Divine Creation: Love, Purpose, and Grace

God's Motivation for Creation

God creates all things out of a perfectly free act of love to share happiness with creatures and manifest His glory. Reason and revelation agree God is the creator; time began with creation, and all God creates is good. God preserves and guides creation according to His wisdom toward the end He has in mind.

God's Creative Functions

Preservation: Refers to the continued existence and maintenance of created things. Unlike a sculptor and a statue, God's creation constantly depends on Him.

Providence: God's plan for all creatures, leading them to their intended purpose. Every creature is guided by grace and nature according to God's will, which is fulfilled when we seek and conform to it.

Divine Governance: God's work of keeping creation in order, inviting us to participate. We have free will; God asks us to conform to His will so His plan may be accomplished.

Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Good

Every human is intrinsically sacred because they are made in God's image, not because of possessions or abilities. Intrinsic good is measured by one's relationship with God, not usefulness to society. Instrumental good means seeking something from the goodness performed. Intrinsic good is doing something without expecting anything in return.

What is Grace?

Grace is a share in the life of God. If we fail to fulfill our role, we fail God and the mystical body. Through Baptism and the Eucharist, we receive grace and are called to become saints, sharing God's love.

Communion of Saints

Threefold Meaning

• Unity among saints: In heaven, on earth, and in purgatory.
• Holy things of the Church: Especially the Eucharist, uniting believers in Christ.
• Community of holy people: Those who suffer for Christ and bear fruit for all.