Exploring Sacred Scripture Final

Ascension

When Jesus’ humanity converts into divinity in Heaven, forty days after his Resurrection

Beatitudes

Beloved Disciple

The Apostle of John that is unnamed, in the Gospel of John

Evangelist

One of the four writers of the Gospels

Gentile

Person who is not of Jewish faith or origin

Gospel

Good news, the written accounts of life, ministry, death, and Resurrection of Jesus

Incarnation

The Son of God became man through Jesus Christ

Infancy narratives

Accounts of Jesus’ birth and early childhood in the early chapters of Matthew and Luke 

Kerygma

Proclamation of salvation through Jesus preached in the Early Church

Kingdom of God

God rules over our hearts which is fully realized at our deaths

Miracles

Signs worked by Jesus that reveal the presence and power of God’s kingdom

Parables

Short stories spoken by Jesus in the synoptics that reveal truths about God’s kingdom 

Paschal Mystery

Salvation of Jesus through his passion, death, resurrection, and ascension

Quelle (Q Source)

Written collection of Jesus’ sayings used as a common source by the authors of Matthew and Luke 

Synoptic Gospels

Matthew, Mark, and Luke Gospels that act as a timeline and point of view of Jesus’s life

martyr

Someone who suffers death for their religious beliefs

conversion

Reorientation of someone’s life away from sin and toward God and faith

New Testament

Second part of the Bible that focuses on the life of Jesus and the early Church

patriarchal

Men hold power 

apostate/apostasy

Rejection of the Christian faith by someone that was baptized 

Sabbath

Holy day of rest and worship 

disciple

A follower of Jesus

Passion

Suffering of Jesus during the final hours of his life

Resurrection

Jesus rises from the dead on the third day 

Sacred Tradition

Transmission of the Gospel message through the teachings and practices of the Church

Pope

Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Catholic Church

Deposit of Faith

All the truths that were revealed by God in scripture and tradition

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church

Apostolic succession

Chain of authority passed on from the apostles to modern bishops 

Papal infallibility

The Holy Spirit protects the Pope from teaching error 

Doctrine

Authoritative teaching of the Church

Christology

Study of the person, nature, and role of Jesus

Free will 

We have the right to choose our own faith and make our own decisions. God will not force us to abide by his laws or believe in Him. 

Hypostatic union

Union of Jesus being 100% God and 100% man

justification

Being made right with God which we receive through Jesus Christ

salvation

Being saved from sin and death while restoring your relationship with God 

faith

Believing in God and everything he has revealed to us 

Messiah

Jesus is promised to save Israel by God

Sanhedrin

Jewish religious and political council 

Passover

Jewish feast that celebrates God freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt

pharaoh

The king of Egypt 

discourse

Authoritative speech given by Jesus

consubstantial

Jesus is as full of divinity as God

blasphemy

Speaking or acting with extreme disrespect to God or sacred objects

Real Presence

Jesus is present in the Eucharist 

preeminence

Having importance or holding a higher place above others 

Salvation history

God’s saving action have unfolded through human history 

Levites

Members of the Israelite tribe responsible for helping priests and caring for the temple

High Priest

The head religious leader of Israel who performed the most sacred sacrifices 

sacrifice

Holy offering made to God to show devotion or ask for forgiveness 

Old Covenant

Sacred agreement God made with Israel on Mount Sinai through Moses

New Covenant

Eternal agreement made by God through the blood of Jesus

Corporal Works of Mercy

Actions that involve helping with physical needs or basic needs 

Spiritual Works of Mercy

Actions that involve helping with physiological needs

Hell

Separation from God and the Saints, state of eternal punishment

justice

Demands of relationships are fulfilled, ensures we give to God and our neighbors, actions flow with commitment

charity

We love God above everything else and out of that love we love our neighbors

solidarity

The union of our heart and mind with the poor or unjust 

intercede

To intervene for someone else

Annunciation

Biblical event where Angel Gabriel visits Virgin Marytf4 to tell her she is the Mother of God and Christ’s conception to the power of the Holy Spirit

