SALVATION: faith + repentance + trust

FAITH: in God’s Mercy

REPENTANCE :

A radical re‑orientation of our whole life…a conversion to God with all our heart surrendering to Him

Sorrow and hatred for sin that is against God and offends God

Resolution to amend one’s life (change Of heart and actions to not sin again)

TRUST: in His Grace and forgiveness 

False/worldly repentance: sorrow for the consequences, or despair that leads away from God. It is regret for what was lost materially, not sorrow for offending God. It is possible to feel regret, even intense grief, but lacks trust in God’s forgiveness. It does not reorient life to God throwing themselves on His mercy. 

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Why even though Esau and Judas repented were they not saved

Both Esau and Judas expressed words that sound like repentance, yet the Church teaches that repentance must be a true conversion of heart, accompanied by sincere contrition, a firm resolve to amend one’s life, and, when possible, the sacramental act of confession. When these elements are lacking, the “repentance” spoken of in Scripture does not bring the grace of forgiveness and salvation.

interior repentance as “a radical re‑orientation of our whole life…a conversion to God with all our heart…with hope in God’s mercy and trust in the help of his grace”1. This interior change must be expressed in contrition (a sorrow for sin and hatred of it) and a resolution not to sin again

True vs. False Repentance

• True repentance (metanoia): sorrow for sin because it offends God, leading to conversion, trust in God’s mercy, and a changed life. (Think of Peter after his denial—he wept bitterly but ran back to Jesus.)

• False/worldly repentance: sorrow for the consequences, or despair that leads away from God. It lacks trust in God’s forgiveness. (Esau wanted back the blessing, Judas wanted relief from guilt, but neither threw themselves on God’s mercy.)

God’s mercy is always open, but salvation requires faith + repentance + trust.

• Esau and Judas illustrate that it’s possible to feel regret, even intense grief, without making that surrender to God.

• Their stories warn us against stopping at remorse, and instead push us toward true contrition—running into God’s arms for mercy.

Both Esau and Judas uttered words that resemble repentance, but their hearts never underwent the true conversion the Church requires. Esau’s “tears” were not accompanied by a genuine turning away from sin, and Judas’ remorse turned into despair and suicide, preventing the sacramental reconciliation that would have restored him to God. The Church therefore teaches that repentance without sincere contrition, amendment of life, and the sacramental means of forgiveness does not bring salvation. True repentance remains always open to God’s mercy, but it must be a real change of heart, not merely an expression of regret.

From Blogger iPhone client

READ

I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. (John 8:37, RSV2CE)

but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did. (John 8:40, RSV2CE)

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God; I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But, because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. (John 8:42–45, RSV2CE)

He who is of God hears the words of God; the reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

Hatred and wanting to kill Jesus stems from the Word of God being rejected. People do not want truth from God, His Word. 

If God is your Father, you will Love Jesus. You will understand The Father sent Jesus. You cannot understand Jesus unless you want to know Truth and accept and receive His Word in order to embrace and obey (not lip service). He who is of God hears the Word of God understands it and Does it. 

If you reject God’s word and do not embrace to obey his teachings you are a child of the devil. Your will is to do desires that stem from the devil. Do not want truth, want your way, lies, delusion, self love, hatred, etc. Refuse truth because the lie is part of your nature because the devil is a liar. You cannot hear the word of God because you are not of God. 

PRAY

Jesus, it is so hard here. It seems even the church has turned away from you and your word. Everyone wants to change your word to mean something else instead of embracing your Truth and directions for life. Ironically they want to change it in the name of love, which is actually a camouflage for selfish desire and refusal of responsibility that kills the souls of others and themselves. Good teaching is hard to find so come Holy Spirit, teach me, Help me, come to my assistance, make haste to help me and guide me to truth. You will not leave me in the hands of the enemy, help me seek you with all my heart! I need mercy and grace. Preserve me o God. Give me perseverance. Amen. 

From Blogger iPhone client

You judge according to the flesh, I judge no one. (John 8:15, RSV2CE)

I judge based on what I see people do not based on the heart since I cannot see their heart. Jesus has not come to judge yet, He has come to tell people a way to not be judged. He wants to save. 

