Avoiding Presumption & Despair – Jan 19 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 19, 2023, on how we must have trust and hope in God, which includes God giving us the gift of salvation but requiring our free will acceptance.

Notes:

CCC 1817 Trust in God definition of hope http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a7.htm#1817

The Catholic principle of both-and, God has his part, and we have our part. God's part is primary, but we must do something. We must go to God in trust and hope.

Two faults against hope presumption and despair

Presumption I don't need to do anything

Despair I can't do anything

Broad definition of despair

Thinkers of the 20th Century actually teach despair Karl Rahner, and Hans Urs von Balthasar.

Rahner God does not just give an opening to salvation but salvation itself regardless of freedom, but purposely not clear.

Von Balthasar, Does God even want or respect man's freedom, or is God's desire for our salvation absolute? He does not answer his own question.

This is a version of God that seems to provide hope but does the opposite.

Hope and trust are indispensable

Do what we can, and God will do the rest.

Trust filled with Humility

Ave Maria!

Mass: Thursday 2nd Week of Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/011923.cfm
1st: heb 7:25-86
Resp: psa 40:7-10, 17
Gsp: mar 3:7-12

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1368

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