Immaculate Conception

Catholic dogma that the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from sin since the first moment of her conception

Assumption

Dogma that recognizes that the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken into Heaven after her death

Natural law

The moral law that was written by God that everyone can understand

Original Sin

Fallen state of human nature that everyone is born into because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve

concupiscence

Human tendency to sin even after baptism 

polytheism

The belief or worship of more than one god 

monotheism

The belief or worship of only one god

Trinity

Christian mystery of one god in the father, son, and holy spirit

filial

Relationship between parent and child 

Redeemer

Jesus Christ paid the price of his own life to save us from the slavery of sin

Advocate/Paraclete

A title for the Holy Spirit

Pentecost

Jewish feast that celebrates the covenant at Mount Sinai 

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Seven permanent traits given at Baptism to help us follow God (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the lord)

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Twelve perfections or behaviors that grow in us when we live with the holy spirit (charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self control, chastity)

episcopacy

The office or government of bishops in the Church

Parousia

The second coming of Jesus at the end of time

evangelizers

People who preach and spread the good news of Jesus

presbyters

The early new testament term for elders

Pastoral Letters

New testament letters written to early church leaders giving guidance on community rules

providence

God's loving and wise guidance and protection over creation 

Apocalyptic literature

A symbolic writing style that deals with ends of the world and God’s final victory over evil

persecution

Oppression of people due to their religious beliefs 

Particular judgment

Individual judgement passed on everyone at the moment of their death

Final judgment

Universal judgment of all humanity by Jesus during his second coming

Purgatory

Temporary state of final cleansing needed after death before entering Heaven

What are the three synoptic Gospels?

Matthew, Mark, and Luke

The 3 stages in Gospel formation

1)Historical life and teachings of Jesus

2)Oral tradition

3)Written Gospels

The 3 forms of oral tradition

1)kerygma(core preachings to non believers)

2)didache(deeper teaching for new believers)

3)liturgy(church worship and eucharistic gatherings)

The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of John

What makes John unique/separate from the synoptic Gospels?

John’s Gospel shows how Jesus’ divinity is divided into two halves, was influenced by Greeks, long discourses into of parables

Details on Roman figures in government

Jewish officials/groups during Jesus’ time

Details of what life was like during Jesus’ time

Deeply shaped by Jewish faith and Roman taxation

Details from Mark’s Gospel

How does Jesus’ Resurrection transform the meaning of the Cross?

The made it an object of defeat and execution into a symbol of victory and eternal life.

What is the relationship between Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium?

They worked together to protect and teach Christian faith.

Why is it important for us to understand Jesus as true God and true man?

If Jesus was not God, he would not have the divine power to stop sin and save humanity. If he was not a true man, he would not be able to represent human beings or experience physical suffering or death. 

What does Jesus share with us in His human nature?  What is different from our human nature? (HINT: Think about free will.)

He shares his human nature with us through body, human mind, emotions, physical limitations, and free will. This is different from human nature because Jesus was completely sinless. We are prone to giving in to temptation, while Jesus uses his free will to be aligned with his divine will. 

Why does the hypostatic union matter?

This ensures that Jesus aligns God and humanity. He shows both natures in one person, especially how every action he did on earth was an action of both God and man. 

Why does God become human?

He offers an infinite sacrifice for our sins, shows the depth of his unconditional love for us, provides humans with a perfect model of holiness, and allows us to share his divine life.

Details about St. Paul’s conversion and general travels

His original name was Saul and he was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians. He saw a vision of Jesus rising in Damascus where he was then blinded and healed. This transformed him into Paul and then he went on three journeys where he planted churches.

General Details on Paul’s Letters

They make up a large portion of the New Testament. They were answers written to specific communities he founded or visited. These were meant to correct theological errors, settle church disputes, offer encouragement under persecution. 