Jesus, please forgive my heard heart. Help me pray for the people to not be swayed by the evil one who makes them think evil is good. We are broken and assaulted all day, help us see and choose your truth over the liar who is seeking to destroy. 

They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father; if you knew me, you would know my Father also.” (John 8:19, RSV2CE)

If I were actually trying to be right with God in my heart, not just following rules, I would know Him. If I knew Him, I would recognize Jesus as coming from the Father. There is enough in the Old Testament to see Jesus as coming from God we just have to want God and his heart not our slavish obedience to rules. 

Father, I am guilty of this a lot. I try to follow your rules so you love me instead of knowing you love me and the rules keep me safe from sin. When our eyes get on the wrong motivation we become more broken. Help me know your love and see your holiness heals and that’s why the rules are there, to free me! Not enslaved me to rules. 

Again he said to them, “I go away, and you will seek me and die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” (John 8:21, RSV2CE)

I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he.” (John 8:24, RSV2CE)

Jesus will go away. People will seek him and die in sin? I thought if we seek him we will find him? I get we will not go where He is if we die in sin. He is Heaven, we go to hell. So some seek, but not for right motives? That’s why they die in sin? But if we seek because we believe then we will not die in sin…

Jesus, I believe you are who you say you are. I believe you came to set me free from sin. I believe you are one with the Father, save me!

I have much to say about you and much to judge; but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” (John 8:26, RSV2CE)

The Father sent Jesus to tell the truth. Jesus has come to declare to the entire world what God has said to Jesus to communicate to us. It seems we like denial and self deception because it’s easier than facing truth and getting your life right. We hide in entertainment and addiction so we do not have to deal with truth. 

Jesus, please help me! Please open my eyes to truth. Life is hard! But you came so I would not do it alone. You suffered and showed me that after suffering comes life eternal! It is worth the fight! Fight the fight of faith! DEAL with life in reality and be saved!

He said to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. (John 8:23, RSV2CE)

We are made from dust. We cannot understand what life is unless we are enlightened. We see from earthly perspective which is under the influence of evil. Jesus is not of this world. He is of Heaven. He made the world and knows all the good He made. The devil deceived and broke or perception. We need Jesus to open our worldly eyes. 

Jesus, it is dark here. We are confused. Even the church is in major deception. Come Holy Spirit, Renew the Face of the Earth!! Help us be willing to see and follow. Yes it is hard, but eternity with You is worth the fight!! Come Lord Jesus!!

And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what is pleasing to him.” (John 8:29, RSV2CE)

God and Jesus are One. The Father never left Jesus. Jesus always did the Fathers will and was always pleasing to him. 

Holy Almighty God help me be united to you. Help me always do what pleases you. Help me stay with you and don’t leave me. I cannot do it without your mercy and grace. Come My God, make haste to help me! 

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. (John 8:34, RSV2CE)

You came to save and deliver from sin. 

Save me! Deliver me. Cleanse me. 

From Blogger iPhone client

READ

37 All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; 39 and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. (John 6:37–40, 44-45, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

All that the Father gives Jesus will come to Him. 

No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. 

Those who come to Jesus are taught by God. 

The Father came to me and told me about himself. He told me to go to Jesus. 

If I come to Jesus He will not cast me out. 

Jesus came to do the Father’s will not His own will. 

Jesus will save all that has come to Him from the Father. This is the Father’s will which Jesus does!

If I am drawn by the Father, if I listen to the Father, if I am taught by the Father, if I Obey the Father by going to Jesus, if I see Jesus and believe in Him, I will have eternal life and be raised. 

PRAY

What does it mean to come to Jesus? Many people play church and think they have relationship just like Judas who was a disciple and apostle. Judas was the absolute closest you could get, yet, he never came to Jesus. Was he was not drawn, was He not listening, was he not taught or was he not willing to obey the Father? Where was the disconnect?

Each step builds on the last, if you reject a step, you cannot go all the way. 

How do I know if I am drawn? (Are all drawn)

I am drawn because I am here doing this reflection. I try to be with Him everyday. I love Him. I try to do what He wants. 

