R.E.

111 NOTES ON DIVINE REVELATION

What is Revelation?
 Information received; a disclosure
- The revealing of something previously hidden or secret

“It pleased God, in His goodness and wisdom to reveal Himself . . . By this revelation, then, the invisible
God, from the fullness of His love, addresses men as His friends, and moves among them in order to
invite and receive them in His own company” (DV 2).

Christian life is based on the conviction that God has spoken to us and that the central truths of our
Faith are given in this revelation. The Christian Scriptures attest that “in times past God spoke in varied
ways to our fathers through the prophets; in this, the final age, He has spoken to us through His Son”
(Heb 1:1-2).

How does this idea of “revelation” relate to ordinary Filipino life?

- Through our personal relationships. = FILIPINOS ARE VERY RELATIONAL ( MAKAPAMILYA;
MAKAPUSO; PALAKAIBIGAN = HOSPITABLE & FRIENDLY )
- One of the best things we can say about a Filipino is: “Marami siyang kakilala” (He knows many
people),
or “Maraming nakakakilala sa kanya” (Many people know him).
On the other hand, one of the worst things to say about a Filipino is “Wala siyang kakilala” (Nobody
knows him), or “Walang kumikilala sa kanya” (No one gives him
recognition).

In our family relationships and friendships we reveal our personal selves to others, and openly receive
their self-giving to us. This is what uplifts the Filipino.

The first one to know us, the first one to show us recognition and reach out to establish a personal
relationship with us - to become our kakilala - is God.

Only in relation to God do we become our full selves.

Only in coming to know God do we grow to the full stature of our true selves.

But how do we come to know the one true God?

What then is DIVINE REVELATION?

Revelation is God’s personal loving communication to us of who He is and His plan to save us
all in His love. It is God’s reaching out to us in friendship, so we get to know and love Him.

How does God reveal Himself?

God reveals Himself in:
1. Creating us and everything we see, hear and touch - from the beginning till now IN CREATION
[natural signs];
2. His words and deeds IN SACRED SCRIPTURE’s record of salvation history, completed and perfected
in His Son-made-man, Jesus Christ [Biblical signs];
3. His continuing presence by the Holy Spirit IN His people, THE CHURCH; [ecclesial/ liturgical signs];
with the prayer and sacramental worship, doctrine, and moral service of the Church;
4. In OTHER RELIGIONS: for whatever is true and holy in non-Christian cultures and religions is
accepted by the Catholic Church.

What Is Asked Of Us If God Reveals Himself To Us Through Creation, In Scriptures, In The Church and In
Other Religions?
1. IN CREATION [natural signs]; = We are called to be STEWARDS OF GOD’S CREATION = CARETAKERS
2. IN SACRED [Biblical signs]; = We are called to study it; pray it; and live the words of God in our lives
3. IN THE CHURCH; [ecclesial/ liturgical signs]; = We are called to be active members of the Church &
build it in love, compassion, forgiveness, peace & unity
4. IN OTHER RELIGIONS; = We are called to understand & accept, live in unity, joy and harmony with
other religions.