Have we not then, under the New Law, a special duty to live in the thought of these great mysteries, and to endeavour to understand them more and more by the use of the gifts of knowledge and understanding?
Yes, this is a duty incumbent on all the faithful under the New Law; it is to help them to this end that the Church endeavours with so much care to instruct the faithful in the things of faith.
What form of teaching that is within the reach of all does the Church use in particular?
It uses that form of teaching known as the Catechism.
It is then a duty of all the faithful to learn the teaching of the Catechism as far as lies in their power?
Yes, this is a strict duty for all the faithful.
Has the Catechism any special value and authority?
Yes, the Catechism brings within the reach of all, all that is sublime and enlightening in the greatest truths which are the food of our minds.
Who is the author of this teaching?
The Church in the person of its learned Doctors.
May one say that this Catechism is the first "par excellence" of the gifts of knowledge and understanding in the Church?
Yes, for it is the reproduction in a lesser or greater degree of the most marvellous of these fruits, which is the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Has the "Summa Theologica" any special authority in the Church?
Yes, for the Church ordains that all who teach in her name should be imbued with its teaching (Code, Canons 589, 5366).
There is then nothing more profitable than to live in this doctrine?
There is nothing more profitable, for one is sure to live in the full light of reason and faith.
Next - The Catechism of the Summa -SECOND SECTION - A DETAILED SURVEY OF MAN'S RETURN TO GOD - V. OF HOPE AND ITS NATURE -- OF THE VICES OPPOSED THERETO, NAMELY, OF PRESUMPTION AND OF DESPAIR -- OF THE FORMULA OF AN ACT OF HOPE, AND OF THOSE ABLE TO MAKE THIS ACT (A)
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