There is a Truth in which we are all like St. Joseph. While unlike him, our children are conceived naturally, nevertheless there is an aspect of their nature that is a miracle - that is, both the actual creation, but especially their immortal souls.
Looking at my newborn baby, a profound mystery strikes me: this is my child, and yet he also has an immortal soul given by God, his Father in Heaven.
Just like St. Joseph, this child is also to be obedient to us in so far as we teach it the good, but he may have a higher mission from God.
My duty is to protect and raise the child, keep him healthy, but ultimately his purpose is infinitely above me, it is His purpose.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Friday, January 1, 2016
God's Sacrifice and Number of Elect
There are a lot of debates on "who gets to go to Heaven," or "how many are elect?" but I think, before considering anything else, we need to keep in mind Christ's sacrifice. That is, the sacrifice of God is, by His very nature, infinite and all encompassing. Christ has already suffered all our sins.
That is, the basis of everything, is to acknowledge and accept this sacrifice. To thank God for this sacrifice and accept it as our own to have an effect.
We seem to understand intrinsically though that this can't be done hypocritically - we can't pretend to accept it, but should seek to love God with our whole being, to repent of our failing even in this regard.
Because of this, and God's great mercy, it is wrong of us to assume God would not extend His love to those who have not heard of Him, or been told lies of Him - surely he will ask "forgive them for they know not" and seek even that lost sheep and rejoice should it return. We must then necessarily assume that a great many people must chose to accept Christ after death, but before the resurrection - as in during those "3 days" when Christ descends to the dead and brings them the Gospel. Is that a period act, or an eternal act?
Based on this simple understanding, I don't want to go further. It seems, at that point, to accept revelation as given to one church or the other. If to the Catholics, then purgatory answers the role of meeting the remaining deficiency. If Mormon, then the levels or "rooms" of the mansion answers the role - as "few are chosen" either for direct sainthood or to the fullest celestial glory.
I can testify though that God wants us to love Him, that He seeks us out for us to love Him as a most perfect Father who desires His lost son or daughter to come home and embrace Him.
That is, the basis of everything, is to acknowledge and accept this sacrifice. To thank God for this sacrifice and accept it as our own to have an effect.
We seem to understand intrinsically though that this can't be done hypocritically - we can't pretend to accept it, but should seek to love God with our whole being, to repent of our failing even in this regard.
Because of this, and God's great mercy, it is wrong of us to assume God would not extend His love to those who have not heard of Him, or been told lies of Him - surely he will ask "forgive them for they know not" and seek even that lost sheep and rejoice should it return. We must then necessarily assume that a great many people must chose to accept Christ after death, but before the resurrection - as in during those "3 days" when Christ descends to the dead and brings them the Gospel. Is that a period act, or an eternal act?
Based on this simple understanding, I don't want to go further. It seems, at that point, to accept revelation as given to one church or the other. If to the Catholics, then purgatory answers the role of meeting the remaining deficiency. If Mormon, then the levels or "rooms" of the mansion answers the role - as "few are chosen" either for direct sainthood or to the fullest celestial glory.
I can testify though that God wants us to love Him, that He seeks us out for us to love Him as a most perfect Father who desires His lost son or daughter to come home and embrace Him.
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