Catholics believe that a faith without actions is dead. It’s not enough to proclaim Jesus as Lord, we
must also strive to live authentic Christian lives, lives so full of the works
of the Spirit that people will recognize that we belong to Jesus simply by our
actions. With our baptism we become part
of the Catholic family and as members of a family each of us have a set of
responsibilities much like we do in our own families. For example, my nephew has to play the piano
for twenty minutes and complete his homework daily before can play one hour of
video games. In its wisdom, the Catholic
Church throughout time has worked on guiding us in the way of perfection giving
us doctrine to help keep us in the path to holiness. It has taken biblical narratives, like the Parable
of the Talents and given us a clear translation of what each of us must do with
the gifts God has given each of us.
Gifts that not only help in our personal sanctification, but also in the
sanctification of those we encounter.
What must we do:
- Be in communion with the Church, our actions should strive to keep us together as one body of Christ.
- Lead a holy life, working daily to become better versions of ourselves in Christ and promote the sanctification of the Church.
- Evangelize: Spread the message of the Good News in our families, communities, striving to get the message of Salvation to all the corners of the world.
- Practice Christian obedience to our pastor and prescribed leaders in as much as they represent Christ.
- Assist with needs of the Church so that the church has what is necessary for divine worship, works of apostolate and charity and decent support of ministry.
- Promote Social Justice and help the poor from our own resources.
- In exercising our rights we must take into account the Common Good of the Church.
- Give Witness to Christ
- Acquire knowledge of Christian doctrine. Read books, take workshops, join bible study groups, take classes… Make the time to learn our faith.
- Married People must work in their marriage and family to build up the Church. Parents must educate their children in the faith.
God is a very clear God, even so our Catholic Church helps
us understand more what it is to be sons and daughters of the King. As members of one heavenly family we still have duties to help one another reach heaven. These obligations are ways to help sanctify us and His Holy Church.
Taken from Canon Law
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