Chapter 3:The Promise is Fulfilled in Christ

The mystery of the redemption begins with

the Incarnation

JuaJuan

The Parable of Juan and the Fishbowl

Why God became flesh?

1. To save us from our sins and reconcile us to God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life”- Jn. 3:162. To show the depths of His love for us. “In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent His only Son into the world so that we might have life through him”- 1Jn 4:93. To give us a model of holiness for us to imitate. “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”-Jn. 15:124. To give us a share in His own divine life by making us His children. “He has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature.” -2 Pt.1:4

Activity: Simon Birch---Redemptive love =

Self-sacrificial love that is truly directed at the good of others (e.g., Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary).

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

Infancy Narratives: Stories of the birth of Jesus• Found in Matthew and Luke’s gospels only.• Mark begins with the preaching of JBap and the baptism of Jesus• John begins with the Prologue, “In the beginning was the word…”

• Synoptic (“ to look at together”) Gospels?Matthew, Mark and Luke

Author’s main intention is to reveal the identity of Jesus in these stories, or Christology.

Let’s get a sense of these stories…

• Matthew 1:18-23

• Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-52

• What questions would you like to ask Mary, Joseph, the angel and God?

The Annunciation, Luke 1:26-38

• “Hail, favored one” or “Hail, full of grace”—• -never before used in scripture• What is the relationship of “full of grace” to the doctrine of the Immaculate

Conception?• Preserved from the consequences of original sin, did not lose the gift of grace, not

separated from God, can discern the Law’s of God.• Free from concupiscence and filled with grace to resist the temptation to sin.• This was not on her own merit, but due to the graces and privileges given by God.

Her role in God’s plan of redemption…• Angel Gabriel- Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God.”

Gabriel means Fortitude/courage/strength of God.(Fortitude-cardinal virtue- courageously and firmly chooses the good despite difficulty, perseveres in doing what is right despite temptation, fear or persecution.)

You shall bear a son, name him Jesus, son of the Most High:-the Son of God who will save us from our sins-Jesus means “God saves.”

“The throne of David, rule over the house of Jacob, kingdom will have no end.”- Jesus fulfills the Davidic covenant, established the eternal Kingdom of God.

She did not doubt or refuse. WOW!!

• But simply asks, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”• For the first and only time in history, a woman conceives a child

through divine intervention.• She is called the Spouse of the Holy Spirit.

• Her “yes” would overturn Eve’s “no”.• Mary’s fiat (Latin “let it be done”) serves as a model for every disciple

of Christ. (Lk. 1:38)

God counts on faith-filled humans to accomplish His plan…Joseph’s role.• Joseph’s annunciation, Mt. 1: 20-24

• He was a righteous man, observed the laws of Moses.• God was asking him to make a heroic act of faith, say yes to God’s plan to be

the foster father of the Son of God.

• Joseph’s fiat: He “did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”

The Genealogy of Christ

• Luke 3:23-38• -son of Adam, son of God• What is the author communicating about Jesus’ identity and mission?

• He is the New Adam, sent to repair the damage inflicted upon the world by Adam, for all people not just the Chosen People, Jews.

• Matthew 1:1-17• Son of David, son of Abraham

-he is the descendant of 2 great figures in Israel’s history, the Father of the Faith and the greatest King, fulfillment of the Davidic promise.

Think/Pair/Share--•How does Matthew’s genealogy imply that Jesus is the perfect descendant or “doubly perfect” son of David and Abraham?

The Word Became Flesh to…

•Offer a model of holiness

•To show forth the dignity of the human person

The life and words of Christ are an inexhaustible source of inspiration•Christ shows the potential greatness of every human person•Without his example we would fail to meet our spiritual and moral calling.

What is it that you most want in life?

Happiness begins with our family…

the first social group we are born into.

Characteristics of a HAPPY, IDEAL FAMILY--

Characteristics of a happy family…

• Forgiving when I mess up ---MERCIFUL• Helps me when I struggle, cares when I suffer– MOURN• Don’t over react, freak out,---MEEK• Just- I get what I deserve, fair, bothered when there is an injustice—

HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS• Peaceful, little conflict, no fighting, hateful words- PEACEMAKERS• Faith, values, ethics, prayer, believe, trust in God- POOR IN SPIRIT• Sincere, honest, not 2-faced or hypocritical- PURE/CLEAN OF HEART• Does the right thing, even if that might require sacrifices, even if that’s not

cool- PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

This is what Jesus is teaching in the Beatitudes.• If we as a family adopt this mindset or vision for our lives, we will be

truly blessed. True blessedness and happiness is lasting (even when the circumstances of our life change.)

• Challenges us to be a person of virtue- a firm attitude, mindset or disposition to do good.

This is a lifelong task b/c the Beatitudes turn upside down the values of the world--World- Set up the rich to be 1st.Jesus- Put the poor 1st.World- Seek happiness at all costs.Jesus- Happiness in suffering, mourningWorld- Values power over othersJesus- Praised the meek, humble, servantWorld- Self-fulfillmentJesus- work for justice, the fulfillment of others.World- seek revengeJesus- blessed are the mercifulWorld- honors victors of warJesus- celebrated the peacemakers

Why did Jesus teach the Beatitudes?

• The 10 Commandments were not enough.• -give boundaries, direction, order

• The Beatitudes show us the path to true happiness and blessedness!• The attitudes of a child who lives with his/her family in

the kingdom of God.

Jesus knew that we would need supernatural strength • To live the Beatitudes• More difficult than the 10 Commandments

• We have been given that supernatural strength, it is called sanctifying grace, that we receive through the sacraments.

• Examples

CALL TO ACTION•Do you want to be truly JOYFUL? •Do you want to experience the BLESSINGS and JOYS of those who follow Jesus?•Yes, BUT HOW???

HOW? •Extreme MAKEOVER: Self-Edition-Pray, receive the sacraments, go to Confession-Surround yourself w/ people who share this –desire-Speak to trusted adults-Take it one day at a time- don’t beat yourself up-Read the Book of Proverbs