Man Fully Alive by: AJ Peters

   What is our mission on Earth? One way to summarize it is man fully alive. Man fully alive is living with God. It's something that we are unable to achieve by ourselves on Earth. For us to be fully alive we would have to find God. We would have to live with him in Heaven so that we would be in the same state that we were in when the World created. Completing our mission on Earth is also a large part in being fully alive. 

     How can we achieve the fullness of life on Earth? The complete fullness of life isn't possible to achieve on Earth for us to complete that we would have to meet God in heaven. This does not mean we can't make steps towards that fullness of life when we are on Earth. The one thing we can do on Earth is live our lives like Christ did during his time with us. We can follow the Decalogue and be the best Christians that we can and all of that stars with accepting God into our lives. Once we do that we open the doors to everything that is Holy. 

Man Fully Alive by: Peter

What does it mean to be Man Fully Alive? Over this past year of Theology class, I have thought a lot about this question. Mr. Cole asked us this question on the first day of class and then proceeded to ask us the same question throughout the year. At first I did not really know what it truly meant to be Man Fully Alive, but as the school year has gone by, I think I have a decent idea of what it truly means to be Man Fully Alive. 

For one to be Fully Alive, he or she is not required to be perfect, as no person in the history of the world was perfect, except Jesus. For one to be Fully Alive, they do not have to be a part of the priesthood. Nor does that person have to excel in an activity over others. All that is required for a person to be Fully Alive is for that person to have the desire to be Fully Alive: to have the desire to be close to God and learn what He has to teach. The person must desire to help other, but not help others just to help others, but to help them in a loving way; a way that is not purely something to add to their “resume” so they can go to Heaven, but in a way that is purely helpful and selfless. I strive everyday to live my life Fully Alive, although I fail everyday. Everyday I do something selfish or I help someone for the wrong reason; I may use swear words, or hurt someone’s feelings, or not give my life to God and do something that He is not proud of. However, my drive to get better and learn from God is good. I strive to love myself and to love God, and to thank God for putting me on this earth as a healthy, capable man. I challenge you to live your life Fully Alive. 

What is the Universal Call to Holiness?

Throughout these last few weeks I have been discussing the Universal Call to Holiness and how we can complete it. I have related many things to it but I have never completely focused an entire post to it. The Universal Call to Holiness is built and based off of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Scripture states, “In the Church everyone does not proceed by the same path, nevertheless all are called to sanctity and have received equal privilege of faith through the Justice of God.” The term used to show this mission is the universal call to holiness.

There are very many ways to respond to the call in the way that God intends us to respond. There are five responses that are proper and. Jesus taught us them so that we will be able to accept God which will lead us to heaven or paradise with God. The five responses are active and regular participation in the liturgy of the Church, especially the Holy Mass; Frequent reception of the sacraments, particularly the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation; A well-informed life of prayer as a focal point of each day; The practice of sacrifice and self-denial; The sanctification of ordinary life- family life, professional work, and all human relationships; and Our witness and apostolate in the Church community and in society.

Priesthood

I believe that all people in the world are called to do something. Whether it be to be a married person or to join to priesthood, we all have something we are called to do by God. As a priest says in the video, “it is not natural to be a priest, it is supernatural.” Another priest said that priesthood is anti-cultural. It is hard to overcome the pressures of society. Many people may be being called to be a priest or something else and they are just not hearing the call because all of the world’s distractions such as TV, movies, sports, cellphones, computers, parties, and many more things are blocking them. Not that any of those things are bad, they must be used in moderation and not be put in front of or before your relationship with God. All of us needs to keep our ears open and listen for the call that God is sending us. While he might not be clear with His message about what He wants you to do at this moment, at some point in our lives, it will become clear and that is the time we need to pay attention and listen to whatever call God gives us. The priesthood is an incredible calling that not all people are called to, but those who are called to the priesthood need to heed that calling and follow God because He has a plan for us all. Priests do m any things, such as being a counselor, but they are also a leader among their congregation and to all people who hear him. It is an important calling or job and if you are called to be a priest you need to take that calling. I found it touching when the priest got out of his car and blessed Matthew, the 17-year-old boy injured badly in a car crash. This shows priests are not only “on duty” while they are preaching or in their Church, but they are called to help people everywhere at any time. 

