Unit 1 Study Guide: Mission of Jesus & Holy Cross History

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the Mission of Jesus, Salvation History, Old and New Covenants, Prophets, and the Congregation of Holy Cross history.

Mission

A person's sense of purpose or calling that responds to a need in the world.

Social Location

The mixture of identities and life experiences that shape how we see the world and how the world sees us.

Salvation History

Tells the story of both God's reaching out to humanity to fulfill the divine plan of salvation and people's response back to God.

Theological Anthropology

The study of what it means to be in light of God's presence and how we are called to live in relationship with God and others.

God's Original Intention

To make a world of blessing, as revealed in the story of creation.

Primeval History

Parts of Genesis 1-2 which use symbolic, poetic, mythical, and theological language to express deep religious truths, rather than being a modern scientific account.

Original Justice

The inner harmony of person, harmony between persons, and harmony within all creation.

Original Holiness

The grace to share in divine life.

The Fall

The story that introduces a fracture in God's Original Intention.

Original Sin

The fallen state of human nature, which affects every person born into the world and is passed down by our ancestors.

Chet

A Hebrew word for sin, which literally means 'To miss the mark'.

Free Will

The ability to choose to do good and avoid evil or to do evil and avoid good.

Protoevangelium

First gospel, which is a promise of redemption.

Covenant

A solemn agreement made between two partners that held societies together, involving mutual commitment and consequences if conditions are not met.

Unilateral Covenant

God's covenant that was universal over all creation, consistent in character, and personally invested in a flawed people.

Natural Law

The moral knowledge written in every human's heart that all people naturally possess, helping them recognize right from wrong.

Sinai Covenant

An agreement from God and Israel established around 1250 BC at Mount Sinai in Egypt after freeing them from Egypt.

Mosaic Law

Instructions on how to live and write relationships with God and other people, centered on restorative justice.

Covenant with King David

A covenant in which God promised David that his family/kingdom would last forever.

Prophets

People/messengers chosen by God who must speak on God's behalf and truth even when unpopular.

Fourfold Task of Prophets

1: Call to true worship, 2: Call to repentance, 3: Call to covenant living, 4: Call to justice and compassion.

New Covenant

A covenant written on people's hearts that fulfills the old covenant, bringing internal transformation, universal knowledge of God, forgiveness of sins, and a new spirit.

Congregation of Holy Cross

A group founded in 1837 by Fr. Basil Moreau, uniting the Brothers on Saint Joseph (Fr. Dujarie), Auxiliary priests, and Marianite sisters of Holy Cross.

4 Pillars of Holy Cross

1. Bringing hope, 2. Being family, 3. Building respect, 4. Educating hearts and minds.

Fr. Basil Moreau

A French priest who in 1837 was influenced by the French Revolution to rebuild faith and establish schools in post-revolutionary France.

Charism

Gift.

Ave Crux Spes Unica

'Hail to the Cross, Our Only Hope'

Jesus' Historical Context

Shaped by religious traditions, Hebrew Scriptures, Greek culture, a community understanding of God, and initiating his ministry with baptism.

Central Truths about God in Creation Story

1. God is creator, 2. Creation is inherently good, 3. Humans are made for relationship.

Common Covenant Rituals

Sealing agreements by sprinkling blood on participants or an altar as a sign of shared life and death, and speaking oaths invoking blessings or curses.

Covenant with Noah

A covenant demonstrating that God deeply values creation and human life.

Covenant with Abraham

A covenant promising blessings for all nations and making God's generosity visible through His people.

Major Biblical Prophets of Exile

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, who warned Israel of sin and promised hope through a New Covenant.

Holy Cross Charism Key Aspects

Apostolic zeal, familial unity, competence to see and courage to act, ministerial versatility, and expertise in educating youth.