about it is where it is going and where it ends. When your current road to life has no end then it becomes meaningless. Without are real everlasting goal, life is simply a quagmire.
Your inquiry into Catholicism will be in stages where you initially decide to go forth to the next step. Regardless of the outcome, you will have changed before it is concluded. Change can be said to be a normal outcome for anyone on any type of journey in life whether it is a short trip, pilgrimage, vacation, career change, life-changing event, a mission or even suffering.
In all of life’s journeys, you can experience things that will have an impact on you. OCIA serves to begin a spiritual change in you because you come to know God through His son Jesus Christ more closely. This impacts your life as a change for the better. This change is referred to as a conversion or transformation. As important as this journey is, expect a transformation that is done by God, affecting both your spiritual and temporal life. The idea of transformation will be expanded upon throughout this faith formation process.
On this journey in Faith towards God, you will encounter mysteries about Him which will be pointed out along the way. Such mysteries of God can never be fully understood by the limited minds of humans. Human language is lacking to best explain the mysteries of God. Therefore, mysteries are better understood through “faith.” Without this aspect of mysteries, how could there ever be a Walk in Faith?
Most people agree that many journeys begin with the choice to make the journey. Initially, there are considerations, planning, and initiating some integral steps. The most beneficial journeys in life are those which are, personal, rich in experiences, help you understand your goal, and develop an appreciation for the goal/destination. The journey in faith towards knowing Jesus Christ into eternity is the single most profitable journey in one’s life, thus making it the “Journey of all Journeys.”
As your next step in your inquiry into the Catholic Faith, it is important to know a little about what it is you are about to do, by allowing some type of plan to develop. This will unfold in the first couple of weeks. Your very early steps start out as an inquiry.
Planning the first step.
In any of life’s journeys, planning is important. This is especially true when you want to get an idea of where your journey will take you and where it may potentially end. This also applies to your inquiry into the Catholic Faith. Since the destination at the end of your life is important (Where you will end up for all eternity), what you do while you are here on earth to get there is extremely important.
One thing is certain, in life, not every detail and experience can be planned. In life’s journey, some things will come as a surprise to you, things you need to learn, things to experience firsthand, and things challenging some of your notions or ideas (perceptions and perspectives). It is important to note, there will be things you will need to abandon. None of this depreciates the idea of having a basic plan.
In your journey in faith, you can never plan for every experience. You can spend too much time planning. Some people spend their whole life planning and never take the journey. Never overthink planning your faith journey because God has a plan for you. His plan is revealed, when you listen to God and choose to follow Him. Christianity is not about postulating holy theories and nice thoughts; it is about living life with God. [1] Christianity is a lifestyle of being connected to Jesus Christ.
In OCIA, your mentor(s) is available to help you figure out what is important for this time of your faith formation. To overthink or over-plan any situation keeps you on the sidelines of inactivity and indecision. You do not want this to happen to you. God knows you already “I knew you before you were born…” [2] He has plans for you.[3]
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[1] Hebrews 4:12a “For the word of God is living and active…..”
[2] Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you”
[2] Jeremiah 29-11 "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope."
So, Where do I start?
So, Where do I start?
You have already started! Perhaps it seems you may not have planted your foot directly onto the OCIA path, but you have. Your first step was deciding to be here. Like those who came before you, you begin from where you are now! Every step begins where you left off! Others will travel with you, and each person starts at a different point. Some will follow you; others will go before you and others will be beside you. These paths converge to the one path which leads to Jesus Christ.
As an age-old rite in the Church, OCIA has re-emerged in importance to provide for those who want to join the Catholic faith and understand the essentials of the faith. In OCIA you discern God’s call and allow yourself to make an informed decision.
Your decision to be here was formed before you came here. It is the result of a combination of circumstances, encounters, and perhaps a previous knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, which may or may not have been formal. Any initial knowledge of Christ could have been formed elsewhere where you were exposed to Christianity. Perhaps you encountered people of faith, or a personal experience led you here. Perhaps you are returning to the Catholic Church. Any of these factors can be seen as a form of God calling you. It is all very good! Now you are looking to make an initiating step towards full communion in the Catholic Church.
The reason for being here is unique and is initially important because it is a beginning step. As important as any reason may be, it is a beginning meant to be built upon, where eventually you grow and are transformed. To explain it metaphorically, the ground was being prepared for the seed of your faith to be planted. Now it must be watered, illuminated, and grown by God’s grace. This is necessary so that later your faith will bear fruit.[1]
For some individuals, the period before OCIA involves a long period of searching. Yet for others, this period may be shorter. Some individuals experience a profound awakening or series of circumstances that bring them here. Others experience a long series of what may seem like ordinary interludes. Regardless of what that length of time may be, that period is formally referred to as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. It is God’s unique way of calling you which makes it special!
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[1] John 15:16 (Jesus said;) You did not choose me, but I chose you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide(last); so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
Others have gone before me.
