Wandering in the Wilderness
True or False: the Israelites were excited to be away from Egypt and adjusted to living in the desert with no problems
False
Define idolatry
worship of false gods
What was the container called that held the 10 Commandments?
The Ark of the Covenant
What type of sin should be confessed right away?
Mortal sin
True or False: Everyone in purgatory will go to heaven
True
-Water that came from a rock
-Bitter water that turned sweet
-Manna (bread from heaven)
Explain the story of the golden calf and why it was such a serious sin.
The golden calf was a false god that the Israelites worshipped when Moses was gone on top of Mount Sinai praying to God. They didn’t have their leader, so they made a god for themselves that looked an Egyptian god. This was serious because the Israelites rejected the true God even after all He had done for them.
In the covenant God made with Israel through Moses, what commitment did the Israelites need to follow?
They committed to following the 10 Commandments
What is the main difference between venial and mortal sins?
Mortal sins - serious sins
Venial - all other sins
What would cause someone to spend eternity in hell?
If that person chose not to be forgiven from mortal sin and separated himself/herself from God
Why did the Israelites wander in the desert for so long?
The Israelites could have gone directly to Canaan on a much faster route, but they would have had to fight the other nations living in Canaan. They were scared and didn’t trust that God would fight for them, so God had them wander in the wilderness
a) True or False: The damage done by mortal sin can never be fully forgiven.
b) Explain
False. Mortal and venial sins are forgiven in the same way. You get a fresh start no matter what once you go through reconciliation.
List the two categories that the 10 commandments can be divided into and state which commandments go in each category.
Love of God: 1-3
Love of Others: 4-10
Explain how each type of sin affects your relationship with God using the rope analogy
No sin - rope is in perfect condition
Venial - damages and frays the rope
Mortal - breaks the rope completely
Does God judge whether you are ready to enter heaven based on the whole of your life or the present moment before your death?
The present moment before your death - your current relationship with God
What is the symbolic meaning of 40, and how does it relate to the 40 years in the desert?
Testing or trial. The wandering was a test of their trust in God before they could enter the Promised Land.
Three Steps of Reconciliation
Repentance - desire to change and sorrow for sins
Confession - telling the priest your specific sins
Commitment - to do penance to repair damage done and start again new
Explain why the 10 Commandments were so important to the Israelites. What did the 10 Commandments help with?
The 10 Commandments were important because it was the first set of laws they were given about how to serve God and their neighbor. The commandments helped the Israelites know how to stay close to God in their covenant and avoid sin and selfishness.
What are the three conditions for a sin to be considered mortal?
1. Serious situation
2. You have to know it's a sin
3. You have to freely and willingly choose it
Why can't the people in purgatory enter heaven right away?
They need to be first purified and cleansed from venial sin because everyone in heaven has a perfect relationship with God