Serving God Alone
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Religion (2095)
By the virtue of religion we have an attitude of charity and render to God what we, as creatures, owe him.
Adoring by Acknowledging (2096-2097)
By adoration (the first act of religion) man acknowledges God as Creator and Master of all that exists. Jesus said, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve" (Lk 4:8).
In adoring God, we acknowledge the "nothingness of the creature." Worshipping God saves the person from self-centeredness, from slavery to sin, and from idolatry of the world.
Need for Prayer (2098)
By prayer (a lifting up of our mind to God) we accomplish the needed acts of faith, hope, and love. Without prayer we cannot obey God's commands. We must "pray and not lose heart" (Lk 18:1).
Adoring God by Sacrifices (2099-2100)
Sacrifice is a sign of adoration. "Every action done so as to cling to God in holiness is a true sacrifice" (St. Augustine).
Outward sacrifices must express a true inner spirit of sacrifice. The prophets denounced sacrifices not given from the heart. Jesus quoted Hosea, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" (Mt 9:13).
Promises and Vows (2101-2102)
Promises are made to God in Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. A person can also promise God some action (prayer, almsgiving, pilgrimage, etc). Fulfilling these promises shows respect for God's majesty.
A vow is a deliberate, free promise concerning a higher good which must be fulfilled (Canon 1191, #1). By this act of devotion the Christian dedicates his life or promises some action, e.g. St. Paul cut his hair because of a vow (Acts 18:18).
Evangelical Counsels (2103)
Especially important to the Church are vows concerning the evangelical counsels (poverty, chastity, and obedience). Mother Church rejoices in the many men and women who "go beyond what is of precept" (Second Vatican Council). For proportionate reasons, the Church can dispense from vows and promises (Canon 692; 1196-1197).
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