9.2.pdf (RE)

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
1 Young people discover new
spiritual experiences
This chapter presents the following key learning points:

! The beginnings of spiritual experience – childhood
! People develop spiritually in many different ways.
The beginnings of spiritual experience – childhood
Personal spiritual experiences begin in childhood. For example children experience:

• the desire to speak and behave in ways that are good
• wonder, particularly at nature
• awe, when feeling insignificant in the presence of some wondrous aspect of creation
• the desire to show love to others through words and actions
• the desire to do what is right.
An experience common to many teenagers is the continued sense of mystery first

experienced in childhood, with questions of such as the following:
• ‘Why do I exist?’
• ‘What is the meaning of my life?’
• ‘What is the meaning of human life as part of a vast universe?’
• ‘Does God exist?’
• ‘Did God bring everything else into existence?’
• ‘Does this God have any concern for me and the rest of the human race?’
As people search for the answers to these questions throughout

their lives they grow in understanding of the Mystery, who is God.
A growing awareness of the mystery of God leads people to do many things that help to
develop their spiritual lives, for example, spending time in prayer and meditation or
simply spending time in beautiful environments gazing in awe at
God’s creation.
Some teenagers are unaware of the spiritual dimension

of their lives. They ignore or miss opportunities to
experience and reflect on the mysteries of their own
life, of all life and especially of God.
Young people who cannot recognise their spiritual

experiences, or who do not consider them important,
can fail to develop these experiences in ways that are
necessary if they are to find true happiness.
COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9 113

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1. YOUNG PEOPLE DISCOVER NEW SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES
Be still and think back to a time when you experienced

some sense of mystery in your life. Perhaps it was when
something wonderful happened that you can’t explain in
any other way than it was “part of the mystery of life”.
Perhaps it was when you felt that God was really with you
during an important event in your life. Perhaps it was when
you were ‘blown away’ by the sheer beauty or awesomeness
of something you saw, heard or felt.
Write about the experience in your journal. What does it tell

you about yourself, about life, about God?
Experiences of expressing one’s inner goodness

reflect spiritual development
Teenagers can be stirred to express their inner potential for goodness. This can be
reflected in spiritual experiences such as:
• developing personal ideals
• being inspired
• stirring inner strength to rise above
personal challenges
• desiring inner harmony and peace.
Personal ideals
Ideals are the best possible standards people would like to
achieve.
People begin to achieve at least some

of their ideals when they try their best to:
• be good, to both self and others
• do good and do it well, in line with
the ideals they have chosen.
Every human ideal reflects

some aspect of what human
I want to do my best
beings have learnt about God.
at school and be
No one can behave in ways that
are always good. Ideals, therefore,
good to others.
are always what people strive for,
they reflect how people would
like others to think about them.
Ideals are not impossible to
achieve, but most individuals find
living up to their ideals a challenge.
114 COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9

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Teenagers become aware of a range of personal ideals. They include the desires to
become more:
• loving towards others
• loyal towards friends
• honest with themselves and others
• kind towards those who are sad or need help or understanding
• compassionate to those who feel suffering, disappointment or who are experiencing
problems
• generous.
These ideals come from the human need to reflect God. For example, to become more
loving means to become more like God, who loves all people. In the same way:
• loyalty reflects God’s faithfulness
• honesty reflects God’s justice
• kindness reflects God’s kindness
• compassion reflects God’s care and love for all in need
• generosity reflects God’s generosity.
Ways of recognising personal ideals

There are many ways to discover personal
ideals. One is to ask questions like:
• ‘What kind of person would I like to
be?’
• ‘What would I like people to say about
me after I die?’
No one likes others to think they are a

bad person. So no one would like to be
thought of as selfish, disloyal,
hypocritical, unkind, heartless or mean.
A second way people can discover their

ideals, therefore, is by asking questions
such as:
• ‘How would I not like others to
think about me?’
• ‘What would I not like others to discover about me?’
People do not always share their ideals with others because they are afraid that they
cannot live up to them. Ideals are often kept secret or shared with one or two very
close relatives or friends.
Everyone has ideals, though they may not yet have discovered them. Discovery of
personal ideals is a necessary step towards understanding oneself. Personal ideals
originate from within, as does the desire to reflect these ideals in our words and
actions. They are spiritual experiences.

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In Class Work
Pretend for a moment that you have been honoured as a guest on ‘This is Your
Life’. At the end of the program you have been presented with a file outlining
how you have lived your life.
In writing, describe what others have said about you as a person and what has
made you so special. It may be appropriate to include some mention of how
people admire you for trying to live up to your personal ideals.
Experiences of being inspired

People feel inspired when they are moved by examples of goodness in others. They may
be moved:
• to admire another’s actions or words
• to wish to be more like someone they admire
• by an ideal
• by the courage of another person.
To be inspired by someone or something is a spiritual experience every human being

needs. To be open to such experiences people need to develop the habit of looking for
signs of love and goodness in others. This can be difficult, but signs of love and
goodness are to be found in every human person.
Inner strength to rise above personal challenges

People face many personal challenges throughout their lives. Common examples include:
• physical illness
• study difficulties
• temptations to give up
• the death of loved ones
• the breakdown of relationships.
It is the spiritual dimension of the human person that stirs them to rise above
challenges, to keep going or to begin again. It is their inner spirit that stirs:
• those who find study hard, to keep going
• frightened people to face and overcome
whatever frightens them
• athletes to keep on training after consistently
losing events
• families to overcome their grief and to go on
with their lives after a family tragedy or crisis
• shy people to make friends
• family members to forgive hurt.

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Everyone has inner spiritual strength. It is called ‘courage’. Courage needs to be

developed if people are to overcome personal challenges and difficulties. Teenagers,
for example, need to develop their inner spiritual strength or courage:
• to resist peer pressure to do what they know to be wrong
• to overcome social pressure by dressing, speaking and behaving in ways that reflect
who they really are.
Those who develop courage can do extraordinary things. Many show this by risking
their own lives to:
• save the lives of others
• overcome great pain or refuse to give in to major disappointments
• overcome great dangers, challenges and difficulties
• overcome addiction to drugs.
Many individuals have had to develop courage and inner strength. Strength or courage
comes from the inner depths of a person, from their spirit. To act courageously shows
that one is developing spiritually.
In Class Work
Using the word ‘courage’, create an acrostic poem about how teenagers can
work to overcome personal challengers and difficulties.
Desire for inner harmony and peace

People are complex creatures. All have a body, ideals,
emotions, an intellect and a will. When these elements work
together, people experience inner harmony or peace. This
happens, for example, when:
• emotions such as desire, move them to do what is right
• their bodies express goodness that comes from deep within
them
• their words and actions reflect what they really think
• they succeed in living by their ideals.
The desire for inner harmony and peace is another spiritual

experience stirring people to develop spiritually.
The spiritual aspect of people is deeper than their thoughts,

emotions, will or attitudes. It can influence every other
human gift bringing all together in harmony. It can bring
about feelings of peace, rather than inner conflict and stress.

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When people develop spiritually they gradually find:

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People develop spiritually in many different ways
In order to develop spiritually people need to:

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Relating with God

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Striving to become more like God

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Virtues
With the help and strength of For your information…
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A virtue is a habit of doing what is good. Some of
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the ‘Christian virtues’ are faith, hope and love,
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compassion, honesty, humility, respect and
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The four cardinal virtues

There are many human virtues. For your information…
For example, people strive to be The word ‘cardinal’ comes from the Latin word
more loving, honest, loyal and for ‘hinge’. The development of all other human
courageous. virtues hinges on the cardinal virtues.
Four particular virtues, however,

are foundational or basic to
Christian living. They are the virtues
CARDINAL VIRTUES
of: prudence, justice, fortitude and
temperance. These virtues are called
‘cardinal virtues’ because they are
needed to develop other virtues.
Prudence is the virtue enabling

people to discern what is truly best
for them in each particular situation
in life, and to choose the right means
of achieving it.
The opposite of prudence is to make a choice

without giving due thought to what is right in the
situation and the best means to achieve it. People show
that they lack prudence when they lack the inner freedom
to ‘slow down’, to ‘think’ before acting.
Justice is the virtue that makes people willing to be fair in their dealings with God and
with others, giving to each what is due to them. Justice to God requires prayer, worship
and trying to live as God taught. Justice to others involves respecting the rights of others.
The opposite of justice, ‘injustice’, is when people neglect the rights of God and others.
People show that they lack justice when they neglect to give time to God or when they
engage in discrimination and prejudice.
Fortitude is the virtue of continuing to try to do what is right. Fortitude is shown when
people keep trying even when it is difficult (temptations, peer and social pressures) to
overcome habits that need changing (gossiping, lying, laziness). Even if they fail, people
of fortitude never give up; they try again.
The opposite of fortitude is weakness of character, the habit of giving in or of always

taking the easiest way out. It is the lack of freedom to resist temptation and pressures.
Temperance is the virtue of moderation, governing our emotions and desires so that they
do not lead us to excesses.
The opposite of temperance is lack of control over instincts and desires.
People can develop the cardinal or any other virtues only by developing a strong
spiritual life. Vices are the results of spiritual weakness.

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In Class Work
In a group, create a series of designs for stained glass panels for the four
cardinal virtues. In each panel use images and symbols that are relevant to
modern teenagers. Be prepared to explain your choices to the class.
For your information…

The opposite of a virtue is a vice. This is a particular habit of doing what is wrong.
Character
When people grow strong in virtues, those virtues become part of their personalities.
People develop what is called ‘character’.
‘Character’ means that a person is so strong in one or more virtues that others can rely
upon them to behave in predictably good ways. For example, a person may be described
as ‘an honest character’. Others can predict that he or she will tell the truth, say what he
or she thinks and be trustworthy with money.
Another person may be described as having a ‘strong character’. Such a person will not
be swayed from doing what is right by difficulties or pressures. This includes peer and
social pressures. A person with strong character will make decisions based on what he or
she believes to be ‘good’ or ‘right’, rather than on what is popular or easy.
Self-mastery
Self-mastery is an important aspect of
character. It means being strong-willed
enough to have control over one’s thoughts,
emotions and feelings.
When thoughts and feelings take over so

that people fail to live according to their
ideals and virtues, the opposite of self-
mastery happens.
Self-mastery takes a lifetime. It is required

for inner peace. Lack of self-mastery causes
inner stress and conflict. It also leads to
feelings of regret and guilt.
The Four Cardinal Virtues, from ‘Compendium Historial’

by Henri Romain (vellum) by French School, (15th century)

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2 People can develop spiritual
relationships

! People have wondered and learnt much about the human soul
! The spirituality of the human person makes spiritual
relationships possible.
People have wondered and learnt much about the

human soul
Over thousands of years human beings have wondered and learnt much about the
human soul. This includes what God, its Creator, has revealed.
The source of human life

The human soul is the principle of life within For your information…
every human person. While their souls remain in
The ‘soul’ is the immortal spirit
them, people live. When a person’s soul leaves
in each living human person.
their body, they die.
The soul does not die

Though death is experienced sooner or later by everyone on earth, people are destined
to live forever.
What happens to people after death?

God created people to live forever with God in a happiness that is beyond human
imagination. This happiness is called ‘heaven’.
God is perfect love and goodness. To live forever with God, people
need to have lived lives of love and goodness.
People who have traces of selfishness, human

weakness and wrongdoing when they die, have
an experience of final purification called
‘purgatory’ before they can experience
heaven.
God created people with free will. People,

therefore, can choose not to relate with God.
They make this choice by refusing to live the
commandments of God.

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2. PEOPLE CAN DEVELOP SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS
God respects the choice made by those who refuse to live the commandments and does
not force anyone into heaven. It is the choice that people make in their lives that can
exclude them from the happiness that living with God brings.
The soul and body are a unity

Whilst in this world, each human being is a total person. The spiritual and the physical
dimensions of a person are not separated – body and soul are a unity.
The spirituality of the human person makes spiritual

relationships possible
In their relationships, human beings are capable of relating at a spiritual as well as at a
physical level.
The ability to recognise what God is communicating depends upon how well people are
developed spiritually through a regular prayer life.
Communicating with God

God communicates personally with people. It might be through:
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People usually express in thoughts and words what they want to say to God. Even when
they cannot find the right way to express themselves, the Spirit communicates with their
spirit in expressing to God what is in their heart:
… the Spirit too comes to help us in our weakness, for, when we do not know how
to pray properly, then the Spirit personally makes our petitions for us in groans
that cannot be put into words; and [God] who can see into all hearts knows what
the Spirit means because the prayers that the Spirit makes for God’s holy people
are always in accordance with the mind of God. (Romans 8:26–27)
Communicating with
God is called ‘prayer’.

