Chapter 2- We Make Moral Choices

How do you make good decisions?

 

What is the gift of conscience and how does it help you?

Moral decision-making- the process by which we make choices between right and wrong, good and evil, eternal life and sin

Conscience- our moral compass; guides us to make good moral decisions

Before we make decisions, our consciences help us:

• Know what’s good

• Consider the results of our possible choices

During the decision-making process, our consciences help us by bringing us feelings of peace or discomfort.

After we make decisions, our conscience enables us to:

• Judge as good or evil the decisions we have made 

• Accept responsibility for our choices.

God’s grace helps us to make good moral decisions.

Well-formed conscience- a conscience that is educated so that it is able to recognize what is good and then direct us to act on that good

Helps form our conscience:

• Scripture

• Teachings of the pope and bishops

• Guidance of faithful Catholics

• Guidance of the Holy Spirit

What are the benefits of choosing a friend who is developing a well-formed conscience?

 

What happens when we don’t choose to do what is right?

Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation- we prepare by examining our conscience; we acknowledge our sins; priest acts in Jesus’ name; we can be continually reconciled with God and with the Church

Effects of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation:

• We receive God’s forgiveness and grace

• God’s grace helps us to:

  • Make good moral decisions

  • Lead good moral lives

  • Resist the temptation of sin

Different kinds of sins:

• Acts- wrongs we have committed

• Omissions- failures to do the good that we are called to do

As disciples of Jesus we are called to choose actions that show our love for:

• God

• Others

• Ourselves

The effects of Penance:

• Restoring or strengthening our relationship with God

• Reconciling us with the Church

• Excusing us from eternal punishment for the mortal sins repented

• Lessening the purification necessary for our sins after death

• Granting us peace and serenity of conscience

• Comforting us

• Strengthening us to continue living a moral life

 

Social sin- unjust situations and conditions that negatively impact society and its institutions

How did Jesus take action against problems in society?

• Stood up for those treated unjustly

• Protected people who couldn’t protect themselves

• Offered peace and freedom that comes from God’s love and forgiveness

Effects of social sin:

• Poverty

• Homelessness

• Crime

 

Because we are created in God’s image and we all share the same human dignity, we are one human community.

 

How can the choices we make affect the lives of others?

 

Who helps you to make the right decisions when you do not know what to do?