Theological Foundations new file

36 Theological Foundations ness of how great the gift of creation, redemption and sanctification is. Having created the universe, God, Triune in persons and one in being, formed man and designated for him a wonderful land to live in, subject- ing to man’s power everything that lived there. At the same time He removed man from under the power of death. All these benefits were bestowed upon man by the Holy Trinity, although the very work of cre- ation is attributed particularly to God the Father. Later, after the original sin was committed, the Son of God assumed a human body in order to take away both the original sin and the sins of all people with His blood and to open the gates of heaven before them. The Holy Spirit guides man towards the knowledge of true faith, to the knowledge of himself, his sinfulness and towards the change needed in his life. He enlightens man with His light, sends him holy inspirations, supports man’s good inten- tions and makes his soul a perfect gift for the entire Holy Trinity. The awareness of these benefits should inspire man’s gratitude. “After you have considered the particular benefits granted to you by each of the persons of the Holy Trinity, give thanks for each one of them separately. Praise the Best and the Highest Father that He created you for glory and ask Him not to sentence you to disgrace. Exalt the Son who, out of love, redeemed you, so that you might live and beg Him humbly not to sentence you to eternal death even though you deserve the great- est hate because of your sins. Glorify the Holy Spirit who enlightens you through His grace and ask Him not to send you to the Prince of darkness even though His anger toward you is justified. Finally, complete expressing your feelings in honor of the Holy Trinity with the short ardent prayers of the three youths: “Let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us praise and exalt Him for ever. Blessed are You, O Lord, in the heavens, full of glory and exalted for ever.” 40 Filled with the desire to spread God’s glory in every possible way, our author thought that he would best respond to this need of his heart by calling a new religious order into being. Spreading the honor of the Immaculate Conception was also to serve this purpose. 41 Therefore, he ordered his confreres to keep this goal of the congregation (the goal