Names Attributed to the Second Divine Person
Fundamentals of Faith 2 in the Trinity:
FINALS EXAMS REVIEWER
© Academics Committee
Lesson 4: Jesus Christ: The God-made-man
Being Christian is not the result of an ethical
choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with
an event, a person, which gives life a new
horizon and a decisive direction. - Benedict
XVI, Deus Caritas Est
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God… And
the Word was made flesh and dwelt among
us.” (John 1:1, 14) The Lord Jesus Christ is the
Eternal Word of the Father.
Incarnation
● in + caro, “flesh”
● the fact that the Son of God assumed a
human nature in order to accomplish
salvation in it
● For us men and for our salvation, he
came down from heaven: and by the
Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin
Mary and he became man
The Word Became Flesh
● “For us human beings and for our
salvation”
Reasons for the Incarnation:
1. To save us by reconciling us with God
2. So that we might know God’s love
3. To be our model of holiness
4. To make us partakers of the divine
nature
Name signifies mission
1. JESUS
● “Yeshua” or “Joshua” means
“Savior” or “God saves”
● This name was given at the
command of God’s angel
(Archangel Gabriel)
● It indicates his identity and
mission to forgive sins. Through his
Paschal Mystery, he recapitulates
the whole salvation history
● It indicates his identity and
mission to redeem his people
from their sins (Mt. 1:21)
● God has always been saving his
people since time immemorial
● Old Testament
○ God saves his people from
Egyptian slavery
○ The same of the Savior
God was only invoked
once a year by the high
priest in atonement for
Israel’s sins
● New Testament
○ God saves his people from
the bondage of sin
○ All may invoke the divine
name of Jesus and obtain
forgiveness of sins
● Jesus’ name manifests supreme
power. Miracles are performed in
his name. Evil spirits fear his name.
● The Resurrection glorifies his
name. Whatever is asked in
Jesus’ name will be granted by
the Father.
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2. CHRIST
● “Chistos” (Gk.) or
“mashiach/meshiyach” (Hb.)
means “the anointed one.”
● The Christ or the Messiah is the
one promised by God through
the prophets of his chosen
people
● He is the definitive Messiah: Priest,
Prophet, and King par excellence
● Old Testament
○ Kings, priests, and some
prophets of Israel were
anointed
● New Testament
○ Jesus was anointed by the
Spirit was Priest, Prophet,
and King
● Who do you say that I am?... YOU
ARE THE CHRIST!
○ He offered himself for our
transgressions (priestly).
○ He announced the
coming of the Kingdom of
God (prophetic).
○ He came not to be served
but to serve (kingly).
Mary (Virgin and Mother)
3. THE ONLY SON OF GOD
● The title “son of God” was given
to anges, the Chosen People,
and their Kings in the Old
Testament
● This signifies the unique and
eternal relationship of Jesus to
God his Father
● To be a Christian, one must
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son
of God
● Two (2) solemn events in the New
Testament designated Jesus as
THE beloved Son of the Father: His
Baptism and Transfiguration
● HIS BAPTISM: “This is my beloved
Son, with whom I am well
pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
● HIS TRANSFIGURATION: “This is my
beloved Son, listen to him.” (Mark
9:7)
● HIS CRUCIFIXION: “Truly, this man
was the Son of God.” (Mark
15:39)
4. LORD
● The ineffable name YHWH in
Hebrew is rendered “Kyrios” in
Greek and “Adonai” in Hebrew
● This divine title is applied to the
Father in the Old Testament and
to the Son in the New Testament
● This title testifies to the respect
and trust of those who approach
him for help and healing
● This title becomes adoration, and
a connotation of love and
affection
● Mary did not give birth merely to man
who then after his birth “became” God.
● Rather, even in her womb, the child is
the true Son of God.
● Mary’s title “Mother of God” is
inseparable from Christ’s identity.
● To deny that Mary is the Mother of God
is either to deny Christ’s divinity or to
deny his Incarnation.
● The Blessed Virgin Mary is the
“Theotokos,” Mother of God
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 ● Everything we know and venerate
about her depends upon the unique
vocation of hers.
● Christ’s birth did not diminish Mary’s
virginal integrity
● Mary is Aeiparthenos, Ever-Virgin. Her
Perpetual Virginity is a dogma of the
faith and stresses the radical novelty of
the Incarnation and her exclusive
dedication to her mission as Mother of
Jesus.
Types of Worship
1. Dulia
● respect or honor we give to the
saints
2. Hyperdulia
● respect and honor for Mary
3. Latria
● worship and adoration that is
given to God alone
The Natures of Jesus Christ Defined by
Ecumenical Councils
● Jesus, in his Incarnation, is a TRUE GOD &
TRUE MAN. Christ became truly man
while remaining truly God.
● In order to clarify the truth about
Jesus who is true God and true man, the
Church convoked Ecumenical Councils
in the first century.
● ECUMENICAL COUNCIL: a gathering of
Church leaders (in particular Bishops)
who have the authority to make joint
decisions regarding Church doctrines
and disciplines that are binding.
● Several councils defined, explained and
defended this truth about the nature of
Christ as both human and divine (Nicea
I, Constantinople I, Ephesus, Chalcedon)
COUNCIL OF NICEA I (325 CE)
● The council condemned the following
propositions of Arianism:
○ “There was a time when [Jesus]
he was not God”
○ Jesus is a created being which
can be greater than man but
lesser than God.
○ Before he was begotten [by the
