Chapter 4: Redemption and the Paschal Mystery

Chapter 4: Redemption and the Paschal

Mystery

THE MYSTERY OF REDEMPTION

ANTICIPATORY SET

Incorporate the account of the baptism of Christ into the class’s opening prayer (cf. Mt 3:1–17).

1. The Inauguration of the Paschal Mystery

BASIC QUESTIONS What is the Paschal Mystery? Why was Jesus baptized? What is the significance of the Wedding at Cana?

KEY IDEAS Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection are called the

Paschal Mystery because these events are the reality that the Passover in Egypt prefigured. Jesus is the true Lamb of God prefigured by the Paschal lamb.

Jesus was baptized in order to identify with sinners. At the Wedding at Cana, Jesus anticipated the sacrifice

of Calvary, first prophesied in the Protoevangelium, by performing the sign of turning water into wine.


What events constitute the Paschal Mystery?The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Why is the Paschal Mystery “Paschal”?It is Paschal because the Paschal lamb, whose blood had saved the Israelites, was a type or prefiguration of Jesus Christ, whose Blood would save all people from the slavery of sin.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


Why is the Paschal Mystery a “mystery”?It is a mystery because it deals with realities that go beyond reason’s ability to comprehend fully, for example, how God could die or man could rise from the dead.

What is Christ’s Passion?It is his suffering before his death.

Why is the Passion of Christ an “icon” of God’s infinite love for every person?God’s love for humanity can be seen or pictured in his self-sacrificial sufferings.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students work with a partner to articulate in their own words three distinct points about the meaning of Jesus’ baptism from CCC 536.


What title did John the Baptist give to Jesus?The Lamb of God.

How does the title Lamb of God relate to the Passover?In the Passover, the sacrificed lamb’s blood saved the firstborn son of every Hebrew family.

How is the title Lamb of God used in the Liturgy of the Church?In the Mass, this title refers to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What reason did Jesus give for undergoing baptism, even though he was without sin?He said it was necessary “to fulfill all righteousness.” This means that the baptism of Jesus was an indication of his acceptance of his mission and an anticipation of his own Death and Resurrection.

How is the Blessed Trinity seen at Jesus’ baptism?When Jesus emerges from the water, the Father is heard in the voice, the Son is Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is seen in the form of a dove.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What are the two closely related appearances of Mary in St. John’s Gospel?At the Wedding Feast at Cana and at the foot of the Cross during the Passion.

What title that Jesus gives his mother links these two events with the Protoevangelium?In both the Wedding at Cana and on the Cross, Jesus refers to Mary as “woman.” In the Protoevangelium, God speaks of the “woman” whose seed will overcome the serpent.

What direction did Mary give the servants that is also the best advice for us?Mary told the servants, referring to her son, to “do whatever he tells you.”

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students read the account of the Wedding at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1–11) and free write for a few minutes on what surprised them the most.


CLOSURE Have the students write a paragraph summarizing how the baptism of Jesus and the Wedding at Cana relate to the Paschal Mystery.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Reading

Christ’s Temptation by Satan (pp. 119–124)

Study Questions Questions 1-4. Practical Exercise 1.

Workbook Questions 1–5.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Have the students review the baptism of Jesus and the Wedding at Cana. As a class discussion, answer the following question.

What is something we can learn from Jesus’ decision not to do what his cousin John wanted and to do what his mother wanted?


ANTICIPATORY SET

Incorporate Psalm 22 into the class’s opening prayer. After, have them work with a partner to come up with three parallels between this Psalm and the Passion.

2. Defeating the Prince of Darkness

BASIC QUESTIONS What temptations did Christ experience in the desert? How does the Devil advance his agenda? What was Christ’s final temptation?

KEY IDEAS Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert, mirroring the Chosen

People’s exile in the wilderness. There Christ experienced three temptations aimed at trying to get him to establish his kingdom without the Cross.

The Devil lies and preys on fear to destroy life. In the garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross, Jesus was again

tempted to abandon suffering. His victory vanquished Satan, the “ruler of this world.”


