The Blessed Trinity Chapter 6 Notes

How is the fear of the Lord like the relationship between a child and his (good) parents?

A child inherently acknowledges the parents' right to make decisions. However, the primary relationship is defined by a profound mutual love; love of the parents for their child and of the child for his or her parents.

What is the difference between a habit and an act?

A habit is a disposition of the soul (intellect and will), which inclines us to act in a certain way. An act is a freely chosen action, which is either a good or evil action.

What transformation do the followers of Christ seek?

As disciples, they want their hearts and minds to identify with those of Christ so they may increasingly love, think, and act according to Christ's example and teachings.

What is the importance of the forty days during which Christ appeared to his Apostles between his Resurrection and Ascension?

As he had spent forty days in the desert in preparation for his public life, Christ gave his Apostles a forty-day period of preparation for their public ministries between his Resurrection and Ascension.

What is the significance of the number twelve for Christ and the Apostles?

As there were twelve tribes of Israel, so there are twelve Apostles who lead the Church.

What is the significance of the election of St. Matthias?

As they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles, led by St. Peter, elected St. Matthias to be the successor to the office, or bishopric, of Judas in order to restore the apostolic college.

What is the relationship between the theological virtues and knowledge of God?

By practicing the theological virtues and living a moral life, one is led to a deeper knowledge of the mystery of God and his plan for our lives. This leads to wisdom to appreciate and penetrate the mysteries of God as a Trinity of divine Persons.

What does it mean to say grace builds on nature?

Divine assistance does not take the place of human power but augments it.

How is every person's yes to God like the Blessed Virgin Mary's yes?

Each time someone says yes to the will of God, the Holy Spirit in a sense makes Christ incarnate once again by making him or her an instrument of Christ in the world.

What ultimate witness was each Apostle enabled by the Holy Spirit to make?

Each was able to bear witness to Christ by submitting to martyrdom. Extension: Although he faced martyrdom, St. John survived and eventually died in exile.

Who possesses the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Every baptized person in the state of grace possesses them.

What is the relationship between the Twelve and the bishop of this diocese?

Every bishop is, by his office, a successor to the Apostles due to the unbroken succession of bishops from the Apostles.

What does it mean to say all Sacred Scripture is one book, and this one book is Christ?

Every part of Scripture speaks of Christ, and every part of Scripture is fulfilled in him.

What are some spectacular phenomena said to be inspired by the Holy Spirit?

Glossolalia, prophecy, inter pretation of prophecy, and healing can be inspired.

What is acknowledged about God and neighbor through the gift of piety?

God is Our Father, and all people have dignity as sons and daughters of God.

What did St. John the Baptist prophesy Christ would do with respect to Baptism?

"He who is mightier than I... will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Lk 3:16; cf. Mt 3:11).

How did St. Stephen exemplify the gift of fortitude?

He bore witness to Christ to the point of becoming the first martyr.

What did Simon the magician wish to purchase?

He desired the power of the Holy Spirit so he could work wonders.

How did the Descent of the Holy Spirit fulfill Christ's promise not to leave them?

He gave the Holy Spirit to the Apostles to establish his Church, which is the principal means through which Christ is present in the world.

What three things does God give a newly baptized person?

He gives grace, infuses the theological virtues, and gives the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

What were the qualifications for Judas's replacement?

He had to be a disciple of Christ who was with them, "beginning from the baptism of John until the day when [Christ] was taken up from us," including having been "a witness to his resurrection" (Acts 1:22).

How did St. Maximilian Kolbe exemplify the gift of counsel?

He imitated Christ in his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, dedication to prayer, apostolic zeal, absolute reliance on divine providence, and especially in his willingness to sacrifice his life for another.

What is the first mention of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

He is named at the Annunciation; "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Lk 1:35).

According to the Catechism, no. 1285, what obligation does Confirmation place on a person?

He or she is obligated to spread and defend the Faith by word and deed.

How can a person increase in the gift of wisdom?

He or she loves God and receives grace through the Sacraments, prayer, and good works.

What two attitudes can a person have toward obedience and respect for parents and God?

He or she may act out of love and respect or out of fear of punishment. Acting out of love is by far a superior motive, but both motives are correct.

How does one get to know Christ in the Scriptures?

He or she needs to study and meditate on the Bible.

How can a person cooperate with the Holy Spirit to increase the gift of understanding?

He or she should pray, study, and meditate on Our Lord's words, the Church's teachings, and the events of daily life.