Father] he was not God.
○ He came to be from things that
were not, or from another
hypostasis or substance.”
● Defenders of the Nicean Council
Propositions
○ While the Father and the Son are
distinct, the Son “belongs to the
Father’s substance and is of the
same nature as He.” –St.
Athanasius
○ “God the Father and God the
Son are clearly one, not by a
union of Person but by a unity of
nature.” –St. Hilary of Poitiers
● Teaching: The Son of God is eternally
begotten, not made, and of the same
divine substance as the Father
(homoousious)
● Resolution: Homoousious = of the same
substance/being
COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE I (384 CE)
● The council condemned the following
propositions of Apollinarianism:
○ The Logos took the place of the
human soul of Christ, or at least of
the higher soul, the nous.
○ Jesus was not truly a human
being. He lacks a rational soul, or
is not a human subject, or is
without a principle of human
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 individuality, freedom, and
action.
● Resolution: Jesus’ human nature is
complete!
○ Christ’s human nature—complete
with operations of intellect and
will, and human body—belongs
to the divine person of the Son of
God who assumed it. (CCC, 470)
○ The human knowledge that the
Son of God assumed, is not
unlimited, it was exercised in the
historical conditions of his
existence in time and space. Yet,
by union to the divine wisdom in
the person of the Word came
flesh, Christ enjoyed in his human
knowledge the fullness of
understanding of the eternal
plans he had come to reveal.
(CCC 472-474).
COUNCIL OF CHALCEDON (451 CE)
COUNCIL OF EPHESUS (431 CE)
● The council condemned the following
propositions of Nestorianism:
○ There are two types of Jesus: the
Divine and the human. Rather
than one person with two
natures.
○ Mary is not “Theotokos” or
God-bearer, only “Christotokos”
(Christ-bearer). For a creature like
Mary cannot give birth to a God.
● Defenders of the Ephesus Council
Propositions
○ Jesus is the “one incarnate
nature of the divine Logos,”
understanding that while
remaining God, the Logos or Son
took on human life. There is
“union in hypostasis” or
hypostatic union. – St. Cyril
○ Jesus as “perfect God and
perfect man.” The two natures
are without confusion. -St. John of
Antioch
● Resolution: Hypostatic Union; Mary as
Theotokos
○ Mary truly became the Mother of
God “Theotokos” by the human
conception of the Son of God.
The Logos, united to himself
according to the hypostasis, was
born from her, the Logos is said to
be born according to the flesh.
○ There is only “ONE” and “SAME”
Lord Jesus Christ.” There is “union
in hypostasis” or hypostatic union
in Jesus.
● Teaching: The Divine Person of the Son
of God assumed full human nature and
made it his own.
● The council condemned the following
propositions of Monophysitism (mono:
“one”; physis: “nature”):
○ Christ’s divinity and humanity
came together in one divine
nature, thus, his humanity ceased
to exist. – Eutyches and Dioscorus
● Defenders of the Chalcedon Council
Propositions
○ “So the proper character of both
natures was maintained and
came together in a single person.
Lowliness was taken up by
majesty, weakness by strength,
mortality by eternity.” – Flavian’s
profession of faith, echoed by
Pope Leo in his famous Tome of
Leo Letter in 449
● Teaching: The union of the divine and
human natures in the Person of the Son
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 is without confusion, change, division, or Lesson 5: The Early Life of Jesus: Mystery of
separation. Jesus’ Infancy and Hidden Life, Baptism, and
The distinction proper to each nature Temptations
was never abolished by their union. The
character proper to each of the two
Jesus’ Whole Life as Mystery
natures was preserved as they came
● Christ's whole earthly life - his words and
together in one person.
deeds, his silences and sufferings,
HUMAN + DIVINE =
indeed his manner of being and
HUMAN-DIVINE MIXTURE
speaking - is Revelation of the Father.
● Our Lord became man in order to do his
Hypostatic Union
Father's will, even the least
● The mysterious union of the divine and
characteristics of his mysteries manifest
human natures in the one Person of
“God's love among us”.
Jesus Christ
● Christ’s whole life is a mystery of
redemption and mystery of
Divine Nature
recapitulation.
● Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the
● By his Incarnation, Jesus, the Son of
Trinity, thus he is God, he possesses
God, has in a certain way united himself
divine nature.
with each man.
● His intellect and will are infinitely
● We are called to become one with him,
unsurpassed.
for he enables us as the members of his
● He is omniscient (knows everything) and
Body to share in what he lived for us in
omnipotent (can do anything)
his flesh as our model.
● In all of his life Jesus presents himself as
Human Nature
our model. He is "the perfect man", who
● The Son of God assumed a human body
invites us to become his disciples and
animated by a rational soul.
follow him.
● The rational soul contains his human
intellect and will.
The Mystery of Jesus’ Infancy and Hidden Life
● Jesus possessed three kinds of human
A. The Preparations
intellect. Beatific Knowledge, Infused
● The coming of God's Son to earth is an
Knowledge, and Experimental
event of such immensity that God willed
Knowledge.
to prepare for it over centuries.
● His human will submits to the divine will.
● He announces him through the mouths
of the prophets who succeeded one
another in
Israel.
● Moreover, he awakens in the hearts of
the pagans a dim expectation of this
coming.

