Does God write a moral law in every human heart? All moral law is in God’s plan for Original Holiness and Original Justice. Moral virtues are foundational to living a moral life. They guide and influence our decisions and actions. Natural law is rooted in the heart of every person. It is the foundation on which moral laws and civic rules are built. Physical, biological and chemical laws of nature work inevitably; for example, objects fall to the ground because of gravity.

Does God write a moral law in every human heart? The natural law tradition teaches that when humans use reason and intellect, they can arrive at the foundation for moral law which is universal. God created humans with a moral capacity which allows us to decide the best way to live according to the will of God.

An understanding mind The teachings of philosophers on the moral life. Greek Tradition: The Stoics taught that the good life was a moral life conforming to laws that we discern though an understanding of nature. Roman Tradition: The Romans believed natural law to be innate in everyone, a power that uses human reason to direct our behavior.

An understanding mind St. Thomas Aquinas taught: By honoring natural law, humans participate in the eternal law of God. Natural laws fundamentally mean ‘to do what is good and avoid evil’. Humans understand God’s eternal plan through their ability to reason and reflect on human experience. Natural reason helps people to follow their moral sense in order to live in a way that is true to their own best nature.

An understanding mind There is a relationship between natural law and Sacred Scripture. The Wisdom literature in the Old Testament encourages people to discover moral principles by reflecting on their own experiences. Many parables invite reflection on natural law in order to have a deeper understanding of faith. Scripture echoes the moral principles and precepts that we can know from ‘natural’ law. Scripture makes clear that all people must work for justice.

Developing an ‘understanding heart’ In the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus taught: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets’ (Matthew 7:12). The Golden Rule is an example of a natural law that many religions and societies agree is foundational to how people should treat one another. The Golden Rule gives us insight into the nature of what a true and just law should be.

Developing an ‘understanding heart’ Conscience is present at the heart of every person. It informs our choices. It helps us not only to do what is good and to avoid evil, but it also approves good decisions and denounces bad ones. We have the responsibility to form our moral conscience correctly according to the natural laws of our heart, Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

Developing an ‘understanding heart’ The Church has identified certain key disciplines you can do to inform and form your conscience well. These include: Reading and studying the Scriptures Studying the teachings of the Church Taking part in the Sacramental and prayer life of the Church Seeking the guidance and counsel of others Examining your conscience daily and knowing that God’s grace is always forgiving and supportive

The freedom to choose to follow Jesus God has given each of us the freedom to make moral decisions and act according to our conscience. Following our conscience is not always easy. Peer pressure can be a temptation to follow the ‘conscience of the group’. This can lead to decisions that are contrary to one’s own conscience. No one should pressure another to act contrary to their own conscience.

The freedom to choose to follow Jesus Our faith in Christ calls us to take responsibility for our own lives rather than be led by others. God’s grace allows us to act responsibly even when we must make difficult choices. When a conscience makes a judgment that is contrary to natural or revealed law, the judgment can be erroneous.

The freedom to choose to follow Jesus Christians have used the Examen to guide them to living in accordance with God’s will. The Examen is a tool that allows us to open our minds and hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. A good time to examine your conscience is at the end of the day before going to sleep. How well did you use your gifts? How did you respond to the challenges of the day? In which ways could you have been a stronger disciple of Christ?

St. Thomas More (1478–1535), the King’s good servant, but God’s first was an English barrister, or attorney, and trusted advisor to King Henry VIII. Thomas More was knighted by the king in 1521. Later he was appointed Lord Chancellor, serving as a bridge between the parliament and the king. This office was customarily held by a priest, but More was the first layperson to serve as Lord Chancellor. Thomas More would not condone the king’s divorce of Catherine of Aragón and subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn.

St. Thomas More (1478–1535), the King’s good servant, but God’s first When Pope Clement VII refused to annul Henry’s marriage to Catherine, the king rejected the authority of the Pope and set himself up to be the head of the Church in England. Thomas More refused to take an oath recognizing the children of King Henry and Anne Boleyn as heirs to the throne. He also refused to recognize King Henry VIII as the head of the Church in England. On June 6, 1535, the king had Thomas More beheaded. Moments before his death Thomas More spoke his final words, ‘The King’s good servant, but God’s first.’

1. Place yourself in God's presence 1. Place yourself in God's presence. Give thanks for God's great love for you. 2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. 3. Review your day — recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. 4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? 5. Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God's plan. Be specific, and conclude with the "Our Father."

Key words for the test Natural Law Pluralistic Society King Solomon St. Thomas Aquinas Jesus’ Parables Sacred Scripture

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Oath of Supremacy Conscience Temptation The Examen St. Thomas More