At the Last Supper, whom did Christ promise to send to his Apostles?

He promised to send the Holy Spirit, whom he called the Counselor, who would teach them and guide them in the way they should go.

What did Christ teach the Apostles between his Resurrection and Ascension?

He spoke of the Kingdom of God.

How was the Holy Spirit active in the Old Testament?

He spoke through the prophets.

What is the basic mission of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant?

He was sent by the Father and the Son to guide the Church until the end of time.

Where did Christ remind the Apostles the Holy Spirit would come to them?

He would come in Jerusalem; where they were to wait.

Why should the gift of piety change the way others are seen?

If each person is a child of God, all people are brothers and sisters.

Why is detachment necessary in order to use created things as God intended?

If one is attached to created things, they will be more important than they really ought.

When did the first Revelation of the Blessed Trinity occur?

Immediately following the Baptism of Christ, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove, and a voice from Heaven was heard to say, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." In this scene were God the Son, the voice of God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit in the form of the dove.

How did the Holy Spirit enable St. Simeon to perceive God?

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he was led to the Temple where he recognized the infant Jesus to be the promised Messiah.

What does the gift of fortitude help a person accomplish?

It gives strength and courage to endure long and trying difficulties and to complete the tasks undertaken in the service of God.

What does the gift of counsel help a person do?

It helps to judge promptly, correctly, and according to the will of God which actions are for the glory of God and for salvation.

What does the gift of knowledge help a person judge?

It helps to judge the true value of the things encountered in life.

What does the gift of wisdom help a person know?

It helps to know God himself, what comes from him, and what leads to him.

What does the gift of understanding help to do?

It helps to penetrate the divine truths revealed by God so a person can appreciate the fullness of the Faith.

What does the gift of understanding help a person comprehend?

It helps understand Sacred Scripture, Christ's Presence in the Sacraments, the signs used by God to reveal his presence in the world, and the events in each person's life.

When was the Sacrament of Confirmation bestowed in the early Church?

It immediately followed the reception of Baptism.

How was the Jewish Pentecost like the Mass?

It included the reading of the Law and the offering of sacrifices.

What is fear of the Lord?

It is a sense of sovereign respect in the presence of an all-powerful and loving God.

What is the principle of new life God places in a baptized person's soul?

It is called grace.

When is Confirmation ordinarily administered in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church?

It is deferred until the person has reached the age of reason.

What does Pentecost mean?

It is derived from the Greek for fifty because it was celebrated fifty days after Passover.

By what principle means does one come to know the Person of Jesus Christ?

It is done principally through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

How is the transforming action of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people primarily seen in the New Covenant?

It is seen in the sacramental life of the Church.

What is simony?

It is selling spiritual goods for money or some other gain.

How is Christian love seen in human history?

It is shown forth in the spiritual and material works of Christians throughout the centuries.

What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

It is the bestowing of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands as a completion of the Church's Sacraments of Initiation.

What is the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit?

It is the love St. Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13.

In the New Testament, how is the Holy Spirit bestowed on the followers of Christ?

It is through the laying on of hands.

What is blasphemy?

It is to speak evil about or to attribute evil to holy persons or things, especially God.

What are some translations of the Greek Parakletos, which is used by St. John to describe the work of the Holy Spirit?

It is translated Counselor, Teacher, Advocate, Intercessor, Helper, and Comforter.

What does the word fear mean in fear of the Lord?

It means awe, reverence, and respect. It is the recognition of a just God who has authority over all creation.

What does it mean to say a person has been elevated to the supernatural order?

It means he or she now has access to divine assistance.

What does it mean to say the Holy Spirit "convince[s] the world concerning sin"?

It means the Holy Spirit shows people the evil contained in their sin.

What does the gift of wisdom do to a person's vision?

It opens his or her eyes to the reality of God in the world.

What doctrine does the gift of piety teach?

It teaches the meaning of divine filiation, the joyful, supernatural awareness of being a son or daughter of God and a brother or sister of all people.

What did the Jewish Pentecost celebrate?

It was a harvest festival and celebrated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai, which came fifty days after the departure of the Hebrews from Egypt.

Why were there so many people in Jerusalem who spoke foreign languages?

Jews from all over the world were celebrating Pentecost.

How is true love proactive?

Love looks for the opportunity to show itself in deeds.

What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, modesty, chastity, and goodness are the fruits of the Holy Spirit, supernatural works that flow from the Christian life.