Why did Jesus fast and pray for forty days?In Sacred Scripture, the number forty indicates a period of trial and preparation. Jesus fasted and prayed forty days to prepare for his public ministry.

When during his time in the desert was Christ tempted by Satan?At the end of the forty days when Jesus was weakest.

What did Satan try to get Christ to do in the first temptation?To turn stones into bread.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Devils cannot read our minds. They only know about us by observing our behavior and making inferences based on that. Have the students work with a partner to identify some of the events in Jesus’ life which might have made Satan suspicious that Jesus was the prophesied “seed” of the woman.


What is the significance of this first temptation?Satan was suggesting Jesus should end his fast and give in to his desire for pleasure and comfort.

How did Jesus react to this first temptation?He rejected it saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4).

What does Jesus’ reply mean?It is not the flesh that satisfies the human person, but obedience to the will of God. Also, since Jesus is the “Word of God” and the “bread from Heaven,” he is saying that he alone can truly satisfy human beings.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What did Satan try to get Jesus to do in the second temptation?To throw himself off the top of the Temple in Jerusalem.

What is the significance of the second temptation?If Jesus gave in and threw himself off, he would be rescued by angels. Everyone in the Temple would see that he is the Messiah and would follow him. Jesus would have instant success.

What was the Devil implying about suffering in this temptation?He was implying that the Son of God should be immune from suffering and that suffering was meaningless, hence suffering for sin would also be futile.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What did Satan offer Jesus in the third temptation?All the kingdoms of the world.

What did Jesus supposedly have to do to gain the whole world?Worship Satan.

What did Jesus say to Satan in response to the third temptation?“Begone, Satan! for it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

In addition to the fact that it would have required idolatry, why was Jesus not interested in worldly glory?His kingdom was not of this world.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How does Jesus in the desert accomplish what Israel in the desert could not?Jesus was faithful to the will of God during his forty days in the desert whereas Israel was unfaithful during her forty years in the desert.

How does Jesus in the desert accomplish what Adam in paradise could not?Jesus promptly rejected Satan’s temptations, whereas Adam surrendered to Satan’s temptation to eat of the forbidden fruit and rebel against God’s authority.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What was behind all three of the Devil’s temptations in the desert?The idea that Jesus might establish his kingdom without the Cross.

How did St. Peter tempt Jesus to establish the kingdom of God without suffering?When Jesus told his disciples that his suffering and Death were imminent, Peter said, “God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” Jesus severely rebuked Peter, saying he was being just like Satan.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What human logic was at work in Peter when he was rebuked by Christ?The human logic that suffering and death are to be avoided at all costs.

What did Jesus understand about his mission, contrary to Satan’s insinuations?Jesus understood that in order to redeem the world, he would have to suffer and die on the Cross.

How do we follow Christ’s redeeming actions?By denying ourselves and taking up our “daily cross.”

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Remind the students that Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Lk 9:23). One thing Jesus is saying is that difficult things come to us every day.

Have the students free write to identify a few everyday crosses that they have had to experience in the last few days, experiences that they could accept and offer up to God.


How does fear cause Peter to sin?Peter proudly boasted that he would never be unfaithful to Christ, but when Jesus was arrested, Peter denied him three times, just as Jesus had foretold.How does fear result in Pilate’s sinning?Pilate was convinced that Jesus was innocent but because he was afraid of the crowd and of the Jewish authorities’ threat that they would denounce him as “no friend to Caesar,” he ordered Jesus’ scourging and crucifixion.What is the meaning of Christ’s seeming lament, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” seems, at first glance, to indicate that Jesus felt abandoned by his Father in his greatest hour of need. However, Jesus is quoting Psalm 22, which foretells a suffering Messiah who will establish a glorious kingdom.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


In what two ways does the Devil seem to tempt man?Through distortion of the truth and fear.

What is the consequence of surrendering to the Devil’s temptations?The destruction of innocent life.

