Living the Faith: Christian Morality by the Holy Spirit.

We'll examine the foundations of Christian ethics,

In a world of lights and shadows, we are called to follow Christ. This the importance of Scripture and Tradition, and practical ways to apply
journey through Christian Morality explores how we can live our faith these principles in our daily lives.
amidst the contradictions of our time. We'll examine the challenges
we face, the choices we make, and how Christ's teachings guide us The Foundations of Christian Morality
towards a life of love and service. Daily Discipleship - Following Jesus Christ in our everyday actions
and decisions
Living the Faith: Christian Morality True Freedom - Living and doing what makes us genuinely free
Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and Reflection - Examining our human experiences in light of Jesus' life
‘master, and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and and teachings
teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s
feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for Sacred Scripture and Tradition
you, you should also do.’ (Jn 13:12-15) Sacred Scripture - God's revelation to us through the Bible, inspired
by divine guidance
Christian Faith is more than a set of truths to be believed; it is the Tradition - The faithful interpretation of Scripture through the
way of Christ which leads to life (cf CCC 1696)… Fullness of life here Church's living experience
on earth means that, in all the innumerable actions, events and (Together, these form the single sacred deposit of the Word of God,
problems of daily life, we walk with Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, as stated in Dei Verbum 10.)
who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
The Bible: Book of the People of God
A Tale of Two Realities Written by the People - Authored by individuals from the community
The Best of Times - Growing religious and civic organizations, of believers
increased awareness of human rights, and opportunities for global For the People - Intended for the spiritual nourishment of the faithful
cooperation through the information age. About God's People - Recounting the experiences and relationship
The Worst of Times - Indifference to social problems, new forms of between God and His people
abuse and cybercrimes, ongoing human rights violations, and
persistent poverty alongside affluence. The Rich Young Man's Question - "What good must I do to gain
eternal life?"
The Internal Struggle
Recognize - Acknowledge the lights and shadows within ourselves This question, posed to Jesus by a rich young man, is central to
Reflect - Understand how our choices impact our actions understanding Christian morality. It reflects our deep yearning for
Choose - Decide between self-centeredness and being a person-for- purpose, fulfillment, and true happiness beyond material success.
others The Search for Meaning
Beyond Success - The rich young man's question reveals a yearning
Moral Crises of Our Time for something more than ordinary accomplishments or possessions.
Violence - Physical and emotional harm in various forms True Happiness - Like him, we seek a life of true happiness,
Injustice - Unfair treatment and discrimination freedom, and lasting value.
Apathy - Indifference towards social issues (Our quest for goodness reflects a deep human desire to live a life of
Moral Weakness - Difficulty in making ethical choices purpose and fulfillment.)
Christ's Mission: Abundant Life Jesus' Response: Pointing to God - "Why do you ask me about
1 Abundant Life - Christ's ultimate goal for humanity the good? There is only One who is good."
2 Freedom from Sin - Forgiveness and guidance for good lives
3 Physical Healing - Freeing people from bodily ailments Jesus' answer directs our attention to our relationship with God the
4 Loving Service - Christ's example of selfless love Father, "the One who is good." This reveals that doing good is not
just about following rules, but about being true to our covenant
Christ's Transformative Power relationship with God.
1 Suffering, Death, and Resurrection - Christ's ultimate act of love
2 Grace and Example - Empowering us to overcome self- God: The Source and Norm of Goodness
centeredness 1 God's Love - The ultimate source of all goodness
3 Laws of Love - Guiding principles for Christian living 2 Our Capacity for Good - Empowered by God's grace
4 Sharing in Divine Life - The ultimate goal of Christian morality 3 Our Response - Doing good as gratitude to God
(God's goodness is both the origin and the perfect standard of our
Knowing Christ: Beyond Facts own capacity to do good)
Factual Knowledge - Knowing details about Christ's life and
teachings God as the Perfect Norm of Goodness
Transformative Knowledge - Experiencing Christ's impact on one's
Divine Standard - God, not popular culture or personal preference, is
life and behavior
the perfect model of goodness.
Christian Morality: Following Christ's Path
Revealed Goodness - God has shown us what it means to be good
This presentation explores the essence of Christian morality, through His loving actions in our lives.
focusing on how we can live as true disciples of Jesus Christ, guided
Christ's Example - Jesus provides the ultimate model of perfect As we conclude, remember that Christian morality is not just a set of
goodness and loving service rules, but a journey of growth in love and discipleship. It's about
becoming the person God created us to be, guided by Christ's
The Universal Call to Goodness example and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us embrace this call
Jesus' response to the rich young man reveals that the quest for to love, serve, and follow Christ in all aspects of our lives.
goodness is not merely a personal concern, but a universal question
rooted in humanity's relationship with God. At the heart of our search
for happiness is God, the absolute Good.
Keeping the Commandments - "If you wish to enter into life, keep the
Commandments."
Jesus clearly connects our salvation with keeping God's Law. The
Commandments are not arbitrary rules, but a path to true freedom
and happiness through loving God and neighbor.
The Decalogue in Christian Morality
Universal Norms - The Commandments provide clear, universal
guidelines for human good.
Love in Action - They show us how to truly love God and our
neighbor in all we do.
By keeping the Commandments, we build the foundation for the
freedom and happiness we yearn for.
Centrality of Love in the Commandments - "You shall love your
neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 19:19)
Jesus emphasizes that love of neighbor should be the basic
motivation for keeping all the Commandments, including those
relating to God. Our love for others is the condition and proof of our
authentic love for God.
Love and Obedience
Love God - Recognize God's goodness and love
Keep Commandments - Follow God's laws as an expression of love
Love Neighbor - Extend God's love to others
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15)

The Rich Young Man's Dilemma - "What do I still lack?"

Despite keeping the Commandments, the rich young man sensed he
was missing something. Jesus' response challenged him to go
beyond mere obedience to a life of radical discipleship.
Jesus' Radical Call - "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you
have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)
This demanding invitation calls for a life of personal commitment to
Jesus, requiring detachment from everything that hinders following
Christ.

The Paschal Pattern of Love

1 Die to Self - Overcome self-centeredness and sin
2 Rise to New Life - Embrace loving service to God and neighbor
3 Empowered by Grace - Strengthened by the Holy Spirit
Through Christ's example and the Holy Spirit's grace, we can
gradually transform our lives.

Embracing the Journey of Christian Morality