- *Faith* - Gift Of God, & Human Response

Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.” Nicene Creed: “I believe in one God… maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.”

Faith as a Gift Matthew 16:13-20 *Mt 16:17-18* “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.”

Faith as a Gift Ephesians 2:1-10 ***Eph 2:8*** “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God…” http://www.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/2

authentically human act” Faith as Response CCC 154-155 “Interior helps of the Holy Spirit & authentically human act” Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” ‘intellect & will cooperate with grace’ Hebrews 11:1-40 Hebrews 12:1-13;*1-2* http://www.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/11/

Faith & Response (actions speak louder than words) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H-yrfmqmGc The Great Blondin! Pushes wheelbarrow on tightrope across Niagara Falls. …Do you believe I can…? Yes? Then get in the wheelbarrow!

Faith & Response (actions speak louder than words) James 2:1-26 Faith & Works 2 sides of the same coin. “…Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.” –James 2:18 http://www.usccb.org/bible/james/2

Faith & Understanding John 20:19-29 ‘Doubting Thomas’ ***Jn 20:29*** “Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Doubting Thomas clips. Animation for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foJgyECyUFQ The Bible: tv series https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84838260&v=4hloP4zVwMc&x-yt-ts=1422327029

Faith & Understanding within human reason CCC 156-159 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s1c3a1.htm 156 – God is trustworthy, so we believe. 157 – Faith is certain… divine origin. 158 – Faith seeks understanding… to know Him better & understand how all things connect to Christ. 159 – no discrepancies between faith & reason… truth cannot contradict itself…

St. Anselm of Canterbury late 11th early 12th century For I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand.” -anecdote from my early 20s… Jesus IS the Son of God & the Creed… http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/index.cfm

“Blind Faith” From Midnight Streams – To Be A Saint © 2011, p.41 Michael J. Hoogasian Recall John 20:29 Luke 16:19-31 “Parable of Rich Man & Lazarus”

Romans 10:13-17  Faith by Hearing 1. Read passage… 2. Then consider Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus.

Rich Man & Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 Poor man goes to paradise; rich man goes to netherworld in torment. Have pity, Father Abraham! - can’t there’s a great chasm. Then send Lazarus to my bros to warn them! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-22eoILkhSE

Rich Man & Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 31“Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”

“Seek & you will find” “God will answer all our questions in one way and one way only. Namely, by showing us more of his Son.” -- Watchman Nee Consider: Mt 6:33; *Mt 7:7-11*; Jeremiah 29:12-13; Acts 17:26-27

Vocation – Responding to God’s call. Everybody is called by God to know love and serve him… The difference is how each one does this.

Vocation – Responding to God’s call. Free Will & Faith allow us to say ‘no’ OR through Prayer, reflection, discussion to: Discern our individual call (2 basic states) Single life – all but the laity typically make vows of chastity or celibacy, poverty, and obedience. Religious Consecrated Priesthood (sorry, ladies… men only) Laity (no vows) Married life See site for list of vocations: http://www.religiousministries.com/editorial/index.asp?section=vocations

Discussion ?s 1. How is Faith a Gift? 2. How is Faith an act of Human Will? 3. How is Faith more than a profession of belief? 4. How does one’s behavior provide evidence of one’s inner faith? 5. How does the Church express its Faith? 6. How does personal belief influence life decisions… both big and small?

Other Faith ?s Faith is one of those mysteries that no one knows everything about… There should be ?s… Ask a faith related question and reflect on it… 1-2 paragraphs. We will discuss/investigate what we can in class!