Issues/questions Paul addressed in Letter to the Galatians & Letter to the Ephesians

Galatians: False teacher arriving after Paul left as they claimed that Gentiles must follow Jewish law and questioned Paul’s authority. This made the community doubt Paul but Paul defend himself and confronted one of the false teachers - Peter.

Letters: Addressed the unity of Jewish and Gentiles into one body (the Church), emphasizing that salvation is a gift of grace that cannot be earned. 

Issues/questions Paul addressed in 1st Letter to the Corinthians

Internal cliques, a believer suing another believer, severe sexual immortality, selfishness during the celebration of the Lord’s supper, and massive arguments over whose spiritual gifts were superior. 

Why faith in Jesus is "sufficient for justification"

Humans can not remove their sins or make themselves right with God. Justification is a free gift that is earned by Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, which we receive by placing trust and faith in Him. 

Why is the Gospel of Matthew printed as the first Gospel in the New Testament?

This serves as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament because it features Hebrew terms and relies on numbers of Old Testament prophet events. 

What is different and similar between the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Matthew? (Compare/Contrast)

Similarities: Matthew adopts almost the entire storyline, outline, and basic text found in Mark

Differences: Matthew adds a different narrative to Jesus’ birth, expands Jesus’ teachings into five blocks of texts, and mentions the authority of the Church.

How does the Gospel of Matthew show that Jesus is the new Moses?

Matthew tracks Jesus’ life to mirror Moses. Jesus returns out of Egypt, passes through the waters of Baptism (Red Sea), spends 40 days fasting, and ascends a mountain to deliver the new law in 5 discourses.

The 5 Themes of Matthew

The 5 Discourses 

1. Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant law and prophets 

2. The arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven

3. True discipleship requires righteousness of the heart

4. The structural establishment and instruction of the Church

5. The reality of the Final Judgement and death

The Biblical Senses

Why are miracles referred to as "signs" in the Gospel of John?

John wants to show that miracles are not just random displays of power, but pointers that show a deeper reality. More specifically, Jesus’ true divinity and his closeness to the Father. 

What event from the Old Testament do the "I Am" statements in John's Gospel allude to?

The point back to Exodus, where God reveals his sacred name to Moses from the burning bush. Yahweh (I am who I am).

How is the account of the Last Supper different in John than the synoptics (timeline, events)?

In John, during the Last Supper, the evening before the Passover began. John completely accepts the standard of bread and wine of the Eucharist. Instead, he focuses on Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and delivering and makes a speech about High Priestly Prayer. 

What are the differences between the Passion account in John’s Gospel vs. the synoptics?

The Synoptics focus on human Jesus experiencing physiological agony and sorrow. The Passion account depicts a sovereign Jesus who is in control of his destiny and remains a ruler through his trail and execution. 

Examples of how Jesus shows he is in control during his Passion, Crucifixion, and death in the Gospel of John

In the garden Jesus says I am to which the arresting soldiers draw back and fall flat. 

He challenges Pilate’s authority during the trail 

He carries his own cross without the assistance of Simon of Cryene

He decides to yield his spirit by declaring his final words as It is finished

What are the three main differences between the Gospel of John and the synoptics?

What are the connections between Jesus' crucifixion happening on Passover and the Jewish feast (Lamb of God, sacrificial lambs of Passover, etc.)?

Jesus is condemned and hung on the cross at the exact hour the temple priests begin slaughtering the Passover lambs. The Roman soldiers do not break Jesus’ legs on the cross, which fulfills the Old Testament law that no bone of the Paschal Lamb shall be broken. This reveals that Jesus is the true lamb of God whose blood permanently saves humanity from eternal death. 

What is the role of Mary in Luke's Gospel and what are the Immaculate Conception, Annunciation, and Assumption?