In the first century of Christianity, the Apostles went to other countries to teach about Jesus Christ. Many people who heard the Gospel preached to them were traders and travelers. These people were not simpletons. They were experienced in the culture and knowledge of their times. They spoke multiple languages and were educated. Afterward, they returned to their own countries and carried Christianity with them. They looked for the absolute truth of God and found it. They listened to the Gospel spoken by the Apostles and decided to follow “The Way.” Jesus Christ Himself said;
“….I am the way the truth and the life.” John 14:6
Through the centuries many gifted people realized the truth of God, listened to His call, and His church. Then they came to join the Catholic Faith. G. K. Chesterton who lived from the late 1800s to the early 1900s was an extremely learned man. He was well-known and influential. He investigated Catholicism. After many years of searching for the truth, he discovered that Catholicism was founded by the One who is the Way the Truth, and the Life,[1] and became a Catholic Convert.
Many of G.K. Chesterton’s acquaintances were surprised and asked Him why he became a Catholic. He said, there were thousands of reasons to become Catholic, but they all boiled down to one reason. That is, Catholicism is true.
Who am I today?
Who am I today?
Your faith journey always starts from the point of who you are today. Looking at yourself, it is sensible to conclude, the person you are today is the result of experiences which have occurred in your life and results in a particular perspective, although many perspectives can be imperfect. How you view the world and your response to many things is very different today, than how you were at four years old, seven years old, ten years old, sixteen years old etc..
Over the years you grow and change physically, mentally, psychologically, and emotionally. These changes/transformations are normal and continue until you die. As one example, consider your biological side. The cells in your body increase until about your mid-forties, then slowly decrease. From day to day, you are never exactly the same person. Likewise, you are never the same spiritually from day to day. In living true Christianity, you undergo spiritual transformation, growing from God’s grace and guidance by His Holy Spirit. In Christianity your perspectives can be challenged in order for transformation to occur. Living a life in Christ perfects your ways and consequently derives a clearer perspective. Over time all this will become clearer.
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[1] John 14:6
You Have a Spiritual Side
You Have a Spiritual Side
Your lifelong journey in faith involves spiritual and personal transformation (growth and change). Transformation is the change that occurs through experiences and a constant renewal resulting in growth. Spiritual transformation is the single greatest transformation because it affects all other changes in you.
In Christianity, your temporal and spiritual life yields to personal encounters with Jesus Christ to know Him and love Him. These experiences are a constant renewal that calls you to seek and embrace the promises and blessings given by Jesus who is God. As a result spiritual transformation occurs. This is one way Jesus allows you to know you can be changed into holiness by following Him. This transformation comes from the salvation given to humanity by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. In this you are liberated from sin, the permanent effects of sin, and from a poorer version of yourself. This is the faith and hope Christians have in Jesus.[1]
The person you are today, to some degree, is due to things you were introduced to, were taught, experiences, decisions, relationships, and things done to help you grow. Certain aspects of growth are due in part to decisions you have made along the way. The point is not to digress into poor decisions you made or “what if?” scenarios. Rather it is to acknowledge that from this day forward there will be other experiences and decisions to make. You will hope to make better ones as you go along.
Never be trapped by the notion, of being locked into a fixed mindset to remain who you are today. Doing so allows for the happenings or misfortunes of your past to dictate a “negative” mindset that influences your future. This self-resentment is an effect of man’s fallen condition. Resentment or stubbornness acts on you as a self-built wall, encircling you so high that you end up not being able to see out and very little light gets in. Only a hardened heart holds on to useless experiences and needless prejudices. You are called to abandon such notions and trust in Jesus to be freed and renewed by Him. This, for many, is where an initial prayer life begins, by asking Jesus to help dismantle the walls separating you from Him and others.
Change occurs when you embrace Jesus Christ. He gives His grace as the power of new life to change you. What is grace? For now, grace will be understood as “new life” or a “renewing of life.” This ‘grace’ from Jesus is supernatural. In many ways, grace gives you permission and strength to live your life differently and better. With grace, you become more like Christ. You discard the old, keep what is truly valuable, and build a better life with Christ. You need to let Jesus dismantle those walls you tend to put up. God in His grace permits you to change for the better.
Already mentioned, was the fact that you also have a spiritual side. For Christians this is referred to as your “Soul” and every person has one. It is not just a part of you; it is who you are! Your spiritual side is the most important part of you because it is the part of you that goes on forever after your physical death. Without initial and continued grace from God, your soul remains dead. A continued dead state of your soul on earth may result in eternal death.
God communicates with you by the power of His grace through your soul because it is spirit and the most important essence of your being. It is here where your deep longings reside. Such longings cannot be satisfied by anything in creation. The true purpose of your being which is your soul’s natural longing, is to be united with God. Your deepest longings can only be satisfied by God. You can only be sanctified, healed, regenerated, fixed, strengthened, renewed, and saved by God.
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[1] Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy.
At the Crossroads
Life as a Christian while on earth includes the dynamics of spiritual transformation in which your soul is nurtured and grows. Spiritual change for the better enables you to move toward eternal life with God, leading to a beneficial outcome. It involves making informed decisions and choices for your spiritual well-being which are necessary and important. This is done through and with God. Your choices are linked to experiences you encounter along your journey both cognitively and spiritually.
Life has many crossroads. These are decisions and choices you need to make. Not making any choice is a choice in and of itself and of course, gets you know where or in a worse spot. As you make choices, you must rely on the truth from Jesus. There must be someone you can trust. In all circumstances always choose the truth. Choose Jesus, He is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6).
