A short workshop on how we can accept the love of God in our personal lives
Download for offline viewing (from Vimeo)
Part I: Knowing God’s love for us in prayer
God’s love for us is intimate and personal. We may have heard the phrase “God loves you” so many times that it no longer has meaning. To understand His love, we have to reflect on the love others have shown us.
- What person in your life loves you?
- How do you know this person/these people love you?
- What does it feel like to be loved?
- Can you imagine God knowing and loving you in the same way as the people in your life love you?
- Do you believe it is possible to experience the love of God in prayer in an even more real way than with the people in your life?
- How does spending time with the people in your life make your love and relationship grow?
Part II: Knowing God’s love for us through His Church
As Catholics we know that God has never abandoned the Church he founded (Matt. 16:18) and that He loves His Church like a spouse (Eph. 5:25), the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Tim 3:15) who by the power of the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth (John 16:13). God’s gift of love to us, and the way we experience His love is His Holy Church. Jesus continues to teach to us through the Church and he continues to be present to us in the Holy Sacraments. Answer the following questions in your group or individually to discern whether we are allowing God to love in the way he desires.
- Do I sometimes struggle with the teachings of the Church?
- What can I do to better understand the teachings God has given to us through the Church?
- Do I attend Mass on Sundays and Holy days? Do I attend confession often?
- Do I trust that following the teachings of the Church and going to the sacraments frequently will help my relationship with Jesus grow?
- In the video you may have noticed a change in Lettie. She has now begun to pray, to receive the sacraments and is involved in parish ministry. How do these things relate to one another?
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; and so, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” (Jer. 31:3)