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Communicating with Mary and the saints

In the same way that people can relate spiritually with God, they can relate to Mary
and the saints. For thousands of years, Catholics have asked Mary and the saints to
pray on their behalf to God. They have received many blessings as a result of their
prayers.
THE LIVES OF SAINTS

The Catholic Church honours those, now in heaven, whose lives provide great examples
of service to God and other people. The Church calls such people ‘saints’. They have lived
the kind of lives all Christians are called to live through their baptism. Some saints
receive official status through the Church’s process of ‘canonisation’ and have the title
‘Saint’, abbreviated to ’St’, placed before their name, e.g. St Patrick and
St Mary Magdalene.
Several thousand people have been canonised as saints by the Church, but most people
who have died and gone to heaven in fact do not receive official recognition of their
sainthood. This does not make them any less saints than those who are canonised; they
are simply less well known. All saints, whether canonised or not, are able to pray to God
for people living in this world.
A common characteristic of the faith of some saints is the courage they displayed. Listed
below are two examples of saints honoured for their courage to live as God wanted:
St Maximilian Kolbe: Father Kolbe was a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp during
1941. The Nazis’ practice was to punish the escape of one man from the camp with the
execution of ten. Fr Kolbe offered himself in place of a young husband and father who
was to be executed. After suffering two weeks of starvation and thirst, Kolbe was the last
of the ten men to die. Throughout his ordeal Kolbe encouraged the other prisoners with
prayers, psalms and meditations.
St Angela Merici: In the 16th Century times were different. Women were not allowed to
be teachers and unmarried women were not allowed to go out by themselves. During
this time girls received little education and poor girls received no education. St Angela
saw this situation and gathered other women around her to teach these girls about
religion and other things.
It took many years of frustration before St Angela's radical ideas of education for all
were accepted. They are commonplace to us now because people like St Angela wanted
to help others no matter what the cost. St Angela reminds us of her approach to
change: "Beware of trying to accomplish anything by force, for God has given every
single person free will and desires to constrain none; he merely shows them the way,
invites them and counsels them."
Although it was never a religious order in her lifetime, St Angela's Company of Saint
Ursula, or the Ursulines, was the first group of women religious to work outside the
convent and the first teaching order of women.

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Communicating with those who have died

Human beings can also communicate on a spiritual level with loved ones who have died.
This is important when people want to ask for forgiveness for hurts that have not been
resolved at the time of the person’s death.
In turn, those who have died can communicate spiritually with people living in this
world. They do so by prayers to God for their loved ones.
Communicating spiritually with others who are alive

People can also develop spiritual relationships with one another. Through thoughts
and feelings, a person’s spirit stirs them to express an ideal, a virtue or some other
expression of goodness by action or word. The other person sees this expression of
goodness and may then be inspired by it.
Lasting relationships
Lasting relationships require loyalty, courage and effort. Friends need to stand by each
other, especially when others reject or ridicule them.
This is why relationships that are based solely upon physical or sexual attraction do not
last. Relationships often begin as people are physically attracted to each other, but can
go no further unless they relate intellectually and spiritually with each other.
To be lasting, relationships need to be strong. They need to be:

• intellectual (sharing many common ideas)
• emotional (liking each other)
• spiritual (sharing common ideals and virtues).
To become true friends, people need to be able to see beyond the physical attraction to
the whole person in their uniqueness and spirituality.
In Class Work
1. List 10 qualities that you think are important to look for in a friend.
2. Rank them in order of importance.
3. Consider some of the television shows you watch and the characters in
them. To each of the qualities of friendship in your list assign a TV character
who exhibits it.
4. Do popular television shows portray an accurate and balanced view of

friendship? Discuss.

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The more people understand the depth and

richness that spirituality can bring to their lives,
the more they will want to develop spiritually.
The more people understand the depth and richness that spirituality can bring to their
lives, the more they will want to develop spiritually. They will want the kinds of strong
lasting relationships that only spiritual growth can bring. This will lead them to ask:
‘How can I grow stronger spiritually?’
In Class Work
Use Chapters 1 and 2 to help you to answer these questions:
1. Explain the meaning of soul.
2. What is a ‘cardinal virtue’? List each of the four cardinal virtues and for each,
give examples of how Year 9 students could live these virtues.
3. What is a vice?
4. What is the main purpose of prayer?
5. What do Catholics believe will happen to human beings after death?

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3 People find it hard to
develop spiritually

! Original sin prevents people from developing spiritually
! People experience difficulty in recognising love and goodness
in their behaviour
! People must overcome challenges and difficulties if they are to
develop spiritually
! There are seven bad habits (vices) that seriously hamper
spiritual development.
Original sin prevents

people from developing
spiritually
The basic cause of human beings failing
to develop spiritually is original sin –
the human tendency to disobey God,
inherited from the parents of the human
race. Original sin is at the basis of all
human selfishness and wrongdoing.
Jesus and, through Jesus, Mary, are the

only people free of original sin. They are
fully capable of reflecting God’s love and
goodness. For everyone else, spiritual
development is a life-long task requiring
God’s grace. Without this grace, people
commonly fail to:
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CONTENTS
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3. PEOPLE FIND IT HARD TO DEVELOP SPIRITUALLY
People experience difficulty in recognising love and

goodness in their behaviour
Original sin damaged the human relationship with God. As a result, without God’s help
people cannot realize their potential to reflect God’s perfect love and goodness. Nor can
they appreciate this potential in others. God’s help comes to Christians through
Baptism, the other sacraments, and by means of the community of believers, the Church.
People must overcome challenges and difficulties if they

are to develop spiritually
Spiritual development requires practice through experiences of overcoming challenges
and difficulties in daily life. People who always refuse challenges and give in to
difficulties fail to develop their inner spiritual strength.
Challenges and difficulties teenagers commonly

face include:
• peer pressure to do wrong
• emotions more intense than those experienced
in childhood
• sexual desires that need to be controlled and directed positively
• reluctance or failure to commit to study.
To overcome such challenges and difficulties, teenagers need to accept the responsibility
to develop spiritually, in the same way as they need to accept responsibility for
developing themselves intellectually, emotionally and physically.
In order to develop spiritually, people need to reflect on their behaviour and their
experiences. Without time for reflection they cannot discover ideals, words or actions
that reveal their inner potential for love and goodness.
Over-active lifestyle
Many people today do not live in ways that help spiritual growth. For example they may:
• be too active to take time out for themselves
• fail to provide times of quiet, necessary for reflection
• fail to think about or try to understand their feelings
• fail to direct their emotions positively
• ignore their human heart questions such as:
– ‘How can I learn to deal with my feelings?’
– ‘How can I be a better person?’
– ‘What’s life all about?’
– ‘How can I become more independent?’
– ‘How can I become more accepted by my peers while remaining true to myself?’
– ‘What is my future?’

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In Class Work
List examples of how people try to live in ways that help them to grow
spiritually
and/or:
In a small group prepare a role play that has two parts. The first part shows an
example of how a person does not live in a way that helps their spiritual
growth. The second part shows an example of how the same person might
behave when they realise the importance of living in ways that help spiritual
growth.
Failure to relate closely with God

Many people today fail to relate closely with God in the ways Jesus revealed. They:
• ignore or deliberately disobey God’s commandments
• pray infrequently
• ignore the Church as a means to help them draw closer to God
• do not join in Church worship.
Some people see God and religion as irrelevant, with the result that their spiritual
development is limited. Many:
• neglect God’s guidance, and so make mistakes that could be avoided with God’s
help, such as in their choices of friends, careers and marriage partners
• lack inner spiritual strength and so are unable to overcome pressures, particularly
peer and social pressures.
Escapes from inner stresses

As people develop spiritually they grow in inner peace and
harmony. Those who do not develop spiritually may
gradually experience inner conflict and stress.
Without clear ideals, young people may tend to feel confused

about who they are, what they should do with their lives and
many other issues. In the absence of strong personal values,
they may find it hard to resist human weaknesses such as
selfishness.
Many people today seek temporary relief from these

problems by, for example:
• taking drugs or drinking to excess
• withdrawing emotionally
• engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviour.

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Spend a few moments reflecting upon your own life. Have

there been or are there any issues that concern you?
Write about these issues, outlining why they caused you to

experience inner conflict and stress and what you need to
do to cope more successfully when faced with these or
other issues in future.
The seven bad habits (vices) that hamper spiritual

development
There are seven bad habits that if people allow them to become regular they can cause
people to fail to develop spiritually. These are often referred to as ‘the seven deadly sins’
or ‘capital sins’. They are called ‘capital’ in that they are the starting points of other sins
and vices in a person’s life. They are called ‘sins’ because they weaken the ability to live
a Christian moral life.
Capital sin of: For example can lead to habits of:
Pride boasting, pushing to be first, never listening to advice, being

demanding and selfish or never admitting mistakes
Avarice (greed) taking more than one needs, never sharing, refusing to donate
money or being selfish about possessions
Envy behaving in jealous ways towards those who have more, refusing to
congratulate others on their successes, being angry when others do
better at sport or other challenges, or failing to wish others well in
competitions
Anger swearing or behaving violently, being difficult to get on with, always

being critical and negative, showing impatience or vandalising
property
Lust engaging in premarital sex, using and promoting pornographic

material, abusing the sexuality of others or self because of sexual
desires
Gluttony eating more food than is needed, binge drinking or drinking to

excess
Sloth (laziness) getting out of chores at home, not doing one’s share or not helping
others, spending too much time resting and sleeping, or wasting time
not fulfilling responsibilities such as homework.

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4 God the Father and Jesus
sent the Holy Spirit

! God the Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide and
strengthen baptised Christians
! The ‘communion of saints’ is another way of describing the
Church made up of baptised people
! Those who respond to the Holy Spirit find the ‘fruits of the Holy
Spirit’ growing within them
! The Holy Spirit helps people to overcome the ‘seven deadly’ or
‘capital’ sins
! The Christian promise can become a reality if people draw on
the power of salvation Jesus offers through the Holy Spirit.
God the Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to

guide and strengthen baptised Christians
‘How can I grow stronger spiritually?’ is a persistent question in the lives of many
people, calling them to relate more closely with God.
To strengthen people spiritually in this life, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all
who believe in him and who receive Baptism and Confirmation.
God the Father sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit to work together always.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was conceived in the womb of the Virgin Mary
through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus promised to remain always with his followers, even though they would
not always be able to see him. He said, for example:
‘For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them.’ (Matthew 18:20)
‘And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’ (Matthew 28:20)
Jesus also promised to share the Holy Spirit with them. Just as Jesus had been led and
strengthened by the Spirit during his life in this world, so the Spirit would guide and
strengthen his followers.

CONTENTSCONTENTS CHAPTER CHAPTER
4. GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS SENT THE HOLY SPIRIT
Examples of gradual change

Gradually selfishness is changed by love; temptations to do wrong are changed by
goodness. Guilt is replaced by peace and deep hurts experienced in life, by inner healing.
God sending the Holy Spirit on apostles and mary (Warmun Community, WA),
by Queenie McKenzie (c. 1930–1998)
In Class Work
1. Read the story of Pentecost in Acts 2:1–4. Note the mention of Mary being
present with the Apostles.
2. What message about Pentecost is Queenie McKenzie conveying in her

painting, ‘God sending the Holy Spirit on apostles and Mary’?
3. Describe the link between the symbols used in the painting and the story of
Pentecost.
4. What place does Mary occupy and how is she represented in the painting?
How does this differ from other representations of Mary that you have seen?
5. Using Mary’s point of view, create your own visual representation of

Pentecost using a contemporary Australian setting.

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When they gathered on the Jewish feast of Pentecost the Apostles were filled with the
Holy Spirit, as Jesus had promised. They had a vision of the Spirit coming down on them
like tongues of fire (Acts 2:1–4).
Fire changes whatever it touches. Wood is burnt to ash, chemicals combine to become
something new and sand changes to glass.
Tongues of fire symbolise that, like fire, the Holy Spirit changes all who respond to the
Spirit living in them. Gradually, they grow to think, speak and behave more like Jesus.
The Spirit in the Church

The Holy Spirit lives today in the heart of every baptised person. As St Paul wrote:
Do you not realise that you are a temple of God with the Spirit of God living in
you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Do you not realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you
and whom you received from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19)
All those who share the Spirit are inwardly moved by the Spirit, who draws them
together as the ‘communion of saints’.
The ‘communion of saints’ is another way of describing

the Church made up of baptised people
Members of the Church, with the Spirit
living in them, can be referred to as ‘saints’. For your information…
The ‘communion of saints’ is another way
‘Saint’ comes from the Latin sanctus
of describing the Church, which is made up
or ‘holy’. St Paul wrote that all
of all baptised people, including its
believers are God’s holy people, his
members in heaven, those who are in
‘saints’. (Romans 1:7)
Purgatory, and those who are still alive in
the world.
The idea of a communion comprised of those who are living and those who are with
God is beautifully expressed in many prayers that speak of those who have died being
greeted by the saints as a mark of their entry into eternal life with God.

