This lesson is based on the text, Life in Christ: A Catholic Catechism for Adults, by Rev. Gerard Weber and Rev. James Killgallon (Acta Publications, 1995). The question in bold type is followed by a short answer taken from the text. The text in italics is another answer from the RCIA teacher, Jim Collins. Hyperlinks in red will direct you to documents or websites related to the topic. The entire sequence of lessons forms a comprehensive approach to basic RCIA instruction.
Reflection:
Ad te levavi animam meam
Deus meus in te confido
Non erubescam
I shall not perish
Neque irrideant me inimici mei
Nor shall I be mocked my by enemies
Etenim universi qui te exspectant, non confundentur
For everyone who hopes in You shall not be put to shame
Vias tuas, domine, demonstra mihi
Lord, show me your ways
Et semitas tuas edoce me
And teach me your paths
Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper
As it was in the beginning , now, and forever
Et in secula seculorum. Amen
And for all generations. Amen
Questions and answers: Section 11: Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer, p. 69
What do the names Jesus and Christ mean? Jesus: God saves (Hebrew Joshua, Yeshua); Christ: anointed one (Hebrew Messiah; Greek Cristos).
Why did the Son of God take on a human nature? To save us, to reveal God’s love to us, to be a model of holiness for us; to affirm the potential holiness of every human person to a level above the angels.
What does it mean when we affirm that Jesus Christ is true God and true man? Jesus is one person, the Son of God, who has two natures, one human and one divine. Jesus is truly human (vs. various heresies such as Gnostics) and truly divine (vs. other heresies such as Arianism). …Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man (Lk 2:52).
What is the history of the passion and death of Jesus? Last supper, agony in the garden, taken before the high priests, denied by Peter, scourged, mocked, crowned with thorns, condemned to death, carried the cross, crucified between two thieves, died after three hours’ agony on the cross.
Was it necessary for Jesus to suffer and die in order to redeem us? Any action or prayer of Christ would have been of sufficient value. He chose to suffer and die as he did.
Why did Jesus submit to his suffering and death? He showed us that there is no limit to God’s love, no suffering he is unwilling to endure for us. It teaches us the immense mercy and love of God. It teaches us the enormity of sin.
How was Jesus put to death? carried the cross, crucified between two thieves, died after three hours’ agony on the cross.
What were the circumstances of Jesus’ burial? His body was placed in a tomb by his friends; the tomb was sealed and guarded.
Who is responsible for the death of Jesus? God alone knows the guilt of those who participated in his trial and death. What was done cannot be imputed indiscriminately to all Jews living at the time or to Jews today.
· Stations of the Cross: See end of Section 11.
Immaculate Conception (Section 18, #3)
What do we mean by the Immaculate Conception? Our Lady was preserved from original sin from the very first instant of her conception.
Prayer: Morning Offering: O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in thanksgiving for your favors, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. Amen.