The Paschal Mystery and Our Own Life

All creation, human beings are Holy - because we are created in the image of God; - our holiness was corrupted through sin;

- restored and consecrated to God through Baptism; - our hearts and consciences are cleaned through repentance of any type of sin.

Aids to Holiness Grace Self- reflection The Church

What is grace? God’s grace is much stronger than humanity’s sinfulness.

Grace Participation in the life of God. God’s own life infused into our human souls.

Grace Can restore the original holiness and righteousness. The help we need to respond to God’s call to be his adopted sons and daughters.

Effects of Grace allows us to love with Christ’s love; perfects the virtues and good qualities we develop in life.

offers us a parent- child relationship with God; makes us holy, healing the body and soul of sin.

Grace helps us to rise from desolation and despair; helps us to respond to God’s call to be in a committed relationship with him.

Self-reflection Helps us to remove ourselves from the noise and distractions of everyday life; Look at what direction our life is going; Examine the choices we have made; Educate and listen to our conscience.

Self-reflection

The Church Greatest gift to people; Unites us to Christ; Provides us with the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit; Opportunities for - Education - Prayer - Community - Service to the world

Our priestly ministry How do we exhibit the graces we receive from God in our daily life? - With our family - Our school work - Church family - Community - Nation

My priestly ministry Take time to pray daily; Attend mass weekly; Participating in the Sacrament of Penance; Sacrificing time, money or comforts to share God’s love.

My Prophetic Ministry Who are prophets? - Urged people to reject worshiping false gods; - Urged people to care of the most vulnerable in the society (children, widows, orphans, the sick, elderly, the stranger, the oppressed);

Prophets Called for an end to societal injustice – the powerful to protect the poor and vulnerable; Called for an end to hypocritical worship of God – urged people to worship God with pure heart;

Can I be a prophet and … Speak our for the protection of life – against violence of any sort – towards any human person including the unborn; Help those people who are in need – or food, clothing, shelter, advice;

Share the love of God with others – helping others to become more aware of themselves – that they are beloved images of God.

Kingly Ministry How to be a leader that is different from leaders who seek their own fame and gain? -- Jesus has states: “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (John 18:33, 36)

What type of leader was Jesus? Refuses to become ruler through any compromise with evil; He is completely committed to doing the right thing even if it means: - Personal suffering; - Seeming failure according to the world’s standards.

Kingly ministry in my daily life… Attitude we bring to our words and actions: 1) becoming aware of one’s actions – trying to avoid sin and temptation to achieve good through lying, cheating, intentionally hurting someone;

Kingly ministry in my daily life… 2) Being humble – being realistic about one’s strengths and weaknesses; 3) Making a commitment to make our families and communities a little bit better through our presence and actions; 4) Striving to help out where help is needed.