Do I listen? (Not all are listening)

I try to read the word and I try to live my life with his commands. I repent when I fail. Which is often, but I get up and turn again to him and away from sin. 

Do I want to be taught? (Most do not want to be taught)

I want to know and understand his way of living in this world. I want to know and do what his plan for me is. Not to build a life for myself and my comfort, but like Jesus, to love and give himself away for the kingdom. I am to listen to the Word of God and obey it crucifying my own flesh by carrying my cross every single day. If I am not even willing to be taught I cannot move forward. (Being born again is if I am willing)

Do I want to obey? (This is supernatural)

I have to want His will in order to obey. Most people are trying to build a comfortable life here but this is not heaven or our home. We are to be building our home in heaven with what we do here. Like Mary, I am to completely trust his journey for me, not my preference. Mary had many hardships and yet was not disturbed. She was completely docile to the journey God had for her. God’s plan includes evil. Nothing is out of His control, this has all been incorporated into the plan from before the foundation. He sees ALL at one immediate time. I must trust!

Do I want His will not mine? (This is supernatural)

Do I really want His will or do I want Him to want my will? To tell the truth I want the latter. I need grace to change my heart. To want his will is to live like Jesus. Not worried about what the world is doing, no politics, no building houses and lives. To live as His child doing what He has chosen and determined for you to do. 

Jesus came to tell people about God, tell them there is a kingdom, tell people to get into the kingdom you must stop thinking worldly and do a complete opposite turn around, REPENT. You must love God, and love others for the love of God. 

To love God is to let Him CHANGE YOU into a new person. To love God is to obey his commands. The old person is broken and dying from self destruction. He made us to be in communion with Him all through our earthly life as we get to know Him and live with Him forever. He cannot be in communion with those who will not love, He is Love. 

I am willing to suffer for His Glory? (This is supernatural)

This world is broken and people are not listening and wanting to love God. They do not want his commandments. They think they are restricting, when in fact they free the soul. It is dangerous and evil days. You will be persecuted for telling the truth to those who refuse to hear. You will be persecuted for living differently. You will ironically be persecuted for LOVE. Because true love warns of dangers and the soul is in perilous danger here but worldly people think the opposite. 

Am I willing to be drawn, listen, be taught and obey? I AM WILLING, HELP ME!

Each step builds on the last, if you reject a step, you cannot go all the way. 

Lord, please create in me a new heart and spirit!! CHANGE ME!! Amen. 

From Blogger iPhone client

What is Saving Faith-Be Not Deceived 

1. Faith as a Living Relationship

Emphasizes that saving faith is not merely intellectual assent or belief in doctrines. Instead, it is a living, dynamic relationship with God, rooted in love, trust, and obedience. Faith is personal and relational, involving the whole person—mind, heart, and will. The Church teaches that faith is not a mere intellectual assent but a “virtus infusa”—a supernatural virtue that makes the whole person (mind, heart, will) responsive to God 1. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are drawn into a personal communion with Christ, “the knowledge of faith … possible only in the Holy Spirit”2. This relational dimension is the basis for the believer’s “filial existence” and the “new creation”. 

2. Faith and Synergy

A key concept is synergy—the cooperation between God’s grace and human free will. Salvation is initiated by God’s grace, but humans must respond freely in faith. Saving faith is therefore active, expressed through repentance, prayer, participation in the sacraments, and a life of virtue. Catholic theology uses the term synergy (Greek synergeia) to describe the cooperation of divine grace and human freedom 4. The International Theological Commission stresses that “faith … must be cultivated … through the assiduous reception of the sacraments” and that the believer’s response is a dialogical exchange with the Trinitarian God . The sacraments themselves are “signs by which one professes the faith” and “nourish faith”, showing that grace initiates salvation while the human will freely embraces it.

3. Faith and Works

Catholics reject the idea that faith alone (without works) is sufficient for salvation. Instead, it teaches that Faith must be lived out through love and good works. This is not seen as earning salvation, but as the natural fruit of genuine faith. The Church rejects “faith alone” as a self‑sufficient means of salvation. Both Scripture and the Magisterium affirm that faith without works is dead (cf. James 2:14‑26) 7, and that works are the fruit of genuine faith 8. Faith must be lived out in charity and obedience to the commandments 9. This does not make works a merit that “earns” salvation; rather, they are the necessary expression of a faith already given by grace 10.

