A Series of Free Will Choices Between God and His Children
The Kerygma, the Proclamation of the core beliefs of Christians can be explained as a beautiful interplay between God’s relentless love and humanity’s response. Let’s explore this captivating story, drawing inspiration from scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
Act 1: The Invitation
The drama begins with a monumental choice by God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). This isn’t a reluctant act, but an overflowing love seeking a response. The Catechism echoes this sentiment, stating, “God freely created man in his own image and likeness, endowing him with an immortal soul capable of knowing God and loving him freely” (CCC 279).
Act 2: Paradise and Choice
Humanity, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), is presented with a beautiful choice: to walk with Him in the Garden of Eden. This isn’t a world of forced obedience, but a world where we are free to choose love (Genesis 2:16-17). Sadly, we choose to enter “the Devil’s domain” succumbing to temptation (Genesis 3). The effects are devastating – broken fellowship with God, shame, and sin entering the world.
Act 3: God’s Unwavering Love
Despite our misstep, God doesn’t abandon humanity. He chooses to allow us a way back – the promise of a redeemer (Genesis 3:15). Throughout history, He guides and protects His chosen people, the Israelites, offering glimpses of His love and faithfulness.
Act 4: The Incarnation
The grand act of God’s love unfolds in Jesus, the Son of God becoming human (John 1:14). This is the ultimate choice by God – Himself entering our broken world, bridging the gap created by sin. Jesus’ life is a testament to God’s unwavering love, a love that extends even to the point of the cross (John 19:30).
Act 5: The Cross and Beyond
The cross, an instrument of torture, becomes a symbol of God’s immense love and sacrifice. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeats sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The devil, who tempted humanity into sin, is ultimately defeated by God’s choice of love and selflessness. The Catechism beautifully describes this victory: “By his sacrifice Christ has freed us from the power of demons” (CCC 1677).
Act 6: The Church and the Sacraments
Jesus chooses His disciples to carry on His mission (Matthew 28:19-20). He establishes the Church as a visible expression of His love on earth. Through the sacraments, He offers us the grace to live a life transformed by His love (CCC 1076).
Act 7: Our Choices and the Ongoing Story
Jesus presents us with the ultimate choice – to believe in Him and receive His gift of salvation (John 14:6). He also invites us to join Him in restoring creation, to partner with Him in building His Kingdom (Matthew 6:10).
Act 8: A Story of Mercy
The Father and Son, overflowing with mercy, continually offer us forgiveness (Romans 5:8). The Catechism reminds us, “God, infinitely merciful, desires that all men be saved” (CCC 1005).
Salvation history is a continual expression of God’s relentless love for us and our free will response to this love . As we choose to walk with Him, to accept His love and grace, we, as members of Jesus Mystical Body and Church become active participants in Jesus’ continuing redemptive mission of “restoring all of God’s creation” a new and glorious creation in which we will ultimately share in the The Blessed Trinity. that ultimate Love Story of God our Father, Jesus, together with his Mystical Body and the Holy Spirit for all of eternity.
What choices will you make today?
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post