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Prayer of Commendation
I commend you, my dear brother/sister,
to almighty God, and entrust you to your Creator.
May you return to him
who formed you from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints
come to meet you as you go from this life.
May Christ who was crucified for you
bring you freedom and peace.
May Christ who died for you,
admit you into his garden of paradise.
May Christ, the true shepherd,
acknowledge you as one of his flock.
May he forgive all your sins and set you among those he has chosen.
May you see your Redeemer face to face,
and enjoy the vision of God for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Pastoral Care of the Sick, no 220B)

(The Rites, Volume One, 220)
The prayers of those in heaven

Mary and the saints in heaven are more closely united with God than members of the
Church who are not yet in heaven. Their prayers, therefore, are more powerful. For this
reason, Mary and the saints pray for members of the communion of saints who are not
in heaven. Many followers of Jesus ask Mary and the saints to pray for special needs.
In Class Work
Identify something you would like

to ask God for and write a prayer
asking Mary and the saints to pray
to God with you for your special
need.

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Mary a unique member of the Church

Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a unique place in the Church. From the moment of her
conception God prepared her to become the Mother of the Son of God. Her life is the
model for all people of how to follow Christ and be saved.
Marian Prayer
Because Mary is so close to Jesus, people ask her specifically to intercede for them
before God. (To ‘intercede’ is to speak on another person’s behalf). Catholic prayer is
not directed to Mary in the same way that it is directed to God. By interceding on their
behalf, Mary asks God to look with favour on their prayer. This becomes obvious when
the well-known Marian prayer, the Hail Mary, is examined.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
‘Ave Maria’ prayer
Amen. card (colour litho)
by French School,
(19th century)
The Memorare and the Hail Holy Queen are two examples of prayers where followers of
Jesus ask Mary to pray for them.
Memorare
Remember, most loving Virgin Mary,
never was it heard
that anyone who turned to you for help
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,

though burdened by my sins,
I run to your protection
for you are my mother.
Mother of the Word of God,

do not despise my words of pleading
but be merciful and hear my prayer.
Amen

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Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this, our exile, show unto us
the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
The Rosary
Another Marian devotion, the Rosary, consists of decades of prayers, each one focussing
on a different aspect of the life of Jesus and Mary. Each decade of the Rosary is made up
of praying the Our Father once and the Hail Mary ten times. In total there are twenty
decades of the Rosary, divided up into the following four ‘mysteries’.
The Joyful Mysteries The Luminous Mysteries

1. The Annunciation of the Lord 1. Jesus is baptised in the Jordan
2. The Visit of the Virgin Mary to 2. Jesus’ self-revelation at the wedding
Elizabeth of Cana
3. The Birth of the Lord 3. Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God
4. The Presentation of the Lord 4. The Transfiguration
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple 5. Jesus institutes the Eucharist
The Sorrowful Mysteries The Glorious Mysteries

1. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane 1. The Resurrection of the Lord
2. Jesus is Scourged 2. The Ascension of the Lord
3. Jesus is Crowned with Thorns 3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. Jesus Carries his Cross 4. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary
5. Jesus Dies on the Cross 5. The Queenship of the Virgin Mary

Although the Rosary has existed since at least the Middle Ages, the Luminous Mysteries
(or Mysteries of Light) were introduced as recently as 2002 by Pope John Paul II.

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Another traditional Marian

prayer is the Angelus. The
Angelus is prayed at 6am,
12pm and at 6pm. In the past,
in some countries of the world,
Catholic Church bells would
call Catholics to stop work and
to pray the Angelus.
Today, in various parishes,

convents, monasteries and even
schools, the Angelus bell still
invites people to prayer.
Annunciation by Lippi, Filippino (c.1457–1504)
The Angelus
The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary…
Behold the Handmaid of the Lord,

R. Be it done unto me according to your word.
Hail Mary…
And the word was made flesh,

R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord,

your grace into our hearts, that we,
to whom the incarnation of Christ
your Son was made known by the
message of an Angel, may, by his
passion and cross, be brought to the
glory of his Resurrection through the
same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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In Class Work
Research a range of images of Mary. For each note:

• the name of the artist
• the country and time period in which it was created
• any other people or symbols used in the art work.
Which symbols are most frequently used? Why?
Are any of these symbols linked to any Marian Prayers? Explain.
The communion of saints shares spiritual gifts

The many spiritual gifts Jesus promised to his disciples in the Kingdom of God are
communicated to all Christians through the power of the Holy Spirit.
All who belong to the Church are heirs to all the gifts that the Holy Spirit brings. Many
of these gifts are received through the sacraments.
Among the many gifts the Holy Spirit brings are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
received through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The seven gifts of Explanations Experiences Drawing on the gift,

the Holy Spirit of the gift a person can be
saved from
The Spirit of Ability to see the Developing ability the tendency to be

Wisdom good in everything to see good in overcome by bad
as God does, just as difficult situations experiences and
Jesus did and good coming setbacks
from tragedy
When can it be Seeing the good in the tendency to see

difficult to see the people and their the negative in
good in people and actions others and be
events? cynical
Discovering the a negative self-

good in oneself image
Identifying the need feelings of being

to die a friend of ‘unlovable’
God
lack of concern at
breaking the
commandments of
God

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CONTENTS CHAPTER

saved from
The Spirit of Ability to Discovering God’s the difficulty of

Understanding understand, like love through events seeing signs of
Jesus, the meaning and people such as God’s presence and
of God’s actions parents and other love in others
carers
When can it be Recognising God’s the tendency to feel

hard to believe that support through that God is not
God cares for caring people interested in
people? personal problems
and difficulties
The Spirit of Ability to judge the Deciding the value a lack of direction
Right Judgement true value of of future options in life
everything, as Jesus when leaving school
did
Growing in the placing too much
When can people ability to see the emphasis on secular
become confused true values on concerns such as
about what is really which to base one’s money, social status
of value? life and popularity
Having a sense of not being able to

personal vocation see personal
or life calling from meaning or the
God meaning in life
difficulties, such as
illness
Learning to choose being attracted to

good life priorities false values
The Spirit of Strength to meet Strengthening being overwhelmed

Courage personal challenges within to face life’s by personal
and overcome fears, difficulties, such as problems
even in the face of peer pressures,
death, as Jesus did failures and physical
disability
Developing the giving into peer and

inner strength to group pressures
overcome peer and
social pressures
When can it be Strengthening weakening in times

hard to believe and against temptations of temptation
to behave as Jesus to disobey the
taught? Commandments
Becoming fear of being

strengthened to live recognised as a
the teachings of Christian
Jesus each day

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CONTENTS CHAPTER

saved from
The Spirit of Ability to come to Developing the being confused and

Knowledge know God better ability to remember fearful of God
and to learn new that:
lessons from • God helps in time not remembering
experiences of God of need God’s special love
• God will forgive and support for
whatever sin has those in trouble
been repented
• God consoles in
times of sorrow
During what times Developing the feeling God is

can it be hard to knowledge of how distant
remember God’s to relate personally
promises? with God
The Spirit of Ability to keep Feeling that God is difficulties in prayer

Reverence growing in respect present always,
for God and especially in times
awareness of God’s of difficulties and
closeness and love loneliness
feeling that God is
When can it be Prayer growing absent or does not
hard to remember easier and more exist
that God is always personal
present and ready
to love people?
The Spirit of Ability to keep Wanting to live showing little

Wonder and Awe in returning love to daily as Jesus taught interest in God or
God’s presence God for all God’s in loving God.
gifts
When can God’s

love be taken for
granted?
The Holy Spirit,detail from the Creation Window, 1861

(stained glass) (detail of 120153) by Webb, Philip (1831–1915)

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Those who respond to the Holy Spirit find the ‘fruits of

the Holy Spirit’ growing within them
People who respond to the Holy Spirit find themselves changed in other ways as well.
They find the ‘fruits of the Holy Spirit’ gradually growing within them:
• love overcomes selfishness
• joy replaces sadness and feelings of negativity
• peace replaces inner conflicts and stress
• patience overcomes impatience
• kindness replaces indifference to the needs of others
• goodness replaces vices and the seven deadly sins
• trustfulness replaces the desire for excessive control
• gentleness replaces insensitivity
• self-control overcomes personal weaknesses.
In Class Work
Working in small groups construct a mobile which clearly highlights the

positive effects of the ‘fruits of the Holy Spirit’ growing within a person.
Display your group mobile in the class as a daily reminder of the inner
spiritual strength offered by the Holy Spirit.
People can draw on the Spirit through prayer and liturgy
seven sacraments
God the Father is the source of all the spiritual gifts
of the Kingdom of God. Jesus asks for, and receives
these gifts from the Father for the human race.
Baptised people can receive these gifts from Jesus
because Jesus has shared the Holy Spirit with them.
Marriag
Jesus is always praying to God the Father for the needs
e
of the human race. Jesus is living forever to intercede
Holy Orders
for all who come to God through him (Hebrews 7:25).
Anointin
He shares the Holy Spirit and the gifts the Spirit brings g of the S
ick
with all who join him in his prayer to God the Father.
Penance
In order to join Jesus in his prayer and receive the
blessings of the gifts of God the Father, Jesus gave Eucharist
his Church seven special ways of ‘celebrating’ or
‘seven special community celebrations’. These
Confirmation
are called the seven sacraments of the Church.
Baptism

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The Holy Spirit helps people to overcome the

‘seven deadly’ or ‘capital’ sins
The Spirit gradually gives people the inner spiritual power to resist temptations of the
seven deadly sins.
The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to overcome the seven deadly sins:
Deadly sin The Holy Spirit empowers people to:

Pride perform acts of service, stop boasting, admit mistakes
Avarice donate money to those in need, use or buy only what is

needed, avoid unnecessary luxury, share generously, especially
with family and friends
Envy congratulate others on their successes, avoid feelings of
jealousy, stop criticising others who have what they want
Anger exercise patience, help others to understand in loving ways
what makes people angry, take time to think instead of
reacting
Lust direct sexual desires in accordance with God’s purpose; value
sexuality of self and others, rather than thinking of others in
purely sexual ways
Gluttony fast (eg. during Lent, as an act of self-denial), eat what is
healthy, avoid binge eating or drinking
Sloth fulfil responsibilities, engage in physical activity, take rest
needed for health and well-being, work or study with
determination to do one’s best.

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The Christian promise can become a reality if people

draw on the power of salvation Jesus offers through the
Holy Spirit
The salvation offered by Jesus is received through the Holy Spirit. The more we draw
on God’s saving power, the more the reality of what Jesus promises comes to life in the
world in which we live.
Just imagine what Australia would be like

if all Australians were to become members
of the communion of saints by receiving
Baptism, praying daily, receiving Jesus in
Holy Communion regularly and trying to
live as Jesus taught. How would the ways
in which people related to each other be
different?
The Holy Spirit would free people from the

seven deadly sins and their effects.
People’s hearts would be changed and
God’s love and goodness would be clearly
at work in all aspects of society.
In Class Work
How would Australian society

change if all Australians were
purified of pride, avarice, envy,
anger, lust, gluttony and sloth?
One example of the changes
that would take place is that
road rage would disappear as
people were purified of anger.
List some examples of your
own.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
In Class Work
Use Chapter 3 and 4 to help you to answer these questions:
1. What is original sin and why does it prevent people from developing
spiritually?
2. Explain how an over-active lifestyle can interfere with people’s ability to

grow spiritually.
3. Explain the meaning of ‘capital sins’.
4. _______________________ was a sign that the Holy Spirit came upon the
Apostles at Pentecost.
5. Explain what is meant by the communion of saints.
6. What is Marian prayer? Give three examples of this type of prayer.
7. List which of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation
empowers people to experience each of the following:
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self-control are all __________________ of the _______________________.
9. Rearrange the groups of letters below to form words. What are they
examples of?
holts eargn racaive dierp
loytuglt sult nevy.

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5 Jesus was filled with
the Holy Spirit

! God inspired Mark to reveal who Jesus is and how the Holy
Spirit would transform his followers
! Jesus lived in the Jewish society of first century, Roman-
occupied Palestine
! To demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and as part of his
mission, Jesus performed miracles
! Parables were used to teach important lessons
! The Holy Spirit can empower Christians to overcome everything
in life that does not reflect the love and goodness of God.
God inspired Mark to reveal who Jesus is and how the

Holy Spirit would transform his followers
Jesus revealed himself to be ‘the
Messiah’, the one the Old Testament
prophets foretold would be ‘filled with
the Spirit’. Led and strengthened by the
Spirit, Jesus by his words and actions
revealed the Kingdom of God and how
the Spirit would affect the lives of those
who follow him.
How Jesus revealed these things is

recorded in the Gospel of Mark and
the other three Gospels of the New
Testament.
God inspired Mark to present the

revelations of Jesus by drawing on
stories and sayings of Jesus to develop Winged lion of St. Mark (gilded wood) by Italian School, (16th century)
his Gospel. This Gospel was completed
over many years.

