258. What is the seventh commandment of God?
The seventh commandment of God is: Thou shalt not steal.
259. What is forbidden by the seventh commandment?
The seventh commandment forbids us to take, keep or to damage unjustly what belongs to another.
260. What is commanded by the seventh commandment?
We are commanded by the seventh commandment to be honest in all our dealings with others, to pay our lawful debts, and to give every one his own.
261. What are they bound to do who have injured, or stolen, or who unjustly keep the property of others?
They who have injured, or stolen, or who unjustly keep the property of others, are bound to repair the injury or restore the property.
262. What is eighth commandment of God?
The eighth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
263. What is forbidden by the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment forbids us to tell lies, to injure our neighbour's character, or to make known his secrets.
264. Is a lie always sinful?
A lie is always sinful, and nothing can excuse it; it is a mortal sin, when it does serious injury to our neighbour.
265. What sins injure our neighbour's character?
Our neighbour's character is injured chiefly by the sins of rash judgment, calumny and detraction.
266. What is rash judgment?
Rash judgment is the sin committed by those who, without sufficient reason, believe something injurious to another's character.
267. What is calumny?
Calumny is the sin committed by those who, by lying statements, injure the good name of another.
268. What is detraction?
Detraction is the sin committed by those who, without sufficient reason, make known the hidden faults of another.
269. Why are we obliged to keep secrets?
We are obliged to keep secrets, because the interest of our neighbour and the public good require it.
270. What must they do who have injured their neighbour's character?
They who have injured their neighbour's character must restore his good name, and repair any other injury done him.
271. What is commanded by the eighth commandment?
We are commanded by the eighth commandment to speak the truth in all things, especially in what concerns our neighbour.
272. What is the ninth commandment of God?
The ninth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife.
273. What is forbidden by the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbids all deliberate pleasure in impure thoughts, and all deliberate consent to impure desires.
274. What should one do when tempted by impure thoughts or desires?
A person tempted by impure thoughts or desires should at once pray for grace to resist them, turn his mind to good thoughts, and occupy himself with useful activities.
275. What is the tenth commandment of God?
The tenth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's goods.
276. What is forbidden by the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment forbids all envy and jealousy of our neighbour's good fortune and position.
277. To how many commandments may the ten commandments be reduced?
The ten commandments may be reduced to the two great commandments of charity, namely: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Matt. xxii, 37-39).
278. How do we show our love for God?
We show our love for God by keeping his commandments. If you love Me, says Christ, keep my commandments (John xiv, 15).
279. Who is my neighbour?
My neighbour is all mankind, even those who injure me, or differ from me in religion.
280. How are we to love our neighbour as ourselves?
We are to love our neighbour as ourselves according to the golden rule of charity, given us by Our Lord: As you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner (Luke vi, 31).
281. Are we obliged to love our enemies?
We are obliged to love our enemies. Love your enemies, says Christ, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you (Matt. v, 44).
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Part II. Chapter XVIII. THE FOURTH, FIFTH and SIXTH COMMANDMENTS OF GOD
234. What is the fourth commandment of God?
The fourth commandment of God is: Honour thy father and thy mother.
235. What is commanded by the fourth commandment?
We are commanded by the fourth commandment to love, honour and obey our parents.
236. How are we to love our parents?
We are to love our parents by wishing them well, by being kind to them in word and deed, and by helping them in their necessities.
237. How are we to honour our parents?
We are to honour our parents by treating them always with respect, by showing gratitude to them and by bearing patiently with their faults and weaknesses.
238. How are we to obey our parents?
We are to obey our parents while under their care by doing readily what they command, provided it be not sinful.
239. What are the chief duties of parents?
The chief duties of parents are: to provide for their children, to watch over and correct them, and by instruction and good example to lead them to God.
240. Does the fourth commandment oblige us to respect and obey others besides our parents?
Besides our parents, the fourth commandment obliges us to respect and obey all our lawful superiors, both spiritual and temporal.
241. What are the chief duties of employers?
The chief duties of employers are: to pay their employees a just wage, to treat them kindly as brothers in Christ, and to help them to observe their moral and religious duties.
242. What are the chief duties of employees?
The chief duties of employees are: to work honestly, to obey the lawful commands of their employer, and to safeguard his property when committed to their care.
243. What are our chief duties as citizens?
Our chief duties as citizens are: to love and serve our country, and to respect and obey the lawful government.
244. How do we love and serve our country?
We love and serve our country principally by observing its laws, defending its rights, voting honestly, and paying just taxes.
245. Why should we respect and obey the lawful government?
We should respect and obey the lawful government, because its authority comes from God.
246. Is it sinful to join a society that plots against the lawful government?
Yes, it is a mortal sin to join a society that plots to overthrow by force or other sinful measures the lawful government.
247. What are the chief duties of those who hold public office?
The chief duties of those who hold public office are: to be just and impartial, and to promote the general welfare.
248. What is the fifth commandment of God?
The fifth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not kill.
249. What is forbidden by the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbids murder and suicide, and all other acts that inflict bodily injury on ourselves or on others.
250. What else is forbidden by the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment also forbids drunkenness, quarrelling, anger and revenge, because they lead to injury of ourselves or of others.
251. What are they bound to do who have caused bodily injury to others?
They who have inflicted bodily injury on others are bound to make good the loss they have caused.
252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?
We are commanded by the fifth commandment to take reasonable care to preserve our own life and health, and to avoid causing bodily injury to others.
253. What is the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment is: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
254. What is the purpose of the sixth commandment?
The purpose of the sixth commandment is to safeguard the sanctity of marriage and to maintain right conduct between men and women.
255. What is forbidden by the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment forbids not only adultery, but all looks, words and actions against the virtue of chastity.
256. What are the chief dangers to chastity?
The chief dangers to chastity are: idleness, intemperance, bad companions, improper dances, immodest dress, company-keeping and indecent conversation, books, plays and pictures.
257. What are the chief means of preserving chastity?
The chief means of preserving chastity are: to be modest in our dress and conduct, to avoid the occasions of sin, to cultivate devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and above all to seek the help of God through prayer and the sacraments.
The fourth commandment of God is: Honour thy father and thy mother.
235. What is commanded by the fourth commandment?
We are commanded by the fourth commandment to love, honour and obey our parents.
236. How are we to love our parents?
We are to love our parents by wishing them well, by being kind to them in word and deed, and by helping them in their necessities.
237. How are we to honour our parents?
We are to honour our parents by treating them always with respect, by showing gratitude to them and by bearing patiently with their faults and weaknesses.
238. How are we to obey our parents?
We are to obey our parents while under their care by doing readily what they command, provided it be not sinful.
239. What are the chief duties of parents?
The chief duties of parents are: to provide for their children, to watch over and correct them, and by instruction and good example to lead them to God.
240. Does the fourth commandment oblige us to respect and obey others besides our parents?
Besides our parents, the fourth commandment obliges us to respect and obey all our lawful superiors, both spiritual and temporal.
241. What are the chief duties of employers?
The chief duties of employers are: to pay their employees a just wage, to treat them kindly as brothers in Christ, and to help them to observe their moral and religious duties.
242. What are the chief duties of employees?
The chief duties of employees are: to work honestly, to obey the lawful commands of their employer, and to safeguard his property when committed to their care.
243. What are our chief duties as citizens?
Our chief duties as citizens are: to love and serve our country, and to respect and obey the lawful government.
244. How do we love and serve our country?
We love and serve our country principally by observing its laws, defending its rights, voting honestly, and paying just taxes.
245. Why should we respect and obey the lawful government?
We should respect and obey the lawful government, because its authority comes from God.
246. Is it sinful to join a society that plots against the lawful government?
Yes, it is a mortal sin to join a society that plots to overthrow by force or other sinful measures the lawful government.
247. What are the chief duties of those who hold public office?
The chief duties of those who hold public office are: to be just and impartial, and to promote the general welfare.
248. What is the fifth commandment of God?
The fifth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not kill.
249. What is forbidden by the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbids murder and suicide, and all other acts that inflict bodily injury on ourselves or on others.
250. What else is forbidden by the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment also forbids drunkenness, quarrelling, anger and revenge, because they lead to injury of ourselves or of others.
251. What are they bound to do who have caused bodily injury to others?
They who have inflicted bodily injury on others are bound to make good the loss they have caused.
252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?
We are commanded by the fifth commandment to take reasonable care to preserve our own life and health, and to avoid causing bodily injury to others.