4. Faith as Part of Theosis (Divinization)

Saving faith is part of the process of theosis—becoming more like God, being transformed by His grace. Faith opens the heart to God’s presence and allows the believer to grow in holiness and union with Him. The ultimate goal of the Christian life is divinization—participation in the divine life. The Catholic Church describes this as “active and dynamic participation in the divine life… through cooperation between the human person and God” 11. The Catechism likewise states that sanctification is “a sharing in the holiness of God … progressively modifies human existence” 12, and links faith to the “primordial gift … that sustains our lives” and leads to transformation 3. Thus saving faith opens the heart to the grace that affects this transfiguration.

5. Faith is Ecclesial

Faith is not just individual; it is nurtured and expressed within the Church, especially through the sacramental life (e.g., baptism, Eucharist, confession). The Church is seen as the Body of Christ, and saving faith is lived in communion with it. Faith is inseparably linked to the Church. The sacraments, especially Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, “lay the foundations of every Christian life” and are the means by which believers receive “the treasures of the divine life” 13. The Church is the “fullness of the means of salvation” where “by the grace of God we acquire holiness” 14. The sacraments presuppose and nurture faith, and that the believer “is a member of the Church” through this sacramental dialogue 6. Hence saving faith is lived in communion with the Body of Christ.

 

Summary

The Catholic Church presents saving faith as:

• a living, personal relationship with God, animated by the Holy Spirit;
• a synergistic cooperation of grace and free will, expressed especially in the sacraments;
• a faith that necessarily bears fruit in love and good works;
• a gateway to divinization, the gradual participation in divine life; and
• ecclesial, nurtured and manifested within the sacramental life of the Church.

These elements together form the Church’s comprehensive understanding of “saving faith.”

 

From Blogger iPhone client

 The Gift of the Ten Commandments 

Was given in the midst of a Theophany

They are Revelation of God Himself 

His Glory

And His Holy Will

Jesus did not do away with them 

but actually amplified them 

in His Sermon on the Mount.  

READ

57 [56] Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,

for in you my soul takes refuge;

in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,

till the storms of destruction pass by.

2 I cry to God Most High,

to God who fulfils his purpose for me.

3 He will send from heaven and save me,

he will put to shame those who trample upon me.

Selah

God will send forth his mercy and his faithfulness! 

(Psalm 57:1–3, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

Mercy, I need mercy!! Please be merciful God, I am dust. My soul can take refuge in you, I lift my soul for your cleansing so I can hide under your wings. I cry to you My God who is high over all eternity, you see everything at one time. You will fulfill your purpose for me. I believe you. You will come from heaven to save me! You fight for me and protect me. You are mercy and faithfulness. I can trust and rely on you!

PRAY

Thank you My God for your mercy. Thank you for making a way for us to be reconciled even though I am a sinner. Thank you Jesus for coming and dying in my place paying for my sin so I could be with you. I plead for your mercy and cleansing. I want to be with and hide in you. You said you will fulfill your purpose for me. You came from heaven to save me. You are mercy and faithfulness, I believe you and throw myself on your mercy seat! Help me through and make me persevere all Glory to You! Amen. 

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READ

7 My heart is steadfast, O God,

my heart is steadfast!

I will sing and make melody!

8 Awake, my soul!

Awake, O harp and lyre!

I will awake the dawn!

9 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

I will sing praises to you among the nations.

10 For your mercy is great to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

Let your glory be over all the earth 

(Psalm 57:7–11, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

My heart is steadfast. My God my heart is steadfast on your mercy! I am so happy I will sing with my soul to you. I awake the dawn thinking of you, giving you praise! Your mercy is to the heavens and your faithfulness to the skies!! I exalt you my God! Let the whole Earth know your glory!!