CONTENTS CONTENTSCHAPTER CHAPTER
5. JESUS WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Gospel of Mark emphasises certain things about Jesus
The community for which Mark was written

The Gospel according to Mark was written for a Christian
community facing persecution in Rome.
The Roman emperor, Nero, had become cruel and corrupt

in the latter years of his reign. In 64AD, a fire burned
most of Rome. Nero began persecuting the Christians, blaming
the fire upon them. Many Christians were tortured, crucified and
burned, while others were fed to wild beasts.
Peter who had been appointed by Jesus to lead the Apostles was living in Rome when he
was crucified between 64 and 67AD. Even some of the leaders of the early Church were
persecuted and martyred. Paul had been brought to Rome and imprisoned. He was
beheaded around 67AD.
Many Roman Christians had been born Jews. These people feared retaliation and
persecution as the result of a revolt against Roman power that began in 66AD in
Jerusalem and ended in 70AD with the defeat of the Jews.
In Class Work
Research these and any other events which affected the Christian
community in Rome in the first century.
The questions of the Roman Christians

The risk of death by martyrdom caused Roman Christians to ask many serious questions
about their faith. These included:
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Mark started his Gospel by listening carefully to the questions troubling Roman
Christians and Romans who were thinking about receiving Baptism. God then inspired
him to write the Gospel in two parts.
Part One is about the divine power (or source of the kingdom) that Jesus offers.
This power is experienced through the Holy Spirit.
Part Two deals with what people need to do to experience this power helping them
in their lives.
Mark further planned that his Gospel would begin with a prologue (or introduction)
and with both parts of his Gospel consisting of three sections.

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PROLOGUE: Who is Jesus?
PART ONE: What does Jesus offer the human race?

Section One: How did Jesus reveal what he offers?
Section Two: How did the people in Jesus’ time respond?
Section Three: What attitude does a person need in order to experience all that
Jesus offers?
PART TWO: How can people experience in their daily lives what Jesus offers?
Section Four: What did Jesus teach about the saving power of God and how to
live as his disciples?
Section Five: Why was Jesus killed?
Section Six: How did Jesus live in accordance with his teachings?
When Mark began his Gospel, Christians knew many stories and sayings of Jesus. These
came from those who had seen and heard Jesus, especially Peter.
Mark began to select materials from among the stories and sayings of Jesus to answer
the questions of the Roman Christians. In doing so, he sought to answer other important
questions as well.
God inspired Mark to record several truths about Jesus in the prologue
to his Gospel
Mark’s Gospel: the prologue

A core teaching of Mark’s Gospel is that God the Father sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit
together to restore the human relationship with God.

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The prologue relates how:

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by the power of the Spirit
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Spirit.
After his opening statement about who Jesus is, Mark chose three stories about Jesus to
teach these truths. These are the stories of:
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Revealed Teachings: Mark’s Gospel, Chapter 1 (Mark 1:2–13)

Gospel text Revealed teaching Key texts
Opening (Mark 1:1) Jesus is the Son of God about Jesus Christ,
the Son of God
John the Baptist John was the prophesied Old Testament texts
(Mark 1:2–8) prophet who would recalled (1:2–3)
prepare people for the
coming of the Lord
Jesus will share the Holy ‘... he will baptise you with
Spirit with all who receive the Holy Spirit.’ (1:8)
Baptism
The Baptism of Jesus Jesus was fully committed ‘... (he) was baptised in the
(Mark 1:9–11) to his mission from God Jordan by John.’ (1:9)
the Father, and went
through a ritual that people
at the time understood as
symbolizing full conversion
to God
Jesus is the Messiah, the ‘You are my Son…’ (1:11)

servant prophesied as the
one who would be filled
with the Holy Spirit
‘You are my Son...’ (1:11)
God the Father recognized
Jesus as his divine Son
Jesus tempted by Satan Jesus experienced ... (he) was put to the test
(Mark 1:12–13) temptations to sin like all by Satan. (1:12)
other human beings, but
overcame them.

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Each of the three sections that make up Part One of the Gospel of Mark relates to the
most basic teaching of Jesus, which is:
‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and
believe the gospel.’ (Mark 1:15)
SECTION ONE: Jesus’ teaching and how it was revealed
Mark wanted to teach several basic lessons about Jesus. These are:
• the most basic teaching about Jesus himself
• what Jesus offers those who decide to follow him
• how Jesus communicated with God the Father
• those for whom Jesus came
• how Jesus came to fulfil the law and to bring all people into communion with God
by founding a movement which would later become the Church.
The Roman Christian community

At the time Mark began his Gospel the
Christians in Rome were experiencing
difficulties. The Roman authorities were
suspicious of any talk about kingdoms.
They worried that such talk could lead to
revolt.
The Romans were also concerned about the

Jewish belief in a Messiah. This belief
seemed to imply someone who would free
the Jews from Roman control.
The Christians in Rome had other

problems. They were heavily criticised by
Jewish leaders because:
• they believed Jesus to be the Son of
God and the Messiah
• they did not observe all of the Jewish
religious laws
• they believed that Jesus could forgive
sins, no matter how serious they might be
• they included in their community those The time is fulfilled, and
recognised publicly as sinners and who the kingdom of God is
were not considered fit to belong to a
close at hand. Repent,
genuine religion.
and believe the gospel

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
Jesus on his way to The following stories in Section One of Mark’s Gospel would have reassured Roman
Galilee, illustration
for ‘The Life of Christians, and those thinking of becoming Christians, that Jesus came for them.
Christ’, c.1886–96
(gouache on paper-
board) by Tissot,
James Jacques Joseph Revealed Teachings: Mark’s Gospel, Chapters 1–2 (Mark 1:14–2:18–3:6)
(1836–1902)
Gospel text Revealed teaching Key text
Jesus proclaimed the gospel Jesus came to offer ‘... the kingdom of God is
(1:14–15) humanity the power of close at hand.’ (1:15)
God through the Holy
Spirit, to help them in their
daily lives
To draw on this power, ‘Repent, and believe ...’

people need to stop (1:15)
disobeying God’s
commandments and to
believe in all that Jesus
taught
Jesus calls his disciples People need to become ‘Come after me and I will
(1:16–20) followers of Jesus to learn make you into fishers of
how to draw on the power people.’ (1:17)
he offers them
Jesus exorcised the man The power that Jesus offers ‘Be quiet! Come out of
possessed by an evil spirit is more powerful than that him!’ (1:25)
(1:21–28) of Satan
Jesus cured illnesses and The power that the Spirit ... (he) took her by the hand
drove out demons shares with baptised and helped her up. (1:31)
(1:29–34) Christians conquers all the
harm that Satan causes in
people

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Jesus went to pray Jesus communicates with ... (he) went off to a lonely
(1:35–39) God the Father, just as place and prayed there.
anyone must who wants to (1:35)
draw on the power of God
through the Spirit
Jesus offers his power to all ‘Let us go elsewhere ...

because that is why I came.’
(1:38)
Jesus cured skin diseases Jesus offers compassion to ‘Be cleansed.’ (1:41)
(1:40–45) those who turn to him
Jesus cured the paralytic Jesus worked miracles to ‘... to prove to you that
(2:1–12) demonstrate his greater the Son of man has
power – the power to authority to forgive sins on
forgive sin, the barrier that earth… I order you: get up
keeps people from drawing ...’ (2:10)
closer to God and from
experiencing God’s love
and power in their lives
Some reacted negatively ... some scribes ... thought

to themselves, ‘He is being
blasphemous.’ (2:6–7)
Others were astonished ‘We have never seen

anything like this!’ (2:12)
Jesus called Levi and ate Jesus came to help those ‘I came to call ... sinners’
with sinners (2:13–17) who do not imagine that (2:17)
they are good enough to
relate with God and who
do not participate in
community worship of God
The tax-collector’s reaction And he got up and

was to follow Jesus (unlike followed him. (2:14)
those who thought
themselves ‘right with God’
already)
The discussions on laws of Jesus, the Son of God, was ‘... nobody puts new wine
the Old Testament offering a way to relate into old wineskins…’ (2:22)
(2:18–3:6) with God that was
altogether new: as Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
The reaction of the The Pharisees went

Pharisees was negative out … to plot with the
Herodians ... (3:6)

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Fol.134v Jesus at the Tiberian Lake with the Disciples (vellum)
Jesus lived in the Jewish society of first-century,

Roman-occupied Palestine
Jesus lived and taught people from a particular ethnic background and culture. Like all
cultures, Jewish people had their own ways of thinking and speaking.
To understand the words and behaviour of Jesus, people need to understand something
of the culture in which he lived.
People in the time of Jesus
The Pharisees
Around one hundred and thirty years before Jesus a religious reform movement began.
Those who tried to live its strict religious observances were called ‘Pharisees’.
By the time of Jesus, there were different

groups of Pharisees. Some were friendly For your information…
towards Jesus, even defending him from
‘Pharisee’ is a Hebrew word which
attacks; others were hostile to him. These
means ‘separated’. Although not
Pharisees tended to interpret God’s laws in
priests, the Pharisees considered
strict, unbending ways that made the literal
themselves a special, separate,
observance (or the ‘letter’) of the Law of
religiously superior class of Jews.
Moses difficult for many people,
particularly the poorer members of society.

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Jesus never condemned the Pharisees as a group, although he did criticise those who
were hostile towards him.
He criticised as ‘hypocrites’, those Pharisees who boasted that they were very obedient
to God’s Law but who were actually mean-spirited towards people they considered to be
‘sinners’.
In Jesus’ time, a person afflicted with a terrible disease like leprosy or who failed to
keep any of the Law of Moses was looked on as a ‘sinner’. The Law of Moses included
over 600 religious laws concerning just about every aspect of life. The reason a diseased
person was looked on in this way was that their disease was seen as a punishment from
God for their sins or even for the sins committed by an ancestor.
Poverty was also understood as a punishment that befell those who failed to observe the
laws satisfactorily. This was a ‘vicious circle’ in that a poor person would never be in a
financial position to keep all the laws, including those requiring various animals to be
purchased as sacrifices to God. They were therefore considered to be sinners by those
who strictly observed the laws, including most of the religious authorities in Jesus’ time.
The Herodians
The Romans appointed kings in some parts of their empire. The kings in Galilee during
the time of Jesus were the Herods. Those who supported the Herods were called
‘Herodians’.
The Herodians and the Pharisees were religious and political enemies. Their reaction to
Jesus in Mark’s Gospel – conspiring to destroy him – shows how afraid they were of
Jesus and how much his words and actions offended them (Mark 3:6).
Money-changers and dove-sellers in the Temple

A number of different currencies were used in Jerusalem. Greek and Roman coins were
used, along with the coins brought by travellers from other countries.
Pagan (i.e. non-Jewish) money could not be taken into the Temple or used to purchase
animals for sacrifice. This was because all pagan coins were minted with images of
emperors and kings, and Jewish Law strictly forbade the use of such images. Money-
changers, therefore, provided a necessary and important service to the Jewish
worshippers at the Temple, many of whom came to Jerusalem on pilgrimage as often as
they could afford.
Dove-sellers also provided an essential service for worshippers. Doves were the least
expensive of all the animals that could be sacrificed at the Temple (lambs and bulls cost
much more), so poor people bought doves to offer in sacrifice to God.
The Gospels indicate that in the time of Jesus many of the money-changers and dove-
sellers took advantage of their control of this specialised market to charge outrageous
prices to rich and poor alike. Jesus saw this injustice. The priests of the Temple had
allowed vendors to conduct business in the very courtyards dedicated to prayer. This
activity was offensive to God.

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The tax-collectors and sinners

In the time of Jesus, the Jews were captives to the power of the Roman Empire. Tax-
collectors were considered traitors, for they collected taxes from their fellow Jews on
behalf of their Roman oppressors.
Tax-collectors were also well-known for cheating by charging more tax than they
should, keeping the extra money for themselves. Tax-collectors were excluded from
community worship. In the eyes of most Jews of the time, this put tax-collectors on the
same level as ‘sinners’.
The Gospel of Luke emphasises the way Jesus treated these people in the stories of:
• the Publican (or the tax-collector) and the Pharisee (Luke 18:9–14)
• Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10).
The Sadducees
The Sadducees were a conservative priestly
party. They were wealthy and powerful and, in For your information…
general, they scorned the ordinary people.
‘Sadducee’ is derived from ‘Zadok’
the name of a famous Jewish
The Sadducees had been prominent as the
high priest (Ezekiel 40:46) at the
ruling class in Israel during the centuries before
time of Solomon (1 Kings1:38-40).
Rome conquered the Jews (66BC).
The main influence of the Sadducees was in

Temple worship. They were religious fundamentalists who did not believe in a messiah
or the resurrection of the dead.
The only books of the Bible they accepted were the first five, known collectively as the
Torah. Because of this, they rejected many of the religious ideas that other Jews
accepted. This put them in conflict with the Pharisees.
The Sadducees did not involve themselves directly in political affairs; however, as
leaders of the priestly class, they could exercise great influence over the Jewish people.
The Sadducees’ attitude to Roman rule was more accepting than other Jewish groups
because the Romans allowed:
• the Jews to practise their religion freely (a privilege rarely granted by Rome)
• the Sadducees to exercise authority over the Jews with little interference from Rome.
The Zealots
This group was similar to the
Pharisees but they were also militant For your information…
nationalists. The Zealots tried to end
‘Zealot’ comes from the word ‘zeal’ or intense
Roman rule of Palestine by violent
devotion or enthusiasm. The Apostle Simon
means. They recognised only God or
was a Zealot. In following Jesus he was
someone sent by God as their leader.
required to abandon his involvement in
Like many Jews, they anxiously
violent resistance against Rome.
awaited a Messiah to lead a powerful
army that would defeat the Romans.