253. What is the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment is: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
254. What is the purpose of the sixth commandment?
The purpose of the sixth commandment is to safeguard the sanctity of marriage and to maintain right conduct between men and women.
255. What is forbidden by the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment forbids not only adultery, but all looks, words and actions against the virtue of chastity.
256. What are the chief dangers to chastity?
The chief dangers to chastity are: idleness, intemperance, bad companions, improper dances, immodest dress, company-keeping and indecent conversation, books, plays and pictures.
257. What are the chief means of preserving chastity?
The chief means of preserving chastity are: to be modest in our dress and conduct, to avoid the occasions of sin, to cultivate devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and above all to seek the help of God through prayer and the sacraments.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Part II. Chapter XVII. The Second and Third Commandments of God
215. What is the second commandment of God?
The second commandment of God is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
216. What is forbidden by the second commandment?
The second commandment forbids us to speak with irreverence of God or his saints, or of sacred persons and things.
217. What is commanded by the second commandment?
We are commanded by the second commandment to speak with reverence of God and of his saints, and of sacred persons and things, and to keep our lawful oaths and vows.
218. How should we use the name of God?
We should always use the name of God we had great respect and reverence.
219. What is a vow?
A vow is a binding promise made to God to do something that is especially pleasing to him.
220. What is an oath?
An oath is the calling of God to witness that what we say is true, or that we will do what we promise.
221. When the is an oath lawful?
For an oath to be lawful we must have sufficient reason for taking it, and we must say only what is true, or promise only what is lawful.
222. What are the chief sins against the second commandment?
The chief sins against the second commandment are blasphemy, perjury and cursing.
223. What is blasphemy?
It is blasphemy to express contempt of God, or of sacred persons or things in so far as they are dedicated to God.
224. What is perjury?
It is perjury to take a false oath, that is, to swear to be true what we know to be false.
225. Is perjury a great sin?
Perjury is a most grevious sin, because it is a great insult to God to call him as witness to a lie.
226. What is cursing?
It is cursing to call on God to inflict evil on any person or thing.
227. What is the third commandment of God?
The third commandment of God is: Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
228. What day is now the sabbath day?
The Church has appointed Sunday to be the sabbath or the Lord's day, because it was on Sunday that Our Lord rose from the dead, and the Holy Ghost descended on the apostles.
229. How are we to keep holy the Lord's day?
The Church commands us to keep holy the sabbath day by attending Mass and abstaining from servile work.
230. What is servile work?
Servile work is that which requires labour of body rather than of mind.
231. Is it ever lawful to engage in servile work on Sunday?
It is lawful to engage in servile work on Sunday, when an urgent need of ourselves or our neighbour, or the service of God requires it.
232. Are we recommended to perform other good works on Sunday?
We are recommended to sanctify the Lord's day by such good works as attending evening devotions, reading religious books and papers, and visiting the sick.
233. Is it lawful to take part in games and other amusements on Sunday?
It is lawful to take part in other games and amusements on Sundays, provided they do not interfere with assistance at Mass, and are not forbidden by God or his Church.
The second commandment of God is: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
216. What is forbidden by the second commandment?
The second commandment forbids us to speak with irreverence of God or his saints, or of sacred persons and things.
217. What is commanded by the second commandment?
We are commanded by the second commandment to speak with reverence of God and of his saints, and of sacred persons and things, and to keep our lawful oaths and vows.
218. How should we use the name of God?
We should always use the name of God we had great respect and reverence.
219. What is a vow?
A vow is a binding promise made to God to do something that is especially pleasing to him.
220. What is an oath?
An oath is the calling of God to witness that what we say is true, or that we will do what we promise.
221. When the is an oath lawful?
For an oath to be lawful we must have sufficient reason for taking it, and we must say only what is true, or promise only what is lawful.
222. What are the chief sins against the second commandment?
The chief sins against the second commandment are blasphemy, perjury and cursing.
223. What is blasphemy?
It is blasphemy to express contempt of God, or of sacred persons or things in so far as they are dedicated to God.
224. What is perjury?
It is perjury to take a false oath, that is, to swear to be true what we know to be false.
225. Is perjury a great sin?
Perjury is a most grevious sin, because it is a great insult to God to call him as witness to a lie.
226. What is cursing?
It is cursing to call on God to inflict evil on any person or thing.
227. What is the third commandment of God?
The third commandment of God is: Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
228. What day is now the sabbath day?
The Church has appointed Sunday to be the sabbath or the Lord's day, because it was on Sunday that Our Lord rose from the dead, and the Holy Ghost descended on the apostles.
229. How are we to keep holy the Lord's day?
The Church commands us to keep holy the sabbath day by attending Mass and abstaining from servile work.
230. What is servile work?
Servile work is that which requires labour of body rather than of mind.
231. Is it ever lawful to engage in servile work on Sunday?
It is lawful to engage in servile work on Sunday, when an urgent need of ourselves or our neighbour, or the service of God requires it.
232. Are we recommended to perform other good works on Sunday?
We are recommended to sanctify the Lord's day by such good works as attending evening devotions, reading religious books and papers, and visiting the sick.
233. Is it lawful to take part in games and other amusements on Sunday?
It is lawful to take part in other games and amusements on Sundays, provided they do not interfere with assistance at Mass, and are not forbidden by God or his Church.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Part II, Chapter XVI. Sins Forbidden by the First Commandment
196. What is forbidden by the first commandment?
The first commandment forbids all sins against faith, hope and charity and other duties of religion.
197. How does a person sin against faith?
A person sins against faith by not believing the truths revealed by God, by not learning them, by denying them, or by not professing them openly.
198. What does Christ say of those who deny his teaching?
Christ says: He that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven. (Matt. x, 33).
199. When are we bound to profess our faith openly?
We are bound to profess our faith openly, as often as God's honour, our own spiritual good, or the good of our neighbour requires it.
200. Are we bound to avoid dangers to faith?
Yes, we are bound under pain of sin to avoid dangers to faith.
201. What are the principal dangers to faith?
The principal dangers to faith are: attendance at non-catholic worship or schools, marriage with non-catholics, and books or companions hostile to the Church or its teaching.
202. What are the sins against hope?
The sins against hope are despair and presumption.
203. What is despair?
Despair is the refusal to trust in God for the graces necessary for salvation.
204. What is presumption?
Presumption is a foolish expectation of salvation without making use of the means necessary to obtain it.
205. What are the principal sins against charity?
The principal sins against charity are hatred of God or of our neighbour, and the sin of scandal.
206. What is scandal?
By scandal is meant any word, act or omission, which tends to lead another into sin.
207. What else is forbidden by the first commandment?
The first commandment also forbids idolatry, superstition and sacrilege.
208. What is idolatry?
Idolatry is the sin of giving to a creature the supreme worship of adoration, which is due to God alone.
209. Is it lawful to honour the angels and saints and to pray to them?
It is lawful to honour the angels and saints and to pray to them, because they are the friends of God, and can help us by their powerful intercession with Him.
210. Should we honour the Blessed Virgin more than any other saint?
We should honour the Blessed Virgin more than all the angels and saints, because she is the Mother of God.
211. Is it lawful to honour the crucifix, holy images and relics?
It is lawful to honour the crucifix, holy images and relics, because , in honouring them we honour Christ and his saints, whom they recall to our minds.
212. What is superstition?
Superstition is any express or implied appeal to the Devil for his help.
213. What are the chief kinds of superstition?
The chief kinds of superstition are magic, charms, spells, fortune-telling and spiritualism.
214. What is sacrilege?
It is sacrilege to violate the sacred character of a person, place or thing consecrated to God.
The first commandment forbids all sins against faith, hope and charity and other duties of religion.
197. How does a person sin against faith?
A person sins against faith by not believing the truths revealed by God, by not learning them, by denying them, or by not professing them openly.
198. What does Christ say of those who deny his teaching?
Christ says: He that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven. (Matt. x, 33).
199. When are we bound to profess our faith openly?
We are bound to profess our faith openly, as often as God's honour, our own spiritual good, or the good of our neighbour requires it.
200. Are we bound to avoid dangers to faith?
Yes, we are bound under pain of sin to avoid dangers to faith.
201. What are the principal dangers to faith?
The principal dangers to faith are: attendance at non-catholic worship or schools, marriage with non-catholics, and books or companions hostile to the Church or its teaching.
202. What are the sins against hope?
The sins against hope are despair and presumption.
203. What is despair?
Despair is the refusal to trust in God for the graces necessary for salvation.
