Gospels, Mary, and Gospel Formation – Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on parables, Gospels, Gospel formation, synoptic vs. John, Gospel portraits, Mary’s role, and related CCC references.

What is a Parable?

A short story that teaches a moral or religious lesson.

What does 'Gospel' mean?

Good News; from Old English 'Godes-spell' and Greek 'Evangelion' meaning 'good message'.

What is Biblical Inspiration?

The Holy Spirit guided the Bible's writers to share God's message without error by using their own personalities and writing styles.

What does Kerygma mean?

A Greek word meaning 'proclamation'.

Who are the four Gospel authors and their roles?

Matthew — former tax collector and Apostle; Mark — follower of Peter (apostolic man); Luke — physician, friend of Paul (wrote Acts, apostolic man); John — the beloved disciple, youngest Apostle.

What can we read in the Gospels?

Stories about Jesus' life (birth, ministry, death, resurrection) that show how much He loves us, demonstrated by His sacrifice on the Cross.

Why did it take so long to write the Gospels?

People shared Jesus' story orally; eyewitnesses were alive; Christians believed Jesus would return soon.

What made them write the Gospels?

Eyewitnesses were dying; the Good News was spreading; they believed Jesus' return wasn't coming soon.

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

Matthew, Mark, and Luke share similarities and can be studied togeth

What is unique about the Gospel of John?

Gives a different point of view about Jesus and contains accounts not found in the Synoptics; focuses on Jesus as the Son of God.

Gospel symbols and their corresponding Gospels

Matthew — Man; Mark — Lion; Luke — Ox; John — Eagle.

Matthew's Gospel audience and portrait

Audience: Jewish Christians; Portrait: Messiah and King; emphasizes Jesus’ genealogy and human lineage.

Mark's Gospel audience and portrait

Audience: Romans/Gentiles; Portrait: Jesus as the suffering Messiah; the shortest Gospel; emphasizes Jesus' actions and the desert preaching of John the Baptist.

Luke's Gospel audience and portrait

Audience: Gentile Christians; Portrait: Savior of the Gentile World; highlights Jesus' birth, childhood, and ministry.

John's Gospel audience and portrait

Audience: New Christians and seekers of faith; Portrait: Jesus as the Son of God; opening Prologue 'The Word' (Logos) who becomes flesh.

Mary's Fiat in the Annunciation

Mary said 'yes' to God's plan (Luke 1:26–38);

Mary's role in salvation

Mary gave her whole self to support Jesus and His mission; she cooperates with God's plan through grace, living a sinless life.

Mary's Visitation to Elizabeth

Mary visits Elizabeth; Elizabeth's baby (John) is filled with the Holy Spirit; Mary shows maternal care for believers.

Mary's virtues shown in Luke's account

Trust in God, humility, and love; Mary responds with faithful 'yes' and serves others.

The Nativity message of Jesus' birth

The Son of God was born in a humble place to show God's closeness to humanity; humility over wealth.

Jesus' birth teaches us to embrace humility and simplicity

God's closeness to humanity is shown; imitate Mary's and Joseph's humility.

The Church's call from these passages

Follow Jesus' example by living with humility, love, and kindness; serving others brings God's peace.