Defining Moments

O

Obedience: The moral virtue by which one submits to the will or law of one in exercise of legitimate authority. In the Bible, to obey is really to “hear” the expressed will of God by responding to it completely and without hesitation.

Obedience of Faith: Each Christian’s first obedience must be to God, so that the human respondent entrusts his whole self entirely to God.

Occasion of Sin: A person, place or thing that is an attraction and enticement to sin; it may be either a situation that always leads to sin or one that usually leads to sin. One is obliged to avoid occasions of sin or, if they cannot be avoided completely, to make them as “remote” as possible.

Offertory Collection: The taking up of monetary gifts at Mass at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In the past, the faithful brought money, but especially the fruits of their toil — cattle, vegetables, fruits, etc. Each member of the Church is obliged to give according to his means and to be generous.

Orante: A figure depicted in early Christian art in the classical attitude of prayer, the orante has his or her hands lifted up, with palms facing outward, the elbows slightly bent. The physical demeanor conveys an attitude of adoration and praise; as the hands are lifted up, so the orante’s mind and heart are raised to God. The palms are open to show an offering of thanks, but also to keep the sacred at a distance, lest the orante be guilty of profaning the presence of the sacred by approaching too closely.

Organ Transplants: Morally, the transplanting of organs from one person to another is permissible provided that: 1) concerned parties consent fully and 2) it is not expected to result in the death or essential mutilation of the donor.