204. What is presumption?
Presumption is a foolish expectation of salvation without making use of the means necessary to obtain it.
205. What are the principal sins against charity?
The principal sins against charity are hatred of God or of our neighbour, and the sin of scandal.
206. What is scandal?
By scandal is meant any word, act or omission, which tends to lead another into sin.
207. What else is forbidden by the first commandment?
The first commandment also forbids idolatry, superstition and sacrilege.
208. What is idolatry?
Idolatry is the sin of giving to a creature the supreme worship of adoration, which is due to God alone.
209. Is it lawful to honour the angels and saints and to pray to them?
It is lawful to honour the angels and saints and to pray to them, because they are the friends of God, and can help us by their powerful intercession with Him.
210. Should we honour the Blessed Virgin more than any other saint?
We should honour the Blessed Virgin more than all the angels and saints, because she is the Mother of God.
211. Is it lawful to honour the crucifix, holy images and relics?
It is lawful to honour the crucifix, holy images and relics, because , in honouring them we honour Christ and his saints, whom they recall to our minds.
212. What is superstition?
Superstition is any express or implied appeal to the Devil for his help.
213. What are the chief kinds of superstition?
The chief kinds of superstition are magic, charms, spells, fortune-telling and spiritualism.
214. What is sacrilege?
It is sacrilege to violate the sacred character of a person, place or thing consecrated to God.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Part II. Chapter XV The First Commandment of God
Part II is entitled: The Commandments of God and of the Church.
187. Besides believing the truths which God has revealed, what else must we do to be saved?
Besides believing the truths which God has revealed, we must keep his commandments.
188. Which are the commandments of God?
The commandments of God are these ten:
First: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
Second: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Third: Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
Fourth: Honour thy father and thy mother.
Fifth: Thou shalt not kill.
Sixth: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Seventh: Thou shalt not steal.
Eighth: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Ninth: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife.
Tenth: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's goods. (Exod. xx, 2-17).
189. Repeat the first commandment.
The first commandment is: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
190. What are we required to do by the first commandment?
By the first commandment we are required to adore God, that is, humbly to acknowledge his infinite excellence and our complete dependence upon Him.
191. How do we adore God?
We adore God by acts of faith, hope and charity, by prayer, and especially by the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
192. What does faith oblige us to do?
Faith obliges us to believe what God has revealed, to learn the truths of our religion, and to profess them openly when necessary.
193. How can we know with certainty what God has revealed?
We can know with certainty what God has revealed from the teaching of his Church, which is the pillar and the ground of truth (I. Tim, iii, 15).
194. What does hope oblige us to do?
Hope obliges us to believe firmly that God will give us eternal life and the means to obtain it.
195. What does charity oblige us to do?
Charity obliges us to love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.
187. Besides believing the truths which God has revealed, what else must we do to be saved?
Besides believing the truths which God has revealed, we must keep his commandments.
188. Which are the commandments of God?
The commandments of God are these ten:
First: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
Second: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Third: Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
Fourth: Honour thy father and thy mother.
Fifth: Thou shalt not kill.
Sixth: Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Seventh: Thou shalt not steal.
Eighth: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Ninth: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife.
Tenth: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's goods. (Exod. xx, 2-17).
189. Repeat the first commandment.
The first commandment is: I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
190. What are we required to do by the first commandment?
By the first commandment we are required to adore God, that is, humbly to acknowledge his infinite excellence and our complete dependence upon Him.
191. How do we adore God?
We adore God by acts of faith, hope and charity, by prayer, and especially by the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
192. What does faith oblige us to do?
Faith obliges us to believe what God has revealed, to learn the truths of our religion, and to profess them openly when necessary.
193. How can we know with certainty what God has revealed?
We can know with certainty what God has revealed from the teaching of his Church, which is the pillar and the ground of truth (I. Tim, iii, 15).
194. What does hope oblige us to do?
Hope obliges us to believe firmly that God will give us eternal life and the means to obtain it.
195. What does charity oblige us to do?
Charity obliges us to love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Part I, Chapter XIV. The Resurrection of the Body and Life everlasting
168. What is death?
Death is the separation of the soul from the body; it is part of the penalty now incurred by mankind because of original sin.
169. Is every soul judged immediately after death?
Every soul is judged immediately after death, and this is called the particular judgment. Sacred Scripture says: it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment (Heb. ix, 27).
170. What happens at the particular judgment?
At the particular judgment souls in the state of grace are judged worthy of heaven, and souls in the state of mortal sin are condemned to hell.
171. What is heaven?
Heaven is the place or state of perfect happiness where the blessed see and enjoy God for ever.
172. What does Sacred Scripture say of the happiness of heaven?
Sacred Scripture says: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard: nor hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love Him (I Cor. ii, 9).
173. Do the souls in the state of grace enter heaven immediately after the particular judgment?
Souls in the state of grace enter heaven immediately after the particular judgment, if they are fully purified from sin and its effects; otherwise they go to purgatory.
174. What is purgatory?
Purgatory is the place or state of punishment in the next life, where souls are purified before they can enter heaven.
175. What souls go to purgatory?
The souls of those who die in venial sin, or who have not fully satisfied for the temporal punishment due to sin, go to purgatory.
176. What is hell?
Hell is a place or state of punishment in the next life, where the wicked undergo everlasting suffering with the Devil and his angels.
177. How do they suffer who are condemned to hell?
They who are condemned to hell are deprived of the vision of God, and suffer dreadful torments, especially that of fire, for all eternity.
178. What is meant by the resurrection of the body?
The resurrection of the body means that on the last day the bodies of all men will rise again, united to their souls.
179. What is meant by the last day?
By the last day is meant the day of general judgment, when the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to everyone according to his works (Matt. xiv, 27).
180. If every soul is judged immediately after death, why should there be a general judgment?
A general judgment is required in order that the providence of God, who sometimes permits the good to suffer and the wicked to prosper in this life, may appear just before all men.
181. How will the bodies of the just rise?
The bodies of the just will rise like the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, glorious and immortal.
182. What will Christ say to the just on the last day?
Christ will say to the just on the last day: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matt. xxv, 34).
183. How will the bodies of the damned rise?
The bodies of the damned will not rise glorious, but they will be immortal, to share in the everlasting punishment of the soul.
184. What will Christ say to the wicked on the last day?
Christ will say to the wicked on the last day: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matt. xxv, 41)
185. What does life everlasting mean?
Life everlasting means that, if we serve God faithfully in this life, we shall see, love and enjoy Him for ever in heaven.
186. What is the meaning of the word Amen?
By the word Amen is meant so be it: at the end of the Apostles' creed it expresses our firm belief in all the doctrines that the Creed contains.
Death is the separation of the soul from the body; it is part of the penalty now incurred by mankind because of original sin.
169. Is every soul judged immediately after death?
Every soul is judged immediately after death, and this is called the particular judgment. Sacred Scripture says: it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment (Heb. ix, 27).
170. What happens at the particular judgment?
At the particular judgment souls in the state of grace are judged worthy of heaven, and souls in the state of mortal sin are condemned to hell.
171. What is heaven?
Heaven is the place or state of perfect happiness where the blessed see and enjoy God for ever.
172. What does Sacred Scripture say of the happiness of heaven?
Sacred Scripture says: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard: nor hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that love Him (I Cor. ii, 9).
173. Do the souls in the state of grace enter heaven immediately after the particular judgment?
Souls in the state of grace enter heaven immediately after the particular judgment, if they are fully purified from sin and its effects; otherwise they go to purgatory.
174. What is purgatory?
Purgatory is the place or state of punishment in the next life, where souls are purified before they can enter heaven.
175. What souls go to purgatory?
The souls of those who die in venial sin, or who have not fully satisfied for the temporal punishment due to sin, go to purgatory.
176. What is hell?
Hell is a place or state of punishment in the next life, where the wicked undergo everlasting suffering with the Devil and his angels.
177. How do they suffer who are condemned to hell?
They who are condemned to hell are deprived of the vision of God, and suffer dreadful torments, especially that of fire, for all eternity.
178. What is meant by the resurrection of the body?
The resurrection of the body means that on the last day the bodies of all men will rise again, united to their souls.
179. What is meant by the last day?
By the last day is meant the day of general judgment, when the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to everyone according to his works (Matt. xiv, 27).
180. If every soul is judged immediately after death, why should there be a general judgment?
A general judgment is required in order that the providence of God, who sometimes permits the good to suffer and the wicked to prosper in this life, may appear just before all men.