Mary is the model of faith, humility, and perfect discipleship. Immaculate Conception is the dogma that Blessed Virgin Mary was free from sin since the moment of her conception. Annunciation is when Angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary to tell her she is the Mother of Christ and Christ’s conception to the power of the Holy Spirit. Assumption is the dogma that recognizes the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken into Heaven after her death.

Examples of how Luke's Gospel focuses on the poor, the vulnerable, sick, women, marginalized (Hint: the parables!)

He places his shepherds as the first witness to the Nativity, gives speaking roles and financial credit to women followers, features a Samaritan as a moral hero, and includes stories where outcasts/tax collectors/beggars are elevated while the self righteous are rebuked. 

What does God’s preferential love for the poor mean?

God shows special, attentiveness, care, and mercy towards those who are defenseless or socially excluded. 

Understanding of the main messages of The Good Samaritan, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Lost Son, and the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man) 

Acts of the Apostles

Why is the feast of Pentecost significant?

This marks the beginning of the New Covenant as it fulfilled the Old Covenant. Followers of God now include all nations and languages due to the Tongues of Fire helping the apostles spread His word. 

Four characteristics of the Early Church 

1. Teachings of the Apostles showing learing and growth

2.   Communal Life showing caring for each other's needs

3. Breaking of Bread celebrates the Eucharist

4. Prayer showing worship and reliance on god

What was the main issue addressed at the Council of Jerusalem?  How was it resolved/ what was the final decision?

The main issue was the public debating whether or not Gentiles needed to be Jewish before they were Christian. This was resolved by the Apostles deciding they did not need circumcision or full mosaic law to become Christians. Although, they should avoid idols, unlawful marriage, strangled animals, and blood. The Council allows avenues for easily joining the faith but still abiding by the laws. This brings unity.

How many journeys did Paul make?  Where did his ministry end?

Paul made three journeys followed by one more journey where he was arrested in Rome. 

Why does John of Patmos use signs and symbols in the Book of Revelation?

Because he was writing under an oppressive Roman regime. This symbolic style was like a safe code the early Christians could easily decipher, while making sure that Romans would not understand.

What is the historical context of the writing of the Book of Revelation? How are we supposed to read the book?

Historical context was written during a period of Romal persecution against Christians. This will be read as symbolic which encouraged apocalyptic literature. This reassures a suffering Church that God is in control and will trump all evil. 

What were John of Patmos’ two reasons for writing the Book of Revelation?

• To offer comfort, hope, and reassurance to Christians when there is suffering

• To issue a warning to Christian communities against compromising faith or worshipping the Roman Empire

Main number symbols in the Book of Revelation and what they mean.

3 - The Holy Trinity or absolute fullness of divinity

6/666 - Imperfection, brokenness, failure. A code for Emperor Nero

7 -  Divine perfection, completeness, and wholeness

12 - The assembly of people of God 

1,000 - A multitude or complete epoch of time

Elements/Episodes of Book of Revelation

1. Messages to the Seven Churches - letters of praise, correction, and encouragement sent to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Called them to remain faithful against cultural compromises

2. Heavenly Liturgy - vision of heavenly worship surrounding the throne of God and the Paschal Lamb, serving as the blueprint of mass

3. Marriage of Heaven and Earth/Wedding Feast of the Lamb - high point of all salvation where the eternal covenant between Christ and the Church is completely fulfilled and in union

4. War in Heaven - forces of evil rebel against God but are stripped of power

   1. Woman and the Dragon - Vision was struggling between evil and God’s plan. Dragon or Satan tries to eat the messianic child 

      1. Woman as Church and as Mary, Mother of God - identity of women clothed with sun as she represents Mary giving birth and Church bringing faithful believers under persecution

   2. St. Michael v. the Devil/Satan - Angel leads the armies to victory which causes the defeat of the dragon and his fallen angels down to Earth

5. New Jerusalem - Final vision of Heaven descending from God as a holy city where all suffering are destroyed and God dwells with humanity forever