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In Class Work
Construct a mind-map of the different groups that made up the structure of

society of first century Jerusalem.
Jesus the Messiah (the Christ)

The prophets of the Old Testament foretold
the coming of a servant of God who would For your information…
be filled with the Holy Spirit and bring
The Greek word for messiah is
about the salvation of God’s people. They
Christos (the Christ). Both Messiah
called him the ‘Messiah’.
and Christ mean ‘the Anointed One’.
In the time of Jesus, people had different

ideas about what this messiah would do.
Many thought he would be a warrior king who would free Israel from Roman power.
The Romans were concerned about the Messiah. They feared that he would attract
thousands of followers and lead a rebellion against them.
Jesus knew that, though he was the Messiah, he would not be a warrior king. He did not want
to be known as ‘the Messiah’ until he had taught his followers what this term really meant.
Jesus the Son of man

One of the books of the Old Testament is the Book of Daniel. In this book, there is a
prophecy about an enigmatic figure called ‘the Son of man’. This referred to someone
who would receive power over all the nations of the earth in the act of establishing the
Kingdom of God:
His rule is an everlasting rule which will never pass away, and his kingship will
never come to an end. (Daniel 7:14)
Jesus referred to himself as ‘the Son of man’ on a number of occasions. In Mark’s

Gospel especially, Jesus preferred the title ‘Son of man’ to that of ‘Messiah’. One
example occurs when Jesus told a paralysed man that his sins were forgiven. The scribes
thought Jesus was being blasphemous on the grounds that only God could forgive sin.
Jesus responded by giving all present a clear sign of the Kingdom of God,
‘…to prove to you that the Son of man has the authority to forgive sins on earth’
– he said to the paralytic – ‘I order you: get up, pick up your stretcher, and go off
home.’ (Mark 2:10–11)
The Son of man commissioned his Apostles to advance the kingdom he had begun. He
equipped them for this mission by entrusting them with the power to forgive sins too.

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To demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and as part

of his mission, Jesus performed miracles
Jesus Opens the Eyes of a Man Born Blind, 1311 (egg tempera on panel)
by Duccio di Buoninsegna, (c.1278–1318)
Jesus began his mission by working

miracles that demonstrated his own For your information…
unique power and the power the Spirit
A miracle is something that cannot be
shares with all who follow him. Jesus
explained by the laws of nature or science.
used this power to conquer evils that
A miracle is an experience of the
people at that time believed were
‘supernatural’.
caused by Satan:
• possession by demons
• sickness
• serious skin diseases. For your information…
Demons are evil spirits who serve Satan.
The Jewish people looked forward to a
time when the whole of creation would
reflect the love and goodness that
comes from the redemptive power of
God. This would be at the end of the world.

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Jesus began his mission by showing that, in him, God’s power was coming into the
world. He offers this power through the Holy Spirit to all who are willing to change
their lives to live as God wishes.
All who accept Jesus’ offer find themselves changing gradually, through the power of the
Holy Spirit, into people of greater love and goodness. They will be able to overcome
selfishness and temptations to do wrong. Tensions and hostility between people will be
overcome and love between them will grow.
God’s redemptive power

God’s redemptive power means
that God redeems, that is, God For your information…
acts to ‘save’ (or ‘rescue’) people
To ‘redeem’ means to recover something of value
from the power of sin and its
by one’s effort or a payment of some kind. For
consequences in the world.
example, a person may pawn an item in
God’s redemptive power
exchange for cash. To redeem the item from the
transforms everything that has
pawnbroker the person must return the pawn
been damaged by sin. God
ticket and pay back the loan plus an agreed fee.
especially transforms human life,
which is damaged by the effects
of original sin.
It is with this meaning in mind that Jesus can be understood as the ‘Redeemer’. His
death and Resurrection means that God has overcome the power of sin and death once
and for all. Death has been transformed by God into eternal life not only for Jesus but
for all who are redeemed by Jesus.
The Healing of the Lame in the Temple, illustration for ‘The Life of Christ’, c.1886–94
(w/c & gouache on paperboard) by Tissot, James Jacques Joseph (1836–1902)

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In Class Work
In small groups choose one of Mark’s accounts of Jesus’ healing power: Mark
1:23–27; 1:29–31; 1:40–44; 2:1-12; 3:1–6; 5:1–19; 5:21–43; 7:24–30; 7:31–37.
Present your story as a drama. Each drama should address the following
questions:
– What is the nature of the sickness?
– How does Jesus respond to the person?
– How does Jesus heal the sick person?
– What are the reactions of the sick person and any of the bystanders?
– What instructions does Jesus give?
SECTION TWO: How did the people in Jesus’ time respond to his message?
The kingdom of God is alive and active in people and in the world – The kingdom of
God began with the death and resurrection of Jesus and continues to be extended by
Christians until it has been brought into perfection by Christ at the end of time.
Christians continue the work of the kingdom by living the way Jesus lived, and by
promoting peace and justice. Christians are able to accomplish what is needed for the
kingdom by discerning how the Holy Spirit is calling them to act in the concrete
circumstances of their lives.
This leads to questions such as: ‘If the kingdom of God is alive and active, why can’t
everyone’s life be happier now?’ ‘If God can bring peace, why is there not greater peace
in the world today?’ ‘Why are there tensions, and even war, between Christians?’
God inspired Mark to compose the second section of his Gospel to answer these
questions. He:
• presents common reactions to Jesus
• gives reasons why some people are unable to respond positively to Jesus and so draw
on the saving power he offers
• reassures that the kingdom will continue to grow in the world, even though many
may react negatively to the teachings of Jesus
• encourages the Roman community to respond positively to Jesus by offering them
more examples of God’s saving power active in Jesus
• reminds his community that the power of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, can be drawn on by
anyone who has faith in Jesus.

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Tensions in Rome between Jews and Christians and

amongst Christians themselves
In Rome, during the time when
Mark’s gospel was being
written, tension existed
between Christians and Jews
and amongst Christians
themselves. There were a
number of reasons for such
tension.
There was a large community

of Jews in the city of Rome in
the time of Mark. The Jewish
community was defensive and
did not like members
converting to Christianity. This
led them to denounce Jesus as
someone possessed by Satan.
They claimed that his miracles Aureus (obverse) of the deified Claudius I (AD41–AD54) minted
were performed through under Nero (AD54–AD68) (gold) Inscription: DIVVS CLAVDIVS
AVGVSTVS (for reverse see 119149) by Roman, (1st century AD)
Satan’s power.
The Jewish community also experienced difficulties with the Roman authorities. In
49AD Rome’s emperor, Claudius, expelled some Jews from Rome, accusing them of
being agitators. This situation contributed to the growth of distrust and tension between
Jews and Christians.
Jews who converted to Christianity wondered about other converts who were not
descendants of Abraham or the twelve Patriarchs of Israel. These Christians of Jewish
heritage understood Judaism to be the ‘mother’ of Christianity and found it difficult to
see how Gentiles (non-Jews) could fit into this tradition.

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Parables were used to teach important lessons

Mark emphasises certain teachings about
Jesus using a variety of literary forms
including:
• sayings of Jesus
• miracle stories
• teachings of Jesus
• parables
• ‘mission-narratives’ (ie. stories that
throw light on Jesus’ mission and
ministry)
The most prominent literary form in this

section is the parable.
Parable details were selected with great

care. People reflected on details to deepen
their understanding of the parable.
Jesus used parables to teach about God’s

kingdom by making simple comparisons
that were familiar to everyone. In this way,
Jesus helped people move slowly from the
known to the unknown. Parables enabled people to stretch their minds and imaginations
and to embrace ideas that were bigger than those to which they were accustomed.
Parables also invited people to discover themselves as they really were. They acted as a
kind of test to see if a person’s heart was open or closed to hearing the truth. In this
way they were also a key to people’s reactions to the teaching of Jesus.
People reacted in different ways to Jesus (Mark 3:7–35)

Mark’s Gospel records the different reactions of people to Jesus
• Great crowds reacted positively by following Jesus as he continued to heal and
cast out demons (unclean spirits) (3:7–12)
• Jesus called the Twelve, who reacted positively by committing themselves to
Jesus. (3:13–19)
• Some of Jesus’ relations reacted negatively (3:20–21)
• The Jewish leaders reacted negatively, saying the power Jesus showed was of
Satan, not God. (3:22–30)
• The true relatives of Jesus (3:31–35)

Beelzebub’, or ‘Beelzebul’ was the name given in the ancient world to an evil spirit. To Jews
in the time of Jesus, it was another name for Satan.

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Using parables, Jesus explains people’s reactions to him (4:1–25)

Jesus was able to use parables to explain why many would reject his message. In the
parable of the sower (Mark 4:1–9) he illustrated that people’s values and lifestyles
would affect their reaction to the power he offered. He pointed out that his use of
parables was for the benefit of those who had ‘ears to hear’ and he wasn’t going to
explain their meaning. Nevertheless, Jesus gave a detailed explanation of the parable of
the sower to his disciples (Mark 4:13–20). Two other parables Jesus used to highlight
people’s reactions to the good news were the parable of the lamp (4:21–23) and the
parable of the measure (4:24–25).
The power of the kingdom will continue to grow in the world (4:26–34)
Where the message of Jesus was accepted, the kingdom would grow. This is
demonstrated in the parables of the seed growing by itself (4:26–29) and the
mustard seed (4:30–34).
Jesus demonstrates the power of God at work in the kingdom (4:35–5:20)

The miracles of Jesus were convincing signs of the Kingdom of God. He showed power
over the forces of nature by calming the storm (4:35–41) and over the forces of evil by
exorcism (5:1–20).
All who have faith in Jesus can draw on his power (5:21–43)
Jesus responded to those who had faith in him. This is shown by his compassion in the
raising to life of Jairus’ daughter (5:21–24, 35–43) and the curing of the woman with
the blood disease (5:25–34).
Christ is Tempted by the Devil in the Desert, mid 14th century (fresco)

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In Class Work
There are three parables in this section of Mark’s Gospel that give an image of
the Kingdom of God.
– Mark 4:2–29
– Mark 4:26–29
– Mark 4:30–32
Choose one of these parables and identify the main message that
Jesus conveys to his listeners.
SECTION THREE: What attitude is needed in people to experience all that Jesus offers?
Faith in Jesus Christ himself is needed to draw on all that he offers

Faith in Jesus Christ himself is needed to draw on all that he offers. A Christian is first
and foremost someone who relates personally with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in faith
and trust. Today, many people do not realise that it is impossible to experience Jesus’
power through the Holy Spirit unless they believe in him, pray and worship as he
taught.
Only with the power of the Holy Spirit can a person live completely as
Jesus taught
Only with the power of the Holy Spirit can a person live completely as Jesus taught.
Mark’s Gospel was written for Christians in Rome who were:
• wavering in their faith under the persecution they were suffering
• receiving instruction in the Christian faith (catechumens)
• thinking about whether or not to become Christian.
Mark concludes Section Three with confronting questions for anyone reluctant to
believe in Jesus.
Do you still not understand, still not realise? (Mark 8:17)

Are your minds closed? (Mark 8:17)
Have you eyes and do not see, ears and do not hear? (Mark 8:18)
Or do you not remember? (Mark 8:18)
Mark’s Christian Community

The Christian community for which the Gospel of Mark was written comprised Jewish
and non-Jewish (or Gentile) converts. The Jewish-Christians were having trouble
understanding that, although God prepared them for Christianity through Jewish faith,
many Jewish practices were not part of the new religious movement initiated by Jesus.

