|
  Rediscover Catholicism Book Discussion: The Authentic LifeJanuary 21st, 2013
Over the next 7 weeks we will be hosting an on-line discussion of the Rediscover Catholicism Book Study that many parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are hosting in the new year. Each session asks multiple questions based on Chapters from “Rediscover Catholicism” and from videos either from Catholics Come Home or from Matthew Kelly’s talk “The 7 Pillars of Catholic Spirituality.” Please join the discussion by adding your comments on any or all of the following questions. OPENING PRAYERLoving Father, Open our hearts and minds and allow us to see the beauty of our faith. Show us what is possible and fill us with the grace, strength, and wisdom to live all the good things we explore here together. Send your Spirit upon us so that we can discover your dream for us to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, and have the courage to defend and celebrate this true self in every moment of our days. We ask you to bless in a special way the hungry, the lonely, the sick, and the discouraged. Remind us of our duty toward them and inspire us to be filled with a profound gratitude. We ask all this through your Son, Jesus. Amen. DISCUSSION (Rediscover Catholicism, Chapters 6-11)
For next week
(This Study Guide is a revision of the free Study Guide found on DynamicCatholic.com) 
|
Being holy is a constant struggle because of original sin. Whether you take the Garden of Eden story literally or not, it’s true that what we shouldn’t have or do is always a temptation! It says, “Who says you can’t have this? Who says you can’t do this? What if you’re really missing something — doesn’t it look good???” That’s what sin is. And it’s hard to be holy because temptation isn’t usually a big giant sin (that would be too easy) — it’s a constant pull to be selfish, to do small selfish things. A lot of us could be martyrs, if it came to making one big gesture. But day to day, remembering to pray and renounce selfish desires? That’s a whole different kettle of fish!
Gail – you are so right that usually temptation is not toward a big giant sin. I find it very easy to cruise through life thinking that I am AOK. That is until I do a really good examination of conscience! I have found it really helpful to do a quick examination of conscience at the end of every day. It helps keep me honest so that those little sins do not slip by so easy. It also makes my Confessions so much more fruitful.
Years ago a friend of mine Fr Bart Pax told me being Christian is counter-cultural, and we would get into good discussions about this! I understand now what he was saying. Most things we are taught are counter to what Christ taught us. Consumerism, independence are just 2. Consumerism moves us away at Christ being at the Center, it moves us away from serving. We’re taught to be independent and many times we’re under the illusion of self-control, self-destiny when our gifts come from God. So we are dependent no matter how great our resumes might be. The GOOD NEWS is, to quite Matthew Kelly, if we immerse ourselves in being the versions of ourself: the church has so much to offer, but we must pray to the Holy Spirit and allow the transformation!
I agree Greg. Consumerism, especially seems to be one of those “small sins” that Gail mentioned that (at least in my own life) seems to creep into my everyday life. We are so bombarded with consumerism in our culture that it takes some very intentional thought, prayer, and action on my part to not get sucked into it!
If I were to score myself on my committment to God, it would be a 7. 10 would be a saint, and I’m far from that!