181. How will the bodies of the just rise?
The bodies of the just will rise like the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, glorious and immortal.
182. What will Christ say to the just on the last day?
Christ will say to the just on the last day: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matt. xxv, 34).
183. How will the bodies of the damned rise?
The bodies of the damned will not rise glorious, but they will be immortal, to share in the everlasting punishment of the soul.
184. What will Christ say to the wicked on the last day?
Christ will say to the wicked on the last day: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, which was prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matt. xxv, 41)
185. What does life everlasting mean?
Life everlasting means that, if we serve God faithfully in this life, we shall see, love and enjoy Him for ever in heaven.
186. What is the meaning of the word Amen?
By the word Amen is meant so be it: at the end of the Apostles' creed it expresses our firm belief in all the doctrines that the Creed contains.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Part I, Chapter XIII. The Communion of Saints and the Forgiveness of Sins
163. What is meant by the Communion of Saints?
By the Communion of Saints is meant the union of the faithful on earth, the blessed in heaven, and the souls in purgatory, under Jesus Christ as their head.
164. Can the blessed in heaven help the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth?
The blessed in heaven can help the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth by praying for them.
165. Can the faithful on earth help the souls in purgatory?
The faithful on earth can help the souls in purgatory by prayer and good works, by indulgences and especially by the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
166. Can the faithful on earth help one another?
The faithful on earth can help one another by their prayers and good works.
167. What is meant by the forgiveness of sins?
By the forgiveness of sins is meant that Christ has given to the pastors of his Church the power of forgiving sins.
By the Communion of Saints is meant the union of the faithful on earth, the blessed in heaven, and the souls in purgatory, under Jesus Christ as their head.
164. Can the blessed in heaven help the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth?
The blessed in heaven can help the souls in purgatory and the faithful on earth by praying for them.
165. Can the faithful on earth help the souls in purgatory?
The faithful on earth can help the souls in purgatory by prayer and good works, by indulgences and especially by the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
166. Can the faithful on earth help one another?
The faithful on earth can help one another by their prayers and good works.
167. What is meant by the forgiveness of sins?
By the forgiveness of sins is meant that Christ has given to the pastors of his Church the power of forgiving sins.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Part I, Chapter XII. The Rulers of the Church
151. Who is the head of the Church?
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the invisible head of the Church, which is his Mystical Body.
152. Has the Church a visible head on earth?
The Pope, who is bishop of Rome, is Christ's vicar on earth and visible head of the Church.
153. Why is the Pope the visible head of the Church?
The Pope is the visible head of the Church because he is the successor of St. Peter, who was chief of the apostles, and first bishop of Rome.
154. When did Christ promise to make St. Peter head of the Church?
Christ promised to make St. Peter head of the Church when He said to him: Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church...
and I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. xvi, 18-19).
155. When did Christ fulfil his promise and make St.Peter head of the Church?
Christ made St. Peter head of the Church when, after the resurrection, He said to him: Feed my lambs, feed my sheep (John xxi, 15-17).
156. What power has the Pope over the Church?
The Pope, as successor of St. Peter, has supreme power over the whole Church and every part of it, in matters of faith, of morals and of discipline.
157. Who are the successors of the other apostles?
The bishops of the Holy Catholic Church are the successors of the other apostles.
158. Is the Church infallible?
The Church is infallible, that is, it cannot err, when it teaches doctrines of faith and morals to be held by all the faithful.
159. How do we know that the Church is infallible?
We know that the Church is infallible, because Christ promised the apostles and their successors that He would send the Holy Ghost to guide and teach them, and that He Himself would be with them all days, even to the end of the world.
160. Who in the Church can teach infallibly?
The infallible teachers in the Church are the Pope, and the general body of bishops united with the Pope.
161. What is the authority of the bishop in his own diocese?
The bishop in his own diocese has power from God to teach, to sanctify and to rule the faithful, in subjection to the Pope, and in accordance with the laws of the Church.
162. How can the faithful help the Church?
The faithful can help the Church in its work, by defending it against attack, by being active members of Catholic societies, and by giving good example in their own lives.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the invisible head of the Church, which is his Mystical Body.
152. Has the Church a visible head on earth?
The Pope, who is bishop of Rome, is Christ's vicar on earth and visible head of the Church.
153. Why is the Pope the visible head of the Church?
The Pope is the visible head of the Church because he is the successor of St. Peter, who was chief of the apostles, and first bishop of Rome.
154. When did Christ promise to make St. Peter head of the Church?
Christ promised to make St. Peter head of the Church when He said to him: Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church...
and I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. xvi, 18-19).
155. When did Christ fulfil his promise and make St.Peter head of the Church?
Christ made St. Peter head of the Church when, after the resurrection, He said to him: Feed my lambs, feed my sheep (John xxi, 15-17).
156. What power has the Pope over the Church?
The Pope, as successor of St. Peter, has supreme power over the whole Church and every part of it, in matters of faith, of morals and of discipline.
157. Who are the successors of the other apostles?
The bishops of the Holy Catholic Church are the successors of the other apostles.
158. Is the Church infallible?
The Church is infallible, that is, it cannot err, when it teaches doctrines of faith and morals to be held by all the faithful.
159. How do we know that the Church is infallible?
We know that the Church is infallible, because Christ promised the apostles and their successors that He would send the Holy Ghost to guide and teach them, and that He Himself would be with them all days, even to the end of the world.
160. Who in the Church can teach infallibly?
The infallible teachers in the Church are the Pope, and the general body of bishops united with the Pope.
161. What is the authority of the bishop in his own diocese?
The bishop in his own diocese has power from God to teach, to sanctify and to rule the faithful, in subjection to the Pope, and in accordance with the laws of the Church.
162. How can the faithful help the Church?
The faithful can help the Church in its work, by defending it against attack, by being active members of Catholic societies, and by giving good example in their own lives.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Part I, Chapter XI. The Holy Catholic Church
138. What is the Church?
The Church is the visible society founded by Christ Himself, to continue on earth his work of teaching, sanctifying and ruling mankind, for their eternal salvation.
139. To whom did Christ give power to govern his Church?
Christ gave to St. Peter and the other apostles and to their lawful successors the power to teach, sanctify and rule the members of his Church.
140. Did Christ found only one Church?
Jesus Christ founded only one Church, for he declared: there shall be one fold and one Shepherd (John x, 16).
141. Did Christ give to his Church any marks by which it can be clearly known?
Yes, Christ gave his Church four marks: He intended his Church to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic (John x, 16; Eph. v, 25-27; Matt. xxiv, 14; Eph. ii, 20).
142. Which of the many bodies claiming to be the Church is the one true Church founded by Christ?
The Catholic Church is the one true Church founded by Christ, because it alone has the four marks of the true Church.
143. How is the Catholic Church one?
The Catholic Church is one, because all its members profess the same faith, have the same sacrifice and sacraments, and obey the same visible head on earth.
144. How is the Catholic Church holy?
The Catholic Church is holy, because its doctrines, sacraments and sacrifice enable men to become holy, and because so many of its members have been eminent for holiness in all ages.
145. How is the Catholic Church catholic or universal?
The Catholic Church is catholic or universal, because by its nature it is not limited to any nation, but has existed in every age, and has spread throughout the world.
146. How is the Catholic Church apostolic?
The Catholic Church is apostolic, because it traces its origin to the apostles, is governed by their succesors and teaches their doctrine.
147. Are these four marks to be found in any other body claiming to be the Church of Christ?
No: these four marks are found only in the Catholic Curch: other bodies are divided among themselves in faith and worship, or have not the means of holiness, or are not catholic or apostolic.
148. Must everyone belong to the Catholic Church?
Everyone must belong to the Catholic Church, and no one can be saved who, through his own fault, remains outside it.
149. Who are the members of the Catholic Church?
The members of the Catholic Church are all baptised persons who profess the faith it proposes, partake of its sacrifice and sacraments and are governed by the Pope and the Bishops united with him.
150. Will the Church last to the end of the world?
The Church will last to the end of the world, because Christ has promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, and that He will be with it all days, even to the end of the world (Matt. xvi, 18; xviii, 20).
The Church is the visible society founded by Christ Himself, to continue on earth his work of teaching, sanctifying and ruling mankind, for their eternal salvation.
139. To whom did Christ give power to govern his Church?
Christ gave to St. Peter and the other apostles and to their lawful successors the power to teach, sanctify and rule the members of his Church.
140. Did Christ found only one Church?
Jesus Christ founded only one Church, for he declared: there shall be one fold and one Shepherd (John x, 16).