Crossroads or a fork in the road of life, comes in many shapes and forms. They usually take us by surprise. Choosing the “Right” path can make all the difference. How do you determine what is the right path? Is there someone you can trust implicitly to provide the best direction to go? When you choose a path; is it a random choice? (Eenee, Meenee, Minee Moe)? Jesus is the answer for choosing the right path to walk in. Because He IS The Way!!!
How did I get here? (What is my personal story?)
How did I get here? With this question you are not being asked to try to answer a fundamental (metaphysical) question of “Why do I exist?” nor is it a spiritual question such as “Why did God create me? Or “What did God create me for?” While these are all good questions to ponder and they have their own time and place, the question at hand is a little more practical and deals with the here and now. You are being asked, what brought you here to OCIA? It is important to acknowledge why, how, or what brought you here. Progress in a faith journey is important and the best way to discern this is to know where your starting point is (Everyone has a different starting point which is no more or less valid than the next person). Somewhere along the way you came to a crossroad and you took the path that brought you here so that you can closely consider Christianity at its fullest within the Catholic Church.
Every person has a story. No one story is more dynamic or special than another. All are intriguing because somewhere in that story a small voice coming from God is working, and you decided to listen! Bravo!!
How did you get here or what brought you to this crossroad where you are inquiring about the Catholic Faith?
Why am I here?
Why am I here?
This is another question that accompanies people to OCIA. Often this is a difficult question to answer because you may feel you do not have a full answer. Perhaps you are awakened to the idea that you want to know more about God, or you want to go to heaven. You may be looking for something more to life. OCIA sets you on the path to answering such questions and a whole lot more!
A Close Encounter
A Close Encounter
Written by Marcus J. Tamayo
Written by Marcus J. Tamayo
Read the story ‘A Close Encounter.’ Think as if this really happened to you.
What would you do?
It was a dark and stormy night! Really?!? All good stories start with an intriguing point. While this story does take place during a dark and stormy night, the most intriguing aspect of the story is, this story is meant to be about you.
It is late in the evening and you are driving in a storm, down a desolate, dark, and winding road. You are extra alert because the storm raging around you is unrelenting. You lean forward to get the best glimpse of the road. Your headlights illuminate the raindrops revealing what seems like a daunting and impenetrable silver curtain of rain.
The back road you are traveling on is known to be dangerous. The rain makes traveling on this road even more perilous. You forge ahead through the gauntlet of raindrops and try to ignore the hypnotic rhythm of the wipers swishing rapidly back and forth. To add to the peril, you are aware that the shoulder of the road has a steep slope that goes down into a ditch. This only impresses you to focus more on the road.
Your concentration is slightly broken by the sudden appearance of headlights approaching from the opposite direction. With the same suddenness as the lights appeared, you witness the opposing headlights veering wildly across the road. “This can’t be good,” you think to yourself. You immediately slow down. Your heart tells you that the other driver is in grave trouble as you notice the lights disappear into the darkness off the shoulder of the road, which goes down a slope and into a ditch.
You slow your vehicle to a crawl and stop close to where the other vehicle went off the road. You peer through the darkness and pounding rain in hopes of finding it. Looking down the slope you see the dim illumination of the headlights of what appears to be a pickup truck. Carefully you maneuver your car to the shoulder of the road and stop.
As you step out of your vehicle you quickly throw on a coat and grab a flashlight out of the glove compartment. With the flashlight, you peer down the embankment at the pickup truck. From your vantage point, you can make out only one person in the cab who is slumped over the steering wheel. You notice one of the front tires has a blowout.
In the unrelenting rain, you descend carefully down the embankment to where the pickup truck is resting to offer some assistance. Reaching the wrecked pickup truck, you manage to open the door. As you reach in, the driver begins to stir making low moaning sounds. With your flashlight you look over the poor victim and your heart is moved with pity. You notice a terrible gash on the face and head. You can’t help but notice a huge blood stain in the chest area and the victim is gasping for air. You do not have to be a medical professional to realize the driver is in very bad shape and needs immediate medical attention.
The driver moans again, and you ask him, “Can you tell me where you are hurt?” With a reassuring voice you say, “I’m going to get you some help.” Just then you hear another vehicle on the road above stop. You turn, lean out of the pickup and lookup towards the road. In the darkness a voice from the other vehicle calls down to you. You yell back, “He’s in bad shape call for help. Hurry!”
As you reenter the pickup the person in the truck calls to you and pleads, “Don’t leave, stay with me!” You reassure him that you will stay by his side until help arrives. The driver is becoming more aware of your presence. He reaches for you with one hand and grabs your hand, but with his other hand he places something in your open palm. You pull away slightly and with your flashlight illuminate what the driver put into your hands. You stare at two golden Spanish doubloons. Your eyes widen, as your mind races trying to figure out the significance of this action.
The driver speaks, “Those are for you.” You try to say something. With labored breathing the driver interrupts, “Let me say this quick. I don’t think I have much time left. Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you.” He tells you to reach under the seat. You do so and pull out a satchel. He tells you to look inside. As you look inside you see more doubloons and an assortment of what looks like precious jewels. There is also a compass, what appears to be a very thick journal stuffed with loose notes. Some notes look very old notes. The journal is tied together with string. There is also a bunch of folded maps which look extremely old.