Stress

All teenagers who are currently attending a school right now are facing the one of the most stressful things all year...finals. Finals are a test at the end of the semester over everything you have covered throughout that semester. Every person in high school, middle school, or college are facing, about to face, or have already faced this difficult and very stressful task. It takes a lot of studying and the tests really affect your grade. This test usually causes stress to everybody facing them. Stress can be very harmful to the people it affects and those who care about that person.

What does the Bible say about stress? The Bible does not say anything specific about stress but it does constantly remind us about God is always with us. Sometimes when you are under stress you feel all alone and that can be the hardest thing to deal with but if you know God has a plan for you and is watching you, that can make all the difference.

Reflection on Papacy

In Apostolic tradition from On the Papacy, Apostolic tradition is described through examples and references from Scripture.  The letter talks about apostles along the line of Apostolic Tradition ranging from Papias to Pope Agatho. I picked apostolic tradition because of my limited prior knowledge on the subject.

This passage starts off with the question, “Is Scripture the sole rule of faith for Christians?” It then says no based off of the Bible’s references to the necessity of holding on to apostolic tradition. Then he mentions and describes how Paul tells us how important apostolic tradition is. An example of this is when the passage says, “I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you.” Then the passage describes other Church fathers and their teachings on apostolic tradition such as, Eusebius of Caesarea, Clement of Alexandria, Cyprian of Carthage, and others.

I feel that this passage does a good job on getting the point of apostolic tradition across to the readers. It says, “Not according to the Bible.” This was in reference to the question asked, “Is Scripture the sole rule of faith for Christians?” The passage then goes to mention the references from the Bible about apostles, such as Paul, speaking of apostolic tradition. This tells us that that inspired writings of disciples of Christ shows us the importance of apostolic tradition. To make sure that the apostolic tradition is passed down after the deaths of the apostles Paul told Timothy, “What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” This quote shows how Paul knew the importance of apostolic tradition and how he wanted it passed down to the fathers of the Church. The passage has good examples from Scripture and Church fathers proving apostolic tradition which do a good job of getting its points across and teaching its readers about apostolic tradition and just how important it is for Christians. 

I had very little knowledge on apostolic tradition so, I learned a lot from the passage and it gave me the opportunity to have some kind of thought on apostolic tradition. This passage did a good job on teaching me what apostolic tradition is and gave good examples for me too reference if I had any questions on it. “From them has come down to us in writing, the sound and orthodox faith received from tradition.”(Church History 4:21). This example come to the conclusion that apostolic tradition is very important. Our mission is to act like Christ each day and apostolic tradition shows just exactly how to do it. It helps us live like God every day by acting like the apostles. We are able to learn from Scripture how important apostolic tradition and that is leads me to believe so much of it. I feel apostolic tradition is essential to Christians.

This passage taught about apostolic tradition mainly through examples. These examples did a good job of informing and explaining apostolic tradition to the reader. This passage showed me just how important apostolic tradition really is to Christians. Overall this passage was very informative and convincing, I feel like I learned a lot from it and understand apostolic tradition a lot more than I did before I read this passage.

Education

            Throughout this week I have seen a lot of videos concerning a high school student and how he stood up to his teacher. He stood up to his teacher for not teaching and just handing out worksheets. I was very impressed when I saw this video because it took courage. It showed how this young man wants to learn and wants to be productive and wants to do something with his life. I also saw interview, which said the kid dropped out of school and this shows how important school is because after a year he realized he had to come back.

            I admire this kid for he was attempting to expand his knowledge and glory and that is what we an all should doo. If we give ourselves a chance to succeed and gain glory than we with God’s help will achieve that glory. With that glory though, we are called to give it to God for he is the one who lets us have it.

Link to Video to Kid Standing Up

Mass in the Early Church

     The central activity of the mass in the early church was the breaking of the bread. this Eucharistic Liturgy was to be celebrated on every Sunday for it is the first day of the week. According to St. Justin Martyr the celebration consisted of seven main activities. These seven activities were gathering on sunday, readings from scripture, a homily, prayers of the faithful, an offertory, a eucharistic prayer, and the reception of the Eucharist. We are called, through scripture, to participate in every single one of these activities. "Memoirs of the Apostles and the writings of the prophets are read," is just one of the ways to show how St. Justin Martyr described the readings from scripture. As you can see by the activities, mass is structured the same way now as it was for the Early Church. The focal point of mass in both periods of time of course being the Eucharistical Sacrifice for it was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper and has been celebrated ever since.