How do Satan’s lies result in the destruction of life in the case of Judas?Judas first succumbs to the lie that some good could come from betraying Jesus to his enemies and the result is the unjust killing of Jesus Christ. Judas then gives in to the lie that he could never be forgiven and so kills himself.

How do we protect ourselves from the evil one?By being united with Christ.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What is the temptation that Christ experienced both in the garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross?It was the temptation to reject the Cross. In the garden, Jesus asked if the Father would “remove this cup” of suffering. On the Cross, he was taunted with, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the Cross.”

How is Jesus’ prayer to his Father in the garden a perfect one for us to imitate when we are faced with difficulties?Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will but yours be done.” It is natural that we should seek to avoid suffering but the perfect attitude is not to do what we want but to do God’s will.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


CLOSURE Have the students write a paragraph explaining the struggle between Christ and the prince of darkness.



Christ Manifests His Divinity through The Last Supper (pp. 124–130)


Workbook Questions 6-10.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Have the students free write for a few minutes on parallels between Peter’s and Judas’s betrayal of Christ.


ANTICIPATORY SET

Incorporate the Transfiguration into the class’s opening prayer (e.g., Mt 16:27–28; 17:1–9).

Conduct a think/pair/share on the relationship between Matthew 16:28 and the subsequent Transfiguration.

3. Transfiguration and Last Supper

BASIC QUESTIONS What is the significance of the Transfiguration? What is the New Commandment and how does it relate to the

Decalogue? What is the Eucharist and its significance?

KEY IDEAS The Transfiguration provides the Apostles Peter, James, and John with a

glimpse of Jesus’ divine glory, which Christ generally obscured through his humanity.

Christ gave his followers a New Commandment, to love one another with a sacrificial love, a commandment that sums up and perfects the Old Testament Decalogue.

The Eucharist, first celebrated at the Last Supper, re-presents the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary in an unbloody manner under the appearance of bread and wine. Received in Holy Communion, the Eucharist gives the Christian the graces to live the Law of Love and attract others to Christ.


GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students work with a partner to list the elements of the Transfiguration that reveal Christ’s divinity.


Generally speaking, what was the visible “status” of Christ’s divinity during his earthly life?Both during his hidden years and in his public life, Christ’s divinity was generally veiled by his humanity.How did Jesus share in our human experience, even in his public life?He became tired and hungry; he wept; and, at times, he was righteously angry.In what ways could Jesus’ divinity be glimpsed during his public life?Jesus was very attractive and approachable because of his goodness. He spoke on the kingdom of God with absolute authority. And he performed miracles.What was the ultimate sign of Christ’s divinity?The Cross and Resurrection.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How do the Apostles react to Jesus’ insistence that his Crucifixion and Death are indispensable for the salvation of the world?They could not understand him, and Peter “scorned” Jesus’ message.

What is the Transfiguration?It is Christ’s manifestation of his divinity to Peter, James, and John on Mt. Tabor.

What does Peter’s earlier confession of faith imply?Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16), implies that the Apostles were starting to realize the divinity of Christ.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How is the Transfiguration like God’s Revelation to Moses?Both took place on mountains, Mt. Tabor and Mt. Sinai respectively.

What is significant about the appearance of Moses and Elijah?For the Chosen People, Moses represents the Law and Elijah the prophets.

What did Jesus and Moses and Elijah speak about?Christ’s imminent Death, the very thing that the Apostles could not accept.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How was the Blessed Trinity revealed at the Transfiguration?The presence of God the Father was represented by the voice, the Son was present in his humanity, and the Holy Spirit was signified by the cloud.

Why is the Transfiguration a sign of hope to all the faithful?The Transfiguration gives us a glimpse of what awaits us if we are faithful. By uniting our sufferings to Christ’s, we can gradually transform our lives into his. Christ will change our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What does it mean to say that the Holy Eucharist is our Lord’s legacy?Christ instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper and left it behind as a “legacy” or gift to his Church.

