In the Beginning:
How God makes Himself known CCC 53-54
St. Irenaeus of Lyons repeatedly speaks of this divine pedagogy using the image of God and man becoming accustomed to one another: the Word of God dwelt in man and became the Son of man in order to accustom man to perceive God and to accustom God to dwell in man, according to the Father's pleasure.
In your own words can you describe this encounter?
Note: Many people who listen to you or read your thoughts on paper want to know what this encounter is like. It is difficult for us as Christians to explain from our personal experience. When asked of the experience we sometimes give a text book definition of it or a teaching. Imagine you are the person hearing this experience. You want the person to give you details of how you speak with God, why do you kneel, why do you bless yourself with the sign of the cross, why you give thanks, plead, and so much more. The next time you enter into God’s presence, discern your actions and feelings. It’s important other Christians know, so that they may learn to do the same.
I – Take Baby Steps: God makes Himself Known in the Beginning CCC 54
1. When we hear “In the Beginning” it reminds us of the Old Testament Book, Genesis, where in the first chapter begins the Creation Story. A big part of that story is the creation of human beings – Man and Woman. The Church teaches us that all creation is made and lives through the Son of God, Jesus Christ. St Paul teaches us in his Letter to Colossians 1:16, “For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him.” God sustains creation and at the same time He reveals His existence through created beings and things. (John 1:3)
a. He showed evidence of existence in the beginning when He created our First Parents – Adam and Eve. (Genesis 1 & 2)
b. When God creates He invites His creation into a personal relationship Himself (Roman 1:19-20). With Adam and Eve, He gave to them His Grace and Justice. The Catechism uses the word “Clothed” which means He covered them with blessings, protection and authority.
I am reminded of the Prayer of Jabez in the 1st Book of Chronicles 4:9-10, where Jabez prays to God: Jabez was the most distinguished of the brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "Oh, that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! Help me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!" And God granted his prayer.”
c. When mentioning authority, I am reminded of two passages in scripture where God gives Authority to Man and Woman to watch over the land and animals (Genesis 1:28-29). God even gave Man the Authority to name the animals (Genesis 2:19-20). This is something Jesus did, being the Son of God and the Son of Man (Adam or shall we say He is the 2nd Adam), he took Simon (His creation, because Jesus is God) and named him “Peter” (Matthew 16:17-18).
II – God Never Took Back His Promise:
1. Even after the serious break that Adam and Eve committed – Original Sin, God continued to give them and US hope of Salvation. How?
a. He promised them and us redemption; that redemption would be the price of death for His Son. Jesus is the Answer to our despair. (Genesis 3:15 – The promise of crushing the serpents head)
b. Today, God continues to show us His grace and love, calling us to change.
c. We must be willing to come to Him when He calls. When we are with Him we gain the promise of Eternal Life. (Roman 2:1-11)
d. God will warn us of His judgment and at the same time show us Hope in the Redemptive Life of His Son. We all need redemption, we need God, and we want to be with God. There is a prayer said during the part of the Mass we call “The Eucharistic Liturgy” where the priest says, “Even when he disobeyed you and lost your friendship you did not abandon him to the power of death. . . Again and again you offered a covenant to man.” (Roman Missal, Eucharistic Prayer IV, 118) Hope is still present!
St. Irenaeus of Lyons repeatedly speaks of this divine pedagogy using the image of God and man becoming accustomed to one another: the Word of God dwelt in man and became the Son of man in order to accustom man to perceive God and to accustom God to dwell in man, according to the Father's pleasure.
In your own words can you describe this encounter?
Note: Many people who listen to you or read your thoughts on paper want to know what this encounter is like. It is difficult for us as Christians to explain from our personal experience. When asked of the experience we sometimes give a text book definition of it or a teaching. Imagine you are the person hearing this experience. You want the person to give you details of how you speak with God, why do you kneel, why do you bless yourself with the sign of the cross, why you give thanks, plead, and so much more. The next time you enter into God’s presence, discern your actions and feelings. It’s important other Christians know, so that they may learn to do the same.
I – Take Baby Steps: God makes Himself Known in the Beginning CCC 54
1. When we hear “In the Beginning” it reminds us of the Old Testament Book, Genesis, where in the first chapter begins the Creation Story. A big part of that story is the creation of human beings – Man and Woman. The Church teaches us that all creation is made and lives through the Son of God, Jesus Christ. St Paul teaches us in his Letter to Colossians 1:16, “For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him.” God sustains creation and at the same time He reveals His existence through created beings and things. (John 1:3)
a. He showed evidence of existence in the beginning when He created our First Parents – Adam and Eve. (Genesis 1 & 2)
b. When God creates He invites His creation into a personal relationship Himself (Roman 1:19-20). With Adam and Eve, He gave to them His Grace and Justice. The Catechism uses the word “Clothed” which means He covered them with blessings, protection and authority.
I am reminded of the Prayer of Jabez in the 1st Book of Chronicles 4:9-10, where Jabez prays to God: Jabez was the most distinguished of the brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "Oh, that you may truly bless me and extend my boundaries! Help me and make me free of misfortune, without pain!" And God granted his prayer.”
c. When mentioning authority, I am reminded of two passages in scripture where God gives Authority to Man and Woman to watch over the land and animals (Genesis 1:28-29). God even gave Man the Authority to name the animals (Genesis 2:19-20). This is something Jesus did, being the Son of God and the Son of Man (Adam or shall we say He is the 2nd Adam), he took Simon (His creation, because Jesus is God) and named him “Peter” (Matthew 16:17-18).
II – God Never Took Back His Promise:
1. Even after the serious break that Adam and Eve committed – Original Sin, God continued to give them and US hope of Salvation. How?
a. He promised them and us redemption; that redemption would be the price of death for His Son. Jesus is the Answer to our despair. (Genesis 3:15 – The promise of crushing the serpents head)
b. Today, God continues to show us His grace and love, calling us to change.
c. We must be willing to come to Him when He calls. When we are with Him we gain the promise of Eternal Life. (Roman 2:1-11)
d. God will warn us of His judgment and at the same time show us Hope in the Redemptive Life of His Son. We all need redemption, we need God, and we want to be with God. There is a prayer said during the part of the Mass we call “The Eucharistic Liturgy” where the priest says, “Even when he disobeyed you and lost your friendship you did not abandon him to the power of death. . . Again and again you offered a covenant to man.” (Roman Missal, Eucharistic Prayer IV, 118) Hope is still present!
posted by Arthanius | 11:29 AM
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