As you continue to examine the contents of the satchel, the driver begins to tell you his amazing story. “You see, I was searching for a lost Spanish treasure that was thought only to be legendary. The legend reported it to be a vast sum buried in some obscure and distant place. The treasure was said to be enough not only for a king but many kings and many kingdoms. I gave my whole life doing research, collecting maps, pouring through old documents, researching clues, and journaling all the fine points and details about this treasure. I spent those same years exploring this entire vast region. It was a search that took me across varied landscapes, over many mountains, traversing many valleys, crevasses, and caves. Finally, I came to a small opening in the side of a mountain. Going through a small winding tunnel it opened to a tremendous cave. Inside this cave, I found the elusive treasure. It was more than I could have ever imagined.”
A Spanish doubloon is a gold coin widely used in Spain and Spanish-America up until the 1800s. The name ‘doubloon’ comes from the Latin ‘dublis’ which means double. The coin was also called “doblon de a ocho” or doubloon of eight or “piece of eight” because it was worth eight gold escudos. It weighed 27 grams which is slightly less than 1 ounce.
He continued, “This is where these doubloons and the jewels in the satchel came from! There is an immense treasure out there just waiting for someone, anyone to claim it. It is more than any single person can even use in a lifetime.” The driver pauses, his breathing is now becoming much more labored. He continues, “I appreciate you stopping to help me. Should I die, I want you to have the treasure. All of it! Take the satchel. The journal explains many details, this along with some of the other notes is very important for the journey towards the treasure. The maps provide directions and more details. The compass is true for direction, without it the maps won’t make sense. All you need is some grit, guts, and faith!” The gaze of the driver even in the darkness pierces you like a lightning bolt. This is not the gaze of a madman or a liar. You are almost hypnotized by this revelation. He begins to gasp, slumps back into the seat, and seems to have fainted.
You examine the other contents in the cab of the truck. You notice articles typical of what someone would use for a long trek into the wilderness. In the back of the seat there are ropes and climbing apparatuses, a backpack, a couple of different sized pickaxes and a shovel. Not to mention the driver looks and smells as if he has been away from civilization for quite a while.
You sense that you are mesmerized by his story because the sound of the sirens from approaching emergency vehicles acts on you as if you were being awakened from a dream. You slowly step out of the pickup truck and notice the activity on the road above. Emergency workers are now descending to where you are. As they reach the truck, you back away and slowly ascend back to the road carrying the satchel and return to the comfort of your car where it is dry.
Entering your car, you place the satchel in the seat next to you. As you sit in your car, your heart is filled with compassion for the driver. While watching the activity and waiting, you reach for the satchel. You open it and begin to examine the contents more closely. You make note of some of the very old maps along with a topographical map. You pick up the journal and open it. There are some loose leafed documents which are banded together with the journal. They appear to be parts of very old books. You read an entry from the journal the driver had written just four days earlier. In it he mentions the small opening, the tunnel and the cave. It also mentions the treasure. You read, “Have found the treasure. It is more then I imagined. I have never seen or heard of any other treasure that can remotely compare to this one! This treasure is like no other and is meant for the world!”
You discover many details from his research within the journal. Some of the old documents and the notes are written in different, languages maybe Latin, Greek and other languages perhaps Aramaic. You examine some of the very old loose-leaf documents. Perhaps these pages are from older journals of various explorers.
Your mind begins to race with all the things the driver told you. The questions and thoughts begin to pile up in your head. Can this all be true? It must be! How can anyone deny all this evidence? You think to yourself; “This has to be true!” You recognize, up to this point you have been living your life without realizing there existed such an immense and wonderful treasure.
While sitting in your car at the side of the road, you watch the activity of the emergency crews as they bring the driver up onto the road. The emergency crews do their best, but it is too late for the driver in the pickup truck. He has died. He died leaving you with a great gift. He left you with the essentials for obtaining the wealth of a great kingdom, if only you are willing to make the journey. You realize you trust the man’s story to be true.
The tympanic rhythm of raindrops pelting on your windshield is ever present only to be matched by the numerous thoughts going through your head. As all the vehicles pull away from the crash site, you are left alone and stare out the window of your car. The only sound registering is the raindrops bouncing off the roof of your car. They seem to be tapping out a phrase that is repeating in your head; “What should I do?” over and over.
On the seat next to you is the satchel with the coins, jewels, maps, books and notes. Your mind recalls the words spoken to you by the driver of the pickup truck. In your pocket are the two gold doubloons which are proof of the treasure’s existence. The thought in your head repeats, “What should I do?” It becomes clearer to you that nothing will ever be the same for you. You start your car and start to pull away. Instead of your original direction you decide to change course for a whole new destination.
….. AND it made all the difference!
Discussion Point
Note: For this activity, assume that if you went after the treasure, it would be yours free and clear. Humor yourself and just for this activity forget about any taxes or legal issues.
Share within your group, and/or godparent and discuss what you would do in a situation like this. Place yourself in the story as the person who stopped to help, and received the maps, coins, jewels, and information about the lost treasure.
• You were told about the treasure and are convinced by the evidence will you ever be the same?
• Can anyone just stumble on this treasure by accident?
• Does it seem to you, that to get to this treasure you would have to go off the beaten path (main road) to find this?
• Is it likely you will be able to push the idea of the treasure out of your mind even though there is overwhelming evidence?
• If you decide to seek the treasure what are some of the choices you may face after this incident? What about personal conflicts/obstacles you would need to overcome before you start a journey for the treasure?
