Defining Moments January 2007

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A.D./Anno Domini: In the year of our Lord.

Abandonment: The spiritual practice of yielding in trust and acceptance to God’s loving providence in every event and experience of daily life. The practice is meant to engender attitudes of peace, spiritual tranquility, and the allaying of anxiety.

Agape: Greek word for love that has come to possess a uniquely Christian sense in referring to the deep and active care God has for the world, and the selflessness appropriate to Christian love of others. The term was also used in the early Church to designate a common meal held either before or after the celebration of the Eucharist.

Alms: (From Greek: eleemosyne, mercy, pity) Material or financial offerings for the poor, prompted by charity. Provision for the needy is admonished throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament, giving all that one has to the poor is a condition for discipleship. The early Church cared for the needs of the poor in the community. In Christian tradition, almsgiving is a corporal work of mercy.

Apostolate: Term, derived from the New Testament word “apostle,” referring to labors done in the name of Christ. Laypersons have for their apostolate the responsibility to preach Christ in their homes and workplaces. Pope John Paul II concluded that the laity have their vocation by virtue of their Baptism.