Religion IIMay 26, 2015

The Incarnation

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the word became flesh.”

The Incarnationsarks (Greek), carne (Latin)

FLESH

WE CANNOT BE HUMAN BEINGS WITHOUT BODIES!

Docetism: an early heresy that was associated with the Gnostics that claimed that Jesus had no human

body and only appeared to die on the Cross

The Importance of the

Incarnation

If Jesus Christ only seemed to be human, then he didn’t really

die and rise.

If Jesus Christ only seemed to be human,

then our human nature is not healed.

If Jesus Christ only seemed to be human, then we have never

perceived the Glory of God.

Mary, the Mother of God

By responding “yes” to God’s invitation to the Incarnation at the Annunciation, Mary was already collaborating with

the whole work her Son was to accomplish.

Christology

The study of Jesus Christ—trying to understand who he

is

John focuses on the heavenly origins of Christ and his fundamental identity as

God’s only Son.

The synoptic gospels provide a narrative of Jesus of

Nazareth and develop his story as an ascent to glory

through the Paschal Mystery.

The Signs in John’s Gospel

Sign 1: The Wedding at Cana

Jesus changed the water into wine;

we believe that he can change us.

Water symbolizes baptism; wine symbolizes the

Eucharist.

Mary’s concern for others moved her

to intercede.

The Signs in John’s Gospel

Sign 2: Cure of the Official’s Son

Power of Jesus’ word was enough to heal the son of a court

official

Jesus can rescue us from spiritual death.

Shows the power of intercessory prayer (prayer for others)

Sign 3: Cure on a Sabbath

Jesus is the source of life.

“My Father is at work until now, so I am at

work.”

Both the Son and the Father work on the

Sabbath.

The Signs in John’s Gospel

Sign 4 and 5: Multiplication of Loaves and Walking on Water

Recall Moses’ miracles in

Exodus after the first Passover

Manna in the desertWalking through

the Red Sea

Jesus is the New Moses and the true Passover.

Bread of Life Discourse

After these signs, Jesus tells his

disciples that he replaces the manna

of the Exodus.

He is the source of eternal life—the

Eucharist.

The Eucharist brings about an intimate

relationship between Christ and

the Church.

Peter: Master, to whom shall we go?

The Signs in John’s Gospel

Sign 6: Cure of a Man Born Blind

Contrasts a blind man who was given sight with those who had physical sight yet

were spiritually blind.

Remain faithful to Jesus and your faith will

deepen.

The Lord teaches that spiritual blindness is worse than physical

blindness.

Sign 7: Raising of Lazarus

This most important sign prefigures Jesus’ own

Death and Resurrection.

Sums up all the signs• Jesus is the way of life

• Jesus is the Resurrection

• Jesus is God (“I Am”).

Faith is essential for us to gain eternal life.

The Last SupperJohn reports the Last

Supper occurred on the day the Jews killed the

lambs for Passover.

Every Eucharist re-presents in an unbloody manner the one Sacrifice

of Christ.

Jesus washes the feet of his disciples.

He promises to send the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit

The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus

The Lord greatly desires to live in us, people united to him.