141. Did Christ give to his Church any marks by which it can be clearly known?
Yes, Christ gave his Church four marks: He intended his Church to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic (John x, 16; Eph. v, 25-27; Matt. xxiv, 14; Eph. ii, 20).
142. Which of the many bodies claiming to be the Church is the one true Church founded by Christ?
The Catholic Church is the one true Church founded by Christ, because it alone has the four marks of the true Church.
143. How is the Catholic Church one?
The Catholic Church is one, because all its members profess the same faith, have the same sacrifice and sacraments, and obey the same visible head on earth.
144. How is the Catholic Church holy?
The Catholic Church is holy, because its doctrines, sacraments and sacrifice enable men to become holy, and because so many of its members have been eminent for holiness in all ages.
145. How is the Catholic Church catholic or universal?
The Catholic Church is catholic or universal, because by its nature it is not limited to any nation, but has existed in every age, and has spread throughout the world.
146. How is the Catholic Church apostolic?
The Catholic Church is apostolic, because it traces its origin to the apostles, is governed by their succesors and teaches their doctrine.
147. Are these four marks to be found in any other body claiming to be the Church of Christ?
No: these four marks are found only in the Catholic Curch: other bodies are divided among themselves in faith and worship, or have not the means of holiness, or are not catholic or apostolic.
148. Must everyone belong to the Catholic Church?
Everyone must belong to the Catholic Church, and no one can be saved who, through his own fault, remains outside it.
149. Who are the members of the Catholic Church?
The members of the Catholic Church are all baptised persons who profess the faith it proposes, partake of its sacrifice and sacraments and are governed by the Pope and the Bishops united with him.
150. Will the Church last to the end of the world?
The Church will last to the end of the world, because Christ has promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, and that He will be with it all days, even to the end of the world (Matt. xvi, 18; xviii, 20).
Friday, March 5, 2010
Part I, Chapter X. The Virtues. The Gifts of the Holy Ghost.
124. What are the chief supernatural gifts bestowed on us with sanctifying grace?
The chief supernatural gifts we receive with sanctifying grace are the three divine virtues and the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.
125. What is a virtue?
A virtue is a habit which enables or disposes us to do good acts.
126. Which are the three divine virtues?
The three divine virtues are faith, hope and charity.
127. Why are faith, hope and charity called divine virtues?
These virtues are called divine, because they have God for their direct object.
128. What is faith?
Faith is the divine virtue by which we firmly believe the truths revealed by God.
129. Why do we believe the truths revealed by God?
We believe the truths revealed by God, because He can neither deceive nor be deceived.
130. What is hope?
Hope is the divine virtue by which we desire and firmly expect eternal happiness with God Himself and the means to obtain it.
131. Why do we hope in God?
We hope in God, because He has promised us eternal life, and because he is infintely powerful, good and merciful and is faithful to his promises.
132. What is charity?
Charity is the divine virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.
133. Why should we love God above all things?
We should love God above all things, because He is infinitely good.
134. Why should we love our neighbour for the love of God?
We should love our neighbour for the love of God, because he is made in the image of God, and is destined for eternal happiness with God in heaven.
135. Name the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.
The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and the fear of the Lord.
136. How do the gifts of the Holy Ghost help us?
The gifts of the Holy Ghost help us by making us more alert to see the things of God and more prompt to obey his will.
137. What are the principal virtues that help us to do our duty to our neighbour and ourselves?
The principal virtues that help us to do our duty to our neighbour and ourselves are the four cardinal virtues, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.
The chief supernatural gifts we receive with sanctifying grace are the three divine virtues and the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.
125. What is a virtue?
A virtue is a habit which enables or disposes us to do good acts.
126. Which are the three divine virtues?
The three divine virtues are faith, hope and charity.
127. Why are faith, hope and charity called divine virtues?
These virtues are called divine, because they have God for their direct object.
128. What is faith?
Faith is the divine virtue by which we firmly believe the truths revealed by God.
129. Why do we believe the truths revealed by God?
We believe the truths revealed by God, because He can neither deceive nor be deceived.
130. What is hope?
Hope is the divine virtue by which we desire and firmly expect eternal happiness with God Himself and the means to obtain it.
131. Why do we hope in God?
We hope in God, because He has promised us eternal life, and because he is infintely powerful, good and merciful and is faithful to his promises.
132. What is charity?
Charity is the divine virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbour as ourselves for the love of God.
133. Why should we love God above all things?
We should love God above all things, because He is infinitely good.
134. Why should we love our neighbour for the love of God?
We should love our neighbour for the love of God, because he is made in the image of God, and is destined for eternal happiness with God in heaven.
135. Name the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.
The seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and the fear of the Lord.
136. How do the gifts of the Holy Ghost help us?
The gifts of the Holy Ghost help us by making us more alert to see the things of God and more prompt to obey his will.
137. What are the principal virtues that help us to do our duty to our neighbour and ourselves?
The principal virtues that help us to do our duty to our neighbour and ourselves are the four cardinal virtues, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Part I, Chapter IX. The Holy Ghost and Grace
111. Did Christ make any special promise to his apostles before he ascended into heaven?
Before He ascended into heaven, Christ promised his apostles that He would send the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, to teach them all things, and to abide with them forever (John xiv, 16, 26).
112. On what day did the Holy Ghost descend on the apostles?
On Pentecost or Whit Sunday, ten days after the Ascension, the Holy Ghost descended on the apostles in the form of tongues of fire (Acts ii, 2-4).
113. Why did Christ send the Holy Ghost?
Christ sent the Holy Ghost to teach and strengthen his apostles, and to guide and sanctify his Church until the end of time.
114. How does the Holy Ghost guide and sanctify the Church?
The Holy Ghost guides and sanctifies the Church by dwelling in it, by enlightening its rulers, and by making its members holy through the gift of grace.
115. What is grace?
Grace is a supernatural gift bestowed on us by God for our salvation.
116. How many kinds of grace are there?
There are two kinds of grace, sanctifying grace and actual grace.
117. What is sanctifying grace?
Sanctifying grace is that grace which makes the soul holy and pleasing to God, and confers on it a new and supernatural life which makes it share in the nature of God Himself (II. Peter i,4).
118. What other effects has sanctifying grace?
Sanctifying grace makes us the adopted children of God, the temples of the Holy Ghost and heirs to the kingdom of heaven.
119. Is sanctifying grace necessary for salvation?
Sanctifying grace is necessary for salvation, for without it we are the enemies of God and have not a right to the kingdom of heaven.
120. What is actual grace?
Actual grace is a special help given to us by God to do good acts and avoid sin.
121. Is actual grace necessary for salvation?
Actual grace is necessary for all who have reached the use of reason, for without it we can do nothing to merit heaven.
122. What are the principal means of obtaining grace?
The principal means of obtaining grace are prayer and the sacraments.
123. Can we merit grace and a heavenly reward?
Provided we are in the state of grace, we can, by our good works, merit an increase of grace and eternal life (I. Cor. x, 31)
Before He ascended into heaven, Christ promised his apostles that He would send the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, to teach them all things, and to abide with them forever (John xiv, 16, 26).
112. On what day did the Holy Ghost descend on the apostles?
On Pentecost or Whit Sunday, ten days after the Ascension, the Holy Ghost descended on the apostles in the form of tongues of fire (Acts ii, 2-4).
113. Why did Christ send the Holy Ghost?
Christ sent the Holy Ghost to teach and strengthen his apostles, and to guide and sanctify his Church until the end of time.
114. How does the Holy Ghost guide and sanctify the Church?
The Holy Ghost guides and sanctifies the Church by dwelling in it, by enlightening its rulers, and by making its members holy through the gift of grace.
115. What is grace?
Grace is a supernatural gift bestowed on us by God for our salvation.
116. How many kinds of grace are there?
There are two kinds of grace, sanctifying grace and actual grace.
117. What is sanctifying grace?
Sanctifying grace is that grace which makes the soul holy and pleasing to God, and confers on it a new and supernatural life which makes it share in the nature of God Himself (II. Peter i,4).
118. What other effects has sanctifying grace?
Sanctifying grace makes us the adopted children of God, the temples of the Holy Ghost and heirs to the kingdom of heaven.
119. Is sanctifying grace necessary for salvation?
Sanctifying grace is necessary for salvation, for without it we are the enemies of God and have not a right to the kingdom of heaven.
120. What is actual grace?
Actual grace is a special help given to us by God to do good acts and avoid sin.
