Division of the Bible: New Testament

CHRISTUS VIVIT

 One of Jesus’ parables (cf. Lk 15:11-32) relates that a “younger” son wanted to leave his father’s
home for a distant land (cf. vv. 12-13). Yet his thoughts of independence turned into dissolution
and excess (cf. v. 13), and he came to experience the bitterness of loneliness and poverty (cf. vv.
14-16).
 Nonetheless, he found the strength to make a new start (cf. vv. 17-19) and determined to get up
and return home (cf. v. 20). Young hearts are naturally ready to change, to turn back, get up and
learn from life…
 Jesus praises the young sinner who returned to the right path over the brother who considered
himself faithful yet lacked the spirit of love and mercy. Francis, P. (2019).Christus Vivit (pp. 7-8).
 1. The Gospels
 The first four books of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which present the
life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
o The Lord’s Prayer is truly the summary of the whole gospel,” the “most perfect of
prayers.” It is at the center of the Scriptures. (CCC, pg. 734)

o Matthew: Written by the apostle Matthew, it presents Jesus as the Messiah and King of
the Jews, emphasizing his teachings and miracles.

o Mark: Likely written by John Mark, this Gospel focuses on Jesus' actions and deeds,
presenting him as a servant.

o Luke: Written by Luke, a physician and companion of the apostle Paul, it emphasizes
Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and his universal message.

o John: Written by the apostle John, this Gospel emphasizes Jesus' divinity and presents
him as the Word of God incarnate.

 2. The Acts of the Apostles

o Written by Luke, this book is a continuation of his Gospel, detailing the early history of
the Christian church, focusing on the apostles' ministry and the spread of Christianity.

 3. Epistles / Letters
 3.1. The Pauline Epistles
 These are letters attributed to the Apostle Paul. They are addressed to various early Christian
communities or individuals and offer theological teachings, guidance on Christian living, and
encouragement.

o Romans: Written by the apostle Paul, it explains the gospel of Jesus Christ and its
implications for both Jews and Gentiles.

o 1 Corinthians: Also written by Paul, it addresses various issues in the Corinthian church,
including divisions, immorality, and the misuse of spiritual gifts.

o 2 Corinthians: Another letter from Paul to the Corinthians, it addresses his relationship
with the church and defends his apostolic authority.
 o Galatians: Written by Paul, it emphasizes justification by faith and freedom from the
law.

o Ephesians: Likely written by Paul, it emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ and the
spiritual blessings they have in him.

o Philippians: Written by Paul, it expresses his joy and thankfulness for the Philippian
church and encourages them to live in unity and humility.

o Colossians: Likely written by Paul, it emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and warns
against false teachings.

o 1 Thessalonians: Written by Paul, it encourages the Thessalonian church in their faith

and addresses questions about the second coming of Christ.

o 2 Thessalonians: Another letter from Paul to the Thessalonians, it addresses concerns

about the second coming and encourages them to stand firm in their faith.

o 1 Timothy: Written by Paul, it provides instructions for church leaders and addresses
various issues in the church.

o 2 Timothy: Another letter from Paul to Timothy, it encourages Timothy to remain

faithful in his ministry and to guard the gospel.

o Titus: Written by Paul, it provides instructions for Titus, a church leader in Crete, and
emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and good works.

o Philemon: Written by Paul, it is a personal letter to Philemon, a slave owner, urging him
to forgive his runaway slave Onesimus.

 3.2. The General Epistles

 These are letters written by other apostles and early Christian leaders, not attributed to Paul.

o Hebrews: The author is unknown, but it emphasizes the superiority of Christ and the
new covenant over the old covenant.

o James: Likely written by James, the brother of Jesus, it emphasizes the importance of
faith and good works.

o 1 Peter: Written by the apostle Peter, it encourages believers to endure suffering and
live holy lives.

o 2 Peter: Another letter from Peter, it warns against false teachers and emphasizes the
certainty of Christ's return.

o 1 John: Written by the apostle John, it emphasizes the importance of love and warns
against false teachings.

o 2 John: Another letter from John, it warns against false teachers and emphasizes the
importance of truth and love.
 o 3 John: Another letter from John, it commends Gaius for his hospitality and warns
against Diotrephes, who is causing trouble in the church.

o Jude: Likely written by Jude, the brother of James, it warns against false teachers and
encourages believers to contend for the faith.

