As a free and rational creature, man can choose good or evil. We have thus also considered what is good or evil, so that we can help to determine what is proper for man  to choose. We have discussed many of the particulars of the law, of  virtue and vice, of moral decisions, of grace and of moral issues that  we face in modern day.

Perhaps an obvious point that we have not fully elaborated yet is the why of moral living. Yes, because we should choose good over evil. Yes, because God has revealed to us what is good and even written it upon our hearts. Yet, does that really answer the question?

The key is trust.  Do you trust God enough to let Him take the lead?  And if, at first, His gentle invitation does not make sense, are you willing to embrace His will and say “Yes” every day?  For the person who surrenders all, especially when life is good, the future will become even more blessed in a far better way than could ever be imagined.  Perhaps not in a worldly way, but certainly in a far better way since it will produce the good fruit stemming from a life filled with an abundance of grace.

We have God’s divine law, which has been revealed to us to guide us in  truth. We have the natural law, written upon our hearts and assisting us  in recognizing true good. We recognize civil or human laws,  specifically those that cooperate with or at least do not break God’s  divine and natural law. The Church is God’s chosen means of leading his  people to better understand and live his divine and natural laws. When  the Magisterium presents to us precepts of our faith, doctrines which we  are to profess, these teachings are further elucidating what God has  already given us with the fullness of revelation in Christ. The truths  proclaimed are not “new,” but rather, the proclamation is “new” for the  specific culture or generation.

In this world of extremes, it all boils down to stuff. We glorify it, can’t stop buying it, seek it out, idolize it. But it’s a dead end, and people are starting to figure that out.

Minimalism is really starting to make an impact and people are discovering the incredible freedom that comes with letting go of excess.

Being able to relate the story of salvation in a clear, concise, and compelling manner is essential for not only teaching the faith, but for understanding how to read Scripture. It is only by having this “big picture” that we understand the Bible in its unity and are thus given access to the divine dimension of Scripture. Only then can we interpret particular passages “in same Spirit that inspired” them. Augustine and others have given us helpful guidelines for picking out the “critical historical turning points” so that we don’t get bogged down in the details and so that we don’t bog down others. Moreover, Augustine has reminded us time and again that the Bible is God’s love letter to his beloved. It is God’s living word which calls us and courts us and which invites us to fall in love with the God who loved us into existence so that he might draw us into a communion of Love and so that we might share in his divine nature.

In today's episode we are diving into Christology, Soteriology, and who exactly St. Mark is. Come along as we delve into the rich teaching of the Catholic Church!

The more I abide in His friendship, the more I am able to see friendship  as an overflow of His love. The more I see myself as the beloved, the  more I am able to embrace people as Christ does, without destructive  expectations. How fitting that in the grand story of salvation, then,  wounds are not erased, they become tools that God uses to tell His  story, bringing Hope. As Christ continues to heal my heart, I’m learning  to ask: How can I love like Him? How can I be that true loving friend?

In the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we read about the Magi who followed the star of Bethlehem in search of their King. They traveled a great distance to greet and serve Him, do we do the same? Do we meet our King or even know who He is? Do we hold a deep longing for the Messiah? Is our search well spent? Send feedback at [email protected]

Pursuit of Purpose