Class will be NOT meeting for the rest of 2018.
We'll be back January 6, weather permitting.
Last time, we discussed the fourth chapter of Theology of the Body for Teens: "Hope & Redemption in Christ." Previously, in chapter 3, we looked at the beauty of the original plan and how it sadly went wrong. Now we see how Christ redeems and restores. Key points:
- "Eschatological man" is the experience of full redemption in the perfect marriage of Christ and His Church in heaven.
- Sin → vice → slavery.
- The Good News is that God's mercy and forgiveness can heal the imperfections, hurts, and sins of our lives. We can begin right here and now to experience and participate in the New Life that He offers.
- Christ doesn't just take away our sins, but offers us the grace of renewal and inner transformation, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Good choices → virtue → freedom.
- God has revealed to us the meaning of our existence through the nuptial meaning of the body.
- God wants and eternal union with each of us that is beyond anything we can experience on earth -- an experience that earthly marriage points to as a sign.
- There are many opportunities for confessions and for adoration at our parish. You can get both at Teen Adoration, which I really encourage you to try if you haven't yet.
A heartfelt "thank you" to Mr. Kevin Doran for the excellent class surprise. If you missed it, ask someone who was there to fill you in! :-)
The students then began a journaling activity responding to the question: What is your response to Jesus's death on the cross and his gift of redemption and new spiritual life to you?
At the end of class, we watched a small movie clip which you may find at the resources post for this chapter.
Quote to ponder:
“Confession is an act of honesty and courage. It's an act of entrusting ourselves beyond the sin to the mercy of a Loving and Forgiving God.” – Pope St. John Paul II
(See resources post for a couple more great quotes!)
At home assignment:
- Please complete your journaling if you haven't already done so. If you get stuck, please see "Closing Journal Activity" on p. 63-64 for some excellent questions to help you. (I will not be looking at these. It is simply a way for you to deepen your relationship with Jesus.)
- Read & discuss "Digging Deeper: The Greatest 'Catch-22' in History" on pages 61-62.
- Read & discuss "Live it Out: Hope and Healing" on page 63.
You might also find the Glossary of Key Terms on p. 66 helpful.
If you missed missed class or want to review:
Please read Chapter 4, pages 51-63 of the workbook, which includes the assignment above.
Future class dates:
January 2019
06 TOB Chapter 5: Truth and Freedom
20 TOB Chapter 6: Language of the Body
See complete calendar at the class blog.
A blessed Advent and a very Merry Christmas to you all!