At the Transfiguration, Moses represented the law and Elijah represented the prophets. But why were Peter, James, and John present? And what does this event mean to us today? St. Thomas Aquinas devotes an entire section in his Summa theologiae to the Transfiguration. His treatment offers some answers. Aquinas says that it was fitting that Christ be manifested in his glory because those who are walking an arduous path need a clear sense of the goal of their journey. The arduous path is this life, with all of its attendant sufferings, failures, setbacks, disappointments, and injustices. And its goal is heavenly glory, which is fullness of life with God, the transformation of our bodies. As Jesus makes his way toward the cross, he accordingly allows, for a brief time, his glory to shine through, the radiance of his divinity to appear. This event is meant to awaken our sense of wonder and affirm that we are not meant finally for this world.   Next, Aquinas asks about the “light” or the “glory” that envelops Christ during the Transfiguration, noting that it “shines.” Why have people, trans-historically and trans-culturally, associated holiness with light? Well, light is that by which we see, that which illumines and clarifies. But light is also beautiful, and beautiful things shine. Aquinas says that Jesus, at the Transfiguration, began to shine with the radiance of heaven so as to entrance us with the prospect of our own transfiguration. Finally, Aquinas talks about the “witnesses” to the Transfiguration, namely Peter, James, John, Moses, and Elijah. Moses stands for the Law, and Jesus recapitulates, perfects, and illumines the Mosaic law: “I have come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it.” Christ is the new Moses, the new Lawgiver. Similarly, Elijah stands for the prophets; he was the greatest of the prophets. The prophets spoke the words of God. And since Jesus is the Word of God, the prophetic books are read in his light. So why is Peter there? Because, says Aquinas, he loved the Lord the most. Why is John there? Because the Lord loved him the most. Why is James there? Because he was the first of the Apostles to die for his faith. Who gets access to the glory of Jesus? Those who are tied to him through love.

SIN

Definition A deliberate thought, word, deed or omission contrary to the eternal law of God. Read CCC 1849

Original Sin Read Genesis, fall of Man How does sin enter the world? What are the effects of this sin? What has changed between God and Adam and Eve?

Adam and Eve Privileges in Garden Consequences of Sin Sanctifying Grace Ongoing happiness Dominion over all creation Susceptible to Devil’s temptation Loss of harmony between human appetites and will Disruption in relationship between man and rest of creation. Minds clouded and weakened

What is sin? Any deed, word or desire that violates eternal law. Violation of the moral law. Disordered love for created things over God. (textbook pg. 91)

Types of Sin Original Sin Actual Sin Mortal Venial

Original Sin First sin committed by the first humans Used free will to knowingly reject God and failed to trust him. Opens the door for death, sorrow, and conflict within the world. Disharmony between man and creation.

If you could be any animal what would you be and why? Teambuilding Tuesday If you could be any animal what would you be and why?

Effects of Original Sin Concupiscence Ignorance Malice of Will Capital/Deadly Sins Death Loss of God’s friendship Damage to harmony of body, intellect, and will. Reduced ability to love

Actual Sin The sins that we commit ourselves. Our personal turning away from God.

Mortal Sin Total destruction of our relationship with God and his sanctifying grace. Venial Sin Wounds our relationship with God but does not destroy it.

What makes a mortal sin? Serious Matter Full Knowledge Deliberate Consent

7 Deadly Sins Pride Envy Anger/Wrath Sloth Avarice Gluttony Lust

Pride “The root of all sin.” Failure to recognize reality. Placing yourself above God.

Envy Resenting others for their possessions or gifts. Not merely jealousy

Anger Desiring revenge Unnecessary aggression or hostility.

Sloth Denying God’s will for the sake of comfort. Avoiding spiritual or physical work. Acedia – spiritual apathy. Not simply laziness

Avarice Desiring material things in excess. Placing too much importance on possessions.

Gluttony Consuming to an unhealthy excess. Not just with food or drink!

Lust Disordered love Considering others as mere objects of sexual desire.

Rally Robin Should Partner Think of as many things as possible that cause temptations.

Sources of Temptation World Flesh Devil

Round Robin Front/Back Ways that you can resist temptation.

Resisting Temptation Prayer Reflection on Christ’s passion Reflection on the reality of Hell Avoiding occasions of sin Words of Penance Intellectual Development Practicing Virtue

Read Matthew 4:1-11 - What is Christ tempted with? - How does Jesus resist? - What happens at the end? - What can we learn from this?

Temptations of Christ 1. command stones to become loaves of bread. (Flesh) 2. throw self down from pentacle and angels will save you (Devil/Pride) 3. bow down and worship the devil, then receive all kingdoms of the worlds. (World)

Examples of Resisting Sin St. Benedict St. Thomas Becket St. St. Anthony of Egypt

Hebrews 12: Jesus, the Example Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 [a]fixing our eyes on Jesus, the [b]author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Himendured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary [c]and lose heart. 4 You have not yet resisted [d]to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;

Teambuilding Tuesday With your group create hand shake. It must have at least 4 elements. You cannot smile while doing it

Responses to Sin God’s Response: Grace and mercy and forgiveness 2. Our Response Perfect Contrition Imperfect Contrition Confession Conversion

Confession Perfect Contrition – Truly being sorry for having offended God whom you greatly love. Imperfect Contrition – Truly being sorry because you are afraid of the pains of hell.

Why Doesn’t God just forgive sins, why do I have to go to confession? Scripture – John 20:21-23 Tradition Face to face contrition Direct reconciliation with God Direct reconciliation with Church/community Power over sin

The Last Things Death Judgment Heaven (Purgatory) Hell

Death End of earthly life. All creatures “change, grow old” and will come to and end. It is the nature of creation. Separation of body and soul Death as we know it now is a consequence of sin. From the beginning man was mortal but would not die.

Jesus and Death