Chapter 8 Journal

         1. One key idea that I want to remember from this section in learning morality is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount is an important concept to know because that is when Jesus gave us the Beatitudes. Those who follow and keep the Beatitudes will be blessed with the love of God both on Earth and in heaven. They shed light on the actions and attitudes characteristic of the Christian life. This is also the time when Jesus fulfilled the law, not to change it. I found that I do not act in a typical Christian way because Jesus said, "If somebody hits you on your right cheek, offer them your left." This would be hard for me to do, to take a hit from somebody and not do anything about it.

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         3. Another key idea I want to remember from this section are the five precepts of the Church. First, you shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of oligation and rest from servile labor. Second, you shall confess your sins at least once a year to ensure preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the Sacrament of Penance. Third, you shall receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season. Fourth, you shall observe the days of fasting and abstinece established by the Church. Finally, you shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. Thse are important to know because they bind all the baptized members of the Churchand cannot be replaced by good intentions, nor can they be practiced grudgingly or superficially.

         A final key idea is how the principles of Jesus' morality focused on forgiveness and unconditional love. This is shown in O'Malley's article, "The Moral Practice of Jesus." He illustrates his point through the story of the Prodigal Son. In this familiar story, the father forgave his youngest son after he took his share of his father's wealth and left them, but came back to him looking for forgiveness.

         4. Why are the Ten Commandments so important?

         The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai by God which is part of God's revelation while teaching us the true humanity of man. The Ten Commandments shed light to the essential duties and the fundamental rights inherent in the nature of the human person. They are part of the natural law. An example from the life of Jesus that illustrates the importance of the Ten Commandments is when Jesus was asked by a rich man what he has to do to get into heaven, Jesus replied by saying, "follow the Commandments."