What does Christ promise will happen if a person is called to give witness to the Faith, even to the point of losing his or her life?

No one should worry because "the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Lk 12:12).

Could a human being ever understand the existence of the Blessed Trinity through reason?

No; it has to be revealed.

Is it possible to fulfill the Law of Love perfectly?

No; the grace of the Sacraments and the gifts of the Holy Spirit assist if someone sincerely commits him- or herself to keeping the moral law.

Why does the gift of piety naturally lead to love of God?

Piety helps to see how God is merciful to his children, so they can be confident when approaching him.

How does the gift of knowledge differ from science?

Science is used to discover reality by investigating material causes. The gift of knowledge is used to discover God's intention with respect to material things.

What does it mean to say the Church is the Sacrament of Salvation?

She is the sign and instrument of communion between God and men.

How was the gift of piety seen in the life of Bl. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)?

She lived the teaching of Christ; "As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Mt 25:40). She loved Christ in the sick and the dying and thereby treated them with dignity as sons and daughters of God.

How did St. Therese act as a child of God?

She relied on God for everything and was confident God loved her even though she was imperfect.

How did St. Faustina live humility?

She was assigned the lowest tasks at her convent.

What did some people assume based on the Apostles' behavior?

Some thought they were drunk.

How was the work of the Holy Spirit evident in the Visitation?

St. Elizabeth's unborn child, St. John the Baptist, was filled with the Holy Spirit and leaped with joy in her womb when she heard the Blessed Virgin Mary's greeting. St. Elizabeth, herself filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized her as the Mother of the Lord.

How is St. Simeon an example of a person with the gift of wisdom?

St. Simeon was able to perceive the presence of Christ in what otherwise seemed to be an ordinary newborn child.

Though the Apostles received the Holy Spirit on the evening of the Resurrection, why did the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council speak of the Church's birth on the day of Pentecost?

The Apostles received the Holy Spirit at first privately. On Pentecost he was given publicly, which is why Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church.

Who was present with the Apostles at Pentecost?

The Apostles were with the Blessed Virgin Mary and other disciples.

What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and human understanding of God?

The Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Elizabeth, and St. Simeon are examples of how the Holy Spirit enables people to perceive God.

How do the Church and the Holy Spirit work together to give grace?

The Church is the visible dispenser of the Sacraments. The Holy Spirit acts in the Sacraments as the invisible dispenser of the life that they signify.

What is the meaning of office with respect to Judas's office in the Church?

The Greek is episkope, from which comes the word episcopacy and the English word bishop.

What does it mean to say the choice to be baptized arises from the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit awakens faith in people and communicates knowledge of the Father and the Son. Faith is a gift from God

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures?

The Holy Spirit both inspired the authors of the Sacred Scripture and reveals Christ in these writings.

What happened at Pentecost following Christ's Ascension?

The Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles during the Jewish feast of Pentecost, giving birth to the Church as the Apostles became courageous and gifted preachers.

How does the Holy Spirit enable each person to perceive the reality of who he or she is?

The Holy Spirit enables each person to perceive the existence of sin in his or her life and the need for Christ's Redemption.

How was the gift of fortitude evident in Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit filled the frightened Apostles with courage.

What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the life of the Church?

The Holy Spirit give life to the Church.

What gifts does the Holy Spirit give Christians?

The Holy Spirit gives the faithful the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity and the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Though they accepted them with faith, why were Christ's disciples not able to understand the full meaning of his words?

The Holy Spirit had not yet come to them.

Who inspires each person to pray and teaches him or her to do so?

The Holy Spirit inspires each person to raise his or her heart and mind to God. The Spirit also helps for "we do not know how to pray as we ought" (Rom 8:26).

What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Sacrament of Confirmation?

The Holy Spirit is received especially in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

What leads a person to accept truths not knowable by reason?

The Holy Spirit leads him or her.

What is the result of the Blessed Virgin Mary's yes?

The Holy Spirit made Christ incarnate in her womb, bringing God to earth.

What does it mean to proceed with respect to the inner life of the Blessed Trinity?

The Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son, having his nature and subsistence at once from the Father and Son.

What is the nature of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, with whom he is consubstantial. He spoke through the prophets of the Old Testament, is revealed in the New Testament, and is manifested in the life of the Church.

Specifically, what did Christ say the Counselor would do for the Apostles?

The Holy Spirit would "teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (Jn 14:26).

How do both St. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch display the gifts of understanding?

