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Explain Natural and Divine Revelation in your own words...

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Explain Natural and Divine Revelation in your own words...

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Natural and Divine are both ways in which God reveals himself to us humans on earth. Natural revelation can be described as the side of revelation where God is trying to reveal himself to us through his creations. The Catholic faith can be an act of trust. God's message is not always going to tell us exactly. The message will be hidden and needed to be interpreted for the human brain to understand.

Divine revelation is the side revelation that still needs to be interpreted but has a more literal side to us. It is revealed to us through our words and deeds. For example, scripture and miracles are more specific versions of words and deeds revealing messages. We have many interpreters of the Bible along the course of time.

When God revealed himself in physical form, he revealed himself as a man, as he did to Abraham (Genesis 18)

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How do you encounter God in nature? How does this relate to the 5 ways of Thomas Aquinas...?

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How do you encounter God in nature? How does this relate to the 5 ways of Thomas Aquinas...?

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God reveals to us in many ways. This can mean through nature or in scripture. Everything we see is God's creation. For me personally, God has revealed himself to me in nature. He really does it in beautiful ways and I pray that everyone finds the courage to put their trust in him to experience it. I once visited my grandparents graveyard on my grandfather's heaven anniversary, and the wind began to blow and my family was together praying around their graves. I think to myself at that moment, "Everything is perfect. Everyone is here. This moment is perfect." But where do I, a human being, get this standard of perfection?

This leads me to my next point being St. Thomas Aquinas' 5 proofs. One of them being perfection. Some things on this earth are hotter, larger, or more pleasant than each other. He states that humans find things more perfect than others on this earth. Yet, where are humans getting this standard from? Who set this standard?

Psalm 96:11-12 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

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Choose one of the 5 ways of Thomas that you find most convincing or interesting and explain why you think it is a good example of God’s revelation in Nature...

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Choose one of the 5 ways of Thomas that you find most convincing or interesting and explain why you think it is a good example of God’s revelation in Nature...

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Saint Thomas Aquinas has 5 proofs of Nature. These consist of unmoved mover, first cause, contingency, perfection, and design. These are arguments to prove to humans that God truly does exist and wants us to notice Him.

Personally, I find contingency most interesting and convincing. I love "what if" questions and how they can start a conversation. So, "what if" humans never existed on the planet, the earth would look much different. Yet, it would still spin. The earth would not stop it's orbit around the sun for humans. We are not necessary. Life continues after a kid steps on a bug running to recess or when a loved one passes. Some things may feel like the end of the world at that moment, but the world will always continue to spin regardless of what happens to us or creation on this planet.

Psalms 16:5 You, LORD, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands.

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Describe what it means to have a covenant relationship with God. Use one example from our Slideshow to explain covenants. Then, discuss how we live out a covenant relationship with God in the Church...

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Describe what it means to have a covenant relationship with God. Use one example from our Slideshow to explain covenants. Then, discuss how we live out a covenant relationship with God in the Church...

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To have a covenant with God means to have a sacred agreement or promise between God and man. God uses covenants in the Bible to bind mankind and the Creator, God. For example, in our slideshow it talks about God's covenant with Noah. God uses this covenant to show us that he will protect mankind. Through this, he teaches us that covenants can be made to save mankind.

In the Church, we live out covenants daily. For example, we promise to love God and be faithful to his commandments and beatitudes. Marriage is a covenant that many people live out through Christ. Getting married in the Church is letting God be the center of your relationship and promises your life to be faithful together.

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13

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We are made in God’s image and likeness, and therefore have a unique dignity. Where do you think our society could benefit from this truth? Explain...

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We are made in God’s image and likeness, and therefore have a unique dignity. Where do you think our society could benefit from this truth? Explain...

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I believe all of God's children have the same worth regardless of their impact on this broken world. God loves us all equally. Today, people have lost their faith and forget that God truly loves and admires them. A homeless man without a penny to his name and the President of the United States have the same worth or even you and the girl you think for some reason are better than you and you envy her in all that she does; you both have the same worth.

