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Mar 3, 2023Liked by Phillip Hadden

"Being saved is not a matter of simply the individual's relationship with God, but it is communal...that reminds us of the second greatest commandment". Obviously I get this in terms of the one I sinned against, but when I examine my conscience , I do it alone. When I go to confession I do it alone. I never thought very deeply about the communal aspect. Thank you, Phillip.

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Mar 3, 2023·edited Mar 3, 2023Author

It’s actually fairly deeper than that Kathleen. The theology of the mystical body of Christ allows for the reality of infused grace & the building of virtue and holiness by cooperation with God by doing good.

Your building of virtue allows grace to abound to help others who are connected to the mystical body. And it works the opposite direction via engaging in vices. Your sins can weaken the mystical body too. Remember the image of the vine.

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Jesus does say that the second is like the first, but He does say that loving God is the first and great commandment in Matthew 22:38. This is because sanctifying grace flows into us through the first. Then we are equipped for doing the second.

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Oh, I agree totally. You are right.

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