Catechism of The Council of Trent (in Less than a Year)

In this episode we read the conclusion of the catechisms treatment on prayer in general. The Catechism sets forth conditions for prayer and elements of what makes a good prayer. We also read a brief section from question 83 of the Summa Theologica (i.e. ST IIa IIae) concerning the distinction between praying to God and to the saints.

In this episode we commence the fourth and final part of the Catechism concerning prayer and the Lord's prayer. The Catechism discourses on the necessity of prayer and sets forth 10 fruits of prayer. In addition we read an article from the Summa Theologica on "whether it is becoming to pray." St Thomas explains how our prayers are becoming and even necessary as they are designed by God to be among the causes by which he brings about his effects! (ST IIa IIae Q. 83 a.2

In this episode we finish up the catechism's treatment of the ninth and tenth commandments. We read about the "positive" part of these commandments. In addition we read two short articles about these commandments from one of the "opuscula" of St. Thomas concerning the Decalogue.

In this episode we read the beginning of the Catechism's treatment on the ninth and tenth commandments. Because the subject matter is similar the catechism treats these two commandments together. We discuss an interesting difference between the Catechism of the Council of Trent following St Thomas in placing the commandment concerning coveting our neighbor's goods before the commandment concerning our neighbor's wife. The new Catechism reverses this order and there appears to be good reasons for each order.

In this episode we conclude the catechisms treatment of the eighth commandment. This commandment enjoins the virtue of truthfulness. In addition, we read about that "special" virtue from the Summa Theologica. ST IIa IIae Q. 109 a. 2. We also reference the definition of virtue from St Augustine in Ia. IIae Q. 59 a.4

In this episode we pause in our reading of the catechism to examine two articles in the Summa Theologica concerning the nature of a lie. We read from Secunda Secundae Question 110 articles 1 and 3. (ST IIa IIae Q. 110 a. 1 and 3)

In this episode we commence our study of the eighth commandment reading the section in th Catechism concerning the prohibitory or negative part of the commandment. Additionally we read two articles from the Summa Theologica concerning reviling and backbiting and the distinction between them. ST. IIa IIae Q. 72 a.1 and Q. 73 a. 1

In this episode we discuss what the seventh commandment with regard to what it enjoins. Additionally we read an article from question 62 of the second part of the second part of the Summa Theologica concerning restitution. ST IIa. IIae. Q. 62 a. 7

In this episode we pause our reading of the catechism and instead read four articles from the Summa Theologica concerning why the possession of external property is natural to man. In addition we read an article concerning the definition of theft and distinguish it from robbery. ST. IIa IIae Q. 66 a1-a4