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Opening

  • The apostles and disciples believed Jesus is the risen Lord and began proclaiming the Good News: "Jesus is Lord!" and "Jesus, the Lord, is Risen!"

  • The Church was founded to spread the news of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

  • The chapter covers the Church's history, faith proclamation, problems, and heresies that emerged during Christianity's growth.

  • Key themes include the teachings of the original apostles, councils convened to maintain faithful doctrine, and reflections on Christ's titles and Filipino religious traditions.

Context

  • Faith in Jesus is derived from Sacred Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition (Dei Verbum 10).

  • Apostolic Tradition includes teachings and practices from the apostles.

  • Emphasis on the need for deeper understanding of Catholic Tradition due to modern ignorance and skepticism.

  • Historical sacrifices of early Christians strengthen current faith.

  • Example of Pedro Calungsod's martyrdom highlights early evangelization efforts.

Pentecost and the Birth of the Church

  • Pentecost, 30 CE: Apostles received the Holy Spirit, empowering them to spread the Gospel.

  • Peter's first sermon resulted in about 3,000 conversions.

  • Apostolic Church (30-70 CE): Peter and Paul as key figures in early evangelization and Church expansion.

  • Paul’s conversion and missionary journeys essential for spreading Christianity to Gentiles.

Early Church Persecutions (70-312 CE)

  • Jewish Christians faced persecution from non-believing Jews, leading to their dispersion throughout the Roman Empire.

  • Peter and Paul both martyred for their faith, enduring significant persecution during the early years of the Church.

Roman Christian Empire (313-590 CE)

  • Shift in Christian status from persecution to acceptance under Emperor Constantine (Edict of Milan, 313 CE).

  • Increase in Church membership and construction of churches, but also rise in heresies and weakened faith due to lack of instruction.

  • Establishment of key Church doctrines in response to heresies.

Medieval Church Challenges (590-1517 CE)

  • The Church became a stabilizing influence during the collapse of the Roman Empire.

  • Faced corruption, heresies, and power struggles between Church and State.

  • Popes held significant political and spiritual authority, yet faced moral decline by 1492-1521.

The Reformation and Counter-Reformation (1517-1648)

  • Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses led to the Protestant Reformation.

  • Catholic Church's response involved reforms and the establishment of new orders to address issues raised by Luther.

  • The Council of Trent solidified Catholic teachings and ecclesiastical discipline.

The Church in the Modern Age (1517-Vatican II)

  • Challenges of secularism and modernity prompted the Church to uphold its doctrines through popes and councils.

  • Vatican II aimed to renew the Church and engage with the modern world while preserving faith.

Current Church Initiatives

  • Continuation of the new evangelization under popes, focusing on outreach and faith communication.

  • Emphasis on Mary's role in evangelization as a guiding figure.

Teaching on Jesus

  • Affirmation of Jesus as the eternal Son of God, fully human and divine (Creeds).

  • Titles and symbols (e.g., Lord, Son of God, Christ, etc.) illustrate Jesus' identity and significance.

Conclusion

  • Apostolic Church's guiding influence has persisted through centuries of faith articulation.

  • Mary is honored as the Mother of the Church and a key figure in evangelization efforts.

  • The Church continues its mission to share the Gospel and uphold faith and teachings.