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● The “Preparations” for the coming of
Jesus did not only start from the
Annunciation but from the
“Proto-Evangelium”.
● “Proto-Evangelium”” – the promise of
the Saviour was the First Gospel (First
Good News) announced.
● The Prophets were not meant to be
“future-tellers,” they were chosen to be
the “mouthpiece” of God.
B. The Christmas Mystery
● Jesus was born in a humble stable, into
a poor family. Simple shepherds were
the first witnesses to this event.
● In this poverty heaven's glory was made
manifest.
● To become a child in relation to God is
the condition for entering the kingdom.
● For this, we must humble ourselves and
become little.
● Only when Christ is formed in us will the
mystery of Christmas be fulfilled in us.
● God makes himself a child so that we
may love Him, so that we may dare to
love Him, and as a child trustingly lets
himself be taken into our arms. - Pope
Benedict XVI
● Love motivates God to save us, hence,
love, and not fear, must be our
motivation in following God.
● Being born in a poor family, Jesus is
already making a statement about his
mission. Jesus allowed himself to
become very much accessible and
approachable for us and share in the
condition of many of us.
● The profile of the first witnesses –
shepherds – also bespeak of the truth
that indeed Jesus came for the least,
the last and the lost. Shepherds are also
considered as “dishonest and unclean”
by the Jewish law.
● Jesus came to make the love of God
manifest even to those considered
outcasts of the society.
C. The Mysteries of Jesus’ Infancy
1. Jesus' circumcision - the sign of his
incorporation into Abraham's
descendants, into the people of the
covenant.
● It is the sign of his submission to the Law.
● According to Jewish law, a boy is
circumcised on the eighth day after his
birth.
● By becoming part of Abraham’s
descendants - the people of God –
Jesus manifested that he is one with us,
he is like us in every way except sin.
● At the same time, a name was given.
The name Jesus “Yesuah” (God’s
salvation), which was given by the
● Angel was formally given to him and
announced to the community during
this event.
● Therefore, Jesus’ identity and mission is
already clear from the very beginning.
2. The Epiphany - the manifestation of
Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God
and Saviour of the world.
● The magi's coming to Jerusalem means
that pagans can discover Jesus and
worship him as Son of God and Saviour
of the world.
● The Magi (also called “Wise Men” in
Christian tradition, also popularly known
as “Kings”) were said to be “from the
East”, hence, connotes their pagan
origin.
● This speaks of the universality of
salvation, that Jesus is not only the
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 Messiah of Israel but the Savior of the
world.
● Jesus is for all, the salvation he offers is
for all. But of course, it requires our
cooperation.
● The gifts of the Magi also speak of Jesus’
identity as Priest (frankincense), Prophet
(myrrh), and King (gold).
3. The presentation of Jesus in the temple -
shows him to be the firstborn Son who
belongs to the Lord.
● Jesus is recognized as the
long-expected Messiah, the "light to the
nations" and the "glory of Israel“
● This has become a combination of two
events, the purification of Mary and the
presentation of Jesus
● The mother must offer a lamb for burnt
offering and a young pigeon for a sin
offering. But the offering Mary and
Joseph brought (a pair of turtle doves)
speaks of their economic status.
● Mary and Joseph are poor, but they are
pious, righteous, and faithful.
● In this event too, Jesus was recognized
by Simeon and Anna as the
long-awaited Messiah (for the Jews), the
light to the nations (including non-Jews)
and the glory of Israel.
● Simeon and Anna were the 3rd
witnesses to Jesus’ identity and mission –
the first were the shepherds, the second
were the magi, and third were these
two prophets.
4. The flight into Egypt and the massacre of
the innocents - make manifest the
opposition of darkness to the light.
● Christ's whole life was lived under the
sign of persecution.
● But God’s love is above and beyond
any persecution.
● Jesus’ parents, especially St. Joseph,
were instrumental in his safety and the
fulfillment of his mission.
D. The Mysteries of Jesus’ Hidden Life
● During the greater part of his life Jesus
shared the condition of the vast majority
of human beings: a daily life spent
without evident greatness, a life of
manual labour.
● There were also silent years (hidden life)
between Jesus’ infancy until this event
of them visiting the temple at age 12,
except that Luke said that every year
Jesus’ parents went up to Jerusalem to
celebrate the Passover.
● Before the age of 5 - Parents had the
primary role in educating children
before formal
schooling.
● Age 5 to 10 - The House of Reading
(Beth Sepher), equivalent of primary
school. The ABCs were learned and the
stress was on the memorization of Torah.
● Age 10 – 12 or 13 - The House of
Learning (Beth Talmud), next level of
education. The oral law was the focus of
study. Note: It was typical for children to
go to school until 12 or 13 years of age.
After this, it was the father's responsibility
to teach his son a trade in order to earn
a living.
● If the student is exemplary – The House
of Interpretation/Explanation (Beth
Midrash). This school would be
compatible with our “continuing
education” or graduate studies.
Theology, religious philosophy, ethics,
science, historical legend and messianic
hopes are studied at this level.
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● The Scribes and Pharisees were the
teachers during the time of the New
Testament.
● Moreover, since St. Joseph was a
carpenter, he would have taught Jesus
the trade of carpentry at age 12 or so.
● His religious life was that of a Jew
obedient to the law of God, a life in the
community.
● From this whole period it is revealed to
us that Jesus was "obedient" to his
parents and that he "increased in
wisdom and in stature, and in favour
with God and man.”
● Luke gave a beautiful narration of what
happened after Mary and Joseph
found Jesus in the Temple which
summarizes Jesus’ hidden life
● He advanced in wisdom. As we have
mentioned earlier that he must have
also been educated and learned a lot
from experiences
● He advanced in years. Although Jesus is
100% divine, he is also 100% human,
therefore Jesus also aged like many of
us.
● He advanced in divine and human
favour. Like his parents, Jesus was a
pious and righteous Jew.
● The obedience of Christ in the daily
routine of his hidden life was already
inaugurating his work of restoring what
the disobedience of Adam had
destroyed.
● Jesus’ hidden life at Nazareth can give
us these lessons:
● Lesson of silence - May esteem for
silence, that admirable and
indispensable condition of mind, be
revived in us.
● Lesson on family life - May Nazareth
teach us what family life is, its
communion of love, its austere and
simple beauty, and its sacred and
inviolable character
● Lesson of work - Nazareth, home of the
"Carpenter's Son", in it we can
understand and proclaim the severe
and redeeming law of human work.