The Holy Spirit, acting through St. Philip, unveiled the meaning of the Scriptures to the Ethiopian eunuch. Because he understood Jesus to be the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, the Ethiopian asked to be baptized.

How does wisdom relate to taste?

The Latin word for wisdom is sapientia, which is derived from the verb to taste. Taste judges food, and wisdom judges experience, whether they taste of God or not.

How does the gift of fear change people's attitudes toward God and themselves?

The gift impresses upon the heart a spirit of adoration of God and profound and sincere humility in regard to self.

How does the gift of counsel relate to the virtue of prudence?

The gift of counsel helps to know what should or should not be done in situations requiring a moral decision.

How does a person view sin in light of the gift of fear?

The gift of fear leads him or her to know the evil of sin and, therefore, to detest it.

How does the gift of knowledge assist the natural knowledge of God?

The gift of knowledge enables a person to discover the supernatural truth contained in God's creation and the path he or she should follow on the journey to Heaven.

What are the gifts of knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord?

The gift of knowledge permits a person to use created things wisely. The gift of piety makes a person know God as Abba, Father. The fear of the Lord ensures a person will serve God faithfully.

What are the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and fortitude?

The gift of wisdom enables a person to enjoy the presence of God. The gift of understanding helps to discern divine truths. The gift of counsel makes wise decisions easier. The gift of fortitude gives strength of character.

Outside St. Paul's letters, what are some examples of charismatic gifts in the New Testament?

The healings performed by the Apostles and the "speaking in foreign tongues" after the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost are charismatic gifts.

What did St. Thomas Aquinas mean by, "excludes the elements through which the forgiveness of sin takes place"?

The sinner refuses to accept the salvation God offers through the Holy Spirit. In other words, the sinner rejects the possibility he or she can be forgiven.

How does a person grow in meritorious acts?

The theological virtues make it possible with that person's cooperation.

How is the cenacle the first Christian church?

The upper room is where Christ had celebrated the Last Supper. Here the Apostles, with the Blessed Virgin Mary and other believers, gathered to pray every day, and here the Holy Spirit descended upon the Church.

Why are these called theological virtues?

Their object is God. Through faith, a life is centered on God. Hope allows a person to move toward him. Charity, or love, is the natural fruit of the Christian life.

Why did St. Paul address these charismatic gifts in his First Epistle to the Corinthians?

There were abuses or conflicts associated with them.

What gift of tongues did the Apostles display at Pentecost?

These Galileans spoke their own language but were heard in the native language of each listener.

Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit self-directed or other-directed?

They are directed toward love of neighbor.mTherefore, a person who possesses these gifts is other- directed.

What are the three infused theological virtues?

They are faith, hope, and charity.

What is the reason for these gifts' existence?

They are for the good of the Church.

What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

They are the natural effects of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the acts or works that flow from living the Christian life.

What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit?

They are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

How do the gifts of the Holy Spirit relate to the theological virtues?

They complete and perfect the theological virtues. Extension: The gifts of the Holy Spirit enable people to receive and readily obey the promptings the Holy Spirit sends in grace. They make people more attentive to the voice of God and make it easier to follow his plan in life.

How did the early Christians understand the purpose of material goods?

They knew material wealth had been given to them to use for the glory of God.

What did the Apostles do upon having received the Holy Spirit?

They went out into the streets to proclaim the Word of God and began to speak in other languages.

What were the Apostles to do after they had received the Holy Spirit?

They were to be Christ's "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria" and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

How did the Holy Spirit enable St. Elizabeth to perceive God?

Though there were no visible signs to indicate the presence of God, the Holy Spirit opened her eyes to the divine presence in the Blessed Virgin Mary's womb.

What is the purpose of the three gifts God gives the baptized?

Through grace, virtues, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the soul is capable of working toward perfection.

What does it mean to be a temple of the Holy Spirit?

Through the grace of the Holy Spirit given in Baptism and Confirmation, the Father and the Son are received, raising the recipient to a supernatural level of divine life. Through the Holy Spirit, God actually dwells in this person (the soul) as in a temple.

How is the Church's historical care for the poor a sign of the gift of knowledge?

Throughout the ages, members of the Church have understood one of the best uses of wealth is to assist the poor.

How did St. Faustina experience fear of the Lord?

When she had a vision of God, she experienced both fear and joy.

Does true love of neighbor fulfill Christ's Law of Love?

Yes; those who truly love their neighbors fulfill the law perfectly; they love as Christ loves.