o
 4. The Book of Revelation
o Written by the apostle John, it is a prophetic vision of the end times, including the
return of Christ, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's kingdom.
 Approaches in using the Bible
o How should we take the Bible?
o HERMENEUTICS
 Hermeneutics is the study of biblical interpretation, with a focus on discovering
truths and values in the Bible. This field has been important to both Jews and
Christians throughout history. The term "hermeneutics" has also been used in
the interpretation of sacred texts from other religious traditions, such as the
Qurʾān. In a non-religious context, hermeneutics refers to the philosophical
study of interpretation.
o EXEGESIS
 The critical interpretation of the biblical text aims to uncover its intended
meaning, and throughout history, Jews and Christians have employed various
exegetical methods. Interpretations can vary widely based on the exegetical
presuppositions and techniques applied.
 Both faiths consider biblical interpretation essential for theological doctrine, as
the Bible is seen as a sacred history. The nonhistorical writings of the Bible, such
as prophecy and poetry, are critical interpretations of this sacred history and
form the basis for all other biblical exegesis.
o Doing Exegesis
 1. Genre
 2. Textual criticism
 3. Translation
 4. Greek and Hebrew grammar
 5. Argument diagram
 6. Historical-cultural context
 7. Literary context
 8. Word studies
 THE ORDO/SCRIPTURE GUIDE
o The ordo is a guide to the order (from the Latin, ordo) of prayer in the Liturgy of the
Hours and the celebration of the Eucharist.
o An ordo, at the very least, will give you the following information:
o the day as it is observed in the liturgical calendar (Feria, Memorial [Obligatory or
Optional], Feast, Solemnity, the Sunday celebration); the readings of the day’s Mass; the
daily Office for the Liturgy of the Hours; and any pertinent rubrics (e.g., during the
Season of Lent, the alleluia is omitted).
 An ordo, at the very least, will give you the following information:
 the day as it is observed in the liturgical calendar (Feria, Memorial [Obligatory or Optional],
Feast, Solemnity, the Sunday celebration); the readings of the day’s Mass; the daily Office for
the Liturgy of the Hours; and any pertinent rubrics (e.g., during the Season of Lent, the alleluia is
omitted).
o In the Middle Ages, the word ordo commonly meant a ritual book containing directions
for liturgical functions, but not including the text of the prayers, etc., recited by the
celebrant or his assistants. These prayers were contained in separate books, e.g., the
Sacramentary, Antiphonary, and the Psalter. The ordo concerned itself with the
ceremonial, pure and simple.
 WHY THE ORDO IS NECESSARY
o “Christianity isn’t just lived. It’s celebrated. That’s because our faith isn’t merely about
doctrine. It includes a plethora of saints, historical events, and divine mysteries, that are
uniquely honored throughout the year with appointed festivals. This happens according
to a set rhythm called the liturgical calendar. Liturgy is ‘the work of God,’ that is, it
fulfills the duties of praise and worship which we owe to God as his creatures”-Gretchen
Filz
 HOW TO USE THE ORDO
o IDENTIFY THE DATE YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT ARE THE READINGS.
o IDENTIFY THE CELEBRATION AND THE PROPER COLOR FOR IT.
o IDENTIFY THE READINGS FOR THE SPECIFIC DATE.
o FOR THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION, IDENTIFY THE MASS SETTING OR PROPER FLOW
OF THE LITURGY.
 Liturgical Seasons, Solemnities & Feasts
o What is Liturgy?
 A.Etymology
 Gk. Lit = work, service or activity
 Ergon = people
 Leitourgia = signifying an expensive offer of service of people to polis/state .
Through the leitourgia the rich carried a financial burden and were
correspondingly rewarded with honours.
 Hence, it is the people’s work and public duty
 Liturgical Year
o The Church’s annual cycle of religious feasts and seasons that forms the context for the
Church’s worship. During the liturgical year, we remember and celebrate God the
Father’s saving plan as it is revealed through the life of his Son, Jesus Christ Advent:
 Advent
o The liturgical year begins in Advent.
o This season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
o Advent is the time of preparation before Christmas and lasts four weeks (the fourth
week is typically not a full week).
o Its liturgical color is purple, to signify waiting. Advent is a time of hope, of waiting, and
of preparing.
 Christmas season
o From two words Christ and Mass = Mass of Christ’s birth
o begins on December 25 and lasts until the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord (the
third Sunday after Christmas Day).
o Its liturgical color is white or gold, to signify joy. During this time the Church reflects on
the wonder and meaning of the Incarnation.
o celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ
 Lenten season
o The recalling of the suffering or passion of Jesus
o Begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Black Saturday
o Includes holy week from Palm Sunday to Black Saturday
 Easter season
o Celebrates Jesus resurrection from the death
o Covers 50 days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost
o On the 40th day, the church celebrates the ascension of Jesus
o Day of all days, feast of all feasts
o Resurrection of Christ
o A season of victory over sin and death
 Ordinary Time I
o Catholic church returns to green vestments (Ordinary time), the day after the feast of
the Baptism of the Lord.
o We move back to Ordinary time after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which
moves, Ordinary Time (Part 2) Ordinary Time (Part 1)
o begins the days after the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and continues until the day
before Ash Wednesday.
o We listen to what Jesus said and did and learn way to live as his followers.
 Ordinary Time II
 o begins the day after Pentecost and continues until the day before Advent begins.
o Longest liturgical season
o This is the age we live in now, which is the time between the age of the Apostles and the
age of Christ’s second and final coming for which we are preparing.
o The final Sunday in Ordinary Time is the Feast of Christ the King: the Saturday after this
feast is the final day of Ordinary Time.
 Solemnities & Feasts
o What is solemnity?
 celebrations of greatest importance.
 Each Solemnity begins on the prior evening with first vespers (evening prayer)
and several of the solemnities have their own Vigil Mass. On these days, both
the Gloria and the Creed are recited.
 Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
 Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, Ascension
 Assumption, All Saints, Immaculate Conception, and Christmas are always
considered solemnities.
o What is feast?
 secondary importance in our liturgical calendar and are celebrated on a
particular day.
 These feasts do not have a first vespers or Vigil Mass on the prior evening. An
exception would be the feasts of the Lord which occur on Sundays in Ordinary
Time and Sundays in the Christmas season.