This world has lost their fire in their souls for the Holy Spirit. Our society tears down people daily because they are not like us. Yet, we are all unique in our own ways. It takes a lot of time to come to terms with this, but God created us to be the way we are. He doesn't want us to change our weight, get nose surgery, or even have to wear makeup. God loves us in every way a person can be loved. I think if our society were to all truly believe that we are made in God's image and likeness our world would be at peace.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." Genesis 9:6

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How do you like to leisure? On the 7th day, God rested. What does that mean for mankind? How should we approach resting and leisure time? Give us examples of what you do to find true rest in your life and why you enjoy these activities...

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How do you like to leisure? On the 7th day, God rested. What does that mean for mankind? How should we approach resting and leisure time? Give us examples of what you do to find true rest in your life and why you enjoy these activities...

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I enjoy leisure alone. I know sometimes being alone can be lonely, yet sometimes I get overwhelmed easily and need to decompress. I find decompressing easiest when I only have to worry about myself and can be in silence sleeping. This relates to God in a way that he rested on the last day of creating creation. For mankind, this means for us to imitate His behavior and also rest on the Sabbath. We should approach rest and leisure with an open mind because it is there to clear our mind and use it to talk to God and grow in our relationship.

God understands we have busy lives and it can almost seem difficult to find time to really get deep into prayer. I believe he gave us a whole day to ensure all of his children will have a relationship with his; some relationships will be stronger than others based on how they chose to spend their Sabbath.

I have two busy and loud houses that I am constantly going back and forth too. I also have responsibilities out of school, along with school. Life can seem extremely overwhelming most days, so I find my most relaxing moments of leisure before I fall asleep. Some days feel longer than others, but just being able to lie down and take a deep breath after a long day seems rewarding in a way. I enjoy talking to God and finding peace in prayer.

“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places." Leviticus 23:3

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How do you think our society could benefit from the message and truth that God desires us to worship first and foremost BEFORE working? Where do you see our society falling into the lie that we must always be productive to be valuable?

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How do you think our society could benefit from the message and truth that God desires us to worship first and foremost BEFORE working? Where do you see our society falling into the lie that we must always be productive to be valuable?

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God truly does love us and wants the best for us. Our society heavily struggles with their confidence in faith. Many people, including myself, often fall onto God and ask for help and forgiveness when things aren't going their way. God wants us to desire Him when things are going right. We shouldn't only talk to Him when we need something, so I think many relationships would benefit in a way that they would be strengthened and they will find true happiness in the Lord.

Personally, I am one of these people. I struggle a lot in my faith and lack prayers quite often. I, too, am only asking God for things repetitively. We don't need everything in life to be going well for us to need Christ. We need Christ every second of the day. THAT is where our society lacks. We are lukewarm catholics until we are faced with any slight conflict.

Psalm 86:3—Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. The simple truth is, we need God—every minute of every day. That's why it's so important to learn how to pray without ceasing.

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What is your favorite love story so far throughout the bible? What qualities or characteristics of this relationship do you think are worth emulating in a relationship? Which qualities or characteristics should we avoid in our own relationships from this relationship and why?

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What is your favorite love story so far throughout the bible? What qualities or characteristics of this relationship do you think are worth emulating in a relationship? Which qualities or characteristics should we avoid in our own relationships from this relationship and why?

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Personally, my favorite love story in the Bible is Jacob and Rachel. I enjoyed reading that he was willing to work for her love and not give up on her. Even after working for Leah, he still worked another 7 years for her. His love was genuine and consistent.

A characteristic in Jacob and Rachel's relationship we should avoid is unfaithfulness. While Jacob did not have a choice and owned his love to Leah as a wife, he had 7 kids with her even though he still truly loved Rachel. I think he should have stayed married with her for 7 years and left her in order to marry his real and genuine wife.

Genesis 29:20-22

"And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her."

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What’s in a name? Why do you think God needed to reveal his name to Moses for humanity to know him better? What does your own name reveal about you? Do you have any family names that have a special meaning? 

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What’s in a name? Why do you think God needed to reveal his name to Moses for humanity to know him better? What does your own name reveal about you? Do you have any family names that have a special meaning? 

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A name can have many deep meanings while also being irrelevant. In the Bible, got showed to Moses that humanity needed to trust their faith in Him and follow Moses. This is similar to doubting Thomas. God saw it important to get His point across that people need to trust their beliefs.

