ANTIOCH, Tenn. -- We will look at several points taught by the Council of Trent.
• First, we learn that the Church has always seen the importance of miracles, but in time, the Church saw that the miracles of Jesus and the saints-those who followed closely the Master-were also of great importance for providing inspiration and guidance to the faithful.
• Secondly, that sacred images which remind a person of the acts of God, the Incarnate Word, the saints, Martyrs, are given the status of sacred. Just as the Church has for centuries seen relics of the Saints as a means of inspiring the faithful, so the images of the Saints are also seen as helpful in aiding the faithful to lift up there minds and hearts to God.[1] The revised Enchiridion of Indulgences has provided three grants for the faithful.
• Thirdly, the faithful are reminded of benefits and gifts, which they accrue thru the use of these sacred images. What benefits might the Church be referring to? The benefits that come from being part of the communion of Saints, members of the household of God, called to share in the divine nature, the promises and blessings of eternal life.
• Fourthly, the miracles of God and salutary examples are given which keep the mind and heart in God and not in the world; keep us loving God with our whole minds, hearts and soul, while living in the world. The examples of the Saints remind us that there is a right and wrong way to do anything. Christian Wisdom tells us it is better for our eternal happiness to follow those who choose to do things the right way. Also, there is a further advantage to following the examples of the saints, we discern for ourselves the Work of God.
• Fifthly,we learn to give thanks to God, for the many benefits that come to us daily from the communion of the Saints.
• Sixthly,we learn to fashion our lives on those who have gained the prize in Christ.
• Seventhly, we learn to discern more fully how our lives are in union with Jesus life.
• Eighthly, we are stimulated to adore and love God who is worthy of our whole lives. We become less side-tracked by superfluous thoughts and deeds, so that we can keep and pure heart in the hope of obtaining the prize with those who have gone before us.
• Lastly, we cultivate piety, which means that we sincerely learn to call God Our Father.
To learn more about this publication,please visit us at http://www.mylanderpages.com/clintonlefort/miracles-their...
[1] The Church also provides indulgences for the faithful who raise their minds and hearts to God while performing their duties, and using any form of invocation so as to unite their actions to God in prayer. Enchiridion of Indulgences (1968)