• Would you need help in finding this treasure?
• What are some other thoughts going through your mind as you wonder about the treasure and/or decide to go get it?
• Do you know how to read a topographical map or use a compass?
• What about map compass bearings or headings such as longitude and latitudinal coordinates; do you know how to use them?
• Can you interpret the notes written in Greek, Aramaic, and Latin?
• As you decide to go after the treasure you will encounter many obstacles and the going will be tough. Do you think you will have to realize some of your shortcomings and learn where you need to grow?
• Once you obtain the treasure, will you consider it worth the effort even though you may go through great trials, struggles, and suffering?
The Jesus “Treasure Parables”
Treasure stories come and go, some are real, and some are legends. If you are thinking the story above is just another treasure legend, it is not. The above story is allegoric, alluding to choices and processes involved in your journey in faith towards God and eternal life. Eternal life with God in Heaven is the greatest treasure and it is not a legend. You will struggle, especially as you go off the beaten path. The things of today’s world tend to pull you away from God. There will be certain aspects of the world pulling at you that must be left behind as you turn toward God.
As dramatic as the story may seem, its idea fits well within faith formation. You are beginning a faith formation process and transformation which becomes a lifestyle (Way of life) that continues until death. At the beginning of OCIA, you consider whether or not to embark on a lifelong journey toward God and the holiness He gives. And to ultimately attain eternity with God in Heaven(the treasure). You must decide!
The story “A Close Encounter” relates to your faith journey towards holiness. In the Gospel of Matthew, a parable given by Jesus Christ contains a similar theme.
44 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls.
46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. (Matthew 13:44-46)
You don’t get to God or heaven by accident.
The analogous treasure in the story “A Close Encounter,” is eternity with God in heaven. It begins with Jesus who is “The Kingdom of Heaven.” The journey and its benefit of Eternity with God is not something that happens to you automatically. Nor is it something you stumble upon without intention or without a desire to reach it. The way to get to God cannot be known unless it is revealed to you. When Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven He is not speaking of a ‘what’ but a ‘who.’ He, as God, is the Kingdom of Heaven. And you do not get to God or heaven by accident.
The revelation of eternity with God in heaven may be new to you. It comes directly or indirectly from God either by circumstances, direction a calling, or a combination of all three. This revelation is given so that you may choose whether or not, to journey with Jesus in a relationship with him, toward eternity in heaven. To get to heaven, you will have to go through what Jesus referred to as the narrow gate[1] Travel the ‘road less traveled.’ Not all souls go to heaven. Some go into eternal darkness and torment forever which is hell. This is why getting on the right journey to heaven is important.
Getting to heaven is life’s ultimate journey. As you embark on the journey, there will be various aides pointing the way as well as guides to help you. Everyone needs help because no one can do it alone! Jesus is that help because He is the way.[2]
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[1]Matthew 7:13-14: 13“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction(perdition), and those who enter through it are many.14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few”
[2] John 14:6 : Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth” and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Approaching Faith
Faith as a gift from God is free and comes from His everlasting goodness. Faith draws you towards God, to believe in Him. The word faith is used in two senses. It is used to speak of God's gift and “The faith” as His revealed truth. “The faith” Is the truth and revelation of God as taught by the church. You are called to live a life of faith as the gift given by God, which is to trust in Him, and submit to His grace allowing you to see and follow His will through the teachings of His church, “The faith.”
So, when speaking of a “life of Faith,” it means understanding life’s experiences through faith in God. It is not understanding faith through life’s experiences. This is where many people fail. For example, secularists read the Bible while failing to grasp its revelation. Typically secularism tends to see faith, based on personal experiences. Christianity views life through the lens of faith, first! Allowing God to nurture the truth of who He is, by His revelation, opens the heart to the truth of His plan for one’s life.
A life of faith is a main part of your journey, living the Christian lifestyle. In one way. approaching a life of faith can be compared to the relationship between a man and a woman seeking a lifelong relationship in marriage. To become familiar with each other they must experience each other through firsthand encounters. They spend time together as friends, getting to know each other’s idiosyncrasies and opinions. This is the only way they can know each other better, and it is done through time and interaction. Then comes a level of acceptance, love, and finally a life together as one.
Now suppose in the example given, the man and woman instead choose to use secondhand reports (that are true), which have been given to them about each other. They mentally assess the other person through empirical data obtained by these reports. The man and woman may come to perceive they know each other very well (personally). When asking the question, can they really “know” the other person personally? The obvious answer is NO! It may be concluded, the man and woman, know about, each other. However, they do not really know each other.
A Little bit about Faith Formation
Faith formation involves getting to know God and not simply about Him !
Faith formation involves being guided through a process to recognize God is calling you, to know what God is you for, to get to know God personally, and not just about Him. It also allows a person to be engaged in the authenticity of the Christian faith journey (Christian lifestyle). OCIA focuses on what Catholicism teaches and holds as truth. This formation conveys not only “what” the faith is about, but more importantly, it stresses the encounter with “who” this faith leads you to, God the Father, His son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit. Catholicism yields to God showing what life is meant to be, as well as availing oneself to the love of God and one another.
When seeking to know God through the Catholic Faith, you can expect an encounter with Him. For the baptized faithful and those learning the faith anew, knowing God personally occurs through experiences within the journey in faith. Within formation, you are involved in the best way to know Him and that is through the Sacraments. All of this is done with God’s grace. Faith formation must continue for the rest of your life.