What is the nature of the union that the Paschal Mystery creates?It creates an intimate union of the soul with Christ in which the Lord actually dwells in the soul.

What is the relationship between the Eucharist, Christian maturity, and effective evangelization?The Eucharist gives the Christian the graces to fully replicate the charity and wisdom of Christ which in turn makes people attracted to the Gospel.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What is the New Commandment?Christ’s followers are to love one another in the same way that Christ has loved them.What is the example Christ gives his disciples of the New Commandment in action?Christ washes the feet of the Apostles and then explains, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Extension: In the world of Jesus’ time, washing of feet was only done by servants or slaves.How is the washing of the feet related to the Crucifixion?They are both examples of humble loving service with the Crucifixion as the greatest instance possible.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students perform a paragraph shrink on CCC 1323


What is the origin of the grace needed to live the Law of Love?The Paschal Mystery.

How was the Last Supper an anticipation of Christ’s Passion?In both, Jesus offered his complete self to the Father.

Why is the Eucharist God’s greatest gift to his Church and mankind?The Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in both his divinity and humanity under the appearances of bread and wine. Since Jesus is God, and God is the greatest being there could ever be, and God gives his very self in the Eucharist, then the Eucharist is the greatest gift possible.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What is the relationship between the New and Old Covenants and the Eucharist?The New Covenant Law of Love contains the entire Decalogue of the Old Covenant. The Eucharist gives us the grace to live the Law of Love. Therefore, the Eucharist makes it possible to fulfill the Old Testament.

What is the point of the allegory of the vine and the branches that Jesus used at the Last Supper?Just as the branches must remain united to the vine in order to bear grapes, so must Christ’s followers remain united to Christ in order to evangelize the world.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Conduct a focused reading on the paragraph beginning, “At the Last Supper . . .” (p. 130) using the following question:

Even though the Mass has been celebrated millions of times—and this will continue until the end of time—in what sense is there really only one Mass?


CLOSURE Have the students write a paragraph summarizing the relationship among the New Commandment, the Old Testament Decalogue, the Eucharist, and the Paschal Mystery.



The Agony in the Garden through The Kenosis (pp. 131–143)

Study Questions Questions 14–21.

Workbook Questions 11–12.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Have the students free write on the following prompt:

Imagine you were one of the three who was with Christ on Mt. Tabor. What questions would you ask Moses or Elijah and how do you think they would answer?

Share responses.


ANTICIPATORY SET

Explain that the book of the prophet Isaiah contains four poems about the suffering servant. Incorporate the longest and most dramatic of these (cf. Is 52:13—53:12) into the class’s opening prayer, giving each student one verse to read.

4. Christ’s Passion and Death

BASIC QUESTIONS Who is the Suffering Servant? What is the Agony in the Garden? What is the Passion of Christ? How did Christ die? What is the Kenosis?

KEY IDEAS Jesus is the Suffering Servant foreseen by the prophet Isaiah, the Messiah

who had to suffer and die for our salvation. In the Agony in the Garden, Jesus suffered great mental and emotional

anguish to the point of sweating blood, but submitted to his Father’s will to give up his life.

The Passion was Christ’s unjust condemnation by the Sanhedrin and Pilate and the full range of verbal and physical abuses he suffered as a consequence.

Christ completed his redemptive suffering by dying the horrible death of crucifixion while forgiving his enemies.

Jesus entire life was a kenosis, or self-emptying of his divinity, for which he earned our salvation and his exaltation as Lord.


What is the Agony in the Garden?It is the first stage of Christ’s Passion, when he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray for strength to meet his coming sufferings.

Why did knowing the human heart especially add to Christ’s sufferings?He knew that many would refuse his gift of forgiveness and salvation.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Through a class discussion, have the students identify, explain, and relate the following two statements:

“Be it done to me according to thy word.”

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”


Even though Christ did not want to drink the cup of suffering, what was his final attitude?He would do his Father’s will.

Who did Jesus have accompany him when he prayed in the garden?Peter, James, and John, the same whom he had accompany him at the Transfiguration.

