SYNOPTICS 17A Exam 2

Introduction to Eschatology

  • Contextual Transition: The discussion transitions from the Parable of the Prodigal Son and its relation to the Sacrament of Confession (specifically the three acts of the penitent: contrition, confession, and satisfaction) to a new category of teachings.

  • Definition of Eschatology:

    • Eschatology is a field of theology typically categorized under either Dogmatic Theology or Systematic Theology.

    • It is formally defined as the study of the "last things."

  • The Four Last Things: These are the aspects of existence that are the final events to be remembered at the end of time:

    • Death.

    • Judgment: This includes both particular judgment (at the moment of death) and general judgment (at the end of time).

    • Heaven.

    • Hell.

  • The Role of Purgatory: While purgatory is also addressed within the study of eschatology, it is understood as a temporary state. At the absolute end of time, purgatory will no longer exist. Those who enter purgatory are guaranteed salvation, meaning purgatory eventually gives way to heaven.

Preparation for Death and the Second Coming

  • Memento Mori:

    • The Latin phrase "Frater, Memento Mori" translates to "Brother, remember your death."

    • This phrase is traditionally used by certain strict religious orders (some of whom are otherwise forbidden from speaking) as a greeting or reminder when passing in corridors.

    • Christian Perspective on Death: Rather than being macabre, ominous, or strange, reflecting on death is considered healthy for Christians. It is a necessary preparation for an event that is a matter of "when," not "if."

  • Spiritual Preparedness:

    • To be prepared for the kingdom of God, a person must be in a state of sanctifying grace.

    • Conversely, one cannot be in a state of mortal sin at the time of death.

  • The Thief in the Night: The Bible describes Christ coming "like a thief in the night." This applies both to the Second Coming of Christ and the moment of an individual's personal death.

  • Advent and Repentance:

    • The liturgical season of Advent is described as both joyful and penitential.

    • It is joyful because it prepares for the savior's coming at Christmas.

    • It is penitential because understanding the need for a savior requires a reflection on one's status as a sinner.

    • John the Baptist: He serves to convict the world of sin and remind humanity that they cannot "lift themselves up by their own bootstraps," meaning they cannot save themselves.

  • The Parousia:

    • The Greek term for the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time is Parousia (also pronounced Parousia).

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25)

  • Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite weddings, unlike modern weddings where the bride often keeps guests waiting, it was the bridegroom who would delay. The timing was unknown, as he would eventually welcome the bride to his home.

  • Rhetorical Question on Sharing: A common question arises: Why didn't the wise virgins share their oil with the foolish ones?

    • On the surface, this seems uncharitable, similar to refusing to share food with a starving person.

    • The Symbolic Meaning of Oil: In this parable, oil signifies good works.

  • Non-transferability of Good Works:

    • Good works cannot be shared or transferred. One person's good works cannot substitute for another person's lack thereof.

    • Similarly, faith must always be accompanied by good works, just as a lamp requires oil to fulfill its purpose of providing light.

  • Key Themes:

    • Delays: The bridegroom was delayed, signifying that the timing of the Second Coming is a mystery known only to God.

    • Vigilance: The central moral is the necessity of being prepared and vigilant at all times.

    • Outcome: The foolish maidens are excluded, while the wise virgins are welcomed into the marriage feast.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25)

  • Narrative Structure: A man goes on a journey and entrusts his property to his servants:

    • Servant 1: Given 55 talents (gained 55 more; total 1010).

    • Servant 2: Given 22 talents (gained 22 more; total 44).

    • Servant 3: Given 11 talent (hid it in the ground; returned only 11).

  • Fairness and Ability: The master distributes the talents "to each according to his ability." Therefore, there is no favoritism or injustice in the differing amounts.

  • Definition of a Talent:

    • In the biblical world, a talent was a measurement of money.

    • It represented an enormous sum: one talent was approximately equal to 1515 years of labor.

    • Example: If a student graduates from Benedictine College and works for 1515 years, their total earnings would equate to roughly one talent.

    • Etymology: This specific parable is the original source of the word "talent" in the English language, referring to gifts and abilities.

  • Condemnation of Sloth:

    • The third servant is described as "wicked and slothful."

    • His sin was laziness; he made no effort to use the gift for good or to make a profit.

  • Spiritual Accounting:

    • The master represents Jesus Christ.

    • God expects an accounting of how individuals employ the gifts He has granted them.

    • The principle is established: "To the one whom he gives more, more will be expected."

  • Imagery of Hell: The lazy servant is cast into "outer darkness," characterized by "weeping and gnashing of teeth," which is explicit biblical imagery for hell.

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

  • The Setting: The Son of Man comes in glory with all the angels and sits on a glorious throne. All nations are gathered before Him.

  • The Separation: Like a shepherd separating sheep from goats, Jesus places the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left.

  • Criteria for Judgment: The division is based on how people treated the "least" of His brethren:

    • Feeding the hungry.

    • Giving drink to the thirsty.

    • Welcoming the stranger.

    • Clothing the naked.

    • Visiting the sick.

    • Visiting those in prison.

  • The Identification with Christ: Jesus explicitly states, "Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."

  • Finality of Outcomes: In the end, there are only two possibilities for every human person: Heaven (the sheep) or Hell (the goats). There is no third option at the end of time.

The Reality of Hell and the Narrow Gate

  • The Narrow Gate (Matthew 7:13):

    • Jesus instructs: "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many."

    • The narrow gate refers to the path to heaven.

    • The wide gate and easy way lead to destruction (hell).

  • Argument Against Universalism:

    • Many people today, including some Catholics, claim hell is not real or that a God of love would never send anyone there.

    • The biblical message contradicts this, asserting that hell is a real possibility.

    • Matthew 7:13 suggests that many enter the gate of destruction, while the gate to life is narrow.

  • Justice and Mercy: While God is a God of peace, love, and mercy, He is also a God of justice.

  • Predestination and Choice:

    • Humans are "predestined" by God for heaven, meaning it is His desire for all.

    • However, this plan can be foiled by the individual's choice to refuse cooperation with God's plan in favor of their own will.

    • Believers are encouraged to "fight the good fight" and persevere to avoid the risk of hell.