1. Watch session on formed.org “The Search” and/or read Chapter from the book “The Search”
2. Answer Study Guide questions below
3. Share answers with a group: Small Church Community, Ministry, family, friends.
4. Watch & participate in “The Search Continues” Webinar w/ Fr. Frank Wednesday, December 9th at 7:00pm (The recorded session is available below)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81806055113
Session 2 Reflection: The sheer scale of the universe is hard to imagine. Current scientific estimates indicate that the universe is 93 billion light-years in diameter, growing at an increasing rate, and has existed for about 13.7 billion years. The more you contemplate the vastness of the cosmos, the smaller you may start to feel. However, it is important not to confuse small with insignificant. Scientists claim that the precise age, size, and rate of expansion in the universe is what allows life to exist on this “little” planet we call earth. One could argue that we humans are so insignificant that the universe is bending over backwards to sustain us!
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the most important thing in our universe according to session 2 of the Search?
2. Why is the body so amazing?
3. What makes is different than other animals?
4. Dr. Paul Camarata says, “You think of the other things the brain can do, the higher cognitive functions, the thinking, the intellect, the will to do something, to go beyond yourself-it has to point to something greater.” What is this something greater that all the things the brain can do point to?
5. What comes to mind when we hear Dr. Dean Innerst say, “We are rational animals…That means that we can think, that we can will freely, that we can love. So, the rational part of us which makes us a particular kind of being, not just an animal, is precisely what we call the soul.”
6. Some people say, “I’m spiritual but not religious.” As human beings we have a need to express these spiritual realities bodily because we are not just spirits.” Why then do we bow, genuflect, sign ourselves with the cross, kneel, touch those we love? Does our body have the need to express our Spirit/soul?
7. What is the one thing you have learned from this session?
Session 2 Prayer: Dear God, it seems impossible that our existence is by chance. Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for the ability to know and to love. May each of us come to a greater understanding of our dignity and the dignity of others. Amen.
This was previously recorded on:
Wednesday, December 9th at 7:00pm