121. Is actual grace necessary for salvation?
Actual grace is necessary for all who have reached the use of reason, for without it we can do nothing to merit heaven.
122. What are the principal means of obtaining grace?
The principal means of obtaining grace are prayer and the sacraments.
123. Can we merit grace and a heavenly reward?
Provided we are in the state of grace, we can, by our good works, merit an increase of grace and eternal life (I. Cor. x, 31)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Part I, Chapter VIII. The Redemption
93. What is meant by the Redemption?
By the Redemption is meant that Jesus Christ made atonement to God for our sins and merited for us the grace by which, from being enemies of God, we can become his adopted children (John i, 12).
94. How did Christ redeem us?
Christ redeemed us by his sufferings and by his death on the cross.
95. How did Christ die?
On Good Friday Christ was crucified and died nailed to the cross.
96. Who condemned Christ to death?
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, condemned Christ to death at the desire of the Jews.
97. What lessons do the sufferings and death of Christ teach us?
The sufferings and death of Christ teach us the wickedness of sin, the necessity of penance and the greatness of God's love for us.
98. How do we show our belief in the Redemption?
We show our belief in the Redemption by making upon ourselves the sign of the Cross.
99. Where did Christ's soul go after his death?
After Christ's death his soul descended into hell: this was not the hell of the damned, but a place or state of rest called limbo.
100. Who were in limbo?
The souls of the just who died before Christ were in limbo, awaiting the redemption.
101. Why were the souls of the just detained in limbo?
The souls of the just were detained in limbo, because heaven was shut against mankind by the sin of Adam, and was opened only by the death of Christ.
102. Why did Christ descend into limbo?
Christ descended into limbo to announce to the just the joyful news of their redemption (I Pet. iii,19).
103. Where was Christ's body, while his soul was in limbo?
While Christ's soul was in limbo, his body was in the tomb.
104. Did Christ rise from the dead?
On Easter Sunday, the third day after his death, Christ arose, body and soul, glorious and triumphant, from the dead.
105. What does the resurrection of Christ prove?
By raising Himself from the dead Christ proved that He is truly God (John ii, 19-22).
106. How long did Christ remain on earth after his resurrection?
Christ remained on earth forty days after his resurrection, to show that He was truly risen from the dead and to instruct his apostles.
107. When did Christ ascend into heaven?
On Ascension Thursday, forty days after his resurrection, Christ ascended from Mount Olivet, body and soul, into heaven.
108. Where is Christ in heaven?
In heaven Christ sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
109. What do we mean when we say that Christ sits at the right hand of God?
We mean that while Christ as God is equal to the father in all things, as man He is in the highest place in heaven, next to God in power and glory.
110. What do we mean when we say: From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead?
We mean that on the last day Christ will come again to judge all men according to their works.
By the Redemption is meant that Jesus Christ made atonement to God for our sins and merited for us the grace by which, from being enemies of God, we can become his adopted children (John i, 12).
94. How did Christ redeem us?
Christ redeemed us by his sufferings and by his death on the cross.
95. How did Christ die?
On Good Friday Christ was crucified and died nailed to the cross.
96. Who condemned Christ to death?
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, condemned Christ to death at the desire of the Jews.
97. What lessons do the sufferings and death of Christ teach us?
The sufferings and death of Christ teach us the wickedness of sin, the necessity of penance and the greatness of God's love for us.
98. How do we show our belief in the Redemption?
We show our belief in the Redemption by making upon ourselves the sign of the Cross.
99. Where did Christ's soul go after his death?
After Christ's death his soul descended into hell: this was not the hell of the damned, but a place or state of rest called limbo.
100. Who were in limbo?
The souls of the just who died before Christ were in limbo, awaiting the redemption.
101. Why were the souls of the just detained in limbo?
The souls of the just were detained in limbo, because heaven was shut against mankind by the sin of Adam, and was opened only by the death of Christ.
102. Why did Christ descend into limbo?
Christ descended into limbo to announce to the just the joyful news of their redemption (I Pet. iii,19).
103. Where was Christ's body, while his soul was in limbo?
While Christ's soul was in limbo, his body was in the tomb.
104. Did Christ rise from the dead?
On Easter Sunday, the third day after his death, Christ arose, body and soul, glorious and triumphant, from the dead.
105. What does the resurrection of Christ prove?
By raising Himself from the dead Christ proved that He is truly God (John ii, 19-22).
106. How long did Christ remain on earth after his resurrection?
Christ remained on earth forty days after his resurrection, to show that He was truly risen from the dead and to instruct his apostles.
107. When did Christ ascend into heaven?
On Ascension Thursday, forty days after his resurrection, Christ ascended from Mount Olivet, body and soul, into heaven.
108. Where is Christ in heaven?
In heaven Christ sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
109. What do we mean when we say that Christ sits at the right hand of God?
We mean that while Christ as God is equal to the father in all things, as man He is in the highest place in heaven, next to God in power and glory.
110. What do we mean when we say: From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead?
We mean that on the last day Christ will come again to judge all men according to their works.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Part I, Chapter VII. The Incarnation
73. What is meant by the Incarnation?
The Incarnation means that God the Son, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, became man.
74. Why did God the Son become man?
God the Son became man to redeem us from sin, and to restore to us the life of divine grace.
75. Did God the Son become man soon after the fall of our first parents?
God the Son did not become man for thousands of years after the fall of our first parents.
76. In what condition was mankind before the Incarnation?
Before the incarnation, mankind was steeped in idolatry, ignorance of the true religion and vice (Rom. i, 21-32).
77. How could they be saved who lived before the Incarnation?
They who lived before God the Son became man could be saved by believing in the Redeemer to come and by keeping the law of God.
78. How did God the Son become man?
God the Son became man by taking a body and soul like ours, in the chaste womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke i, 35).
79. On what day did the Son of God become man?
God the Son became man on the day of the Annunciation, about two thousand years ago.
80. Why is the day of the Annunciation so called?
The day of the Annunciation is so called, because on that day the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary: Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus (Luke i, 31).
81. What is the meaning of the word Jesus?
The word Jesus means Saviour; and this name was given to the Son of God made man, because He was to save his people from their sins (Matt. i, 21).
82. Why is Jesus also called Christ?
Jesus is called Christ, that is, the Anointed, because he was the anointed redeemer promised by God.
83. What do we believe Jesus Christ to be?
We believe Jesus Christ to be true God and true man.
84. Who is the Father of Jesus Christ?
God is the Father of Jesus Christ: St. Joseph was his foster-father or guardian.
85. Is the Blessed Virgin Mary the Mother of God?
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the mother of God, because Jesus Christ her son is truly God.
86. On what day was Jesus Christ born?
Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day in a stable at Bethlehem.
87. How long did Christ live on earth?
Christ lived on earth about thirty-three years and led a most holy life, in poverty and suffering.
88. How did Christ spend the early years of his life on earth?
Until He was about thirty, Christ lived in subjection to his parents at Nazareth, and helped by his labours to provide for the needs of the home.
89. How did Christ spend the last years of his life?
Christ spent the last years of his life preaching to the people, instructing his apostles and disciples, healing the sick and working many other miracles.
90. Did Jesus Christ claim to be God?
Yes, Jesus claimed to be truly God, and proved his claim by the wonderful miracles which He worked (John v, 36-38).
91. Who were the disciples of Jesus?
The disciples of Jesus were the men and women who believed in Him.
92. Who were the apostles of Jesus?
The apostles were the twelve men specially chosen by our Divine Lord to preach his doctrine to mankind.
The Incarnation means that God the Son, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, became man.
74. Why did God the Son become man?
God the Son became man to redeem us from sin, and to restore to us the life of divine grace.
75. Did God the Son become man soon after the fall of our first parents?
God the Son did not become man for thousands of years after the fall of our first parents.
76. In what condition was mankind before the Incarnation?
Before the incarnation, mankind was steeped in idolatry, ignorance of the true religion and vice (Rom. i, 21-32).
77. How could they be saved who lived before the Incarnation?
They who lived before God the Son became man could be saved by believing in the Redeemer to come and by keeping the law of God.
78. How did God the Son become man?
God the Son became man by taking a body and soul like ours, in the chaste womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Ghost (Luke i, 35).
79. On what day did the Son of God become man?
God the Son became man on the day of the Annunciation, about two thousand years ago.
80. Why is the day of the Annunciation so called?
The day of the Annunciation is so called, because on that day the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary: Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus (Luke i, 31).
