AUGUSTINE-2-Module-1

Overview of Religious Studies Curriculum

University of San Augustine

• Focus: Religious Studies (Augustinian Perspective)

• Theme: Worship and De Trinitate

Class Structure and Prayers

Before Class

• Augustinian Prayer:

  • "When we live in unity, how good and pleasing it is."

During Class

• Prayer for Unity:

  • "Pray for us, Holy father Augustine, that we may dwell together in peace."

Class Prayer

• God, our Father:

  • Acknowledge God's presence among us and grace.

  • Requests for mercy, peace, and love through Christ.

Lesson 1: The Person of Jesus

• Objectives:

  1. Identify how Christ is the promised Messiah.

  2. Reflect on Jesus as God's Divine Son.

  3. Write about personal encounters with Jesus.

Sharing Activity

• Questions for contemplation:

  1. Who is Jesus for you?

  2. The role of Jesus in your life.

  3. Relationship with Jesus: Father, Brother, or Friend?

Key Scripture Reading

• John 1:1-5:

  • In the beginning was the Word; all things made through Him.

  • Light shines in darkness; darkness cannot overcome it.

Understanding Jesus' Identity

Gospel of John

• Introduces Christ's mystery, emphasizing His divine origin and eternal Word.

• Distinction from Synoptic Gospels:

  • Historical conception vs. eternal pre-existence.

  • Jesus as the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

The Good News

• Proclamation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died and rose again (Matthew 16:16).

• The fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus' incarnation (Galatians 4:4-5).

The Title of 'Christ'

• Meaning: "Anointed One" in Greek and Hebrew.

• Jesus, as the Messiah, sent to redeem humanity and establish God's Kingdom.

Relationship with God

• Jesus as the unique Son of God, confirmed by the Father (Matthew 11:27).

• Title: "Lord" connoting sovereignty and divine authority.

• Apostolic proclamation of Jesus' divine power and glory.

St. Augustine's Reflections

Tractate 3 on John 1:15-18

• John the Baptist's Testimony:

  • Jesus surpasses John, asserting His eternal existence.

• Fullness of Grace:

  • Grace upon grace through Christ, including forgiveness and eternal life.

• Law vs. Grace:

  • Contrasts between the law given via Moses and the grace offered through Jesus.

• Revealing God:

  • Jesus uniquely reveals God due to His unity with the Father.

Concluding Class Prayers

After Class

• Augustinian Prayer:

  • A plea for wisdom and truth through Christ.

Doxology

• "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit... Amen."

Final Notes

• Continuous invocation of St. Augustine for guidance and peace in studies.