Ronald Davis

            As I first watched this video, my heart felt compassion for Ronald Davis. Coming from a great home, I cannot imagine living on the street and not knowing if I will be able to eat the next day. Sleeping outside in the cold, in a cardboard box, blows my mind. I cannot comprehend what it would be like. Davis wants to get a job, he is not living on the street and not trying to get back on his feet, he literally cannot find a job. Because he has been homeless for about a year and a half, he most likely only has one or two sets of clothes he can wear. And more likely than not, the clothes he has are dirty and not appropriate for a job interview, but that’s all he has.

When he started to talk about the man who walked by him and called him a bum, it got me thinking about what I do when I drive by or walk by a homeless person. How do I look at them? Do I look at them like they are nothing, or do I look at them like they are another human being who is down on their luck? I would hope I would do the latter. I do not think of myself as a person who would go out of his way to be rude to a homeless person—or any person for that matter. If I have some extra money when I pass a homeless person either on the street or when I drive by, I try and give it to them. I realize homeless people do not want to be homeless, so I try and help them out. 

Ronald Davis' Story

Recently I watched a video on youtube called “Homeless Man Ronald Davis Emotional Story Called a Bum, Cries...” and it reminds me of a song by Luke Bryan called, “You Don’t Know Jack,” which also describes the life of a bum. This video and that songcould really change a person’s life if it is received in the right way by the viewer. If a person sees this and learns about life from the point of view of a bum. It teaches its watcher to give to a person down on their luck because some of them are trying to get a job and get back on his feet. This is a lesson to learn in life too because it is always important to help those who need it. It also shows us to be stewards of the Earth and take care of God’s people for they are loved by him just as much as we are. Helping others in need in order to take care of God’s Earth is part of the Universal Call to Holiness and is something we should do everyday.

This movie was very informative and it really taught us as people a lesson. Most people see a homeless man or a hobo and think, “Oh great, here’s another person that is going to beg me for money or something.” They feel that the money will be spent on drugs but in the video Mr. Ronald Davis, the homeless man being interviewed, says in at about three minutes and eighteen seconds into the video he talks about how a man treated him poorly and he responded, “God bless you sir.” This was a big quote to me because it showed that this man felt even though he has lived on the streets to survive God still has a plan for him and he still has faith in God.

Link to Davis' Video

Link to Lyrics of "You Don't Know Jack" by Luke Bryan

All Are Welcome!

            I believe the author of the blog did a very nice job making a good example of the two kids. The author made it clear that just like Freddie was welcome at his friend’s dinner table, we too are welcome at the table of Christ. It is always nice to be welcomed places. Whether we are welcomed at a dinner table, or socially at school, or on an athletic or academic team; it is always nice to be welcomed places. It makes us feel good inside. I know I always enjoy being welcomed places. It makes me feel especially good to know I am welcomed with God. Anytime I want to talk to God or read about God, I know I can do that. God has welcomed me into his life and that makes me feel pretty great.

          I am welcomed every place I do. I am welcomed in my classes; I am welcomed in social settings, on athletic teams, in my family, and in God’s family. The most special place I am welcomed to is God’s family. I love being apart of God’s family. God has taught me many things that have helped me through life and I know I will continue to practice throughout the rest of my life. I believe the author does a good job describing homosexuality: “The Church loves, welcomes, and respects a woman or man with a same-sex attraction…while reminding him or her of our clear teaching that, while the condition of homosexuality is no sin at all, still, God’s teaching is clear that sexual acts are reserved for a man and woman united in the lifelong, life-giving, faithful, loving bond of marriage.”

Prayer

            Prayer is our primary way of communication with God. Keeping in good contact with our Father is one of the most important things we can do. Whether we are on the way to school, or we are just waking up in the morning, or going to bed at night, praying can happen at any time. God is always there for us and ready to listen to our problems, hopes and dreams, and wants. Although God may not always answer our prayers with the answer we are looking for or expect, He does always answer our prayers no matter what we ask for. His answer may be no, and what we asked for does not happen. Or he may also disguise he answer into something we cannot see at the moment but will become visible down the road. I always try to pray and thank God for everything He has given me. I know I am blessed to be where I am today and who I am today and know that everything I am and everything I have comes from God. 