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Many ritual requirements of the Jewish faith did not permit Jews to eat certain foods
and imposed rules about washing before meals.
Ritual cleanliness or purity was required before a person could draw near to God
through worship. It was needed to enter holy places, such as the Temple.
In the Old Testament, God gave many laws about ritual cleanliness. Many of these were
abolished by the early Christian community. In abolishing these laws, they were
following Jesus’ insistence on God’s real standard for worthiness – actions that reflected
a heart that was turned to God.
Mark emphasises Jesus’ insistence on purity of heart and the need for faith (7:14–23)
Jesus invites all to believe in him

Jesus was born into a Jewish family and was a devoted Jew. He reminded other Jews of
the need to live their faith from the heart and not just in outward practice. He said his
personal mission was to the ‘lost sheep’ of Israel. Jesus, however, crossed the border into
Gentile territory and his treatment of those he met there is a sign of God’s love for all
people. Belief in Jesus is the primary sign of belonging to God’s kingdom.
Jesus responded to the faith of a Gentile woman by answering her request to heal her
daughter (7:24–30). In the Gentile territory on the eastern side of Lake Galilee, he
cured a deaf man at the request of a group of Gentiles (7:31–37). Mark records a
second miracle of the loaves and it would appear that this was also in foreign territory
(8:1–10). The seven baskets of leftovers are often taken as a reference to the Gentile
mission of the early Church, that is, to the seventy nations of the known world.
Not everyone appreciated the miracles of Jesus for as signs of the Kingdom. The
Pharisees, for instance, demanded more signs (8:11–13). Jesus warned his followers
against following the example of those with closed minds and, instead, to have faith in
him (8:14–21).

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The following table summarises key teachings in this section of Mark’s gospel
Revealed Teachings: Mark’s Gospel, Chapters 7–8 (Mark 7:1–8:21)

The argument about Jewish Jesus reveals and explains ‘You put aside the
purification rituals (7:1–13) God’s laws with authority commandment of God
to observe human
traditions.’ (7:8)
Discussion about what is Religious purity is found in ‘Nothing that goes into
clean and unclean the heart someone from outside can
(7:14–23) make that person unclean
…’ (7:15)
Actions that reflect evil ‘... fornication, theft,

intentions in their hearts murder, adultery, avarice,
prevent people from malice, deceit, indecency,
relating with God envy, slander, pride, folly.’
(7:21–22)
The healing of the daughter Jesus uses his power for all ‘For saying this, you may
of the Gentile (non-Jewish) who have faith (believe) in go home happy …’ (7:29)
woman (7:24–30) him
The healing of the deaf Jesus uses his power for all ‘Be opened’ (7:34)
man in response to the who have faith (believe) in
request of a group of him
Gentiles (7:31–37)
The second great Jesus is the Messiah also ... they collected seven
multiplication of loaves for non-Jews who believe basketfuls of the scraps left
(Mark 8:1–10) in him over. (8:8)
The disciples still fail to ‘Where could anyone get

believe in him (Christians these people enough bread
need to develop faith to to eat in a deserted place?’
experience the power of (8:4)
Jesus)
The Pharisees demand a To understand who Jesus is, ‘... no sign will be given to
spectacular sign (8:11–21) people need to understand this generation.’ (8:12)
the meaning of his miracles
Jesus challenges his Faith in Jesus is the first ‘Do you still not
disciples to believe in him requirement for anyone understand … Are your
wanting to experience his minds closed?’ (8:17)
power

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The Holy Spirit can empower Christians to overcome

everything in life that does not reflect the love and
goodness of God
Christians learn that the Holy Spirit – shared
by Jesus with all who follow him – can
empower them to overcome everything in their
lives that does not reflect God’s love and
goodness. This includes selfishness, feelings of
guilt, jealousy and temptations to do wrong.
Jesus showed that the Spirit’s power could

overcome human failings and sinfulness. He
also showed that the Spirit’s power can forgive
sin.
Mark chose stories about Jesus that showed his

great courage in the face of powerful pressures
and forces that wanted to prevent him fulfilling Ms Lat. Q.v.I.126 f.90
The Holy Spirit, from
his mission. the ‘Book of Hours of
Louis d’Orleans’, 1469
(vellum) by Colombe,
Jean (c.1430–c.93)
In Class Work
1. Describe the community for which Mark wrote his Gospel.
2. What is the core teaching of Mark’s Gospel?
3. Why did Jesus perform his first miracles?
4. In Jesus’ time people believed that sickness was caused by

____________________________________.
5. Why is Jesus called ‘the Redeemer’?
6. Who were the Pharisees? Why did Jesus criticise some of them?
7. Explain why money-changers and dove-sellers were located in the Temple

courtyard. What attitude did Jesus have to this practice?
8. Who were the Sadducees and the Zealots?
9. At the time during which Jesus lived, what sort of Messiah did many of the
Jewish people hope for? How did the Romans react to this?
10. Explain why Jesus used parables to teach his followers.
11. Give two examples of parables used in Mark’s Gospel. For each example
summarise the main teaching or moral.

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6 Jesus revealed how to draw on
the strength of the Holy Spirit

! Part Two of Mark’s Gospel teaches that people who follow
Jesus can draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit to live heroic
Christian lives
! The ‘cross’ and Resurrection are together the ultimate symbols
of God’s power to bring all to fullness of life with God
! Mark’s Gospel presents an explanation as to why Jesus was
killed
! Mark’s Gospel presents the meaning of Jesus’ death and
Resurrection
! The Holy Spirit can empower people to overcome obstacles in
their efforts to live a full Christian life.
Part Two of Mark’s Gospel teaches that people who

follow Jesus can draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit
to live heroic Christian lives
Jesus showed by his words and actions that
God’s power which people receive through
the Holy Spirit could affect people in many
ways. The Spirit’s power could help people
to:
• be healed of hurts
• resist temptations
• forgive offences and be forgiven
• be freed from guilt
• find guidance for their lives.
When people learn about the Spirit’s power,

they then ask a very important question:
‘How can people draw on the power of the
Spirit which Jesus offers in their daily lives?’
Mark’s Gospel: Part Two

Mark gives Jesus’ answer to this question in Part Two of his Gospel. He presents Jesus
revealing an answer to this question by grouping stories into the fourth, fifth and sixth
sections of his Gospel.

6. JESUS REVEALED HOW TO DRAW ON THE STRENGTH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
SECTION FOUR: What did Jesus teach his disciples about God’s saving power?
The question about how to draw upon the power of God is so important that it is
answered three times. People draw upon God’s saving power by carrying their cross and
by belief in the power of Christ’s Resurrection.
Then he began to teach them that the Son of man was destined to suffer
grievously, and to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes,
and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again… (Mark 8:31)
‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up
his cross and follow me.’ (Mark 8:34)
‘The Son of man will be delivered into the power of men; they will put him to
death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.’
(Mark 9:31)
‘… the Son of man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes.
They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the gentiles, who will
mock him and spit at him and scourge him and put him to death; and after three
days he will rise again.’ (Mark 10:33–34)
The greatest sign of Jesus experiencing the

power of God’s kingdom was his
Resurrection from the dead. The sufferings
and death of Jesus were the result of the
human actions of those who wanted to
destroy him. They denied his mission from
God.
The cross is the symbol of the obedience of

Jesus to God the Father, for Jesus accepted
death rather than refuse the mission his
Father willed for him.
The three predictions outlined in the

Scripture passage have literal and symbolic
meanings. Some of Mark’s readers in the
Church in Rome followed the literal path,
suffering and dying for their faith. Most,
however, followed the symbolic meaning,
living the symbolic life of ‘taking up the
cross’ spelt out by Mark.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
The parts of Section Four:

Part A: Presents Jesus’ teachings about how to experience the saving power of God
Part B: Gives examples of Jesus teaching that living as God desires requires great
courage and heroism
Part C: Gives further examples of living heroically in fulfilment of God’s will.
The issues of suffering and death

were very relevant to the Roman
Christians for many reasons,
including the following:
• Roman Christians had
experienced persecution
already. Some had given into
the pressures of the
persecutors by denying their
faith
• Many were reluctant to accept
Jesus’ teaching on the path to
the kingdom. Their reactions
were similar to those of Jesus’
disciples, as described by
Mark in Section Four
• The symbolic ways of taking
up the cross required a heroic
commitment by the early The Transfiguration (tempera & gold leaf on panel)
by Gaddi, Taddeo (c.1300-66)
Roman Christians to follow
Jesus – which is just as true
for all Christians today.
The section opens and closes with stories of blind men being given sight by Jesus. The
first (8:22–26) received sight slowly, the second (10:46–52) instantly.
Through these stories, Mark is reminding readers that only Jesus can help them to see
and to believe in the path of the cross (8:27–9:1). They should read this section,
therefore, asking for the faith to believe.
Mark sought to encourage his readers in the challenge of this section by inserting the
stories of the Transfiguration (9:2–8) and of Jesus curing an epileptic (9:14 –29) after the
first Passion prediction. Their purpose is to remind everyone of exactly who it is – the
Son of God – who is explaining the path to sharing in God’s kingdom. The first includes
the words of God the Father:
‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ (Mark 9:7)

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Revealed Teachings: Mark’s Gospel, Chapters 8–10 (Mark 8:22–10:52)

Jesus gives sight to the To everyone who believes ... he laid his hands on the
blind man at Bethsaida in him Jesus gives the faith man’s eyes again and he
enabling them to follow saw clearly… (8:25)
(8:22–26)
him in heroic ways
Peter proclaims his faith in Belief in Jesus is required ‘You are the Christ.’ (8:29)
Jesus (8:27–30) to experience the power of
the Spirit
First Passion prediction Jesus rose from the dead ‘... the Son of man ... (will)
(8:31–33) because he did what God be put to death, and after
wanted, even when this three days to rise again…’
required courage and (8:31)
heroism
Jesus teaches that anyone Obedience to God, even ‘If anyone wants to be a
wanting to be his follower when this requires heroism, follower of mine, let him
must be willing to take up is the condition for renounce himself and take
their cross also (8:34–9:1) experiencing fully the love up his cross and follow me.’
and presence of God (8:34)
Transfiguration account: Jesus is the Son of God. ‘This is my Son, the
Jesus appears in his glory as His followers need to listen Beloved. Listen to him.’
the Son of God, with two to him, even when his (9:7)
prophets who saw God, i.e. teachings seem difficult
Moses and Elijah (Exodus
34:6; 1 Kings 19:11–14)
Cure of the epileptic Jesus insists on the ‘Everything is possible for

(9:14–29) necessity of faith if people one who has faith’. (9:24)
are to experience his saving
power

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CONTENTS CHAPTER

The second Passion Jesus rose from the dead ‘... three days after he has
prediction (9:30–32) because he did what God been put to death he will
the Father wanted, even rise again.’ (9:31)
when this required courage
and heroism
The disciples argue about The cross means Christian ‘Anyone who welcomes a
who will be the greatest in heroism through: little child ... in my name,
God’s kingdom (9:33–37) • welcoming Jesus by welcomes me; and anyone
welcoming and serving who welcomes me,
people that society and welcomes not me but the
peers consider to be one who sent me.’ (9:37)
worthless
The disciples are jealous of • claiming no special rights ‘You must not stop him…’
others invoking the saving because they are (9:39)
power of God (9:38–40) Christian
Jesus teaches grateful • accepting people’s ‘If anyone gives you ...’
acceptance (9:41) kindness, but never (9:41)
demanding it
Jesus warns against leading • challenging those who ‘… And if your hand should
others away from him or would lead or pressure be your downfall, cut it off
from not praying, others not to live as Jesus ...’ (9:43)
worshipping and living as taught (here, ‘the body’
he taught (9:42–50) symbolises the Christian
community)
Jesus forbids remarriage • lifelong faithfulness to ‘... what God has united,
after divorce while the first marriage vows human beings must not
spouse lives (10:1–12) divide.’ (10:9)
Jesus blesses the children • maintaining childlike ‘... anyone who does not
(10:13–16) trust that God will help, welcome the kingdom of
even in times of extreme God like a little child will
difficulty or when the never enter it.’ (10:15)
Christian message seems
hard to live
The rich young man • resisting materialistic ‘It is easier for a camel to
(10:17–27) values, for these prevent pass through the eye of a
people from experiencing needle than for someone
God’s power rich to enter the kingdom of
God.’ (10:25)
Personal renunciation will • following Jesus will lead ‘... there is no one who has
be rewarded (10:28–31) to greater happiness than left (everything) ... for my
giving into negative peer sake and the sake of the
pressure, obsessive gospel who will not receive
desires for wealth, power a hundred times as much
or fame, or even putting ...’ (10:29–30)
family before God.

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The third Passion Jesus rose from the dead ‘... after three days he will
prediction (10:32–34) because he did what God rise again.’ (10:34)
wanted, even when this
required immense courage
and heroism
The request of the sons of The cross can call for ‘Can you drink the cup that
Zebedee (the cup Christian heroism through I shall drink, or be baptised
symbolises suffering: personal suffering with the baptism with
baptism here means which I shall be baptised?’
suffering as a result of (10:38)
rejecting everything
opposed to God and God’s
will) (10:35–40)
Leadership by service Christian leadership entails ‘... anyone who wants to
(10:41–45) unconditional service to all become great among you
without expecting any must be your servant, and
reward anyone who wants to be
first among you must be
slave to all.’ (10:43–44)
Cure of the blind man at Jesus will gradually lead ‘Go; your faith has saved
Jericho (10:46–52) those who believe in him to you.’ And at once his sight
see how to live these returned and he followed
teachings him along the road. (10:52)
The ‘cross’ and Resurrection are together the ultimate

symbols of God’s power to bring all to fullness of life
with God
The cross
Throughout the Roman Empire, the cross was a symbol of punishment, shame, suffering
and death. At times the Romans executed great numbers of people. For example, when a
slave revolt led by Spartacus was put down in 73–71BC, six thousand captured slaves
were crucified along the main road between Rome and Naples. In this way Rome
demonstrated the punishment that awaited anyone who stood against the power of the
empire.
The Romans nailed or tied victims to crosses. Death came as a result of respiratory or
circulatory problems or exhaustion. To speed their deaths, sometimes victims’ legs were
broken to prevent them straightening themselves to catch their breath.
Slaves and people who were not Romans were scourged after being sentenced to death
by crucifixion. Their clothes became the property of their executioners. Criminals who
were Roman citizens were never crucified but were beheaded.