PRAY

Jesus, I confess I am weak and my heart sometimes is broken. But I want it to be steadfast! You are Glory and Mercy and Faithfulness!! I can Trust and rely on you. I will praise You every day for your amazing Mercy!! I will sing in my soul and lift my heart so it becomes steadfast!! I hope to exalt you and let the world know you are GLORIOUS!

~~~~~

READ

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. 38 He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were to receive; for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 

(John 7:37–39, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

Jesus says:

If I thirst for righteousness I need to come to Jesus to drink. If I want to be right with God, I need to go through Jesus. He has the rivers of life. 

Jesus says:

If I believe in Jesus as the Scripture says (not misinterpreted by those not in the church or the unfaithful) I will be given living waters that will flow out of my heart. 

Jesus is the one who gives the Holy Spirit because He is glorified. The Holy Spirit will be given to those who want to be right with God, who come to Jesus, who believe in Jesus as the Scripture says, and receive the living water which is implanted in the heart by Him. 

PRAY

My God! I want this gift! I want to be right with you. I come to you Jesus! I believe You Jesus. Please Holy Spirit you are welcome in me. Come into my heart and let your living waters flow in me. I receive You. Help me be a disciple! In the name of Jesus I pray! Amen. 

From Blogger iPhone client

Praise adds nothing to your holiness, nor does blame take anything from it. You are what you are, and you cannot be said to be better than you are in God’s sight. If you consider well what you are within, you will not care what men say about you. They look to appearances but God looks to the heart.

From Blogger iPhone client

Jesus is the one God has chosen and sent to lead all mankind to the spiritual peace and prosperity of life in communion with God. 

Christ’s Kingdom is built around the cross, around suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial. 

He is the Messiah, God’s anointed, and his Kingdom would stand forever, but he would establish it through obedience to the Father’s will, even unto death by crucifixion. 

And everyone who wished to enter that Kingdom would have to follow the same path: obedience to God’s will, no matter how difficult it might be, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.”

Earth isn’t heaven and never will be, that the path to abundant meaning and happiness passes through a daily cross, that unless we are willing to sacrifice our personal preferences and worldly desires we will never reach the goal for which we were created – this lesson must be able to seep down into our hearts and spread into every corner of our minds and life. 

From Blogger iPhone client

READ

So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me; 17 if any man’s will is to do his will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. (John 7:16–18, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

Jesus Says:

His teaching is not from himself. His teaching is the Will of God. If I want to do The Father’s Will I must do Jesus’ teachings since they are The Father’s teachings. 

If someone speaks on his own authority they see glory for themselves. If someone seeks the glory of The Father, that person is True and not false. (Many people misinterpret the Bible-only the church has the authority-even the devil knows scripture-the Bible is not authority by itself-we need true interpretation)

Since Jesus seeks the Glory of The Father, Jesus is True with no Falsehood. I can Trust Him and His teachings to tell me the will of God. 

PRAY

Jesus, thank you for bringing me into your church. Thank you for guiding me to truth. I believe You. I believe your teaching. I believe you want Glory for the Father. I too want to glorify Him and walk in His will. Help me hear and stay close. Please help your church interpret the Scripture correctly. It is very dark here. Only you have the Words of eternal life! I need you! Holy Spirit Come! Amen. 

From Blogger iPhone client

The Soul that loves God 

scorns all things that are inferior to Him. 

God alone, 

the eternal and infinite, 

satisfies all, 

bringing comfort to the soul 

and true joy to the body.



From Blogger iPhone client

READ

Isaiah 25:1, 8-9

O LORD, You are my God.

I will exalt You,

I will praise Your name,

For You have done wonderful things;

Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

He will swallow up death forever,

And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces;

The rebuke of His people

He will take away from all the earth;

For the LORD has spoken.

And it will be said in that day:

“Behold, this is our God;

We have waited for Him, and He will save us.

This is the LORD;

We have waited for Him;

We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

REFLECT 