Learning the truths instructed by the Catholic faith is called catechesis (CCC 5)[1]. It includes prayer, participation in the practices of the faith, coming to know God through His grace, and following His will. Catechesis involves learning from the deposits of the faith such as the Bible as well as early church writings and teachings. In addition, there must be personal input and output during a faith formation process. In this faith formation, invest in practicing the faith (input) through the sacraments, going out into the world, and living as a Christian (output).
There must be personal input and output in the way of a “faith formation!”
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[1] CCC 5 : Catechesis – is an education in the faith of children, young people, and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into fullness of Christian Life.”
Prayer is the First Stop on Your Journey.
As you begin your journey, it is likely your faith develops slowly. Prayer is a necessity in Christianity and is inseparable from the Christian life,[1] because it assists with your faith development. Therefore the importance of starting and maintaining a life of prayer will be stressed. In OCIA your main focus is to get to know Jesus Christ who is God, through prayer, the Scriptures, being a living part of His Church, and learning how to live a Christian life. Prayer as a way of immersion into the faith, is a very good way for you to encounter Jesus Christ. During this immersive practice, as you pray, you will come to know Jesus and hopefully, you will fall in love with Jesus.
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[1] CCC 2745 Prayer and Christian life are Inseparable!
Note:
Prayer may be new for you. There are typical prayers you will be asked to learn. However, for now know this:
To begin with, Praying to God is very simple. You simply talk to God as you would with someone you love and respect. But you also listen. Tell Him what you are doing in OCIA, and you want to know Him more. Most importantly, ask Him for help and protection. Ask Him to guide and fill you with fortitude.
Prayer becomes a key component of the life of a faithful Christian. You have already learned, that the OCIA process is not a mere academic or scholastic approach and is more than a study. It is an immersion into the life of Christianity. The participant starts as an inquirer beginning their walk with small steps.[1] The intent is to encounter Christ. Prayer becomes a beneficial way to journey into the faith of Christianity.
Prayer is a key component in your journey because a life of faith is not one of observation, but one of an active encounter with God. Without prayer, you begin to backslide back into sin and forsake the holiness God wants to give you.[2] Your journey is toward holiness, and you are not here simply to change into a better version of yourself. God never said to be good. God said, , “to be holy for I am Holy.”[3]
What does it mean to be holy?
Fruitfulness in prayer is a sign of God’s grace working as Goodness within you and is a result of seeking to be Holy. You only become holy through the grace of God. For those on the journey, to be Holy means “set apart(dedicated or consecrated) for God’s purpose.” This meaning involves being disposed to God’s grace. Your life becomes set apart for the purpose of doing God’s will.
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[1] This Faith – OCIA Introduction
[2] CCC 2744 Prayer is a vital necessity
[3]1 Peter 1:16 “ for it is written, ‘Be holy because I [am] holy.’ ” Peter is quoting from two areas in Leviticus: LEV 11:45 “……I might be your God, you shall be holy, because I am holy.” And LEV 19:2 “ Speak to the whole Israelite community and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy”
Why Is Prayer Important?
Why Is Prayer Important?
The importance of prayer is underscored by the way it positions yourself in an open dialogue with God. Throughout the Bible is found plenty of stories as well as prayers. Praying is a suitable response and a way for you to communicate with God. In the Gospels we find Jesus providing an example by praying. Prayer was important enough for Jesus’ disciples to ask him to “Teach us how to pray.”
1 “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”2He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.3 Give us each day our daily bread
4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.” (Luke 11:1-4)
Our Father
Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The center of a Christian’s life is a person with a name (Jesus).
At the core of the Catholic faith is Jesus Christ. He is not only at the heart of the Catholic Faith; He is the heart of the faith. Following Jesus Christ is not a philosophy nor a conjured-up ideology. Neither is Jesus an abstract being resting somewhere out in the distant universe. He is a real person, a divine being who remains very close. He is God. God became man so that you may be saved and come to know Him intimately.
Jesus came so you could be saved by His grace (His new life).[1] Saved from what you ask? Jesus came so that you may be saved from eternal death and your sins by providing His salvation as your only way to heaven. He allows you to know and encounter the powerful love of his presence. It is through God’s Holy Spirit you learn to make Jesus the center of your life. As you progress through your faith formation you will begin to understand the need for you to be saved.
As a Christian, you come to know Jesus. By His infinite goodness and love, He has done everything for you. This is one reason why you need to put Him at the center of your life. This is what is meant by the words, “You need to fall in love with Jesus.” Acknowledging this alone is a powerful transforming step in your journey. This will lead you to more steps and hopefully become a way of life for you.
OCIA begins first by teaching about God. The focus starts shifting from knowing about Him to knowing Him personally. Some essential practices during OCIA will include prayer, reading the Bible, and participating in the life of His Church. As you do all these things, you will be encouraged to “ponder them in your heart.”
There is a beautiful, passage in the Gospel of St. Luke involving the birth of Jesus. In this well-loved passage in scripture, the shepherds come to the manger where Jesus is born and tell Mary and Joseph about how they saw angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus Christ. After the shepherds convey what God has revealed, St. Luke writes, "Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart"
(Lk 2:19).