81. What is the meaning of the word Jesus?
The word Jesus means Saviour; and this name was given to the Son of God made man, because He was to save his people from their sins (Matt. i, 21).
82. Why is Jesus also called Christ?
Jesus is called Christ, that is, the Anointed, because he was the anointed redeemer promised by God.
83. What do we believe Jesus Christ to be?
We believe Jesus Christ to be true God and true man.
84. Who is the Father of Jesus Christ?
God is the Father of Jesus Christ: St. Joseph was his foster-father or guardian.
85. Is the Blessed Virgin Mary the Mother of God?
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the mother of God, because Jesus Christ her son is truly God.
86. On what day was Jesus Christ born?
Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day in a stable at Bethlehem.
87. How long did Christ live on earth?
Christ lived on earth about thirty-three years and led a most holy life, in poverty and suffering.
88. How did Christ spend the early years of his life on earth?
Until He was about thirty, Christ lived in subjection to his parents at Nazareth, and helped by his labours to provide for the needs of the home.
89. How did Christ spend the last years of his life?
Christ spent the last years of his life preaching to the people, instructing his apostles and disciples, healing the sick and working many other miracles.
90. Did Jesus Christ claim to be God?
Yes, Jesus claimed to be truly God, and proved his claim by the wonderful miracles which He worked (John v, 36-38).
91. Who were the disciples of Jesus?
The disciples of Jesus were the men and women who believed in Him.
92. Who were the apostles of Jesus?
The apostles were the twelve men specially chosen by our Divine Lord to preach his doctrine to mankind.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Part I, Chapter VI. Actual Sin
60. What is actual sin?
Actual sin is the sin which we ourselves commit, by any wilful thought, word, deed or omission contrary to the law of God.
61. How many kinds of actual sin are there?
There are two kinds of actual sin: mortal sin and venial sin.
62. When is a sin mortal?
A sin is mortal when the act is greviously wrong, and is committed with clear knowledge and full consent.
63. Why is mortal sin so called?
The word mortal means deadly, and a sin is called mortal, because it takes away the supernatural life of the soul, which is sanctifying grace.
64. What other evil effects has mortal sin?
Mortal sin takes away the friendship of God, the merit of good works already performed, and the right to heaven.
65. Where do they go who die in mortal sin?
They who die in mortal sin go to hell for all eternity.
66. When is a sin venial?
A sin is venial when the act is not greviously wrong, or is committed without clear knowledge or without full consent.
67. What are the effects of venial sin?
Venial sin makes us less fervent in the service of God, weakens our power to resist temptation, and renders us liable to punishment by God in this life or in purgatory, but it does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace.
68. What are the capital or deadly sins?
The capital or deadly sins are: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and sloth.
69. Why are they called capital sins?
They are called capital sins, because they are the chief vices in which sin has its source.
70. How are people led to commit sin?
People are led to commit sin by the temptations of the devil, by their own evil passions, and by sinful occasions.
71. What is an occasion of sin?
By an occasion of sin is meant any person, place or thing, that entices us to sin.
72. How can we avoid committing sin?
We can avoid sin, by being on our guard against temptation, by practising self-denial and by praying earnestly for the grace of God (John xv, 5; Mark xiii, 33; viii, 34)).
Actual sin is the sin which we ourselves commit, by any wilful thought, word, deed or omission contrary to the law of God.
61. How many kinds of actual sin are there?
There are two kinds of actual sin: mortal sin and venial sin.
62. When is a sin mortal?
A sin is mortal when the act is greviously wrong, and is committed with clear knowledge and full consent.
63. Why is mortal sin so called?
The word mortal means deadly, and a sin is called mortal, because it takes away the supernatural life of the soul, which is sanctifying grace.
64. What other evil effects has mortal sin?
Mortal sin takes away the friendship of God, the merit of good works already performed, and the right to heaven.
65. Where do they go who die in mortal sin?
They who die in mortal sin go to hell for all eternity.
66. When is a sin venial?
A sin is venial when the act is not greviously wrong, or is committed without clear knowledge or without full consent.
67. What are the effects of venial sin?
Venial sin makes us less fervent in the service of God, weakens our power to resist temptation, and renders us liable to punishment by God in this life or in purgatory, but it does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace.
68. What are the capital or deadly sins?
The capital or deadly sins are: pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and sloth.
69. Why are they called capital sins?
They are called capital sins, because they are the chief vices in which sin has its source.
70. How are people led to commit sin?
People are led to commit sin by the temptations of the devil, by their own evil passions, and by sinful occasions.
71. What is an occasion of sin?
By an occasion of sin is meant any person, place or thing, that entices us to sin.
72. How can we avoid committing sin?
We can avoid sin, by being on our guard against temptation, by practising self-denial and by praying earnestly for the grace of God (John xv, 5; Mark xiii, 33; viii, 34)).
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Part I, Chapter V: Our First Parents: Original Sin
50. Who were the first man and woman?
The first man and woman were Adam and Eve, the first parents of the whole human race.
51. What special gifts did God give our first parents?
God gave our first parents sanctifying grace, full control of their passions, and freedom from suffering and death.
52. Did God intend the special gifts of Adam and Eve for their descendants also?
Yes, God would have given these gifts to the descendants of our first parents, if Adam, the head of the human race, had obeyed his command.
53. What special command did God give Adam and Eve?
God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of a certain tree in the garden of Paradise.
54. Did Adam and Eve obey the command of God?
Adam and Eve did not obey the command of God: they were tempted by the devil, and ate the forbidden fruit.
55. How were our first parents punished by God for their sin?
Our first parents lost sanctifying grace and their other special gifts, and were driven out of the garden of Paradise.
56. Have we, the children of Adam, suffered because of his sin?
Because of Adam's sin, we are born without sanctifying grace, our intellect is darkened, our will is weakened, our passions incline us to evil, and we are subject to suffering and death.
57. How do we call the state in which we are born because of the sin of Adam?
The state in which we are born because of the sin of Adam is called the state of original sin.
58. Why is original sin so called?
Original sin is so called, because it comes down to us through our origin or descent from Adam, the head of the human race.
59. Was any human person ever preserved from original sin?
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, was preserved free from original sin, and this privilege is called her Immaculate Conception.
The first man and woman were Adam and Eve, the first parents of the whole human race.
51. What special gifts did God give our first parents?
God gave our first parents sanctifying grace, full control of their passions, and freedom from suffering and death.
52. Did God intend the special gifts of Adam and Eve for their descendants also?
Yes, God would have given these gifts to the descendants of our first parents, if Adam, the head of the human race, had obeyed his command.
53. What special command did God give Adam and Eve?
God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of a certain tree in the garden of Paradise.
54. Did Adam and Eve obey the command of God?
Adam and Eve did not obey the command of God: they were tempted by the devil, and ate the forbidden fruit.
55. How were our first parents punished by God for their sin?
Our first parents lost sanctifying grace and their other special gifts, and were driven out of the garden of Paradise.
56. Have we, the children of Adam, suffered because of his sin?
Because of Adam's sin, we are born without sanctifying grace, our intellect is darkened, our will is weakened, our passions incline us to evil, and we are subject to suffering and death.
57. How do we call the state in which we are born because of the sin of Adam?
The state in which we are born because of the sin of Adam is called the state of original sin.
58. Why is original sin so called?
Original sin is so called, because it comes down to us through our origin or descent from Adam, the head of the human race.
59. Was any human person ever preserved from original sin?
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, was preserved free from original sin, and this privilege is called her Immaculate Conception.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Part I, Chapter IV. Man and the Purpose of his Ceation.
34. What is man?
Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made by God to His own likeness.
35. In what is man made like to God?
Man is made like to God in his soul.
36. How is man's soul like to God?
Man's soul is like to God, because it is a spirit, capable of knowing and loving God.
37. How do we know that the soul is a spirit?
We know that the soul is a spirit, because man thinks, reasons and freely wills.
38. Is man's soul immortal?
Man's soul is immortal, that is, it can never die.
39. Why did God make us?
God made us to know, love and serve Him here on earth, and, by this means, to be happy with Him forever in heaven.
40. How can we know God?
We can know God by our reason and from divine revelation.
41. How can we know God by our reason?
We can know God by our reason from the existence, order and beauty of the world which He has made.
42. What do we mean by divine revelation?
By divine revelation we mean that God has made known to us certain truths about Himself and our duties to Him.
43. How has God made known these truths?
God has made known these truths through His chosen messengers, and especially through his Divine Son, Jesus Christ.
