Unit 4: Passion and Resurrection (copy)

Anti-Semitism - the use of the crucifixion of Jesus as an excuse to kill Jews

Crucifixion - The punishment Jesus suffered

The Christ - Greek translation of the Hebrew word “messiah” meaning anointed one

Death - One of the hearts of the Christian Story

Eucharist - The central saving act for Catholics, the core of the church’s life in Christ

Fire and wind - Marvelous imagery depicting the story behind the first Pentecost, powerful wind and tongues of fire caused the disciples to speak in different languages

Holy Orders/Priesthood - One of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church

INRI - translates to “Jesus Christ of Nazareth, King of the Jews”

Our Lord - The phrase that summed up faith in Jesus and beautifully as the proclamation “Jesus is Lord”

Paschal Lamb - The sacrificial lamb killed at Passover for the sins of the Israelites

Paschal Mystery - The whole series of events by which Jesus saved humanity-from his giving the Eucharist at the Last Supper, through his death and Resurrection, to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the first Christians

Passion - The events surrounding Jesus’ death; to suffer, undergo

Ransom - In the Roman world, a ransom was the price paid for releasing a slave

Real Presence - We believe that God’s essence is fully present in the Eucharist

Ruach - Spirit; breath of God

Son of God - The title indicating Jesus’ divine relationship to the Father

Suffering Servant - Jesus suffered death to serve humanity and to liberate them from the punishment of sin

Transubstantiation - Changes the substance (essence)

Trinity - Three divine persons in the one God

Ascension - Jesus’ presence with the Father “in heaven”

Caiaphas - A high priest who raised the question that would eventually lead to Jesus’ execution; charges Jesus with blasphemy

Holy Spirit - The gift that allowed the disciples to speak in different languages

Joseph of Arimathea - A wealthy disciple of Jesus that asked to Pilate if he cold take the body and give it a decent burial

Judas - The man who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver

Last Supper - Jesus having dinner with his disciples

Paul - A man whose ideas have powerfully influenced the church’s understanding of Jesus throughout history

Pentecost - The event that followed ten days after the Ascension

Pontius Pilate - A Roman governor

Sanhedrin - The official governing body of the ancient Jews

Resurrection - One of the hearts of the Christian story

Road to Emmaus - A story of two confused and disciples that are joined by the risen Jesus as they walk along the road to Emmaus

Washing of the Disciples’ feet - A significant moment in which Jesus shows his message of service unto others and humility

Theology Test Review Flashcards

Use these flashcards to review the key concepts for your theology test.

The Last Supper

Q: What historical Jewish event is the Last Supper linked with?

A: The Passover (Pesach). This Jewish feast commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. During Passover, a lamb was sacrificed, and its blood protected the Israelites from death. Jesus became the new Passover lamb, whose sacrifice liberates us from sin and death.

The Eucharist

Q: What is the Catholic belief regarding the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?

A: Catholics believe in transubstantiation - the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ in essence/substance, while the appearances (accidents) remain unchanged. This is not symbolic but a real change, based on Jesus' words "This is my body... This is my blood." Christ is fully present - body, blood, soul, and divinity.

Charges Against Jesus

Q: What charges did the Jewish leaders bring against Jesus to the Romans?

A: While the Jewish leaders were concerned with blasphemy (a religious charge), they brought political charges to the Romans: claiming to be "King of the Jews" (challenging Caesar's authority), forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and causing sedition/unrest among the people.

The Risen Jesus

Q: What are the characteristics of the risen Jesus?

A: The risen Jesus had a real, physical body that retained his wounds; could be touched; could eat food; could appear and disappear suddenly; wasn't always immediately recognizable; was no longer bound by normal physical limitations; had a glorified/transformed body; and conquered death permanently (unlike resuscitation).

Evidence for the Resurrection

Q: What are the four pieces of evidence given to support the reality of Jesus' resurrection?

A: 1) The Empty Tomb (guarded and sealed, making theft unlikely) 2) Post-Resurrection Appearances (to women, disciples, 500+ witnesses) 3) Transformation of the Disciples (from fearful to boldly proclaiming despite persecution) 4) Origin of the Church/Sunday Worship (the early church and shift to Sunday worship)

Paschal Mystery

Q: What is the origin and meaning of the term "paschal mystery"?

A: "Paschal" comes from "Pesach" (Passover), connecting to Jesus as the Passover lamb. The "paschal mystery" refers to the entire salvific process: Jesus' passion, death, resurrection, and ascension as one unified mystery of salvation. It represents the transition from death to new life and accomplishes our redemption.

Paschal Mystery in Daily Life

Q: What are examples of the paschal mystery in everyday life?

A: Examples include: personal transformation (dying to old self, rising to new life); forgiveness (death of anger, resurrection of peace); sacrifice for others; facing suffering with hope; life transitions (endings leading to new beginnings); and participating in God's plan by spreading the gospel.

The Ascension

Q: What is the Ascension and what human limitations make it difficult to understand?

A: The Ascension occurred 40 days after the Resurrection when Jesus physically departed earth and returned to the Father. Human limitations in understanding include: difficulty comprehending dimensions beyond physical space, understanding a glorified body not bound by physical laws, and grasping how Jesus can be both absent physically yet present spiritually.

Lesson of the Ascension

Q: What main lesson did the scriptural authors wish to teach about the Ascension?

A: The Ascension teaches that Jesus completed his earthly mission and was exalted as Lord and King. It shows Jesus' enthronement, establishes him as head of the Church, promises his continued presence through the Holy Spirit, transitions responsibility to the Church, and connects heaven and earth with Jesus as mediator.

Pentecost

Q: What is the significance of the first Pentecost?

A: Pentecost (50 days after Easter) marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples with signs of wind and fire. Its significance includes: the birth of the Church, empowerment for mission, fulfillment of Jesus' promise, reversal of Babel, and demonstration of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity.

Titles for Jesus

Q: What is the meaning of the title "Son of God" used for Jesus?

A: "Son of God" expresses Jesus' unique divine relationship with God the Father. In early Christian communities, it evolved from its Jewish roots (where it could refer to kings or Israel) to a profound statement about Jesus' divine identity and nature. It appears in early creeds and baptismal formulas and is central to Trinitarian theology.