The Baptism of Jesus
John the Baptist
● John the Baptist is Jesus’ cousin.
● He is known to be the Herald of Jesus,
the Messiah.
● He prepared the people for the coming
of the One who is to baptize not only by
water but by the Holy Spirit.
● John’s Baptism is called the “Baptism of
Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins”:
“Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is
near!” - Mt 3:2
● As good as his baptizing was, he
acknowledged that something greater
was about to come.
● John declared that he was merely a
messenger, and that the one coming
after him is the one we must look at with
admiration and worship.
Meaning of Jesus’ Baptism
● Jesus’ baptism would mean obedience.
● A public way of showing that He
accepted his mission entrusted by God
the Father.
● It is an initial way of identifying himself
with the sinners.
● The baptism of Jesus is on his part was
the public acceptance and
inauguration of his mission as God’s
suffering servant. He allows himself to be
numbered among sinners; he is already
the Lamb of God, who takes away the
sin of the world.
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The Temptation of Jesus
- The Temptations of Jesus in the desert from
the last of the preparatory activities before His
public ministry.
- The word “temptation” is the English
translation of the Heb. word “massa” or the
Grk. word “peirasmos” which means “testing”.
Three Temptations of Jesus
1. He was tempted to turn the stones into
bread.
First Temptation – “turn stone into bread”
involves the sin of rebellion against the divine
will.
2. Temptation to show off the power of God.
Second Temptation – “to throw yourself down”
was an invitation to test God’s providential
care by unnecessarily risking one’s life.
3. Temptation to worship Satan in exchange for
wealth and power.
Third Temptation – “all these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me”
was an offer to prefer power and wealth over
the love of God.
Meaning of Jesus’ Temptation in the Desert
● Jesus’’ Temptation in the desert reverses
the temptation of Adam in Paradise
and temptations of Israelites in the
desert.
● Jesus, the New Adam, remained faithful
unlike the first Adam who had given in
to temptation.
● Israel’s vocation was perfected by
Jesus: Israel 40 years in the desert =
Jesus 40 days in the desert.
● Jesus’ victory over the tempter
anticipates his victory at the Passion, as
the supreme act of obedience and love
for the Father.
● 40 days of Lent – the Church unites
herself each year to the mystery of Jesus
in the desert.
Lessons from Jesus’ Temptation in the desert
1. Temptation is not a sin. Temptation is
part of our human condition. Sin enters
when a person willfully consents to the
temptation
2. The need for the power of discernment
which can only come from the Holy
Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who will help a
person discern truth from falsity;
apparent good from real good. (CFC
2192)
3. By Jesus’ steadfast faithfulness to God
amidst temptations, he showed us that it
is possible to overcome them and
remain faithful to God.
Lesson 6: The Kingdom of God (The Public
Ministry)
● The central theme of Jesus’ Public
Ministry is proclamation of the Kingdom
of God
○ See/Observe
○ Judge/Discern
○ Transformative Action
● Kingdom of God = Reign of God
See/Observe
The Situation/Context
1. occupation by foreign troops, and
misconduct of Roman officials
2. class conflicts and social banditry
3. religious fanaticism
4. emergence of revolutionary prophets
and messianic pretenders
5. strife between the various factions of
revolutionaries
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 6. bitter hostility between Jews and ● God completing his work (as creator
Samaritans and redeemer).
● God renewing the world.
The Hopes/Longings ● Human beings submitting themselves to
1. Unthreatened possession of the Promise God’s rule.
land ● Human beings having complete
2. Victory in battles fellowship with God.
3. Bountiful harvest and economic ● Human beings living in the renewed
prosperity world (Kassuhlke, 1974)
4. Peace, justice, greatness and prestige
as a nation The Paradox of the Kingdom of God
5. Re-establishment of the tribes of Israel “already but not yet, present yet future”
and restoration of dignity as Chosen PRESENT
people of God ● When hungry are fed, homeless are
Hence, for the Jews. “Kingdom of God = sheltered, naked are clothed
Political Freedom. FUTURE
● at the end of time. No more poverty,
Judge/Discern disease, sadness oppression, death
Although Jesus’ Kingdom of God is premised
on the Jewish idea that arose from their Anchored on the Jewish hope and
communal hope for salvation, Jesus gave understanding the paradoxical character of
original and definite interpretations of the the Kingdom of God, we can therefore say
Kingdom. that Jesus also envisioned the establishment of
the Kingdom of God to begin by establishing a
Kingdom of God righteous community and to culminate in the
● Not a place, but a condition (a state of transformation of the world and the whole
being) wherein the will of God is being creation.
manifested
● Where the Gospel values or Christ’s Transformative Action
value are present, there is the Kingdom THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE WORDS OF JESUS
of God
● The reign of peace, love, justice, etc. The Beatitudes
● God’s exercise of God’s kingly power by (Mt 5:3-12; Lk 6:20-26)
caring for the constituents, providing for ● Lat. “Beatitudo” (Blessedness);
their needs, protecting them from all ● Gk. “Makarios” (sense of inner
threats. contentment unaffected by outward
Even in the Scriptures, “Basileia tou Theou” has circumstances)
a very fruitful meaning. It refers to: ● The teaching of Jesus during his Sermon
● God establishing his rule. on the Mount which describes the
● God destroying the enemies. attitudes and actions that should
● God eliminating sin, disease, suffering characterize his followers and disciples.
and death.
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1. The poor in spirit 6. The pure of heart
● Humble and trusting; unafraid. To ● No hatred not jealousy loyal to
give up everything for God God and to the things of God;
2. Those who mourn purity of conscience as opposed
● Compassionate to the suffering to hypocrisy
of others; despise hatred, 7. The peacemakers
injustice, violence ● Builders of justice and peace; do
3. The meek their best to preserve/foster
● Possesses the spirit of gentleness peace and friendship among
and self-control; not violent or mankind and between God and
vengeful; never exploiting others man
4. Those who hunger and thirst for 8. Those who are persecuted for
righteousness righteousness’s sake
● Passionate to do what is good ● Witness the faith endured by faith
and right and just rather than hide their faith to
5. The merciful avoid persecution.
● Forgiving; acting upon the
corporal and spiritual works of THE PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM
mercy ● Gk. “Parabole” (a fictive illustration in
narrative form); Hb. “Marshall” (riddle)
● The challenge of the parables is to
discover the truth behind the story and
to act according to the message of the
story.

