The Greek term which is translated as "conversion"
Metanoia
A genuine conversion sourced in repentance of our sin and desire for change of heart to turn to Jesus
Jesus invites everyone of us to strengthen our values and virtues in order for us to be delivered from the oppressions of sins and vices
Virtue
An habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself
Examples of desirable virtues for sustaining a moral life
Compassion
Responsibility
Sense of duty
Self-discipline and restraint
Honesty
Loyalty
Friendship
Courage
Persistence
CardinalVirtues
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance
How humanvirtues are acquired
1. Frequent repetition of virtuous acts
2. Seeing them in the good example ofothers
3. Education in their value and methods
4. Stories that inspire
5. Strong will to achieve such ideals
6. God's grace through prayer and Sacraments
TheologicalVirtues
Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love)
TheologicalVirtues are gifts from God beginning with Baptism, they dispose us to live in relationship with the Holy Trinity
Theological Virtues influence human virtues by increasing their stability and strength for our lives
Growth in virtue is an important goal for every Christian, for the virtues play a valuable role in living a Christian moral life
2 Types of Virtues
Theological Virtues: Gift of God - Baptism (Faith, Hope, Love)
Cardinal Virtues - Human Effort (Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude, Justice)
The Hebrew prophet Ezekiel was a captive in the land of Babylon during the seventy years of exile
"The soul that sins will surely die" (Eze 18:4) is equivalent to the Apostle Paul's summary, "The wages of sin is death"
A NEW HEART FOR NEW PEOPLE (Eze 36:26-27)
1. God will give a new heart and new spirit
2. Remove the heart of stone and give a heart of flesh
3. Put His Spirit within to cause people to walk in His statutes and observe His ordinances
The purpose is so His holy name will be redeemed
This restoration will vindicate the name of the LORD, demonstrating to the nations that He is the sovereign Lord
What God does for Israel as well as non-Jews is an act of sovereign grace, no one deserved these restoration promises
God chose to save for Himself a holy people out of grace and mercy
All these saints had chosen to glorify God's name through their exemplary works of Holiness
Holiness is the highest value a human person can possess
Holiness, being the highest on the Max Scheler's hierarchy of values
The Lord did not speak to Eli because He was displeased with Eli for allowing the iniquity in his household to continue without correction
We can know God's will for us through the practice of authentic prayer and worship
The life of Samuel is a life of deep prayer and service to God
Prayer consists of not so much speaking to God but listening and hearing his word
Keep our hearts, eyes and ears open so that daily, we can respond to God's call
God wants to speak to you through His word now while you are young and throughout your life. He wants to do mighty things with you just like He did with Samuel
Are you willing to say, "Yes Lord, your servant is listening?"
Prayer helps us find direction in life. It can prevent us from making wrong decisions and falling into sin. Through it, we can learn to submit to God's will. Prayer helps us receive forgiveness and love
The Lord allows us to choose whether we will follow Him or the false gods and unrighteous ways of the world
You are responsible for the choices you make. While you are free to choose your course of action, you are not free to choose the consequences
Righteous choices lead to lasting happiness and eternal life
It is important for us to pray in order that the Lord God can guide us through our prayer. In prayer, our values are formed in what God wants us to do. We can therefore do good to others and bring justice to everything we do
What Went Well in the way Prophet Elijah worshipped God (GREEN FLAGS)
Elijah prayed by:
Experiencing the Provision of God
Listening to the voice of God, to focus and be still
Intentions
Justice, as one turns its back from false idols
Accepting the challenges and ardently praying
Humility in admitting limitations and shortcomings
Prayer provides us with a chance to change our lives
Outward signs/symbols
Visible, tangible signs of God's movement in our lives
Sacrament
Encounters with the Risen Christ
Sacrament
Sensible signs instituted by Christ, by means of which the graces of Holy Spirit are communicated to us
Signs
Visible realities that point to something else, usually having only one basic meaning