1. Prayer: They begged him that they might touch only the tassel of his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed. Mk. 6 Lord, the people only touched the tassel of your cloak and were healed. Give me the courage to not only be near you, but to embrace you and follow you in all I do. Amen.

2. St. Thomas Aquinas taught that good law is 1) reasonable 2) issued by proper authority, 3) directed at the common good 4) advertised in a way that people know about it. Good law is an objective measure against which we can assess our behavior.

3. Law as a Guide to Freedom
CHAPTER THREE
Law as a Guide to Freedom

4. Law and Morality Natural Law
Natural law is our participation in the divine law.
Natural law teaches us what to do and what to avoid.
Natural law corresponds to three basic human drives and needs:
Preserving life
Developing as individuals and communities
Sharing life with others
Natural law is universal, permanent, and unchanging throughout history.

5. Law and Morality The Old Law Also known as the Law of Moses
Ten Commandments summarize the moral prescriptions of the old Law

6. Law and Morality The New Law Divine Law has four purposes:
It helps us stay on the right path on our journey to God.
It helps us discern what is right when there are conflicting ideas of right and wrong.
It speaks of motivation.
It indicates what is sinful.

7. Law and Morality The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the new law.
It helps us understand the core attitudes that precede our actions.
Can be summarized in two Gospel teachings:
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” (Mt 7:12)
“Love one another as I love you.” (Jn 15:12)

8. Law and Morality evangelical counsels The New Law
Vows taken to poverty, chastity, and obedience in order to live the Gospel more fully. The evangelical counsels were typically embraced by those in religious life.
evangelical counsels

9. Law and Morality precepts of the Church canon law The New Law
The minimal obligations for members in good standing of the Catholic faith community
precepts of the Church
The full body of officially established rules governing the Catholic Church, which was last revised in 1983.
canon law

10. Law and Morality Church Law Six Precepts of the Church:
You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.
You shall keep holy the holy days of obligation.
You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.
The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his abilities.

11. Exit Journal: Turn to page 74 and answer the following questions:
1. According to Jesus what will make us free?
2. Who gives us Freedom?
3. What does St. Paul tell us will result if we abuse freedom? On the other hand, if we live according to the Spirit, what results?
4. Write your own definition of Freedom (Max: 100 words)