NOTES: Session Three - Part II: Salvation History
Sacrifice & Prayer
Sacrifice something in order for your prayers to be heard
this was seen with animals in the Old Testament
Am I worthy of heaven? No.
We can only achieve heaven because of the mercy of God
When at the Blessed Sacrament, intentionally go to profess your love and offer yourself to Him and His will.
Temptation
When tempted, rebuke always in the name of Jesus followed by the sign of the Cross and name the spirit that taunts you
Use this template for a prayer to rebuke a spirit during time of temptation:
“In the name of Jesus, I rebuke you, spirit of __________, and I send you to the feet of the Cross that may a drop of blood from our Lord Jesus Christ make you perish.”
Reflection: How Have I Responded to God?
How many times have I rejected going to Mass?
How many times have I gone to Mass and the Lord is not my #1 intention?
How many graces have I refused?
How many times have I postponed confession?
How many years did I reject the Sacraments?
Remember, the world is always trying to distract us from God.
Like Our Blessed Mother, one humble “yes” can change it all.
Grace & Surrender
God wants our hearts as well as our souls to be in grace
Grace: God’s life within our soul.
Are you willing to give the Lord your heart?
The Rich Young Man
Readings of Monday, August 17, 2026: USCCB Daily Readings
Jesus wanted the young man to give Him his all but he was not willing to give up his riches, his inheritance
The young man called Jesus “teacher” and was asking about eternal life but as soon as he heard that he had to actually give something up that mattered to him, he walked away
Many of us say that we want to follow Jesus, but are we really willing to give it all up for Him?
What Does It Mean to Be a Pharisee?
To be separated from God’s love and mercy
Cannot recognize the truth that is in front of them
Blinded by a legalistic approach
“Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen”
“Many are called by few are chosen” Matt 22:1-14
Every Sunday, the banquet is set for us, are we prepared?
The wedding garment is the soul!
Am I ready to receive the King of Kings at Mass?
Is my soul in grace?
How many souls did I bring? How much did I love?
God calls everyone and wants all of us to participate in His kingdom
The invitation is from the heart of a King
It’s not anything that we do to get into heaven or to receive this invitation.
It is the grace in our soul and acts of mercy all
If you ever want to experience the hug of a father, go to confession. The Lord is waiting for you with open arms!
The Apostles: Their “Yes” to Christ
The apostles denied themselves and everything they knew for Christ which is why we are here
The gospel was spread by the Holy Spirit and love
God invites but we must respond
God invites (by offering His grace)
He calls the sinner to conversion
He wants us to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth
Grace does not eliminate our freedom
Being called does not mean that we have responded!
How many times was I called but I did not pay attention
Some were too busy
Some reacted negatively, or violently, overall rejecting
If you lose people in your life due to your faith and you answering the call of the Lord, give THANKS!
Someone can mark all the boxes and still not fully or truly surrender.
Jesus is the ONLY answer
When we have the Lord in our life, we find that suffering has a sweet taste to it
There is no heaven without the cross
Reflect: Are you willing to truly surrender your life to and for Christ?
It is not enough to receive the invitation, we must respond!
“Few Are Chosen”
What does “few are chosen” mean?
God does not punish anyone, we punish ourselves by sinning
CCC 1037 “Everyone is created for Heaven, no one is predestined for hell.
Jesus does not want us to waste a grand, virtuous life with Him
The Wedding Garment: A Life Transformed by Grace
The wedding garment
Life transformed by grace; a new life in Christ
If our heart does not transform or belong to Jesus, we do not belong in the banquet
The devil dresses like light! And he knows that Jesus is real.
“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ”
Romans 13:14
Every time we receive the Eucharist, we are wearing Jesus!
He illuminates us
Remember, we have Him physically in our system, that is a time for joy
A New Life in Christ
Ephesians 4:24
Christians are called to leave sin behind and live a new life in Christ
Dress your heart up and adorn your soul with graces
You need to make right choices
Mortal Sin & Receiving the Eucharist
CCC 1385
Mortal sin has three requirements
Full consent
Full knowledge
Must be grave matter