LORD you are MY GOD. Thank you for loving me and calling me to come near. Thank you for being God and especially for letting yourself be known. I can’t imagine this life here without knowing you my God. I will exalt you as first in my life, I know I am weak but you are even willing to give me that strength. I will praise your name! Your name saves! You have done wonderful things and you continue to do amazing things! You are faithful and truth. All you have said is good for my soul. You do not lie! I can bank on your Word and Heart. 

You will swallow up death forever. We will physically die but that is the beginning of the new spiritual body! Death is no more, we will live forever. All my tears will be wiped away, I will have joy! All my sin and evil from which I was rebuked will be taken away. It will be washed under the BLOOD of GOD so it is no more. You have Spoken and your word is faithful and truth! You are my God I am waiting for you! I am waiting for you to save me! You are the LORD and I will wait, be glad, and rejoice in Your Salvation!!

PRAY

Oh my God, what amazing love! Thank you for this gift. I need your love. I need your strength to wait patiently. Only your grace can get me through this training ground. You are faithful and you do not lie, you will bring me through. Thank you for shedding your Blood for me. Th for paying my debt. Thank you for wanting me with you. Help me exalt and praise you all my days, in your own holy name I pray, amen. 



From Blogger iPhone client

Psalm 19:7

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul

The Law In this context, refers to God's law, testimonies, statutes, and commandments as revealed in Scripture. It leads to a fundamental inner transformation, turning a person from darkness to light, sin to faith, and error to truth. The word of God purifies thoughts, cleanses the conscience, and reveals what is hidden in the heart. The ultimate outcome of the soul's conversion through the Word is spiritual awakening, enlightenment, and a stronger connection to God. 

From Blogger iPhone client

When the Church calls forgiveness a work of mercy, it does not mean sentimentality or softness. Mercy is the hardest demand of discipleship. It names evil for what it is and yet refuses to perpetuate the cycle of violence. That is why Christian forgiveness has always astonished the world: It reveals a power greater than hatred itself.

This, however, does not eliminate justice. The Church teaches that legitimate authority must punish crime proportionately (Catechism, 2266). Mercy does not erase justice but transfigures it, renouncing vengeance and entrusting judgment to God. In forgiving, the person allows justice to run its course without binding their soul to hatred — and in doing so, you set both yourself and the community free.

Christianity reveals that true strength is not the ability to strike back but the freedom to love in the face of violence. The Gospel is not an abstraction or an ideal. It is power; grace embodied in flesh and blood; mercy extended when all the world expects vengeance.

From Blogger iPhone client

Judas not gifted grace to believe even though called to disciple 

In John 6:65 Jesus says that no one can come to Him unless the Father grants it and immediately reminds the disciples that He already knows who will betray Him. This passage raises two questions that often trouble the faithful:

1. Was Judas denied the grace to believe?
2. Does the fact that Jesus “chose” Judas imply a divergence between the will of the Son and the will of the Father?

Below we examine these points in light of Catholic doctrine, the Church Fathers, and the Catechism.

1. The grant of belief is a work of the Father’s grace

The Gospel itself records Jesus’ words: 

“For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father” (John 6:65)1. 

Augustine explains that this “grant” is not a matter of human merit but of divine grace: 

“Because he is drawn to Christ to whom it is given to believe in Christ… unless this power be given from God, out of free will there can be none”5. 

The Catechism affirms that faith is necessary for salvation and that those who do not believe are “neglect[ing] revealed truth” (incredulity)8. Yet the very ability to believe is a gift: 

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:16)9. 

Thus, Judas’ lack of belief reflects that the specific grace of faith was not given to him. The Church teaches that God’s universal salvific will does not guarantee that every individual actually receives the grace to believe; the Holy Spirit works “according to the measure of each person’s openness” (cf. Lumen Gentium 16). The fact that Jesus knew Judas would betray Him does not mean He caused Judas’ unbelief; rather, He possessed foreknowledge of how each soul would respond to the grace offered.

2. “Choosing” Judas does not equal granting him belief

When the Gospel says “Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil” (John 6:71)1, the term choose (Greek eklegó) refers to Jesus’ invitation to discipleship, not to a deterministic determination that the chosen will inevitably believe. 

Augustine notes that Judas “remained to watch his opportunity, not to understand”2, indicating that Judas’ presence among the disciples was permitted for a purpose (the fulfillment of prophecy) while his heart remained closed. The Catechism defines the will of the faithful as “the assent of the intellect and will to the truth revealed by God” (para 2089)8; Judas withheld that assent.

