CHOSEN: Lesson 7 WHERE AM I GOING? (A Look at the Four Last Things)

See you on Zoom on Monday, April 25 or Friday April 29 @ 6:30 PM

INTRODUCTION

In Lesson 7 we will take a look at the Four Last Things: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN and HELL. Close your eyes and think about a friend or family member who has passed away. (pause 30 seconds)....Let's begin today by saying the simple and traditional Catholic prayer for those who died. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN

OPENING PRAYER

O Lord, please grant those, who have passed from this world, eternal rest and may your light shine forever upon them. May these faithful departed rest In peace through your DIVINE MERCY. AMEN

We will talk about the reality of the four last things and what we choose as our END GOAL and how we can stay focused on GOD's LOVE and living fully in HIS KINGDOM now and forever.

To prepare for our time together we hope that you have:

1. Read Dive In: The Way of the Bow p. 56 to be encouraged to stay focused on what is important in life.

2. Read "To the Heart" by Chris Padgett p. 58-59 to remember that every day of life is a gift from God and to be encouraged to be right with God with no regrets when you finally see your Father in Heaven.

3. Read about the incredible Hero of the Week: St. Sebastian on p. 60 to be inspired by his conviction and persistence in bringing other to FAITH in God.

4. IMPORTANT: Read Taking It Home p. 62 to understand what the Church teaches about the four last things. Although God wants everyone in heaven, he will not force himself on anyone. He gave us free will so we could choose freely to live in eternal union with him. We must choose God by THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIVES. We will all die. We need to take our choices seriously, to love and serve others diligently, and to seek reconciliation urgently when we mess up. God is always wanting to save us, never gives up on us, and has promised to be with us "to the end." Matthew 24:13.

5. MORE IMPORTANT: Read, highlight and take notes on "What's the WORD" p. 63-64 and "What about Purgatory? Where is it in Scripture on p. 64 so you can explain in your own words what HEAVEN, HELL, JUDGMENT and PURGATORY mean.

6. MOST IMPORTANT: Read and ponder the LONGER answer to the question: So what should I say when my friends ask if I'm "saved"? EVERY one of the six points on p. 64 is most important.....but for you right now....which points do you believe with all your heart and will confidently share with others. (This will help us to understand where you are in your preparation for CONFIRMATION.)

We will view a newer version of the videos and take the quizzes together, so invest most of your time on #1-6 and mostly #6 above.

CHECK OUT the videos:

https://www.northcountyoutreach.org/post/chosen-lesson-7-your-journey-toward-confirmation

REFLECTION QUESTIONS in your break out rooms after watching the videos:

• If you only had one week left to live, what would you do with that time?

• What do you think heaven is like? What would you most look forward to?

CHOSEN: REVIEW of LESSON 7

1. DEATH is a part of of our life’s journey. As faithful believers of Jesus, it is the doorway to our ultimate happiness: eternal life in God’s Kingdom

2. JUDGMENT: Every human being who has ever lived will stand before God and receive a particular judgment after we die as to how we lived our life on earth and the choices we made toward a life with God or a life apart from God.

3. HEAVEN: is "the state of supreme, definitive happiness. We experience God's LOVE directly and through the communion of saints with u for ETERNITY

4. HELL: Eternity is real for ALL, either Heaven as believers or HELL where souls who reject God are totally separated from God and His Kingdom forever.

5. PURGATORY is God’s merciful way of purifying our souls after death for the blessing of our ultimate happiness in heaven for eternity.

6. God is LOVE and wants us all to be with him in paradise forever. But he will not force himself on anyone. In Heaven, we experience this source of all joy forever.

CHALLENGE of the WEEK for LESSON 7 REVISED

Select your Challenge and send the # of your choice to 760.445.4049

1. Pray a Hail Mary for the souls who died in a state of grace in Purgatory as they are being purified and prepared on their journey toward their final destination: eternal life with God in heaven.

2. Practice a simple examination of conscience at least two times before the next CHOSEN session.

3. Is there someone who needs your apology or forgiveness? Ask God for guidance in making this relationship right in God’s eyes.

Examination of Conscience: REQUIRED PRACTICE for CONFIRMATION

Think about the last 24 hours:

1. Think about the times you made good choices that took you closer to a right relationship with God.

2. Think about when you were not the “best version” of yourself

3. Experience sorrow from your heart for your sins

4. Ask God for forgiveness (Practice the Act of Contrition)

5. Think about ways to avoid making wrong choices in the future

6. Ask God for His GRACE to help you make good choices

7. Experience His PEACE

8. Thank God for his guidance
   

ACT OF CONTRITION

My God,

I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.

In choosing to do wrong

and failing to do good,

I have sinned against you,

whom I should love above all things.

I firmly intend, with your help,

to do penance, to sin no more,

and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

Our Savior Jesus Christ

Suffered and died for us.

In his name, my God, have mercy.

AMEN.

PRAY OVER SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS and CLOSING PRAYER:

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

Lord Jesus, we sin and we know it. We'd like to pretend it doesn't matter, and that we're not hurting anyone, but in this lesson we have learned that we damage our own souls and often the souls of others when we turn away from you.

Please give us the grace to live each day with our eyes on heaven. Help us to recognize and repent of any habits or attitudes that keep us from loving you with all our hearts. Amen.