Characteristics of Parables
1. Brevity
● Brief and concise contains
wisdom
2. Realism
● Drawn from things in actual
day-to-day life experiences
3. Open-endedness
● The audience are expected to
provide the conclusion especially
by living out the message
4. Polyvalence
● No single correct interpretation;
always relatable and meaningful

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Classification of Parables
1. Parables on the Good News of the
Kingdom
● Focus: End/Goal – they tell us
how valuable the Kingdom is,
and the good it will bring to those
who will enter it.
2. Parables on the Children of the
Kingdom
● Focus: Means/Attitude – they
show us how we should behave
in order to enter the Kingdom.
3. Parables on the Kingdom as Judgement
● Focus: Consequences – They
illustrate the sad fate of those
who reject the gift of the
Kingdom or those who did not
realize its urgency.
Transformative Action
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE WORKS OF JESUS
1. Miracles
● Gk. “dynameis” (acts of power);
“erga” (works); “semeion” (sign)
● NOT “teras” (denotes
incomprehensible event) nor NOT
“thauma” (supernatural,
amazing, event, magic)
Meaning of Jesus’ miracles
● Manifest the power of God over all
creation
● Serve as a sign of what would it be like
when God’s Kingdom is fully established
● Miracles are manifestations of God’s
presence in history. God was indeed
compassionate and used his power to
alleviate the suffering of his people.
Classification of Jesus’ Miracles
● Healing Miracle
○ By his healing ministry, Jesus
revealed that he is truly “God
who saves” and he invites people
to share in his ministry of
compassion and healing. (CCC,
1505)
● Exorcism
○ Exorcism is very much part of
Jesus’ healing activities especially
in the Synoptic gospels. Jesus’
healing, therefore, is a battle
against Satan and all his works.
● Resuscitation
○ John portrays Jesus as a healer
who acts in the name and power
of God, giving life to the world.
John understood Jesus’ healing
miracles as “works” (erga) which
identifies such action as an act of
God, and “signs” (semeia)
pointing to the truth about Jesus
as the Son of God, “the source
not only of health but of eternal
life”
● Nature Miracles
○ What Jesus did is a prefiguration
of what awaits when the
Kingdom of God is fully
established – restoration of
original justice and holiness
(harmony) of the whole creation,
the “restoration of all things in
Christ”, God becoming all in all.
They pre-figure the transformation that will
happen in the human person and the universe
at the end of time. (A theme in Jesus' action
that will continue and even manifested in
Jesus’ Paschal Mystery). Having destroyed
death and sin, God will renew all things – the
12
restoration of all things in Christ. The world, the
heavens and the earth will be restored into the
newness of life – no more suffering, sickness,
pain, death for the fullness of salvation has
come – for God will be all in all.
2. Table Fellowship
● In a table fellowship, Jesus’
gesture of friendship
fundamentally “welcoming” and
“coming close”. (Sobrino 1993)
● The Passover Meal is a meal that
celebrates freedom
anticipation
● The last supper was a table
fellowship. Jesus did not just
illustrate his passion and death.
He algo. Gave a portrait of life,
through his ministry by being
“bread” for others, selflessly
serving the needy.
● Jesus often likened the Kingdom
of God to banquet (Ex. Luke
14:15-21)
● Even in the Last Supper, Jesus
intended that it would be an
illustration of the great banquet
at the end of time, when the
kingdom has been fully
established.
● Jesus gives central importance to
the basic symbol of life: food and
bread.
● Besides proclaiming and
embodying the Kingdom, Jesus
celebrates it, especially in the
form of meals.
● It was an anticipation of a new
world free from poverty,
oppression, disease, and death.
Where all are shall partake of the
grand banquet.
TRANSFIGURATION: A FORETASTE OF THE
KINGDOM
● Baptism of Jesus at the threshold of
Public Ministry; an image of our own
baptism
● Transfiguration at the threshold of the
Passion, Death, and Resurrection; an
image of our own resurrection
is
Conclusion
● This event also manifests that, indeed,
Jesus, the Suffering Messiah, is the
in center and the fulfillment of the Law
(represented by Moses) and the
Prophets (represented by Elijah)
● Manifestation of the Trinity: Father
(voice), Son (Jesus), Holy Spirit (cloud)
● As Christians – disciples of Jesus and
collaborators for the building up for the
Kingdom of God –
● - “in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been
called according to his purpose.” (Rom.
8:28)
● We continue to observe, discern, and
act for the realization of the Kingdom of
God here and in the next.
Lesson 7: The Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ
(Passion and Death of Jesus Christ)
THE FOURTH ARTICLE OF FAITH
“He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate was
Crucified, Died, and was Buried”
JESUS PREDICTS HIS PASSION AND FAITH
1st (Mark 8:31-33)
● Suffer, Die, and Rise on the Third Day.
13
2nd (Mark 9:30-32)
2. Cheering 2. “O Lord Grant
● “To be handed over to men”
‘HOSANA’ Salvation” “Lord
● “Betrayal”
Saves us!”