You must be like Mary the Mother of Jesus. You do this by knowing, loving and living the “Good News” of Jesus Christ which are the Gospels that are found in the New Testament of the Bible. God’s written revelation as found in the Bible along with the faith taught to you, should be pondered in your heart. To ponder is not simply thinking something like, “Oh, well that was nice!” To ponder is to remember, reflect, ask necessary or prudent questions, and respond or act accordingly. Pondering includes actions prompting permanent changes in your life, it is yielding your will and melding your heart with Jesus for you to be more Christ-like.
Jesus provided the “Good News” so all of man can be saved. Mankind needs to be saved from sin, and its outcome which is eternal sadness and eternal death with separation from God. His act of saving was His death on the Cross. This was meant to show the supreme goodness of God and how much God loves you as well as everyone else. To know this should make you extremely happy and fill you with joy because you could not have done this yourself. He wants you to experience joy in this life. Joy is a happiness that lasts. He never said there would be no suffering. However, in the joy which only He can provide, you can obtain a real fullness in your life even through suffering. Jesus says this in the Gospel of John:
I came so that they might have life and have it more
abundantly (fullness, meaningful).
John 10:10b
Jesus came so you can be the best you can be and have the best which is eternity in heaven with him. Not a bad deal at all!
• Wouldn’t you admit that this is an excellent deal?
• Wouldn’t you admit that this is worth giving and devoting your life to?
In later lessons you will learn much more about Jesus, heaven (and hell), all that Jesus has done, and all that Jesus provided for you.
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[1] John 10:10b “ ……I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Ask Questions !
Ask Questions !
This class is for you. So, ask your questions!
This class is for you. So, ask your questions!
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ provides the answer to the important questions and the strength to deal with problems you face here on Earth. Through your continued faith Journey with God, you become better capable of knowing which questions are the ones that matter. Your job as an inquirer in OCIA is to ask questions about the journey and the faith. Ask questions regardless of how you feel about whether they are worthy questions or not. Ask them anyway.
The OCIA team will do its best to answer your questions or at least get the answer. The OCIA team may have heard your questions before; therefore, ask them.
As previously provided: To ponder is to remember, reflect, ask necessary or prudent questions, and respond or act accordingly. Therefore, as you ask questions, you will learn the Catholic answers to them. Your action is to ponder them. Remember pondering is not mere sentimental thinking; “O, well that was a nice thought or story.” It is to consider what has been delivered, and consider a way to respond and consider the change needed in your life.
Your task as an inquirer is simple:
· Ask the fundamental questions
o (What is life? Who is God? Who am I? What is God’s plan for me?)
o Why does God Care about me?
o What makes Catholicism different from the other Christian denominations?
o Why do I need to be saved?
· Ask questions about the Catholic Church
o Why is there a Pope? What is His role?
o Why does the church have sacraments?
· Listen and learn the Catholic faith's answers
· Ponder them in your heart
· Ponder them with Prayer
As you ponder the answers, pursue the truth, relentlessly. Don't settle for less than 100% satisfaction of authentic absolute truth; don't settle for half-hearted answers, clichés or simple formulas. Don’t settle for an opinion as an answer to questions regarding matters of faith. Inquiry is part of your faith formation while on your journey.
Some answers might seem almost overwhelming. Do not let this bother you. Some areas in the faith journey can be more than you are capable of grasping at certain times. Other answers may be different than what you may have expected. In such cases allow the OCIA team to guide you. However, don’t be surprised if you get an answer which is a revelation of God’s immense love that knocks you to the ground. Hopefully, it will be on your knees in prayerful thanksgiving to God who is all-loving and whom you are coming to know more and more.
As you go through the faith formation process with questions and answers, and as you experience the Catholic faith firsthand you begin to be transformed. Soon you will know you have fallen in love with Christ. This is an expected outcome of Christianity.
Types of Major questions to consider
Types of Major questions to consider
Some typical questions you can consider during this period include:
• Does God exist?
• If God is real, how will I (or how should I) respond?
• Why do I exist? Does life have meaning? If so, what is it?
• Who is Jesus? What do I think of him?
• Can I have a personal relationship with Jesus?
• Is Christ the only way?
• Why call God "Father"?
• What is the Catholic Church, and what does it mean to be a member?
o If I am not a member should I enter it?
• Why do I keep doing things I know to be wrong?
• How should I live my life in faith?
• Do heaven and Hell exist? Can I get to heaven on my own?
• Are we called by God to live a good life?
These are just some questions others in OCIA have asked. These questions are well worth exploring and to see how the Catholic Church answers them. Many questions are answered in due time but ask them at any point during your journey. When an answer gets repeated in a later lesson then, Bravo! You got to hear it twice.
Now that I have started the journey, where am I going?
Now that I have started the journey, where am I going?
A good question! Christianity places you on the path to Jesus and with Jesus. Earlier it was asked how you came to OCIA. Your story and that of others is unique. What prompted you to be here is another element of your story. It now continues with how you respond to Jesus’ call and how you will now walk the journey with the Lord.
You now journey towards the truth of God and all Christ has delivered for your salvation. Headed in a new direction on your greatest journey, you are taking up a lifestyle of change that makes all the difference. Remember it is where you end up for eternity which is in question here. The full answer to this question unfolds week to week during OCIA. The correct full answer is one you must witness and live, and not simply listen to or read about. Lesson 8 presents this question in a much fuller context.