According to Christ’s words in the garden, what is the key to resisting temptation and being faithful to God?Watching—that is, staying awake or alert—and praying.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Conduct a think/pair/share on the following question:

Jesus knew his Passion would last less than twenty-four hours and that it would win something of infinite value: the redemption. What conclusion can you draw about the sufferings Christ foresaw he would experience based his words, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me”?


Why is it appropriate to refer to Christ as a suffering servant?In his Passion and Death on the Cross, Jesus suffered in order to benefit us by making satisfaction for our sins.

What does it mean to say that Jesus suffered physically, psychologically, and morally?Jesus suffered physical pain in his body. He suffered mental anguish because of what was being done to him. He also experienced the moral evil of sin.

What was the motive for Christ’s suffering?To make satisfaction for our sins and consequently to redeem every human being.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What part did Jesus’ freedom play in the redemption?Jesus declared that “No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Extension: This implies (at least) two things. First, Christ freely chose to redeem us, despite the terrible cost in pain he foresaw. Second, Jesus did not die until he was ready, after he had suffered to the last degree of which he was capable.Why is Christ in solidarity with every person who suffers?Christ has gone through every kind of pain that could afflict the human person.What “gift” has Christ given every suffering person?People can unite every suffering they experience to the redemption.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What was the Sanhedrin?The ruling council of the Jews.

With what was Jesus charged?Blasphemy, a crime punishable by death under the Jewish law.

Why did the Sanhedrin bring Jesus before the Roman Procurator Pontius Pilate?They were not allowed by Roman law to carry out the death penalty and the charge of blasphemy would carry no weight under Roman law, so they told Pilate that Jesus had claimed to be a king.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What was Pilate’s dilemma?He was torn between his political ambitions and his conscience.

What did Pilate’s conscience tell him?Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent of any crime against Roman law.

Why did Pilate send Jesus to King Herod?Since Jesus was a Galilean and technically under Herod’s jurisdiction, Pilate hoped Herod would make the problem go away for him.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


Why did Pilate give the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas?It was an ancient custom of releasing a condemned prisoner during Passover. Pilate hoped the crowd would choose Jesus so he could release him without the Jewish authorities blaming him.

Why did Pilate have Jesus scourged?He thought Jesus’ enemies might settle for that extremely cruel punishment.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How did the Roman soldiers treat Jesus?They gave him a horrendous scourging that ripped his flesh. Then they ridiculed, mocked, and taunted Christ. They slapped him, spit in his face, dressed him as a mock king, and crowned him with a crown of thorns, hitting it with a reed.

Why did Pilate finally condemn Jesus to death?He was afraid that the Jewish authorities might denounce him to Caesar as supporting an insurgent. He was afraid the Emperor might consider him “no friend to Caesar” and take away his political appointment.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What are the “Stations” or “Way” of the Cross?Jesus’ carrying of his Cross from the prætorium to Golgotha.

What does “Golgotha” or “Calvary” mean?Place of the skull.

Who helped Jesus on the Stations of the Cross?Simon of Cyrene was forced by the Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry his Cross.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How was Jesus crucified?He was nailed through his hands and feet to the Cross.

What reason does Jesus ascribe to men for crucifying him?Jesus said to his Father that they did not know what they were doing. In other words, they did not realize that he was the sinless and innocent Messiah. Extension: This is an example of Christ’s magnanimity: he ascribes the best possible motive to their evil.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students do a paragraph shrink on CCC 616 to examine the underlying ideas it conveys.


What were the physical effects of crucifixion?Searing pain, unbearable thirst, loss of blood, and slow suffocation.

Who is Dismas?He is the “Good Thief” who “stole” Heaven by asking Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom.

What were Jesus’ last words on the Cross?“It is finished.”

FOCUS QUESTIONS


According to Philippians 2:5–11, what was the double humbling that Jesus Christ underwent?First, he humbled himself by taking the form of a man, and then he further humbled himself by becoming obedient to death.