My name (Katherine or Kate) means pure. It is a feminine name that originated in the early Christian era. Lately, I've really struggled with being the best person I know that I can be, but I would love to be able to say that I am pure at heart and always have good intentions but sin often gets in the way of that. My last name is Scottish and it means foreigner. This does not have a special meaning to me.

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."

Exodus 20:7 (image above of Yahweh)

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In this chapter of Numbers, men chose to indulge in sexual immortality with Moabite women. These women convinced them to worship other gods by eating the sacrificial meal and bowing down to the women's gods. God discovered this and was full of anger; he ordered Moses to put all of them to death.

As a 15 year old girl, I can obviously not relate to the sexual immorality and idolatry, but what I can relate to is sin. People, including myself, do not realize the severity of their sins just like the Israelites. We overlook "simple sins" such as swearing, lying, or gossiping as parts of our everyday lives, yet what we don't realize is that it upsets God, maybe not enough for Him to put us to death, but the Lord obviously does not want us to sin. We shouldn't overlook them because it makes us look "cool" or make our status any higher.

Numbers 32:23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out."

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In older times, when the people of God would not follow the Ten Commandments, the Lord would punish them. They are a fundamental part of a catholic's everyday life. The commandments determine a person's fate whether they go to Heaven or Hell based on if they choose to follow them or not.

In today's world, we have approved laws by our government. Without these, our whole world would be in chaos. Similar to the Ten Commandments, if you do not follow these, you go to jail or pay the price of your actions. You can choose your fate in this world where you go to Heaven and live freely in Hell and jail.

Deuteronomy 5:6-21:

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."

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How are priests in the Church today different from the Levite Priests? What is the purpose of the priesthood in the Catholic Church? What are some ways we can take advantage of the help priests have to offer us as we work toward the salvation that has been won for us?

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How are priests in the Church today different from the Levite Priests? What is the purpose of the priesthood in the Catholic Church? What are some ways we can take advantage of the help priests have to offer us as we work toward the salvation that has been won for us?

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Today any man can be a priest as long as they are accepted and complete seminary school. Then, Levite priests were mainly only descendants of Aaron. Modern day priest's roles are to spread the good news and perform mass etc. Levites were expected to perform sacrifices which at the time were sinful.

The purpose of priests in the church is to help lead the sacraments and help us get closer to God. We can take advantage of this by not only going to mass and confession, but meeting with him outside of mass to get religious advice. Priests can offer much more than we think.

Deuteronomy 21:5

"The priests, the sons of Levi" were charged to "pronounce blessings in the name of the Lord and to decide all cases of dispute and assault."

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What are characteristics of a good leader according to the bible? Use Joshua, Moses, Aaron, and other leaders that God has chosen to make your case. List and describe at least 3 characteristics. 

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What are characteristics of a good leader according to the bible? Use Joshua, Moses, Aaron, and other leaders that God has chosen to make your case. List and describe at least 3 characteristics. 

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According to the Bible, a good leader is wise and has compassion. Some strong leaders in the Bible consist of Joshua, Moses, and Aaron. All three of them portrayed consistent trust in the Lord and His plan.

Moses trusted God in the bush even with his fear of failure. After Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites to the Promised Land remaining faithful the whole time. Aaron, Moses' brother, ensured and helped the Israelites when Moses was unsure at times. Aaron also turned the Israelites back to God after idolizing the golden calf.

Joshua 1:9:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

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The story of Deborah is important because it shows the judge's role being taken on by a woman, which is rare. Through this, God shows us that all of His children are capable of any role if their trust is in God's hands.

"Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands" (Judges 4:14)

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David and Saul both have good and bad character traits as leaders of Israel. What do you think are 4 good qualities that a leader of a nation/community should possess? Explain your reasoning using examples from David and Saul’s time as king of Israel.

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David and Saul both have good and bad character traits as leaders of Israel. What do you think are 4 good qualities that a leader of a nation/community should possess? Explain your reasoning using examples from David and Saul’s time as king of Israel.

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A strong nation comes with a strong leader just like a strong faith comes with a strong God. A good leader should be selfless, open to other's ideas, brave, accountability and loyal to their people. A leader can't put himself first, he's a leader to many communities of people who's opinion matters. He cannot be scared to take risks, and if those risks fail he should be able to be accountable for his mistakes with honesty.

