The Sacred Flame CHAPTER 13 Walk by the

The Sacred Flame CHAPTER 13

Walk by the Spirit Reflections: � Am I allowing the Spirit to direct to the things that please God and serve others? �Do I depend on the Spirit to guide me in God’s ways so that I don’t get wrapped up in myself? �Which fruits do you see in your life? Which fruits do you need help growing? Write a prayer to the Holy Spirit--

And It Was Good �God created the plants and the animals. �He made it so that when the conditions are right they grow and reproduce. �This is good because this is the way that God made it.

God Created Mankind �God gives us the ability to freely choose how we act. �We can abuse that power by choosing evil things. �God has a plan for us that is revealed in His commandments. �These commandments will help us live the fullest life possible.

Human Dignity �We were each made by God in His image and likeness, and all of us are known and loved by God as distinct individuals. �Everyone has the dignity as a child of God, and so every individual is worthy of our respect, including ourselves.

Temples of the Holy Spirit � At Baptism, we become temples of the Holy Spirit…This means that the life of grace resides within each of us, and brings eternal life to our souls. This is a great gift from God…. . We must love ourselves and all people as God’s own. � We need self-control and virtue to overcome our weaknesses…The Holy Spirit gives us his “gifts” which can become “fruit” in our lives.

HOLY SPIRIT Gifts � Wisdom � Understanding � Counsel � Fortitude � Knowledge � Piety � Fear of the Lord Fruits � Charity � Joy � Peace � Patience � Kindness � Goodness � Generosity � Gentleness � Faithfulness � Modesty � Self-Control � Chastity

The Sixth and Ninth Commandments �The Sixth: You shall not commit adultery. �The Ninth: You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. �These commandments demand from us that respect which we are to have for ourselves and for others.

Laws of Life �God has given us the beautiful power to reproduce. �The Sixth Commandment guides us in our actions, and the Ninth commandment guides us in our thoughts and desires. �God reserved the pleasures and joys of human sexuality for marriage. Any use of these powers outside of marriage is a serious sin. �This is to ensure that the child has the proper environment to be raised in.

One Step Leads to Another 1) 2) Step 1: Senses Step 2: Imagination 3) Step 3: Thoughts 4) Step 4: Desires 5) Step 5: Actions Guard what you see, listen to, read…we remember images, inappropriate images can fill us with curiosity—Pray for purity. Sometimes we cannot help seeing or hearing something impure…we must not ponder them or expand on them. We must not purposely think about impure things…pray to replace it with another thought. It is natural to have feelings and wants but be disciplined and keep them according to God’s law. We must not place ourselves in occasions of sin. Do not compromise yourself with impurity to self and others.

Saint Maria Goretti—Saint of Purity �Maria Goretti was born in Italy in 1890. �Her family was poor, and she never had the chance to go to school. �Her mother carefully instructed her in the Catholic faith. �Shortly after her First Communion, at the age of 12, a 19 year old boy tried to get her to commit an impure act with him. �When she refused, he stabbed her to death.