What does God do as a result of Jesus’ humility?He exalts him in the highest way possible.

What is kenosis?It is a Greek word meaning “self-emptying,” which encapsulates Christ’s sacrificial love.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


Did Christ ever use his divinity for his personal benefit?No. He only used it for others.

What was the last act of Christ’s kenosis or emptying?When the soldier pierced his side and out flowed blood and water.

How do the kenosis and the Resurrection relate to each other?The glorious reward that God gave Jesus for emptying himself was the victory of the Resurrection.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


CLOSURE Have the students write a paragraph explaining the sufferings of Christ in terms of the kenosis.



He Descended to the Dead through The Resurrection as a Transcendental Event (pp. 144-151)

Study Questions Questions 22-32. Practical Exercises 3-4.



ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT

Have the students work with a partner to read Supplemental Reading 2 (pp. 160–161) by St. John Chrysostom. Each pair of students should write and answer one focus question for each of its four paragraphs.


ANTICIPATORY SET

Incorporate John 20:1–31 (the Resurrection of Christ) into the class’s opening prayer.

Then have them free write for a few minutes on what strikes them the most in this account.

Share a few responses.

5. The Resurrection

BASIC QUESTIONS What is Christ’s descent into Hell? Did the Resurrection really happen? What is the Risen Christ like??

KEY IDEAS Upon his death, Christ’s human soul separated from his

body. In his soul, Christ descended to the abode of the dead where he redeemed the just.

The Resurrection is a historical event that really did occur. In the Resurrection, Christ received a glorified body that

transcends time and space and is no longer subject to suffering or death.

5. The Resurrection

What happens to the body and the soul at death?Death is the separation of the soul from the body. The soul continues in existence but the body begins to corrupt.

Where was Christ between his Death and Resurrection?His body was placed in the tomb and his soul went to the abode of the dead.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

What was the place where Jesus went after his Death?The state of all those who had died before the redemption. It is called variously Hell, Sheol, or Hades.

What was Hell like at that time?All who had died were there, whether evil or righteous, all deprived of the vision of God.

What is the “bosom of Abraham”?The name of the state of the souls of the just.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

What were the three possible states that the dead entered after Jesus descended to the dead?Some went immediately to Heaven, others went to Purgatory for further purification, and others, who rejected God, entered Hell in the strict sense.

What happens to souls who die now that the redemption has occurred?They are judged immediately by Christ and go to Hell, Purgatory, or Heaven.

What is Purgatory?It is a place of purgation for those who die in the grace and friendship of God but are not perfectly purified.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students work with a partner to come up with three ways that St. Joan of Arc’s life is a parallel with the life of Christ.

5. The Resurrection

When did Jesus rise from the dead?On the third day after his Crucifixion. Extension: The first day was the day he died. The second day was the day we celebrate as Holy Saturday. The third day was the day he arose, very early Easter Sunday.

What are two false interpretations of the Resurrection?(1) It is a myth that evolved from the great admiration that the early Christians had for Jesus Christ. (2) It is a belief that was the result of mass hysteria in which the followers of Christ convinced themselves that Christ had risen.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

What do we mean by claiming that the Resurrection is a historical event?We mean that Christ truly did rise from the dead. It is not a symbol or myth.How did the Apostles first react to the discovery that Christ’s tomb was empty?Incredulity and fear. They had no expectation that Christ would rise from the dead.How did Thomas react when the other Apostles told him they had seen the risen Christ?He refused to believe until he saw him himself.How did the Apostles react to the report from the women who said they had seen Christ?They considered these reports as an “idle tale.”

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

Why did Mary Magdalene not recognize Christ when he appeared to her?She was perhaps blinded by tears and never expected to see Jesus there. Jesus may also have looked different. Extension: As soon as Jesus spoke her name, Mary recognized him.

What do we know about the appearance of Jesus’ body after the Resurrection?In his glorified body, Jesus must not have appeared exactly in the same manner as he had before his Death because his followers did not always recognize him at first.