44. Where are the truths of revelation to be found?
The truths of revelation are to be found in Sacred Scripture and Tradition.
45. What do we mean by Sacred Scripture?
By Sacred Scripture we mean the books of the Bible, which were all so written under the inspiration of God that he is truly their author.
46. What do we mean by Tradition?
By Tradition we mean those revealed truths not written in the Bible, but handed down to us by the Church.
47. Which prayer contains the principal truths that God has revealed?
The principal truths that God has revealed are contained in the Apostles' Creed.
48. Are there some truths revealed by God that we cannot fully understand?
There are some truths revealed by God that we cannot fully understand; these truths are called mysteries of religion.
49. Why do we believe mysteries of religion?
We believe mysteries of religion because they were made known to us by God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
Man is a creature composed of body and soul, and made by God to His own likeness.
35. In what is man made like to God?
Man is made like to God in his soul.
36. How is man's soul like to God?
Man's soul is like to God, because it is a spirit, capable of knowing and loving God.
37. How do we know that the soul is a spirit?
We know that the soul is a spirit, because man thinks, reasons and freely wills.
38. Is man's soul immortal?
Man's soul is immortal, that is, it can never die.
39. Why did God make us?
God made us to know, love and serve Him here on earth, and, by this means, to be happy with Him forever in heaven.
40. How can we know God?
We can know God by our reason and from divine revelation.
41. How can we know God by our reason?
We can know God by our reason from the existence, order and beauty of the world which He has made.
42. What do we mean by divine revelation?
By divine revelation we mean that God has made known to us certain truths about Himself and our duties to Him.
43. How has God made known these truths?
God has made known these truths through His chosen messengers, and especially through his Divine Son, Jesus Christ.
44. Where are the truths of revelation to be found?
The truths of revelation are to be found in Sacred Scripture and Tradition.
45. What do we mean by Sacred Scripture?
By Sacred Scripture we mean the books of the Bible, which were all so written under the inspiration of God that he is truly their author.
46. What do we mean by Tradition?
By Tradition we mean those revealed truths not written in the Bible, but handed down to us by the Church.
47. Which prayer contains the principal truths that God has revealed?
The principal truths that God has revealed are contained in the Apostles' Creed.
48. Are there some truths revealed by God that we cannot fully understand?
There are some truths revealed by God that we cannot fully understand; these truths are called mysteries of religion.
49. Why do we believe mysteries of religion?
We believe mysteries of religion because they were made known to us by God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Part I. Chapter III: Creation and the Angels
22. How did God make the world?
God created the world, that is, He made it out of nothing.
23. Why did God make the world?
God made the world for his own glory and for man's use and benefit.
24. Which are the chief creatures of God?
The chief creatures of God are angels and men.
25. What are angels?
Angels are pure spirits, created by God for his glory and for his service.
26. What gifts did God give the angels, when He created them?
When God created the angels, He gave them very great knowledge, power and grace.
27. Did the angels remain faithful to God?
Some of the angels remained faithful to God; others, through pride, rebelled against Him.
28. How did God reward the angels who remained faithful?
God rewarded the angels who remained faithful by giving them the happiness of heaven for ever.
29. Do the good angels help us?
The good angels help us by praying for us and by acting as our guardians.
30. Has each of us a guardian angel?
Each of us has a guardian angel, who prays for him, protects him from harm and helps him to do good.
31. How did God punish the angels who rebelled?
God punished the angels who rebelled by condemning them to the everlasting pains of hell.
32. Who is the leader of the bad angels?
The leader of the bad angels is called Satan or the Devil.
33. Do the Devil and his angels try to harm us?
The Devil and his angels try to harm us, chiefly by tempting us to sin. (I Pet. v, 8).
God created the world, that is, He made it out of nothing.
23. Why did God make the world?
God made the world for his own glory and for man's use and benefit.
24. Which are the chief creatures of God?
The chief creatures of God are angels and men.
25. What are angels?
Angels are pure spirits, created by God for his glory and for his service.
26. What gifts did God give the angels, when He created them?
When God created the angels, He gave them very great knowledge, power and grace.
27. Did the angels remain faithful to God?
Some of the angels remained faithful to God; others, through pride, rebelled against Him.
28. How did God reward the angels who remained faithful?
God rewarded the angels who remained faithful by giving them the happiness of heaven for ever.
29. Do the good angels help us?
The good angels help us by praying for us and by acting as our guardians.
30. Has each of us a guardian angel?
Each of us has a guardian angel, who prays for him, protects him from harm and helps him to do good.
31. How did God punish the angels who rebelled?
God punished the angels who rebelled by condemning them to the everlasting pains of hell.
32. Who is the leader of the bad angels?
The leader of the bad angels is called Satan or the Devil.
33. Do the Devil and his angels try to harm us?
The Devil and his angels try to harm us, chiefly by tempting us to sin. (I Pet. v, 8).
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Part I, Chapter II: The Unity and Trinity of God
12. What is meant by the unity of God?
By the unity of God is meant that there is only one God and there cannot be more than one.
13. Why can there be only one God?
There can be only one God, because God is supreme and infinite.
14. What do we mean by the Blessed Trinity?
By the Blessed Trinity we mean that in the one God there are three divine persons, really distinct and equal in all things, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
15. Is the Father God?
The Father is God and the first person of the Blessed Trinity.
16. Is the Son God?
The Son is God and the second person of the Blessed Trinity.
17. Is the Holy Ghost God?
The Holy Ghost is God and the third person of the Blessed Trinity.
18. Are the three divine persons one and the same God?
The three divine persons are one and the same God, because they have one and the same divine nature.
19. Can we understand how there can be three divine persons in the one God?
We cannot fully understand this truth, because our human minds are limited and therefore cannot fully understand the infinite God (Rom. xi, 33).
20. How do we show our belief in the Blessed Trinity?
We show our belief in the Blessed Trinity especially by making the sign of the Cross.
21. How do we make the sign of the Cross?
We make the sign of the Cross by putting the right hand to the forehead, then under the breast, then to the left and right shoulders, saying: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
By the unity of God is meant that there is only one God and there cannot be more than one.
13. Why can there be only one God?
There can be only one God, because God is supreme and infinite.
14. What do we mean by the Blessed Trinity?
By the Blessed Trinity we mean that in the one God there are three divine persons, really distinct and equal in all things, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
15. Is the Father God?
The Father is God and the first person of the Blessed Trinity.
16. Is the Son God?
The Son is God and the second person of the Blessed Trinity.
17. Is the Holy Ghost God?
The Holy Ghost is God and the third person of the Blessed Trinity.
18. Are the three divine persons one and the same God?
The three divine persons are one and the same God, because they have one and the same divine nature.
19. Can we understand how there can be three divine persons in the one God?
We cannot fully understand this truth, because our human minds are limited and therefore cannot fully understand the infinite God (Rom. xi, 33).
20. How do we show our belief in the Blessed Trinity?
We show our belief in the Blessed Trinity especially by making the sign of the Cross.
21. How do we make the sign of the Cross?
We make the sign of the Cross by putting the right hand to the forehead, then under the breast, then to the left and right shoulders, saying: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Three Lists
THE CHIEF SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY:
1. To admonish sinners.
2. To instruct the ignorant.
3. To counsel the doubtful.
4. To comfort the sorrowful.
5. To bear wrongs patiently.
6. To forgive all injuries.
7. To pray for the living and the dead.
THE CHIEF CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY:
1. To feed the hungry.
2. To give drink to the thirsty.
3. To cloth the naked.
4. To visit the imprisoned.
5. To shelter the homeless.
6. To visit the sick.
7. To bury the dead.
THE EIGHT BEATITUDES:
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
3. Blessed are they that mourne: for they shall be comforted.
4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice's sake: for theirs is the kingdom of God.
1. To admonish sinners.
2. To instruct the ignorant.
3. To counsel the doubtful.
4. To comfort the sorrowful.
5. To bear wrongs patiently.
6. To forgive all injuries.
7. To pray for the living and the dead.
THE CHIEF CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY:
1. To feed the hungry.
2. To give drink to the thirsty.
3. To cloth the naked.
4. To visit the imprisoned.
5. To shelter the homeless.
6. To visit the sick.
7. To bury the dead.
THE EIGHT BEATITUDES:
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
3. Blessed are they that mourne: for they shall be comforted.
4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice's sake: for theirs is the kingdom of God.
Part I, Chapter I
Part I of the Catechism elaborates on the Apostle's Creed.
Chapter I is in my main blog.
Chapter I is in my main blog.
The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