3rd (Mark 10:32-34) 3. Calling Jesus as 3. Messianic and

● Mocked, scourged, spitted upon, put to the Son of David Kingly Title
death, and rise after three days
4. “Blessed is He 4. Greeting to a
who comes in the Pilgrim entering the
THE PASSION NARRATIVE name of the Lord” temple gate in
Mark 11:1-11 Jerusalem
● The triumphant entry to Jerusalem
5. The Lord riding on 5. Bringing of Peace
Mark 14:22-42 the donkey/ass and Salvation
● The Last Supper and Agony in the
Garden

Mark 14:53-72, Mark 15:1-20 THE LAST SUPPER

● The two trials of Jesus before the
Sanhedrin and Pilate
Mark 15:21-41
● The Crucifixion and death
TRIUMPHANT ENTRY TO JERUSALEM
● In the liturgical calendar of the Church,
this marks the beginning of the holy
week
FEAST OF THE PASSOVER
JESUS’ TRIUMPHANT ENTRY TO JERUSALEM: THE
EVENT AND ITS MEANING
● Passover Celebration was near
● Jesus gave the supreme expression of
his free offering of himself at the meal
shared with the twelve Apostles “on the
night he was betrayed”
● On the eve of his Passion, while still free,
Jesus transformed this last Supper with
the apostles into the memorial of his
voluntary offering to the father for the
salvation of men.
● Commemoration of the Liberation of
the Israelites from the slavery in Egypt

“IN MEMORY OF ME”

DETAILS OF THE MEANING ● Jesus includes the apostles in his own
EVENT offering and bids them to perpetuate it.
By doing so, the Lord institutes his
1. Spreading of 1. Gesture of
apostles as priests of the New Covenant.
Cloaks and Palm welcoming great
Branches conqueror and
heroes THE BODY OF JESUS THE BLOOD OF JESUS