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Like all Jews, Jesus would have been well aware that the Romans acted with ruthless
efficiency to crush any and all opposition to their rule. Thousands of Jews had been
crucified before the time of Jesus for resisting Roman rule. Many were crucified simply
because they were suspected of being involved with rebels.
The Christian meaning of the cross

Jesus knew that crucifixion would be his fate if he continued his mission. Doing what
God the Father wanted required great courage and heroism. However, as he explained:
‘... I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but to do the will of him
who sent me.’ (John 6:38)
For Christians, the cross has become the symbol of what is required to live as God wants
the people of God to live – that is, in heroic ways. These include:
• overcoming pressures from peers to ignore God or to do wrong
• overcoming fears that peers will persecute them, either through ridicule or rejection,
for praying, worshipping and living as Jesus calls
• loving those it is difficult to like
• bearing illness and suffering in our own life
• resisting temptations against keeping God’s commandments.
After his death on the cross, Jesus rose from the dead. His Resurrection is the greatest
sign of the power of God.
Because of the Resurrection, those who believe in Jesus do not see the cross as a symbol
of death but as a means of experiencing the power of God to overcome death and bring
all people, through Jesus, to fullness of life with God.
In Class Work
Using twigs or pieces of wood

create a cross.
On your cross attempt to

illustrate, using paint, clippings,
drawings etc., examples of
ways Christians ‘take up the
cross’ in Australian society
today.

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Mark’s Gospel presents an explanation as to

why Jesus was killed
SECTION FIVE: Why was Jesus killed?
Having shown ways to draw on and to

experience the Kingdom of God through
the power of the Holy Spirit, Section Five
of the Gospel of Mark consists of stories
and sayings of Jesus’ teaching and activity
that antagonised a number of the religious
authorities. This hostility towards Jesus
became so great that the authorities
eventually sought to have him put to death.
In selecting these stories and sayings, Mark

also sought to keep reminding his readers:
Maesta: Jesus before Herod, 1308–11
• who Jesus is (oil on panel) by Duccio di Buoninsegna,
• that Christian faith must come from the heart. (c.1278–1318)
The parts of Section Five:

Section Five of Mark’s Gospel consists of four parts:
Part A: The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (11:1–11)
Part B: Jesus showing that he had come to fulfil the Sinai Covenant (11:12–25)
Part C: The controversies that led to Jesus’ opponents seeking his death (11:27–12:44)
Part D: The need for Christians to be patient until Jesus comes again, even though
many will suffer as he did (Chapter 13)
Revealed Teachings: Mark’s Gospel, Chapters 11–13 (Mark 11, 12, 13)
A. The triumphal entry of Jesus is the Messiah ... close by the Mount of
Jesus into Jerusalem Olives ... they took the colt
to Jesus ... (11:1, 7)
B. Jesus shows that he has

come to fulfil the Sinai
Covenant
Jesus expels the money Jesus overturned the abuse ... he upset the tables of the
changers and dove sellers of certain practices allowed money changers and the
from the Temple, quoting at the Temple by the seats of the dove-sellers.
prophecies from Isaiah and religious authorities. These (11:15)
Jeremiah (11:15–19) practices were unfaithful to
the Sinai Covenant because
they involved exploitation
of poor and vulnerable
Jews who came to offer
sacrifice to God.

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Jesus’ new covenant (as ‘Does not scripture say: My
prophesied by Isaiah) will house will be called a house
be for the whole of of prayer for all peoples?’
humanity, not just the Jews (11:17)
The Temple will be ‘... you have turned it into

replaced (as prophesied by a bandits’ den.’ (11:17)
Jeremiah)
C. The controversies that

led to Jesus’ opponents
seeking his death
The authority of Jesus Jesus acts with the ‘What authority have you
questioned by the chief authority of God for acting like this?’ (11:28)
priests and scribes
(11:27–33)
Parable of the wicked Jesus himself is the ‘The stone which the
tenants aimed at those who cornerstone of the builders rejected has
questioned Jesus’ authority Kingdom of God become the cornerstone…’
(12:1–12) (12:10)
Trick question about tribute People must give to God ‘Pay Caesar what belongs to
to Caesar asked by what is God’s due and to Caesar – and God what
Pharisees and Herodians the state what is the state’s belongs to God’ (12:17)
(12:13–17) due
Trick questions about the All will rise from the dead ‘He is God, not of the dead,
resurrection of the dead but of the living.’ (12:27)
put to Jesus by the
Sadducees (12:18–27)
The trick question by a The first and greatest ‘... you must love the Lord
scribe about the greatest of commandment is to love your God with all your
all the commandments God. The second heart, with all your soul,
(12:28–34) commandment is to love with all your mind and
your neighbour as yourself with all your strength. The
second is this: You must
love your neighbour as
yourself.’ (12:29-31)
Jesus challenges a basic Jesus is superior to David ‘David himself calls him
teaching of the scribes Lord ...’ (12:37)
(12:35–37)
Jesus condemns the True religion comes from ‘Beware of the scribes ...’
hypocrisy and vanity of the the heart (12:38)
scribes (12:38–40)
Jesus presents the widow as True religion comes from ‘... she in her poverty has
the model of true religion the heart put in everything she
(12:41–44) possessed …’ (12:44)

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D. The need for Christians
to be patient until Jesus
comes again, even though
many will suffer as he did
Jesus’ teaching about the

need for patience before his
second coming:
• the destruction of the Jesus will return – but ‘So stay awake, because you
Temple (13:1–4) many Christians will suffer do not know when the
• the time of sorrows rejection and persecution in master of the house is
(13:5–13) the meantime, just as Jesus coming...’ (13:35)
• the sufferings of himself had suffered
Jerusalem (13:14–23) rejection and persecution
• the coming of the Son of
man (13:24–37).
Mark’s Gospel makes it clear that throughout his public life Jesus spoke and acted in
ways that would be understood by the Jewish people of his time.
A prophecy of the Messiah

The prophet Zechariah
prophesied the coming of the
Messiah who would bring about
God’s peaceful rule (Zechariah
9:9–10). Through him, God
would battle against evil. These
prophecies were probably made
during the earlier Greek period of
Jewish history (i.e. two to three
hundred years before Jesus’ birth).
The Messiah-king would enter

Jerusalem. He would ride a colt
because he would be a man of
peace. Horses and chariots were
used in battle.
The Jews knew that prophets

sometimes performed symbolic
actions. Their purpose in these
actions was to emphasise very Icon depicting Christ's Entry into Jerusalem (oil on panel)
important teachings from God. by Russian School, (17th century)

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Mark’s Gospel presents the meaning of Jesus’ death

and Resurrection
SECTION SIX: Jesus follows the path of Resurrection
Roman Christians risked terrible

persecution and cruel death. The last
part of Mark’s Gospel is intended to
teach them several lessons:
• Jesus suffered, died and rose
again. Christians who suffer and
die for their faith will be raised
again to life by the power of the
Spirit.
• Jesus will always be with the
Christian who suffers persecution
for the Christian faith. He will
always support and strengthen
and never abandon them.
• Jesus will always forgive even
those who deny knowing him, as
Jesus forgave his Apostles.
The Resurrection, right hand predella panel from the Altarpiece of St. Zeno of Verona,
1456–60 (oil on panel) by Mantegna, Andrea (1431–1506)
The Suffering Servant
The Jewish people looked forward to the Messiah, though they had different ideas about
what kind of Messiah he would be. Those familiar with the prophet Isaiah knew of the
four Suffering Servant Songs.
Jesus wanted his followers to understand that he was the Suffering Servant prophesied
by Isaiah. Mark presents incidents that teach that Jesus would be the Messiah who gave
his life for all people.
The first incident concerns the woman who anoints the head of Jesus with ointment.
The second incident emphasises Jesus giving himself up to die for the sins of all. This is
the story of the institution of the Eucharist.

Quoting Psalms to convey meaning
In the time of Jesus, one way of teaching was to quote well-known psalms. Psalm 22
begins with a cry of seeming abandonment by God but ends with a statement of faith
and trust in God.
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus says the first verse of this Psalm to show his complete faith and
trust, even in his sufferings.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
The following table presents Jesus’ teachings in Section Six of Mark’s Gospel.
The teachings are presented in four parts:
Part A: Jesus is the Messiah who gave his life for the human race
Part B: Jesus saved people by remaining faithful to God the Father
Part C: The sufferings of Jesus
Part D: The death of Jesus
Part E: Jesus is raised from the dead
Revealed Teachings: Mark’s Gospel, Chapters 14–16 (Mark 14, 15, 16:1–8)
A. Jesus is the Messiah who
gave his life for the human
race
The Pharisees plot against ...the chief priests and the

Jesus because they are blind scribes were looking for a
to who he is (14:1–2) way to arrest Jesus by some
trick and have him put to
death. (14:1)
The woman anoints the Jesus is the Messiah who ‘... you will not always
head of Jesus (14:3–9) will suffer so that the sins have me.’ (14:7)
of all will be forgiven
Judas plots against Jesus Judas Iscariot ... (offered) to

with the Pharisees because hand Jesus over to them
he is as blind as they are (The Chief priests). (14:10)
(14:10–11)
Passover preparation ‘Where is the room for me

(14:12–16) to eat the Passover with my
disciples?’ (14:14)
Jesus foretells the treachery Jesus is the sacrifice of his ‘...one of you is about to
of Judas (14:17–21) New Covenant betray me ...’(14:18)
The institution of the Jesus is the Suffering ‘Take it,’ he said, ‘this is my
Eucharist (14:22–25) Servant who died for the body ... This is my blood,
forgiveness of the sins of the blood of the
the human race covenant…’ (14:22–24)
Jesus gave his followers the

Eucharist for them to
celebrate and repeat as a
sign of his totally self-
giving love for all
Jesus foretells that Peter ‘In truth I tell you ... you
will deny him (14:26–31) will have disowned me
three times.’ (14:30)

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B. Jesus saves people by
remaining faithful to God
the Father
The agony in the garden of Jesus remained faithful to ‘Abba, Father! ... Take this
Gethsemane (14:32–42) God the Father in the face cup away from me. But let
of death it be as you, not I, would
have it.’ (14:36)
The arrest (14:43–52) ‘... this is to fulfil the

scriptures.’ (14:49)
C. The sufferings of Jesus
Trial before the Sanhedrin Jesus is the Messiah (or ‘Are you the Christ ...?’
(14:53–65) ‘Christ’) (14:61)
Jesus is the Son of God ‘Are you ... the Son of the
Blessed One?’ (14:61)
Peter’s denials (14:66–72) Peter recalled what Jesus

had said to him ... (14:72)
Jesus before Pilate Jesus is king (the only one ‘Are you the king of the
(15:1–15) through whom a person Jews?’ (15:2)
can enter the Kingdom of
God)
Jesus is crowned with ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’

thorns (15:16–20) (15:18)
D. The death of Jesus
The way of the cross Jesus suffered and died to They led him out to crucify
(15:21–22) free the human race from him. (15:21)
their sins, which prevent
them from relating closely
with God
Jesus is crucified The inscription ... read, ‘The

(15:23–28) King of the Jews.’ (15:26)
Jesus is mocked (15:29–32) ‘Let the Christ, the king of

Israel come down ...’
(15:32)
The death of Jesus ‘My God, my God, why

(15:33–39) have you forsaken me?’
(15:34)
‘In truth, this man was Son

of God.’ (15:39)

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CONTENTS CHAPTER

The women on Calvary There were some women
(15:40–41) watching from a distance.
(15:40)
The burial (15:42–47) ... took Jesus down from

the cross, wrapped him in
the shroud and laid him in
a tomb ... (15:46)
E. Jesus is raised from the
dead by the Father
The empty tomb (16:1–8) Jesus is risen ‘... he has risen ...’ (16:6)
The young man in a white The Christian who is close

robe (16:5) to the Risen Christ can
draw on the divine power
that raised Christ from the
dead
The women run away
afraid (16:8)
The Holy Spirit can empower

people to overcome obstacles
in their efforts to live a full
Christian life
Through their faith in Jesus, Christians learn that
the Holy Spirit can empower people to overcome
every obstacle they face in their efforts to live
according to God’s will. Even peer pressure and
hostility can be overcome.
To be empowered by the Spirit, people need to keep

striving to live good lives in heroic ways when this
is needed, just as Jesus did. Yet, even if Christians
fail, they can always turn to Jesus for forgiveness
and for help as they continue their journey in faith.
In Class Work
Roman Christians asked many serious questions about Jesus such as: Who is Jesus?
What does Jesus offer? How does a follower of Jesus draw on what Jesus offers?
Outline how the evangelist Mark answered their questions.
What important understandings from Mark’s Gospel are relevant to

the lives of modern Australians?

