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2.1a The Gift of Faith

2.1a The Gift of Faith. What is Faith?. What is Faith?. Latin: fides, Hebrew : pistis steadfastness , trust , belief Divine revelation and church tradition Risk (for something that is not obvious or known) Faith is a gift from God, a supernatural virtue infused by Him – C.C.C. 153.

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2.1a The Gift of Faith

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  1. 2.1a The Gift of Faith

  2. What is Faith?

  3. What is Faith? • Latin: fides, Hebrew: pistis • steadfastness, trust, belief • Divine revelation and church tradition • Risk (for something that is not obvious or known) • Faith is a gift from God, a supernatural virtue infused by Him – C.C.C. 153

  4. According to St. Thomas Aquinas: “Faith is the intellect assenting to a Divine truth, owing to the movement of the will, which itself is moved by the will of God”

  5. Faithfulness • Faithfulness is a virtue from God • Virtues are firm attitudes and habits that govern our actions, order our passions and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They are gifts from God that must be further developed through, prayer, practice and intellectual pursuit.

  6. The Characteristics of Faith • Faith is a grace – we require the Holy Spirit to moves us, open our eyes and convert our hearts. • Faith is a human act – it involves our human intellect choosing to cooperate with divine grace.

  7. The Characteristics of Faith • Faith seeks understanding – the believer seeks to know God and to better comprehend was is revealed • Faith is a free act – our faith must be a free choice and not forced; God calls us and we must respond to the call

  8. The Characteristics of Faith • Faith is a necessity – without faith it is impossible to come to know God • Perseverance in Faith – we can lose the gift of faith if we don’t nourish it with the Word of God. • Faith the beginning of eternal life –it allows us a sample of the beatific vision

  9. How is Faith Fostered? • Listen – God is always speaking to us • Find your path – recognize where God is directing you • Follow your path – live out the course that God has set for you • Stay on your path – don’t stray and give into temptation and distraction; find ways to nourish your faith so your faith may grow.

  10. How does Faith Grow? • Life long journey – many detours along the way • At your own pace – take time for yourself and your spiritual growth • Prayer – connect with God; this is your living relationship with God • Seeing Christ in others – By showing love to all of our brothers and sisters we are doing Christ’s work and growing in faith

  11. How Do We Sustain Faith? • Make time for you – reflection, retreat • Make time for God – through prayer, liturgy, sacramental life • Make time for community – connect with other members of Christ’s body on Earth • Question – ask questions and seek clarification • Open your heart (most important) – Answers to our questions are not always what we expected and don’t always come within the time frame we would like

  12. What If I Have Doubts? • Temptations against faith are natural and inevitable • Doubt is opportunity – we your faith is tested and challenged use this as a chance to learn and grow • Meet God half way – put things in God’s hands sometimes • Mystery – some things are not to be understood in this lifetime

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