When did the disciples on the way to Emmaus recognize Christ?In the “breaking of the bread.”

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

How was the state of Christ’s body different from that of persons he had raised from the dead?Those he raised, such as Lazarus, were simply restored to life and would later die. Christ’s glorified body could never die.

How do we know that the Resurrection is a historical event?There were many eyewitnesses who were still alive when the Gospel was preached and written who could have refuted what the Apostles said.

In what sense is the Resurrection a victory?It shows that Christ’s absolute victory over sin and death has opened up the gates of Heaven.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students work with a partner to articulate ways in which Jesus is different after the Resurrection.

5. The Resurrection

How many people saw the risen Christ?According to St. Paul, about five hundred.

What about the Resurrection did no one witness?No one was an eyewitness of the exact moment when the body of Jesus came back to life and left the tomb.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

What is our way of knowing the Lord now?We know him by faith and not by sight: as he said to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

How is Christ more available now than before?Now that Christ transcends space and time everyone can have an intimate personal relationship with him. The transcendence of Christ’s glorified body makes Jesus Christ present everywhere: in the Church, in the Sacraments, and in the lives of his followers. In Heaven, he is directly available and on earth can be touched through faith and love.

FOCUS QUESTIONS

5. The Resurrection

CLOSURE Have the students write a paragraph summarizing Christ’s appearances after his Resurrection.

5. The Resurrection


The Significance of the Resurrection through St. Peter’s Forgiveness (pp. 151–153)



5. The Resurrection

ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Have the students work with a partner to develop an apologetics for the Resurrection of Christ as a historical event.

5. The Resurrection

ANTICIPATORY SET

Incorporate into the class’s opening prayer Jesus post‑Resurrection appearance to Peter on Lake Galilee (cf. Jn 21:1–25).

6. The Significance of the Resurrection

BASIC QUESTIONS Who has the power to forgive men’s sins? How did Christ deal with Peter’s betrayal? What is the significance of the Resurrection for us?

KEY IDEAS As the first fruit of the Resurrection, Christ gave the

Apostles the power to forgive men’s sins. Peter was given forgiveness personally by the Lord and

restored to his place as chief shepherd of his Church. The Resurrection gives us the greatest confidence in

Christ and all he taught.


GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students read 1 Corinthians 15:14–19 (p. 151) and then free write for a few minutes on whether they agree or disagree with St. Paul.

Share responses.


What is the first fruit of the Resurrection?The forgiveness of sin.

To whom did Jesus give the power to forgive sins?The Apostles.

When did Jesus give them this power?In the evening following the Resurrection.

How would the Apostles forgive sins?They would make a judgment and either forgive or retain the sins.

Is there any sin that cannot be forgiven?No.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How is the ministry of the forgiveness of sins continued in the Church today?Through the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation.

What is the essence of the good news of the Gospel?The truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

What does St. Paul consider the condition of a Christian if Christ was not Resurrected?He considers such a person as the most abject of men.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What does the Resurrection prove about Jesus Christ?It proves he really is the Son of God and that everything he said can be trusted.

What should the attitude of the Christian be in light of the Resurrection of Christ?

It should be one of victory, no matter the circumstances.Which persons manifest the greatest faith in the Resurrection?The saints.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What was Peter’s sin?He had presumptuously declared that he would never betray Christ but he ended up denying him three times.

How did Jesus lead Peter to repentance and show him he forgave him?Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, and each time Peter said he did, Christ told Peter to take care of his sheep. This was the same number of times Peter had denied him.

What did Jesus mean by telling Peter to feed his sheep or lambs?He meant for him to be the Head of the Church, which meant to love and serve them.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Conduct a think/pair/share on the following question:

Why did Jesus not explicitly mention Peter’s sin or demand that Peter say he was sorry?


CLOSURE Have the students write a paragraph summarizing the significance of the Resurrection for us.