David fought Goliath with bravery. Saul went wrong many times and could not take accountability for it, while David could. He listened to the people because they mattered.

1 Chronicles 18:14

So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people.

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Samuel was consecrated totally to God from birth. What can you find out about consecrated life in the Church today? How does a person become consecrated to God?

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Samuel was consecrated totally to God from birth. What can you find out about consecrated life in the Church today? How does a person become consecrated to God?

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Consecrated life in the Catholic Church is a religious life and to be fully devoted to it. It gives people a purpose in life. There are multiple ways of consecrated life to go about.

In order to be consecrated to God, you can go through a series of steps. First, you need to fully dedicate your life to Christ and set yourself apart from sin. Prayer should be done more than daily and repentance often. It is recommended that you seek religious guidance to help guide you on the consecration journey.

1 Samuel 16:5

Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

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David’s sin against God by killing Uriah and taking Bathsheba lead to his eventual conversion of heart. Out of his sorrow and contrition, he wrote Psalm 51. Read Psalm 51 prayerfully and write a reflection that explains how a person can use this psalm to examine their conscience for confession. 

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David’s sin against God by killing Uriah and taking Bathsheba lead to his eventual conversion of heart. Out of his sorrow and contrition, he wrote Psalm 51. Read Psalm 51 prayerfully and write a reflection that explains how a person can use this psalm to examine their conscience for confession. 

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In Psalm 51, David is asking for mercy from the Lord and repentance for his sins. He mentions God's unfailing love and this truly speaks to me. Regardless of our sins and morals, God loves us, even when we don't give him our undivided attention. We often fail to give the Lord the love he deserves, but he always gives it back.

After sinning, I always get this feeling of regret regardless of how big or small the sin is, yet we can always fall back onto the Lord and repent our sins. He will forgive us and get us through times that seem impossible. He truly is powerful. He forgave David which led to his conversion as a person.

This shows us that our lives can always be altered at any moment because we have no idea what God has in store for us in His plan and I think there is so much beauty in the mystery of trusting God.

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Repentance and salvation sustains our life on our journey to Heaven. Without confession or mercy, we would be nothing. God always forgives. Psalm 51 truly spoke to me in a way that no other quote has; it has made me realize how consistent the Lord's love is regardless of our consistency with saying a simple prayer.

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Carlo Acutis passed away at the early age of 15 due to leukemia in 2006. Carlo a righteous kid who lived out his faith in the modern age of technology. His story teaches upcoming children how to correctly use technology and social media. Carlo enjoyed playing soccer and video games. His parents were not very familiar with Catholicism and he led them to a deep conversion and devotion along with many other relatives. He was explained to have a gift of empathy and always stood up for his disabled peers when getting picked on.

Carlos disciplined himself with one hour of video games a week because devotion to God is much more important. He convinced his parents to take him on pilgrimages due to his fascination with the Eucharist. Along with video games, Carlos also had a fascination with technology and he used his talent to create a website to share information in order to bring people back to the Church. He offered his suffering for others coping with similar problems such as his illness.

Carlo's tomb is open in a glass surrounding allowing Catholics on pilgrimages to pray over him. He is wearing casual clothes and Nike shoes. Carlos is an amazing representation of a modern saint because he lived most of his teenage years just like the average kid.

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Job is the story of a wealthy and religious man with a good life. God takes everything away from him to test his righteousness. God takes away his wealth, family, and health. Job questions God's love due to all of his pain and suffering and experiences many trials that lead him to question his faith. I really enjoyed this book considering we all question our faith when situations don't go the way we plan them to. I found it very interesting because it answers the common question: "why do good people suffer?" which I ask myself often.

Before reading this chapter, I would help the future reader understand that the books involve common topics such as depression and anxiety. It allows us to feel seen and not alone in our journey of faith; no one's relationship with God goes without trial and doubt. The book stood out to me because rather than showing us a righteous prophet who seeks the Lord without fail, we are presented with a struggling man, in order for us to relate, who fails and continues to get back up and try again. It teaches us that God's love is unconditional no matter how many times we fall.

Job 1:21

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”