J.M.J. It may seem unnecessary to state that God our Creator wants us to be
saved. Most of us have heard this truth since we were very young.
But it is vital that we restate this important
assertion. Why? Because over the last five centuries, there have been
varying views as to God's desire for the salvation of His people. And
these different perspectives are still around today.
The famous word "predestination" comes into play here.
For the Catholic Church, "predestination" means that
God has given each human person a destiny: to share Everlasting Life
with Him forever in Heaven. The Almighty wills that each person be
saved. Yet, He does not force salvation on anyone who is unreceptive to
it.
The Protestant Reformer John Calvin (1509-1564)
developed the contrasting notion that the Lord, before time began, in
His Divine Foreknowledge selected some persons to go to Heaven and
others to go to Hell. The concept of "double predestination" argues that
one chosen to go to Hell is entirely incapable of altering the fate
that God has assigned to him because of a "positive determination" to
sin under which he is burdened and which he cannot suppress.
The Catholic Church counters this position of Calvin
by declaring that authentic predestination is part of Divine Providence.
The stance championed by Calvin is heretical because it denies God's
desire that we be saved and the Redemption carried out by Jesus on
Calvary. Further, Calvin's erroneous understanding of predestination
contradicts the justice and holiness of God and neglects the freedom of
the human person to decide where he will spend eternity.
Catholic teaching considers Saint Paul's Letter to
the Romans (8:29-30) to be foundational for her doctrine of
predestination. "For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be
conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the
first-born among many brethren. And those whom He predestined He also
called and those whom He called He also justified; and those whom He
justified He also glorified."
God does know where I will spend eternity, but He
does not compel me to choose Heaven over Hell or vice versa. The Lord
cooperates in the merits that lead to Paradise but only permits the sin
that leads to Hell.
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) taught that solely
by a special revelation may one know with certainty his final
destination. Nevertheless, spiritual writers have suggested eight signs
in the lives of the just that point to God's special assistance. From
this evidence, it may be concluded that the person endowed with one of
these qualities is making progress on the road to the unceasing Kingdom
of God.
1.) An upright life marked by the frequent
reception of the Sacraments and the presence of the three Theological
Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity and the four Cardinal Virtues of
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance.
2.) A keen conscience that avoids sin and the "near occasion" (that is, persons, places, things and events) that leads to sin.
3.) A patience in suffering born from the Love of God.
4.) A relish for God's Holy Word as found in Sacred Scripture and the Apostolic Tradition.
5.) A mercy towards those who are distressed in body, mind or spirit.
6.) A genuine love of enemies that eschews revenge but instead forgives.
7.) A humility that is modeled on the meek Sacred Heart of Jesus.
8.) A filial devotion to Our Blessed Lady manifested particularly in the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary.
The presence of these eight characteristics guarantee
that one has opened his soul to God and yielded to the saving action of
the Holy Spirit. But no one who possesses even one of these qualities
can congratulate himself. Rather, he must thank the Almighty for the
influence of His saving grace.
Pastors, parents and catechists do well by teaching
these "eight signs." Imagine the positive spiritual results if we strove
to make these characteristics a part of our lives and encouraged those
around us to do likewise!
Yes, God our Creator wants us to be saved. We rejoice
in this truth and do all in our power to cooperate with Jesus Christ so
that His plan for our eternal happiness will be realized.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
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