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
7 Mary was filled with the
Holy Spirit

! Mary is a model for all people who are trying to live
as Jesus taught
! Catholic Tradition honours Mary as the ‘Mother of God’
! Mary is honoured as the Mother of the Church.
Mary is a model for all people who are trying

to live as Jesus taught
Jesus Christ is both the Son of God and fully human. He showed how the Holy Spirit
makes it possible to live a richly human, spiritual life.
To help people further, God called a young girl, Mary, to become the mother of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit prepared her in a special way to fulfil this role.
Mary was probably around thirteen or

fourteen when she became the mother of
Jesus. She responded to the Holy Spirit so
completely that she became a model for all
people who are trying to follow and to live
like Jesus.
The Immaculate Conception:

Mary filled with the Holy Spirit
God prepared Mary to become the
mother of the Son of God. She
could have no trace of sin, for sin
is incompatible with the holiness
of God.
For this reason, the Holy Spirit

preserved Mary from the moment
of her conception from original sin.
She was the first to enjoy the blessings of

Christ’s saving work, a work not limited
by time. Virgin and Child (oil on canvas)
by Sassoferrato, Il (Giovanni Battista Salvi) (1609–85)

7. MARY WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
This is known as the ‘Immaculate Conception’. Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit
from her conception and Catholics acknowledge that Mary is ‘full of grace’.
Her conception is referred to as ‘immaculate’ because she was preserved from original
sin. Hence the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, refers to the
conception of Mary, not that of Jesus.
In Class Work
1. What feelings might Mary have experienced as she faced the consequences
of saying ‘Yes’ to God?
2. What qualities, stirred by the Spirit, did Mary show in her response?

It was the common practice in the Jewish society of first century Palestine to ‘betroth’ a
man and woman before they married. It was often an arrangement reached between
their parents. Mary was betrothed to Joseph. This meant that they were pledged to each
other for life. Even though they remained apart until the actual wedding the betrothed
couple could be called husband and wife. A betrothal was binding and it could not be
broken without a formal divorce being carried out.
In Class Work
Research some paintings of the

Annunciation and the Nativity. Use
them in a PowerPoint prayer about
Mary.
The Annunciation, 1495 (oil on canvas) by Cima da Conegliano,

Giovanni Battista (c.1459–1517)

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Catholic Tradition ho
nours Mar y as the ‘M
other of God’
Jesus Christ is God the
Son. As the mother of
Catholics and many oth Jesus, who is God, M
er Christians as the M ary is recognised by
in highest honour am other of God. Catholic
ong all the saints. Tradition holds her
Key events in the life

of Mar y as Mother of
God
The visitation to Eliza
beth
The angel Gabriel told
Mary that her cousin,
Though now pregnan Elizabeth, was having
t herself, Mary went to a child late in life.
relatives at that time. tak e care of Elizabeth, as
To do so, Mary had to was the custom for
group of travellers (Lu take a difficult journe
ke 1:39–40). y, pro bably with a
The jour ney to Bethleh

em
The Roman emperor,
Augustus, ordered a cen
that it was conducted sus of the Roman Empir
between 10 and 4BC, e. Historians suggest
probably nearer the lat
ter date.
The Gospel of Luke tel
ls of Mary and Joseph
Bethlehem to register needing to travel from
for the census while M Nazareth to
Bethlehem and placed ary was expecting Jesus.
in a manger because no Jesus was born in
suitable accommodatio
n was available.
The presentation of Je
sus in the Te mple
The Law of Moses req
uired that first-born ba
Mary and Joseph travel bies be presented to Go
led to Jerusalem to the d in the Temple.
there, two prophets, Sim Temple to fulfil this law
eon and Anna, recognis of God. While
of the chosen people ed who Jesus was – the
(i.e. the Messiah). promised deliverer
Simeon told Mary tha

t not only would Jesus
(Luke 2:33–35). suffer, but she would
also suffer with him
The flight into Egypt

King Herod of Galilee
threatened the life of
might eventually cause the infant Jesus. Herod
the collapse of his kin feared that Jesus
journey to Egypt in ord gd om . M ary an d Joseph undertook the
er to protect Jesus by long
putting him out of He
rod’s reach.
Finding Jesus in the
Temple
When he was twelve Jes
us remained in the Te
left Jerusalem in a car mple in Jerusalem wh
avan with their relatives ile Mary and Joseph
caravan (Luke 2:41–45 , not realising that Jes
). us was not with the
On finding that Jesus

was not with them, M
found him talking in the ary and Joseph return
ed to Jerusalem. They
Temple with learned sch
Jesus was now going to olars. Mary had her fir
follow the path set by st indication that
God the Father.

Return to Return to
CONTENTS CHAPTER
In Class Work
Discuss what feelings the Spirit would have helped Mary to overcome
in these situations.

The ‘caravan’ in which Mary and Joseph travelled (Luke 2:44) was not a small, mobile
home but a number of cargo-laden animals, usually camels or donkeys, led by their
handlers. Sometimes a caravan would transport people, such as pilgrims going to
Jerusalem for one of the major Jewish festivals (e.g. Passover), as well as cargo. Animal
caravans are still used in certain parts of the world.
Early in Jesus’ public life, Mary faced

the challenge of perceptions that Jesus
was ‘out of his mind’
When large crowds began to seek Jesus, his
relatives did not understand his work. They
thought he had gone ‘out of his mind.’ They
went to take control of Jesus to bring him home.
When his relations heard of this, they set out to

take charge of him; they said, ‘He is out of his
mind.’ (Mark 3:21)
Mary’s confidence in Jesus withstood this

challenge. The Book of Acts reports that Mary
was present with Jesus’ disciples before and
during Pentecost. This identifies Mary very
closely with the earliest Church community in
Jerusalem that was brought to life by the Spirit
of Jesus (Acts 1:14, 2:1–4).
Scripture is clear, then, that whatever concerns

or doubts Mary may have had initially about
Jesus when he began to act with the authority of
God, were removed completely as a result of
what Jesus went on to do and to be. Mary’s
faith in Jesus grew as she witnessed his public
ministry, death, Resurrection and Ascension into
heaven.
Lamentation over the Dead Christ, 1436–41 (tempera on panel) (detail)

by Angelico, Fra (Guido di Pietro) (c.1387–1455)

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
Have you ever experienced situations in your life which can

be likened to those Mary experienced in the Gospel
accounts?
Take a few moments to reflect on the following:

– fear of being harmed by others because you chose to do
the right thing
– caring for others, despite your personal needs
– physical hardship
– fulfilling responsibilities, even though these may involve
suffering
– times of confusion.
If you have experienced any of the above write about these

times.
OR
Identify people today who have experienced these kinds of

struggles in their life.
Mary remained a virgin and

a mother always
Mary remained a virgin always. She
shared in Jesus’ mission of love for the
whole human race and had no other
children.
Having had no other children, Mary

could dedicate herself completely to Jesus.
When he was dying on the cross, Jesus
made her the spiritual mother of all his
followers, as well as of the whole human
race.
The Gospel of John tells the story of Jesus

making Mary the spiritual mother of all.
Mary, along with John, the youngest of
the Apostles, was standing beside the cross
on which the dying Jesus hung. Jesus Christ on the Cross (tempera and gold leaf on panel)
spoke to them both: by Russian School, (19th century)
‘Woman, this is your son’ ... ‘This is your mother.’ (John 19:26–27)
In the Jewish culture, ‘woman’ was remembered as the word used by God to refer to
Eve, the mother of the human race (Genesis 3:15, 20). Jesus was speaking to Mary as
the spiritual mother of all his followers, his Church, and of all people.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
Scenes from the Nativity, panel one from the Silver Treasury of Santissima Annunziata, c.1450–53
(tempera on panel) by Angelico, Fra (Guido di Pietro) (c.1387–1455)
Mary is honoured as the Mother of the Church
Today, as well as being called the ‘Mother of God’, Mary is also called the ‘Mother of
the Church’. This reminds all that everyone who follows Jesus can turn to Mary as their
spiritual mother. She is always concerned about their problems and needs and she wants
to help.
Catholics and many other Christians pray to Mary, asking her to present their needs to
Jesus, her Son.
Marian devotions
Because Catholics and many other Christians honour Mary as the Mother of God and
Mother of the Church, they:
• celebrate the major events in her life as feast days or days of special celebration
• pray special prayers in her honour, such as the Rosary and the Angelus, the prayer
that recalls the Annunciation.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven

Death was not part of God’s plan when creating the human race. Originally God
intended taking people, body and soul, into heaven at the end of their lives.
As a result of the sin of the

first parents of the human For your information…
race, the punishment for
Major Feast Days of Mary celebrated by the Church:
their disobedience is that
January 1 Mary, Mother of God
people now experience the
March 25 The Annunciation of the Lord
mystery of death sometimes
May 24 Our Lady Help of Christians
in fear and insecurity.
May 31 The Visitation
August 15 The Assumption
Mary, however, responded
September 8 The Birth of Mary
perfectly to the Holy Spirit
December 8 The Immaculate Conception.
throughout her life.
Conceived without original
sin, Mary had no trace of
sin throughout her lifetime.
When she died her body
did not decay in the tomb.
Mary was taken, or
‘assumed’, into heaven
immediately, body and
soul.
The Church celebrates this

event each year on the feast
of the Assumption, 15
August. In heaven, Mary
continues today to exercise
her role as the spiritual
mother of all who follow
Jesus.
The Immaculate Conception (oil on canvas) by Guercino

(Giovanni Francesco Barbieri) (1591–1666)
In Class Work
Write an acrostic poem, attempting to capture the life of Mary and

the qualities she possessed.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER
In Class Work
Use the information from Chapters 6 and 7 to help you answer the following
questions:
1. Jesus experienced God’s saving power. The greatest sign of this was the
_________________. The human actions of those who wanted to destroy
Jesus and deny his mission resulted in his _________________ and
_______________.
2. For Christians what is the symbolic meaning of the cross? What symbolic
meanings did the Romans and the Jews of the first century associate with
the cross?
3. Explain why Mary is a model for all people who try to live as Jesus taught.
4. List the ways in which Catholics and other Christians honour Mary as the
Mother of God and Mother of the Church.
5. The feast of the Assumption is an important feast celebrated by Catholics.

Explain why it is significant.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER

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This chapter presents the following key learning points:

The beginnings of spiritual experience – childhood

Personal spiritual experiences begin in childhood. For example children experience:

An experience common to many teenagers is the continued sense of mystery first

As people search for the answers to these questions throughout

Some teenagers are unaware of the spiritual dimension

Young people who cannot recognise their spiritual

COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9 113

Be still and think back to a time when you experienced

Write about the experience in your journal. What does it tell

Experiences of expressing one’s inner goodness

People begin to achieve at least some

Every human ideal reflects

114 COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9

Ways of recognising personal ideals

No one likes others to think they are a

A second way people can discover their

COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9 115

Experiences of being inspired

To be inspired by someone or something is a spiritual experience every human being

Inner strength to rise above personal challenges

116 COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9

Everyone has inner spiritual strength. It is called ‘courage’. Courage needs to be

Desire for inner harmony and peace

The desire for inner harmony and peace is another spiritual

The spiritual aspect of people is deeper than their thoughts,

COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9 117

When people develop spiritually they gradually find:

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People develop spiritually in many different ways

In order to develop spiritually people need to:

Relating with God

Striving to become more like God

118 COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9

The four cardinal virtues

Four particular virtues, however,

Prudence is the virtue enabling

The opposite of prudence is to make a choice

The opposite of fortitude is weakness of character, the habit of giving in or of always

The opposite of temperance is lack of control over instincts and desires.

COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9 119

For your information…

When thoughts and feelings take over so

Self-mastery takes a lifetime. It is required

The Four Cardinal Virtues, from ‘Compendium Historial’

120 COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9

This chapter presents the following key learning points:

People have wondered and learnt much about the

The source of human life

The soul does not die

What happens to people after death?

People who have traces of selfishness, human

God created people with free will. People,

COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9 121

The soul and body are a unity

The spirituality of the human person makes spiritual

Communicating with God

122 COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9

Communicating with Mary and the saints

THE LIVES OF SAINTS

COME FOLLOW ME – YEAR 9 123

Communicating with those who have died

Communicating spiritually with others who are alive

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