Section 3God’s Plan for Salvation is Fulfilled

Section 3, Part 1

The Suffering and Death of Jesus

Introduction Heart of the Paschal Mystery fulfills God’s plan of salvation

Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension (narrow defn.) All that we have done is preparation In this section we examine heart and meaning of heart

Begin with the Passion and death of Jesus Christ Danger is to take for granted like wearing a cross Why do we revere a criminal?; Who executed Jesus and for

what reason?; How did Jesus’ death bring us freedom from sin and death and restore us to original holiness and justice?

Three Articles (A. 22) – The Events of the Passion (A. 23) – Who Killed Jesus (A. 24) – The Meaning of the Cross

Article 22: The Events of the Passion Defn. Passion—divine but especially human aspect Catholic crucifix vs. protestant cross (corpus), Stations of the Cross, Sorrowful

Mysteries of the Rosary, Good Friday—centrality of the Passion 1 day but ½ to 2/3 of all four Gospels—only details differ Passion timeline Jerusalem Entrance (Sat./Sun.)

Tension with chief priests in Jerusalem—cleansing of the temple Jerusalem = center of worship, esp. Passover Irony—welcomed as a king to crucified as a criminal in a week

Last Supper (Thursday) Final Passover celebration with the Apostles Jesus reveals himself as the Paschal Lamb Washing of the Feet, Institution of the Eucharist (Holy Orders), Fraternal Charity

Garden of Gethsemane Prayer to the Father—strength and obedience Betrayal by Judas and arrest by Temple guard Parallelism between Jesus and Adam; Judas and Eve

Article 22 cont.: The Events of the Passion Trial before the Sanhedrin

Secretly charge Jesus of blasphemy by perjury but no authority Trial before Pilate

Switch charge to treason in front of governor Scourging at the Pillar (purple cloak and crown of thorns)

A mocking gesture to command obedience and hasten death Carrying of the Cross

Heavy crossbeam from Praetorium through Jerusalem outside gates up hill of Calvary to Golgotha on open wounds & low blood

The Crucifixion (foolishness or the power of God?) Romans perfected the torture of crucifixion Last words = OT fulfillment

Jesus’ Death (fully divine but also fully human) Only 6 hours on the cross and taken down early (Sabbath) Temple veils tears & earthquake; details of burial = true Resurrection

HomeworkPrepare for the PSAT’s tomorrow

For Thursday: Read A. 23 in the e-Book for discussion in

class Thursday

3.1 HW; 1-2

Article 23: Who Killed Jesus? Divine and human reasons behind Jesus’ death just like his natures This article is about human reasons; next one about divine Creed mentions Rome; Gospels mention Rome & Jews so both Easy to cast blame but what about us? Anti-Semitism is illogical and scandalous—brothers and sisters Jewish Leaders’ Reasons

Challenged authority of Jewish leaders (chief priests, Sanhedrin, etc…) Sabbath, forgiveness of sins, rich and poor, sinners (sick, tax collectors,

prostitutes, etc…) Undermined them and Torah with common Jewish people Came to a head each time Jesus visited Jerusalem, esp. last time Charged with blasphemy through perjury Punishment was stoning but only Roman procurator allowed to execute

Article 23: Who Killed Jesus? Roman Leaders’ Reasons

Not explicitly clear in the Gospels but is from records of the time Procurator had absolute authority in his district and therefore also

absolute responsibility to Roman Emperor and Senate Two tasks: keep peace and send share of taxes to Rome Employed local natives to assist = Herodians in 1st century Judea

Enforce Roman laws, collect taxes, & report to procurator (esp. plots) For a time, also appointed high and chief priests of the Temple

1st century Judean procurator (governor) was Pontius Pilate Tried all cases of treason (switched from blasphemy) Death by crucifixion, not stoning, was the punishment Pilate was a ruthless and effective governor = listened to Jewish leaders Gospels portray him as ambivalent towards Jesus—why?

Barabbas, scouraging to dissuade, innocent 3x’s, plead with Jesus Ultimately Pilate is responsible along with Jewish leaders as well as us

Irony in the Passion Accounts: Jewish blasphemy and Roman threat

HomeworkRead A. 24 in the e-Book for class

discussion Tuesday

3.1 HW; 3-4

Article 24: The Meaning of the Cross Divine reason for Jesus’ death Salvation from sin and death for every human being “Christianity is the fairytale that is true” --G.K.

Chesterton-- Most of the NT is dedicated to this theme Categorized into three symbolic metaphors Jesus, the Suffering Servant--obedience

Fulfillment of the OT prophet Isaiah (42, 49, 50, 52, and 53) St, Paul speaks of the obedience of Christ in Romans

Jesus, the Paschal Lamb—mercy spares Fulfillment of the OT Hebrew feast of the Passover (Ex. 12) John & Revelation refer to Jesus as the Paschal (Passover)

lamb

Article 24 cont.: The Meaning of the Cross Jesus, the Ransom for Many—freedom at a price

Gentile origin and purpose Mk. 10—why Mark? Transfer of ownership

Metaphors—symbolic but real truth; not literal Understanding in Church Tradition

Julian of Norwich (1342) Suffering = compassionate love

St. Ephraim of Syria (4th century) Hymns—human death = divine life

Why did God require Jesus to die such a death to save us Original Sin Jesus freely accepted Suffering and death are strengths for God--Resurrection

Homework3.1 HW; 5-6

Study for the 3.1 Quiz tomorrow (AA. 22-24)

Make sure the 3.1 HW is ready to turn in tomorrow (#’s 1-6)