CFC [P.342]

emphasizes its literal interpretation as the sole norm for all Christian belief and behavior.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit: seven special graces of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.  (Cf. Is 11:2-3.)

Grace: God’s free Self-giving whereby we share in God’s own Triune life of love (cf. 2 Pt 1:4), and the consequent multiple favors offered to all persons, particularly salvation in Christ. (Cf. Rom 3:21-26; 1 Tim 2:4-6.) It brings new life (cf. Jn 1:13; 1 Pt 1:3-5), making us adopted children of God in the Spirit and members of Christ’s Body. (Cf. Rom 5:5, 8:14-17; Gal 4:4-7.)

Hermeneutics: the theory and practice of “interpretation” of texts, their original and contemporary meanings; usually taken as broader in scope than “exegesis.”

Hierarchy: in the Church, the successors of the Apostles, under the Pope as successor of St. Peter. This term describes the order of the ordained: bishops, priests and deacons; more commonly, it refers simply to the Pope and the bishops.

Infallibility: the special charism bestowed by Christ in the Spirit that safeguards the Church from teaching error in matters of faith and morals. (Jn 16:12-15; LG 12.) It is exercised particularly by the college of bishops in union with Peter’s successor, the Pope (Acts 15:1-29; 1 Cor 15:3-11; LG 25), and by the Pope alone  when, as Peter’s successor, he solemnly teaches a revealed  truth of faith and morals.

Inspiration, biblical: the special assistance to the human author-editors by the Holy Spirit through which the books of the Bible were written and have God as their [principal] author.  (Cf. Jn 20:31; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pt 1:19-21, 3:15-16; DV 11.)

Justification: the saving grace which is “not only the remission of sins but the sanctification and renewal of the interior man,” that he may be “an heir in hope of eternal life (Ti 3:7)” (cf. Trent, ND 1932), through faith in Jesus Christ. (Cf. Rom 1:17; 9:30-31.)

Kerygma: the act of proclaiming, or the core message proclaimed, of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ (Cf. Rom 16:25; 1 Cor 1:21; 15:3-5.)