Pastoral Letter: In the World, Not of the World

Course Summary

The seminar takes a deeper look at the Pastoral Letter issued by Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia and Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia titled: “In the world, not of the world”. 

 

Bishop Paul Hinder reflects on the difficult times we are facing since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, using a line from Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15).

 

He emphasizes that Jesus does not foresee us living in an ideal world, but in a world affected by sin and warns that the temptations of the world could cause us to drift away from God.

Successful completion of this course earns 1.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

• To recognize that we live in a world affected by sin
• To know that as Christians we distinguish ourselves by our way of life
• To be proud of our identity as Catholics
• To constantly renew the effort to detach ourselves from the tendency towards worldliness
• To be cautious that the current pandemic situation does not damage or even kill true human relationships
• To always put our trust in God accepting that we need salvation
• To remember our obligation to devote some special time to God on Sundays even if we cannot physically participate in the sacraments

Course Materials

• No books required. All readings are online.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: Living as Catholics in the real world
  • To understand that being a believer in Jesus Christ does not entitle one to exclusive treatment from God
  • To accept that the worldly trials do not distinguish between believers and non-believers
  • To realize that our gaze should be towards our home – heaven
  • To learn that what distinguishes us from others is the way we live – in imitation of Christ
• Week 2: Confronting challenges and temptation
  • To learn to look ahead and live with courage
  • To be transformed by discerning what God wants of us
  • To realize that one cannot take everything for granted
  • To continue to grow as a community, as one body despite the restrictions
• Week 3: Facing the challenges with faith
  • To grow in faith and confidence knowing that God is with us even in the most challenging situations
  • To share the message of hope, looking always to Jesus
  • To be aware that although we may not be able to attend Mass, we must devote time to God

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