Fulfillment in Faith: The Journey to Know and Love God - by Bro. Glenn dela Cruz

 

Introduction

In the heart of Catholic teaching lies a profound truth: the purpose of human life is to know and love God. This foundational principle is not merely a theological abstraction but a call to a personal, transformative relationship with the Divine. Through understanding the Catechism of the Catholic Church and relevant Vatican documents, we explore how this purpose shapes our existence and directs our journey toward ultimate fulfillment.

The Nature of Man’s Existence

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) begins with a fundamental assertion about human nature: "God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life" (CCC 1). This divine initiative underscores that human life has a purpose rooted in God’s love.

Man is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), endowed with reason and free will, capable of seeking truth and goodness. As Pope Benedict XVI articulates, "The desire for God is written in the human heart" (Deus Caritas Est, 2). This intrinsic longing reveals that to know and love God is integral to our nature.

The Call to Know God

To know God is not merely an intellectual exercise but an encounter with the Divine Truth. The Catechism asserts, "Man's capacity for God is such that he can never be completely satisfied by any created thing" (CCC 27). This quest for knowledge is fulfilled in the revelation of God through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, which together form the basis of our understanding.

The Second Vatican Council’s "Dei Verbum" emphasizes that God’s revelation is given to us in a way that invites us to a personal relationship: "The revelation given by God is not just an abstract truth to be known, but an encounter with a living person" (Dei Verbum, 2). Through the study of Scripture and the teachings of the Church, we come to a deeper knowledge of God’s nature and His plan for humanity.

The Call to Love God

Love, as described in the Catechism, is both a command and a gift: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (CCC 2083). This call to love is a response to God’s own love for us, a love manifested most fully in the person of Jesus Christ.

Pope Francis in "Lumen Fidei" articulates this beautifully: "Faith and love are inseparable. True faith leads to an authentic and committed love of God and neighbor" (Lumen Fidei, 33). Our love for God is expressed in worship, prayer, and moral living. The Eucharist, the Sacraments, and acts of charity are means by which we grow in our love for God and our neighbor.

Living Out the Call

The practical implications of knowing and loving God are evident in our daily lives. The Catechism guides us: "The moral life is spiritual worship" (CCC 2084). Our actions should reflect our relationship with God. This means living out our faith through acts of justice, mercy, and love, as exemplified by Christ.

The call to holiness is central here: "All the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity" (CCC 2013). This call is not limited to priests and religious but extends to all members of the Church.

Conclusion

The life of man, according to Catholic teaching, is a journey to know and love God. This journey is characterized by a continual search for truth, a deepening of our relationship with God, and a commitment to living out this relationship in our actions. As we strive to fulfill our purpose, we are assured of God’s grace and guidance, helping us to achieve the ultimate fulfillment of our existence: union with Him.

Through the teachings of the Catechism and the insights of Vatican documents, we understand that our ultimate goal is to embrace this divine purpose fully. In knowing and loving God, we find our true selves and fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts.