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When we feel a call to pray, we want to know what prayer is or how to pray. While there are many resources available to help us, none of them can compare with the substance or superiority of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The fourth part of the Catechism is a synthesis of the best of the spiritual wisdom and insights of the Christian theological tradition.
Placing itself within the other parts of the Catechism the fourth part begins by explaining: “’Great is the mystery of the faith!’ The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles’ Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.”
Historically, catechisms can read like plumber’s manuals. They can be very formal, systematic, and dry. They are written to be an echo of divine revelation and the formal teachings of the Church and, at times in the past, they have come across as removed and disconnected with the lives and struggles of believers.
In a remarkable move, but not surprising knowing the lives of the people behind it, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is unique in the catechetical tradition. Each part is engaging, easy-flowing, and approachable.
Continued below.
cruxnow.com
Placing itself within the other parts of the Catechism the fourth part begins by explaining: “’Great is the mystery of the faith!’ The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles’ Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.”
Historically, catechisms can read like plumber’s manuals. They can be very formal, systematic, and dry. They are written to be an echo of divine revelation and the formal teachings of the Church and, at times in the past, they have come across as removed and disconnected with the lives and struggles of believers.
In a remarkable move, but not surprising knowing the lives of the people behind it, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is unique in the catechetical tradition. Each part is engaging, easy-flowing, and approachable.
Continued below.
On prayer, Catechism offers the appealing elevation of a heart seeking God
With such a tremendous resource made readily available to believers and all people of goodwill, it’s pressing that we dive into the Catechism’s teachings on prayer and the spiritual life.