The Descent of the Holy Spirit through Conclusion (pp. 154–158)




ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Reread the story of the encounter between Mary Magdalene and Christ at the tomb (cf. Jn 20:11–18).

Put yourself in the place of Mary Magdalene and write a dialogue between you and the Risen Christ.

What would you say and how do you think he would respond?


ANTICIPATORY SET

Incorporate the Ascension into the class’s opening prayer (cf. Acts 1:1–14).

Then have the students write an answer to what they consider to be the most important question to ask about this passage.

Share responses.

7. The Ascension and Pentecost

BASIC QUESTIONS What is the Ascension? What is Pentecost?

KEY IDEAS Forty days after his Resurrection, Christ ascended into

Heaven where he assumed the fullness of his glorified divinity and intercedes for us at the right hand of God.

At Pentecost, the Apostles and the Church received the gift of the Holy Spirit, which makes possible the evangelization of the world in obedience to Christ’s command.


What did Jesus do with his Apostles between the Resurrection and the Ascension?He gave them final instructions, confirmed their faith in the Resurrection, and prepared them to receive the Holy Spirit.

When would the full glorification of Jesus’ body take place?When he ascended into Heaven.

What does the cloud and being seated at God’s right hand symbolize?The irreversible entry of Jesus’ humanity into divine glory.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What does Jesus now “do” in Heaven?He exercises his priesthood, interceding for us with the Father.

What did the Apostles “do” during the ten day period between the Ascension and Pentecost?They prayed, accompanied by the Virgin Mary.

What was the mission Jesus gave the Apostles and the Church?They were to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15).

When will this task be completed?When the Gospel has, in fact, been preached to every person.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Lead a class discussion on what Jesus means when he says that we Christians are to be the “light of the world.” Some questions that might be considered are as follows:

What is the literal light of the world? What would it mean to be a figurative light of the world? Who are some people who have exemplified being the light of the world? Who are some examples of false lights of the world? How can we be light for others in our own environment?


What will the Holy Spirit do for the Church in terms of instruction?He will teach her members what they need to know and help them remember everything that Christ told them.

What is the indwelling of the Blessed Trinity?Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit would actually dwell in the souls of those who had accepted the fruits of the redemption.

Which Person of the Blessed Trinity brings the effects of the redemption to us?The Holy Spirit.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


Why is it to the Apostles’ advantage for Jesus to ascend into Heaven?For some reason, which is not explained, the “Counselor” will not come until Jesus has ascended into Heaven.

What would be the relationship between Christ and the Church on earth from this point on?It would be founded on faith, hope, and love, rather than a face-to-face encounter.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What do we need to be receptive to the Holy Spirit?We need the proper disposition and prayer. The proper disposition is to have the desire to live by Christ’s teachings.

What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?They are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.”

FOCUS QUESTIONS


How did the Apostles and Mary experience the Holy Spirit in their senses?They heard a sound from Heaven “like” the rush of a mighty wind and they saw tongues “as of fire.”

What effect did the Holy Spirit have on their speech?They began to speak in other tongues.

What immediate effect did the Holy Spirit have on Peter?Peter’s first sermon led to the conversion of three thousand people.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, piety, fear of the Lord, and fortitude.

What are the effects of the gifts of the Holy Spirit?They sanctify the person who receives them by making him attentive to the voice of God, which makes him love the things of God, and, consequently, renders him more obedient and docile to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit.

What is the essence of Christ’s charity?It is a sacrificial love, especially towards the suffering and poor.

FOCUS QUESTIONS


GUIDED EXERCISE

Have the students work with a partner to perform a paragraph shrink on the paragraph beginning, “Evangelization proved an arduous work . . .” (p. 158).


CLOSURE Have the students write a paragraph summarizing how the Ascension and Pentecost related to the redemption of Christ.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions

Questions 48-56.



ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Have the students free write for five minutes on something in this lesson that they found difficult to grasp in order to gain greater understanding.


The End

Chapter 4: Redemption and the Paschal Mystery

Documents

Transcript of Chapter 4: Redemption and the Paschal Mystery