Apologetics and Faith: Guide To The Truth

  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 de

Ang titulong Theotokos ay nangangahulugang “Tagadala ng Diyos” o “Ina ng Diyos.” Ang titulong ito ay itinataguyod ng Simbahang Katoliko bilang isang mahalagang doktrina na nagpapatibay sa pagka-Diyos ni Hesus at ang kakaibang papel ni Maria sa kasaysayan ng kaligtasan. Maraming Protestante ang hindi tumatanggap ng titulong ito, sa kanilang pananaw, tila isa itong pagpuputong kay Maria bilang diyos. Ngunit, paano nga ba natin ipagtatanggol ito bilang mga Katoliko? 1. Biblikal na Batayan: Ang Theotokos sa Kasulatan Una sa lahat, ang titulong “Theotokos” ay nakaugat sa Banal na Kasulatan. Sa Lucas 1:43, sinabi ni Elizabeth kay Maria, “Sino ako upang dalawin ng ina ng aking Panginoon?” Dito, tinawag ni Elizabet si Maria bilang “Ina ng Panginoon,” na nagpapahayag na si Maria ay ang ina ng Diyos na nagkatawang-tao. Hindi lamang si Maria ang ina ng isang dakilang propeta o lider; siya ang ina ng Panginoon na nagkatawang-tao—si Hesus na tunay na Diyos at tunay na tao. Dagdag pa rito, sa Juan

"But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." - Luke 6:27, 37

In the modern Church, pastoral lay leadership stands as one of the most crucial and transformative aspects of ministry. As lay leaders, we are called not just to be passive members of the Church but active participants in the mission of Christ, a mission entrusted to all the baptized. This sacred responsibility invites us to follow Christ, serve the Church, and spread the Gospel with conviction, courage, and humility. The Call to Leadership Pastoral lay leadership is rooted in our baptismal calling. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This Great Commission is not restricted to priests and religious, but extends to all baptized Christians. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 900) affirms, “The lay faithful are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, so that they are capable of working for the renewal and building up of the Church.” As lay leaders, our participation in the mission of the