Therefore, Judas was invited, but the grace necessary for true belief was not bestowed upon him. The Church calls this a tragic misuse of the freedom given by God.

3. The wills of the Son and the Father are one, not two opposing wills

Catholic theology holds that the human will of Christ is perfectly united with the divine will of the Father. The Council of Chalcedon defined the two natures of Christ as without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; consequently, His wills are distinct in nature but never contrary19. 

The Catechism explicitly teaches that Jesus “came to do the will of Him who sent Him” (Jn 6:38) and that “not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42)15. This shows a harmonious alignment: the Son freely submits His human will to the Father’s will, which is the very will that grants grace to believers. 

Hence, Jesus’ choosing of Judas does not indicate a conflict between the Son’s will and the Father’s will; rather, it reflects the mystery of divine providence whereby the Father permits certain events (including betrayal) for the greater plan of salvation, while the Son remains fully obedient to the Father’s will.

4. Predestination, free will, and responsibility

Augustine’s anti‑Pelagian treatise stresses that grace precedes any good act and that “out of free will there can be none” without God’s gift5. The Church therefore teaches a cooperative relationship: God, by His grace, opens the possibility of belief; the human person must freely cooperate with that grace. 

Judas, by his own free rejection of the grace offered, chose the path of betrayal. The Church calls such a state “incredulity” (a willful refusal to assent to revealed truth)8. While God’s foreknowledge includes Judas’ choice, it does not negate Judas’ personal responsibility.

5. Pastoral reflection

• Grace is a gift: The Father grants the ability to believe; those who receive it are called to respond with faith. 
• Foreknowledge ≠ coercion: Jesus’ knowledge of Judas’ betrayal does not mean Judas was forced to betray. 
• One will in the Trinity: The Son’s human will always aligns with the Father’s divine will; there is no “two‑willed” conflict. 
• Our response: We are invited to examine our own openness to the grace of faith. May we, like Peter, proclaim, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68)1.

In summary: John 6:65 teaches that belief is a grace granted by the Father. Judas did not receive that specific grace, which is why he could not truly believe. Jesus’ “choosing” of Judas was an invitation within God’s providential plan, not an indication of a divergent will between the Son and the Father. The Son’s human will is always in perfect harmony with the Father’s divine will, even when human beings freely reject the grace offered to them.

[1] The Holy Bible John 6

[2] Against Two Letters of the Pelagians Book I. Chapter 6 [III.]

[3] CCC para-2089

[4] CCC para-183

[5] Tractate 27 John 6:60-72 7

[6] The Sources of Catholic Dogma (Enchiridion Symbolorum) 556

[7] CCC para-2824

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READ

Deuteronomy 10:12-21

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good? Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it. The LORD delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.

REFLECT

REQUIREMENTS OF GOD:

Fear, Walk, Love, Serve, and Hold Fast to God the LORD. 

Keep the commandments and statutes for your own good. This keeps you safe from harm inside your soul and outside. 

Heaven and Earth belong to God and yet He chose You. 

Circumcise your HEART stop being stiff necked. 

God is Great, Mighty, & Awesome, giving mercy to the weak. You too should love the weak and stranger for you too we’re strangers in Egypt. 

God is our Praise and has done all these Great and Awesome things. 

PRAY

God, please help me circumcise my heart. I give my heart to you for you to do surgery on it. I can’t do it, I need your mercy, grace, and power. I want to Fear, Walk, Love, Serve, and Hold Fast to you all the days of my life. I want my soul to be healed so I can do the requirements, commands, and statutes you asked of me. Thank you my Almighty Awesome God for being willing to choose me for your kingdom and for the healing of my soul. Thank you for delivering me from this enslavement. Help me love all those you want me to in your power and strength. May you be praised and glorified in my life. Amen. 

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READ

John 6:51, 53-57, 63, 68-69

I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.

Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

REFLECT

Jesus is the living bread from heaven. The bread he gives is his flesh. Anyone who eats the bread of His flesh and blood will live forever, abide in Him, and have eternal life. 

If you do not eat the flesh of Jesus you do not have life in you. Jesus’ flesh and blood is indeed true food and drink. 

The Spirit gives life, the words Jesus has spoken is life and gives you life to hear and understand, do not reject it. 

Jesus is Lord and no one else has the words of eternal life. Believe and know the Christ, the Son of the Living God wants to feed you His flesh and blood so you can have eternal life and abide in Him and him in you. 

PRAY

Jesus, I believe you. I believe and know you are the Christ and that if I eat the Eucharist I have eternal life and abide in you and you in me. If I do not eat the Eucharist I do not have eternal life in me. I may have some grace to be free of sin and know about you but I have no eternal life yet. I do not want to reject the Eucharist, you came to give me bread from heaven to sustain my journey. I must believe you! You have the Words of eternal life. The Spirit gives me life, He makes me see and understand Your Word as Truth. Thank you for loving me and coming down to feed me. Help me love you and tell the world of this amazing love! Amen. 

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 Orthodox Beliefs

Orthodox Belief System (Core Doctrinal Outlook)

Yes. As a Catholic you may dissent from the theological opinions of St. Augustine or St. Thomas Aquinas, provided that the disagreement does not concern a doctrine that the Church has defined infallibly (e.g., the Trinity, the Incarnation, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, etc.). The Church’s own teaching on the hierarchy of authority makes this possible.

1. God and Trinity

• One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share the same essence (ousia).

• Monarchy of the Father: The Father is the sole cause—eternally begetting the Son and eternally spirating the Spirit.

• Apophatic Theology: God’s essence is beyond comprehension; we know Him through His revelation and energies.

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2. Creation and Humanity

• Humanity is created in the image and likeness of God—with freedom, reason, and capacity for communion.

• The Fall introduced corruption, mortality, and inclination to sin (ancestral sin), but humans do not inherit Adam’s guilt.

• Human beings are wounded, not totally depraved, and retain freedom to respond to God.

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3. Sin and Salvation

• Sin: Breaking communion with God, leading to death and corruption, not merely legal guilt.

• Salvation: Healing and restoration of communion with God, culminating in theosis (deification).

• Synergy: Salvation is cooperation between divine grace and human freedom—neither forced nor earned.

• Christ saves by His incarnation, death, and resurrection, destroying death and uniting humanity to God.

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4. Grace

• Grace is uncreated: the very life and energy of God poured into us.

• Grace is resistible, but always working toward union with God.

• Participation in grace is real, not symbolic—it transforms us.

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5. The Church

• The Church is the Body of Christ, mystical yet visible.

• Authority is conciliar (ecumenical councils, bishops in communion).

• The bishop is a shepherd of his local flock; primacy exists, but no universal monarch.

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6. Sacraments (Holy Mysteries)

• Baptism: Entry into new life in Christ, washing away ancestral corruption, beginning of deification.

• Chrismation: Reception of the Holy Spirit, inseparable from baptism.

• Eucharist: True participation in the Body and Blood of Christ, a real mystery beyond explanation.

• Other Mysteries: Confession, Marriage, Ordination, Anointing of the Sick—all means of union with Christ’s life.

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7. Eschatology

• Death is separation of soul and body, but not the end.

• The afterlife is not primarily legal punishment or reward but encounter with God’s love—experienced as joy or torment depending on one’s state.

• No purgatory as a juridical place of punishment—there is purification and growth in God’s presence.

• Final destiny is resurrection and participation in God (or rejection of Him).

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8. Saints and Theotokos

• Theotokos (Mary): Honored as “All-Holy” and “Birthgiver of God”; she freely cooperated with God, making her the supreme example of theosis.

• Saints: Witnesses who show us deification in action; their intercession is sought.

• Icons: Windows to heaven, affirming the reality of the Incarnation.

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9. Spiritual Life

• Central goal: theosis—union with God through His uncreated energies.

• Means: prayer, fasting, almsgiving, sacraments, ascetic struggle.

• Hesychasm (stillness, inner prayer): Practicing the “Jesus Prayer” to purify the heart and unite it with God.

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✅ In short: Orthodoxy sees life with God as participation in His uncreated life, made possible through Christ, in the Church, by the Spirit. It is mystical, therapeutic, and participatory, less about legal categories and more about union, healing, and transformation.