1. What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The one key idea of Chapter 7 is the call to relationship and community. The perfect scene that represents this theme of community is the Pentecost. We see the Holy Spirit descend upon the Apostles and disciples of Jesus in the upper room of an abandoned home. Although the followers of Jesus abandoned Jesus in his time of need, they were still a community bonded by the teaching and love of Jesus. As the Holy Spirit fills them, the receive courage, strength, and the love to spread the message of Jesus. We also see Mary as an important figure in the model of discipleship and community. As her son suffered on the cross, she to took up her own cross and suffered. She had to remain with the disciples, the ones who abandoned Jesus, and stay with them to bring about unity. Mary had the chance to be resentful to those who abandoned her son, but she choose to forgive them and help them in their times of need. This sense of unity and community is a theme stressed in the Acts and in Jesus' teachings. We as Christians are part of a large community all bonded by the love Jesus Christ gave for us.
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
One major idea that I want to remember is the thought of Mary being the model of Christian discipleship. Mary lived a poor life and was asked when she was very young to become the mother of Jesus. She out of humility and faith in God accepted God's will. She loved her son with a mother's love and devoutedly gave her life assist him and listen to his teachings. In a sense, Mary carried her own cross. She had to endure the persecutions her son received, the excruciating death her son received by crucifixion, and endure time in the presence of those who were his friends who left Jesus in his time of need. Mary had plenty of chances to show hostility and anger in her life. However, her example of humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation serves as a model for us as Christians today on how to live our life. I want to remember this major idea because it is necessary for me to have a role model and example in my life on how to live how Jesus wants; a life of love, forgiveness, unity, relationship and humilty.
Another major idea that I want to remember is the concept of Confirmation. This chapter highlights on the importance of community. The Holy Spirit is seen as the collaborater of this unity. Confirmation is a time of receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit and recognizing the fruits that come with it. The gifts the Holy Spirit gives us through Confirmation are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord. The fruits of the Spirit are charity,joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. I want to remember the importance of Confirmation because it truly can become a time of metanoia or lead to an eventual metanoia. The recognition of the gifts the Holy Spirit gives to us can lead to the Spirit of Jesus filling our heats, minds, actions, and words.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
Even though today in the twenty-first century there aren't many martyrs for their faith, can people such as Mother Teresa, the Pope, his bishops, and the Jesuits be considered spiritual martyrs because they give their life in the service of Christ and the community?
Possible answer: I think there are spiritual martyrs today because even though they don't phisically give their life as in dying for their faith, the still in a sense give up their chance for success in wealth and material for a life in Christ.
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