The Sacrament of Matrimony

When Jesus came he raised the power of matrimony almost to where it was when Adam and Eve were on Earth. The difference now is that the marriage is built off of grace going through our sins rather that grace without sins which is how it was in the beginning. He made it a sacrament which is the way through which humans on Earth are able to have their sins after baptism forgiven. This means that a marriage between two baptized Catholics is a sacramental marriage and will never go away. This means that if a baptized Christian divorces another baptized Christian and they divorce if one of the two is remarried then they, according to Jesus, will be living in a state of perpetual adultery and mortal sin.

This is shown when Luke writes, "Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another   commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery" (Luke 16:18; cf. Mark 10:11–12). Paul is also insistent about this point too. He says, "Thus a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. . . . Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive" (Rom. 7:2–3). 

This only applies to a marriage between two people for there is a different rule for an unbaptized person’s marriage. In Greco-Roman culture it is easy to divorce and remarry which led the Church Fathers to proclaim Jesus’ teaching about the matter to them. Other Church denominations have modified this rule to accommodate the new and modern culture’s thought on divorce and remarriage. These changes lead the Catholic Church to be one of the few denominations that still preserves Jesus’ and the early Christian’ view on divorce.

    This means that a marriage between two people who have been baptized can not remarry unless the spouse has died or there was a never an actual valid sacramental marriage. It’s like this, a marriage has to be contracted for it to be official, for it to be contracted the bride and groom have to share matrimonial consent. If there is no consent the marriage is null and the two are allowed to remarry.

    This because without the consent there is no need for a divorce.

This is a commandment that comes from Jesus through Paul when he writes, "To the married I give charge, not I but the Lord, that the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, let her remain single or else be reconciled to her husband)—and that the husband should not divorce his wife" (1 Cor. 7:10-11). This is why Jesus established matrimony as a sacrament so that God’s grace will pour into us in times of trial when our marriages are in trouble.

The Real Presence

This blog post is a summary of this

article.

In scripture about the Real Presence it says that Jesus is literally and fully in the body, kind, soul, divinity in the Eucharist through the bread and wine. This doctrine is often attacked by Evangelical and Fundamentalists because they feel that it is unbiblical.

The early Church Father interpreted these reading literally. A summary stated by J. N. D. Kelly about Christ’s real presence said,  "Eucharistic teaching, it should be understood at the outset, was in general unquestioningly realist, i.e., the consecrated bread and wine were taken to be, and were treated and designated as, the Savior’s body and blood.”

From the beginning of the Church the Church Fathers discussed and taught about Christ's presence in the Holy Eucharist. Kelly wrote also wrote, "Ignatius roundly declares that . . . [t]he bread is the flesh of Jesus, the cup his blood. Clearly he intends this realism to be taken strictly, for he makes it the basis of his argument against the Docetists’ denial of the reality of Christ’s body. . . . Irenaeus teaches that the bread and wine are really the Lord’s body and blood. His witness is, indeed, all the more impressive because he produces it quite incidentally while refuting the Gnostic and Docetic rejection of the Lord’s real humanity."

He then states, "Hippolytus speaks of ‘the body and the blood’ through which the Church is saved, and Tertullian regularly describes the bread as ‘the Lord’s body.’ The converted pagan, he remarks, ‘feeds on the richness of the Lord’s body, that is, on the Eucharist.’ The realism of his theology comes to light in the argument, based on the intimate relation of body and soul, that just as in baptism the body is washed with water so that the soul may be cleansed, so in the Eucharist ‘the flesh feeds upon Christ’s body and blood so that the soul may be filled with God.’ Clearly his assumption is that the Savior’s body and blood are as real as the baptismal water. Cyprian’s attitude is similar. Lapsed Christians who claim communion without doing penance, he declares, ‘do violence to his body and blood, a sin more heinous against the Lord with their hands and mouths than when they denied him.’ Later he expatiates on the terrifying consequences of profaning the sacrament, and the stories he tells confirm that he took the Real Presence literally"

Also big people and events that defined The Real Presence were Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Origen, Cyprian of Carthage, Council of Nicaea I, Aphraahat the Persian Sage, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose of Milan, Theodore of Mopsuestia, Augustine, Council of Ephesus.