As a new direction, your journey takes you through the narrow gate and down the narrow road.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.
14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.
(Matthew 7:13-14)
Getting to and through the narrow gate requires patience while allowing God’s grace to work in you. It will be time well spent and worth every moment as you encounter God’s work in you! To get through the narrow gate you must leave some of life’s useless baggage behind. It takes God’s love and grace to do this. More will be explained as you continue your journey.
The Sponsor/Godparent
The Sponsor/Godparent
You must select a Sponsor/Godparent. This is someone who can walk with you on your OCIA journey and afterward. It is best to have someone local. Before the Rite of Acceptance, you will need to have selected a sponsor (godparent). Should you not have one yet, you will want to seek one out. The sponsor (godparent) must be fully initiated [1] into the catholic faith and practicing the faith as well.
“A person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation… A sponsor also helps the baptized to lead a Christian life..” [2]
The sponsor (godparent) may not be a parent.
The sponsor must have all the sacraments, be in full communion with the Church (observe the sacraments, go to Mass every Sunday, and be obedient to the laws of the Church). The sponsor/godparent is someone who comes with you to all of the rites, and designated classes, someone you discuss what you learned, and must be there for the receiving of your sacraments.
In the event you are having difficulty obtaining a sponsor; bring this to the instructor or OCIA team’s attention right away. In case you have any questions whatsoever regarding this, bring this to the instructor or OCIA team’s attention.
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[1] A person having received the sacraments of initiation which include; Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
[2] Code of Canon Law 872
A Jesus Moment: Jesus is the Sheep Gate.
A Jesus Moment: Jesus is the Sheep Gate.
7 So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All who came [before me] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.
10 A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy;
I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:7-10
Humanity is infected with many “isms;” materialism, secularism, atheism, relativism, socialism, communism, humanism, and narcissism. As social manifestations of disorder, they are the symptoms of social diseases erupting as a result of those in the human family who turn their backs on God and submit to the domination of Satan. These are among the many thieves who rob humanity of its joy and the truth of God. True everlasting joy can be found only in the authentic truth given by God and having a relationship with God. These “isms” as modern social diseases make their way into the lives of mankind by masquerading into forms of ideologies with blind social acceptance. They or played out as, political correctness, ignorance, and immoral agendas which are found in educational institutions, politics, and in media bombardment of many unsavory ideologies and violence.
Such social diseases are a result of humanity’s denial of the reality of God, the rejection of God’s love, and authority, and disobedience to the will of God. Packaged in attractive commercialism, they promise to make life better (just give them your money first). But in truth, they only garner further blind ignorance and slavery to socialist manipulations. The voices of these diseases shout, “There is no God,” and “There is no Sin.” Yet, as a result, many societies are now lost in a mayhem of violence, insanity, ignorance, anxiety, depression, and hedonism. Those bowing to false ideologies are left with a deep and empty yearning that cannot be filled (if only they just turn away from them and return to Christ).
Individuals following the worldly path of manmade “isms” must be awakened from their false reality. The need is to be rid of the dependency on technology and the bombardment of media influences, and turn to listen to God. Perhaps some will! Often in their realization, they fall into a deep pit of despair. Instead of choosing God, they choose another “ism” to fix the problem. This only repeats the cycle of anxiety, desperation, depression, and despair.
Jesus indicates that He alone is the answer when He says He is the sheep gate for the sheepfold. His meaning for us is, that we enter through him for holiness and salvation. He provides grace with truth and peace for us to grow. We go out into the world through Him also, so that we can be a light to a darkened world. A light which does not yield to the darkness.[1]
At the end of the day, we return through the sheep gate who is Jesus into the sheepfold which is the church to be strengthened, cared for, loved, and protected. We listen to His word and receive the Sacraments.
Do you know what a ‘sheep gate’ is?’
In John’s Gospel Jesus says; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) What do you suppose Jesus means?
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[1] Mt 5:14-15 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.
Our Father
Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Our Father can be found in the Gospel of Luke 11:2-4
Hail Mary
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death. Amen.
The Hail Mary has as its source from the Bible Luke 1:28 and Luke 1:42
Self reflection:
Self reflection:
Read ( John 10: 11-15) {Gospel of John Chapter 10 verses 11-15}
Consider these thoughts and ask yourself these personal questions:
• In John 10: 11 Jesus indicates He is the “Good Shepherd.” He also refers to us as sheep. Have you ever considered yourself as a sheep? What comes to mind when you think of sheep? Why do Sheep need a shepherd?
• By asking Questions in OCIA I can better understand points that may be vague or perhaps new to me (hearing them for the first time). Being willing to ask questions predisposes me to a mindset that says I am willing to learn and follow what Christ has taught.
Answer the Questions:
1.) _________is a free gift from God which comes from God’s everlasting goodness.
2.) Key to the life of a faithful Christian is ________________.
3.) What does it mean to be holy?
4.) Why is prayer important?
5.) Who is at the center of Christian’s life?
6.) What does CCC 2745 say about prayer?
7.) What does it mean to Ponder?
8.) Getting to and through the __________ is done with patience, while allowing God’s ___________ to work in you.
9.) Jesus Moment question: In the reading above, what do the words of Jesus say to you?
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