14

1. Took the bread in 1. Took the cup with
His hands wine
2. Said a prayer of 2. Said a prayer
praise and thanksgiving to God
thanksgiving to God
3. “This is my Body” 3. “This is my Blood”
THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
● The cup of the New Covenant, which
Jesus anticipated when he offered
himself at the Last Supper, is afterwards
accepted by him from his Father’s
hands in his agony in the garden at
Gethsemane, making himself “obedient
unto death” CCC 612
o “Father, if you are willing, take this cup
away from me”
ˆ Refers to the suffering and
terrifying death that he was
about to face
o “Still, not my will but yours be done.”
ˆ The cup of the new covenant
THE BETRAYAL OF JUDAS
● Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of
silver.
● His action was influenced by Satan
THE ARREST AND TRIALS OF JESUS
Many of Jesus’ deeds and words constituted a
“sign of contradiction” CCC 575
Who Ordered The Arrest of Jesus? What Crime
Has He Committed?
1. False Prophecy
2. Eating with tax collectors
3. Demonic possession
BLASPHEMY
TRIALS OF JESUS
1. JESUS BEFORE ANNAS, CAIAPHAS, AND THE
SANHEDRIN
● Jesus was accused of the Blasphemy
● The religious authorities in Jerusalem
were not unanimous about what stance
to take towards Jesus. The Pharisees
threatened to excommunicate his
followers. CCC #596
2. JESUS BEFORE PONTIUS PILATE
● The Sanhedrin accused Jesus of political
revolt
● Pilate send him to Herod Antipas
3. JESUS BEFORE HEROD ANTIPAS
● Herod Antipas and his soldiers made fun
of him
● He offered to return Jesus to Pontius
Pilate
4. JESUS BEFORE PONTIUS PILATE
● Jesus was scourged at the pillar, was
mocked, and abused by the soldiers
● Pilate gives the crowd the choice to
have Jesus or Barabbas released.
JEWISH LAWS BROKEN DURING THE TRIAL OF
JESUS
1. No trials should be held at night.
2. It is unlawful to strike the prisoner while
interrogation.
3. No trials should be held on any feast
Day.
4. The Sanhedrin members must be polled
to give their verdict.
15
 5. The accused must have someone to
represent Him.
6. There must be 24 hours between a
verdict and sentence
7. If guilty, there must be 3 days between
the sentence and execution
VIA CRUCIS
THE WAY OF THE CROSS
CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF JESUS (Mt.
27:32-56)
● Simon of Cyrene forced to help carry
the cross because Jesus was so weak.
● Jesus refused the wine mixed with gall.
(Painkiller)
● Jesus was crucified between two
criminals
● The inscription placed above his head:
(INRI) lesus Nazarene Rex ludaeorum
● Before dying, Jesus recited a line from
Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why have
you forsaken me?”
● Jesus’ mother Mary, apostle John the
Beloved, and some other disciples were
present at the foot of the cross.
BURIAL OF JESUS (Mt. 27:57-66)
● Joseph of Arimathea goes to Pilate to
ask for Jesus’ body.
● The body is hurriedly prepared since
Sabbath began at sundown.
The Whole Earthly Life of Christ came to its
Climax in His Paschal Mystery
CFC 550
THE CROSS: SYMBOL OF SAVING LOVE
… the suffering and death of Christ help us to
grasp fully with all the holy one’s. The breath
and length and height and depth of Christ’s
love and experience this love which surpasses
all knowledge” (Eh 3:18-19)
We are Saved by Jesus Perfect Self-Giving Love
for His Father and for us (CFC 558-559)
…it is the transformation of suffering and
weakness through active, total, self-giving love
He was made flesh
that we might possess the Spirit.
He was brought low
that we might be raised up.
He endured blows
that we might be healed
He was mocked
to free us from eternal damnation
He died to give us life
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRIST’S SUFFERING
AND DEATH
A. REDEMPTIVE
Universal, Eschatological
● “Our Lord Jesus was once and for all to
offer himself to God the Father by his
death on the altar of the cross, to
accomplish an everlasting redemption.”
And again, “At the Last Supper, on the
night he was betrayed, our Savior
instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of his
Body and Blood. This he did in order to
perpetuate the sacrifice on the Cross
throughout the ages until he should
come again.”
CFC 565
16
B. REDEEMS US FROM SIN CFC 578-579
● Christ our Paschal Lamb has been
sacrificed
● He “gave himself for our sins, to rescue Lesson 8: The Resurrection and
us from the present evil age” Ascension of Jesus
● He created a new covenant with God.
“This cup is the new covenant in my
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF
blood”
LUKE AND JOHN
● For us and our salvation
● When did the resurrection happen?
○ Luke: First day of the week, at
CFC 567
daybreak.
○ John: First day of the week, at
C. CHRIST SUFFERING AND DEATH IS FOR US
dawn.
Empowering Salvation
● Who are the main visitors to the empty
● Christ, one of us (Corporate Solidarity)
tomb?
Dies for our sins
○ Luke: Mary Magdalene, Mary the
○ Jesus died because of our
mother of James, Joanna, and
human sinfulness
Peter.
○ Jesus died to show us, and
○ John: Mary Magdalene, Peter,
empower us, to overcome sin
and John (although not
and its effects in our broken world
mentioned).
CFC 570, 573
● What did the witnesses see inside the
tomb?
○ Two men in dazzling garments.
Jesus’ motive for accepting death was His
○ Two angels of the Lord.
desire to free humans from sin and to ransom
● What interaction occurred between the
our freedom with His very person and His
witnesses and Jesus?
Eternal Love.
○ Luke: Jesus appeared to Cleopas
and his companion and dined
with them. He rebuked them for
CONCLUSION
their unbelief.
¨ Christ’s Cross is a symbol of his
○ John: Jesus appeared to Mary
redeeming love and speaks a
Magdalene and instructed her to
universal language to all men and
tell his disciples that he had risen.
women for all time.
¨ The saving love of Christ is
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF
eschatological. Those who decided
LUKE
to follow him will receive “eternal life
Luke 24: 1-12; 13-35
in the age to come”
¨ Salvation is “already” present in us in ● On the road to Emmaus, why did the
grace, empowering us so that all our disciples not recognize Jesus?
actions can have “saving power”
17
 ● How did they come to know that it was
Jesus who was with them?
● What was meant by Jesus when he
broke the break with his disciples?
THE MEANING OF THE “RESURRECTION”
1. Although these are small inconsistencies
in the testimonies, the most important
message that is found in all Gospels is:
The crucified Jesus had been raised
from the dead.
2. It is different from “resuscitation” and
“reincarnation”. Resuscitation is to
revive from apparent death or
unconsciousness. Reincarnation is rebirth
in a new body.
3. Two terms commonly used in the New
Testament: egeirein (transitive verb) --- >
“to awaken” or “to raise up” and
anastanai (transitive verb) --- > “to
arise'' or “to raise up”. The commonly
used language is “to raise up”. It is a
metaphorical language – far beyond
human comprehension – used to
describe God’s vindication of the life
and ministry of Jesus.
THE NATURE OF RESURRECTION
CFC 628 – 632
1. RESURRECTION IS A “PASSAGE” OR AN
“EVENT” IN HUMAN HISTORY
● Resurrection is a metahistorical
event based on the easter
testimonies of witnesses who did
not see the actual resurrection
per se but had seen Jesus in his
glorified state.
● TWO TYPES OF EASTER STORIES
○ Appearances of the Risen
Christ (The Primary Way)
○ Empty Tomb Stories (The
Secondary Evidence)
2. RESURRECTION POINTS TO THE GLORIFIED
STATE OF THE RISEN CHRIST, WHO IS BOTH
LIKE AND UNLIKE HIS
HISTORICAL/EARTHLY SELF
● Like His Earthly Self
○ He still has the marks of
passion on his body.
○ His disciples can sense his
presence and
communicate with him.
● Unlike His Earthly Self
○ His glorified state
transcends the bodily limits
of time and space.
○ He can appear suddenly
behind closed doors (John
20:19; 26) and disappear
at will (Luke 24:31, 51).
WHAT DOES THE GLORIFIED STATE LOOK LIKE?
● It is sown as a natural body. It is raised as
a spiritual body
● SPIRITUAL
○ St. Paul describes the word
“SPIRIT” not as the substance that
constitutes the body, but the
dimension where the spirit exists.
ST. PAUL
1 COR 15: 35-56
● Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus is
also an ESCATHOLOGICAL EVENT that
occurred in another dimension. In the
words of Thomas Rausch, “Jesus lives
now finally in God’s future”.
● Jesus differs significantly with
resuscitation and reincarnation. It is not
a return to earthly life since death has
no power over the glorified resurrected
body (CF. ROM 6:9)
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CHARACTERISTICS OF A GLORIFIED BODY
● Brilliancy – by which it gives forth light
● Agility – by which it moves from place to
place
● Subtility – by which material things
cannot shut it out
● Impassibility – by which it is made in
capable of suffering
3. THE RESURRECTION IS AN INTERVENTION
OF THE TRIUNE GOD
a. The source of power which raised
Jesus to life is from the Father.
b. The Son works his own humanity’s
resurrection.
c. The divine power that revivifies
and glorifies the dead Jesus,
body, and soul, is the Holy Spirit.
THE THEOLOGICAL MEANING AND
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE “RESURRECTION”
CFC 621-627
Luke 24: 50-53, Matthew 28:18-20, ACTS 1:6-11
1. RESURRECTION CONFIRMED EVERYTHING
THAT JESUS HAD DONE AND TAUGHT.
● Jesus had a triple prediction of his
passion, death, and resurrection.
It also confirmed that He is the
Messiah, which he attested
before the high priest, Caiaphas
● The resurrection of Jesus Christ is
the primordial Christian
proclamation (CFC 614). It is the
starting point of our faith and the
reason why the New Testament
was written.
2. JESUS FULFILLED ALL THE OLD TESTAMENT
PROPHECIES PROMISING A SAVIOR FOR
ALL THE WORLD
● The promises to Abraham and his
descendants reached its climax
in the resurrection of Jesus.
3. THE RESURRECTION CONFIRMED JESUS’
DIVINITY
● The resurrection confirmed that
Jesus is the Son of God. The
source of power which raised him
to life is from the Father.
4. THE RESURRECTION BROUGHT US A SHARE
IN THE NEW LIFE OF THE HOLY TRINITY
● We have been adopted as sons
and daughters of God. Death is
no longer the end of human life,
but a transition to eternal life with
the Holy Trinity.
5. THE RISEN CHRIST IS THE PRINCIPLE AND
COURSE OF OUR FUTURE RESURRECTION
● We will also attain our bodily
resurrection, a spiritual body that
is no longer of this world but
belongs to the dimension of God.
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS INTO HEAVEN
● How was the ascension described?
○ Matthew: There was no “taking
up.” Jesus and his disciples were
at the top of the mountain.
○ Luke: He parted from his disciples
and was “taken up” to heaven.
○ Acts: Jesus was “lifted up” and
was concealed by acloud. The
disciples looked at the sky until
two men dressed in white
approached them.
● What did Jesus say to his disciples
before he ascended into heaven?
○ Matthew: He instructed them to:
“make disciples of all nations,”
and to “baptize and to teach
them” everything that he did and
said.
○ Luke: None.
19
 ○ Acts: He said that they will
receive the power of the Holy
Spirit and will become his
witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea,
Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth.
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS INTO HEAVEN
THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY INTO HEAVEN
THE MEANING OF THE “ASCENSION”
1. “Exaltation” connects both resurrection
and ascension. It is synonymous with: to
“be lifted up”, “elevation”,
“glorification”, and “session at the right
hand of God the Father”.
2. Ascension differs from “assumption”. In
the assumption event, Mary was “taken
up” not by herself but by the divine
power of the Holy Trinity into heavenly
glory. In the ascension, Jesus Christ raise
himself up.
Ascension confirms Jesus’
Lordship and Messiahship over all
creation.
3. CHRIST CONTINUES TO EXERCISE HIS
PRIESTHOOD IN HEAVEN
● When he said, “I will be with you
until the end of time,” (MT 28:20),
he reveals that his active
presence will be more
pronounced once he takes his
seat at the right hand of the
Father.
● The Eleven Received the Holy
Spirit to Forgive Sins (John 20:22)
and the Power to Baptize and
Teach (MT 28:19-20)
● ASCENSION IS THE PRELUDE TO
THE PENTECOST
● ASCENSION EMPOWERS JESUS’
DISCIPLES IN THEIR MISSION

THE THEOLOGICAL MEANING AND Content proofread by Academics Committee

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ASCENSION and Secretariat Committee
CFC 651

1. ASCENSION MARKS JESUS’ EXALTATION

INTO THE HEAVENLY REALM OF THE
FATHER
● Heaven is God’s inaccessible
private home. Jesus’ exaltation
affirms his “possession of an
entirely new existence – with
God”
2. ASCENSION DOES NOT SEPARATE CHRIST
FROM US
● Since everything seen and
unseen belongs to God, then
Jesus is present in the world in the
way the Father and the Holy Spirit
are present in the world.
20