Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
God Journeys
with His People
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a subject required for all first year college students as their first
Christian Formation Education course in the CICM tertiary school. The course leads
the students to learn and appreciate the initiative of God as encountered in human
history just to bring back people to the right path and to guide them not to commit
the same mistakes done by their fore-fathers. This course will discuss the different
ways on how God Journeys with His people starting with the calling of Abraham
and the prophets, the peak of His revelation through His Son Jesus Christ and His
vision of the Kingdom, and His continuing guidance to the people through the Holy
Spirit who is present in the Church and her celebrations. With this framework, the
first part of the course will present a brief discussion about the Sacred Scriptures,
its formation and compilation as the so called Bible which is the primary record of
this God’s journey with His people, and the methods of bringing out its message.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The class orientation will situate the students on the expectations they
are to undertake in the course including the requirements they need to
accomplish. By discussing the CICM-Philippines School Network vision-mission,
the students will better understand what the school wants to develop in them
and their responsibilities as students while under formation. The performance
standard will be discussed by the teacher. In order for the students to be
acquainted with the course, the course outline will be discussed.
ORIENTATION
i. Class Orientation
ii. CICM-Philippines School Network: Vision and Mission
VISION (PSN)
Biblical inspiration means that the sacred and canonical books of the
Old and New Testaments, whole and entire, were written under the
inspiration of the Holy spirit, so that we can call God their “author”
and the Bible “the Word of God”. God chose certain human
authors, who as true authors made full use of their human powers
and faculties, yet were so guided by the Holy spirit who so
enlightened their minds and move their wills, that they put into
writing what God wanted written (CFC 85).
INTRODUCTION TO THE SACRED SCRIPTURES
Missionary Response
The books of the Bible are inspired writings. They contain God’s word expressed in
human language. The books provide us instructions and insights on right living. As hearers
of the Word of God, we are strongly encouraged to:
1. read prayerfully the Bible and reflect on the messages of the Bible in our lives
2. practice the values gained from reading the Bible by dealing with our families and
schoolmates honestly and humbly
3. share the Word of God by giving bookmarks with inspiring messages of the Bible to
our family, friends, and schoolmates.
CHAPTER I.
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE
Introduction:
This chapter will discuss the encounter of people with God as
He continues to journey with them. The Hebrew Bible, also
known as Mikra (“what is read”) or TaNaKh, an acronym
referring to the traditional Jewish division of the Bible
into Torah (Teaching), Nevi’im (Prophets),
and Ketuvim (Writings), is the founding document of the
people of Israel, describing its origins, history and visions of
a just society.
CHAPTER I.
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE
Inspired Word:
Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3(Call of Abraham);
Gen. 15:1-18(God’s covenant with Abraham)
Gen. 22:1-140 (the sacrifice of Isaac)
Moses: Exodus 3
God calls Moses at the time when Moses has chosen the
paths of a father and a shepherd of sheep. He does in the desert
where Moses apparently isolated himself from the misfortunes of
his people and day by day wastes the opportunity of helping his
people. The task was tough but Moses through his trust and faith
in God fulfilled his mission with God always on his side as
evidenced by his constant dialogue with God
LESSON 1:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE TORAH
Exodus Ex. 14:10-28, 20:1-17
On the very night on which they have sacrificed the Passover Lamb, the
Hebrews depart. The Egyptians pursue and overtake them when they
were reaching the marshes along the Red sea. Here will take place the
most prominent event in sacred history before Jesus comes. God opens
the way for his people and saves them., while their enemies drown in the
sea.
The liberation of Israel remains as a model for all those who, after
Moses, have struggled to uplift their brothers and make them free men
in a more just world.
LESSON 1:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE TORAH
Church Teaching:
God journeys with his people in the story of Abraham, Moses and the
foundational event of Exodus (flight from Egypt and Sinai Covenant). This
journey is affirmed in the Catechism for Filipino Catholic as follows:
LESSON 1:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE TORAH
The Old Testament presents the inspired story of God forming his own
people by establishing a special relationship with them. This covenant
was a call to fuller life and salvation. First, God called Abraham out
of his homeland and promised him: “I will make you a great nation
and I will bless you” (Gen. 12:1-2) Through Abraham, God promised:
“all nations on earth shall find blessing-all this because you obeyed my
command” (Gen. 22:18) Thus God showed himself to be personal
God, eager to endow his people with land, material possessions and
countless descendants.
LESSON 1:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE TORAH
Furthermore, the same document reiterates God’s journey with us His people
and remained faithful to that promise despite our infidelities. It stipulates:
“The God of the covenant brought salvation to his people by his active presence.
When infidelities weakened this presence, God promised a new presence in a
New Covenant, fashioned by a promised saviour. As Christians we enter this
New Paschal covenant made in Christ through our baptism. But unfortunately,
like the Israelites of old, the covenant of God’s promise of life is often forgotten
or taken for granted, and our covenant response to our Baptismal Promises only
rarely recalled.
LESSON 1:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE TORAH
Missionary Response:
Like Abraham and Moses who trusted God in faith unconditionally,
we are called to entrust yourselves to God, believing His goodness and
obey His command. We can do this through
a. obedience and cooperation to the people involved in our
formation foremost your parents, your teachers and guardians (land
lords/ladies).
b. following the rules and policies of the school and our boarding
houses
c. show our gratitude to our parents by finishing our courses on time
and our teachers by doing our requirements honestly and on time.
LESSON 2:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE NEVI’IM (PROPHETS)
Jeremiah 1:1-19
“I put my words in your mouth…” Jeremiah is made a prophet: from now
on he will proclaim the word of God.
“To all those I send you, you will go…”From now Jeremiah will be guided
by the power of the spirit; he obey, whatever the risks and in spite of the
resistance of his timid nature.
LESSON 2:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE NEVI’IM (PROPHETS)
Hosea 1:1-3; 11: 8-11
Hosea lived and prophesied during the difficult years of the
Northern kingdom of Israel up to its capture by the Assyrians 722 B.C.
This time was characterized by violent coups, great disturbances,
warfare, and loss of life. What is emphasize in the book of Hosea is
that God’s judgements are redemptive. Even in punishment, God’s
purpose is not to destroy but to save. God’s love is greater and deeper
than man’s infidelity. In trying to bring this home to the people, Hoses
uses not only the image of father and children but also that of husband
and wife.
LESSON 2:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE NEVI’IM (PROPHETS)
Jonah 1-2
Jonah refuses to obey the call from the Lord; perhaps because he
does not feel responsible for the salvation of the hated Ninevites. Jonah
delights in thinking about the punishment that God is going to inflict on
the pagans of Nineveh.
Jonah represents those believers who, although they know god, have
a petty and resentful and who lie about the good done by men without
religion because they are afraid that people might make comparison
unfavorable to Christians.
LESSON 2:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE NEVI’IM (PROPHETS)
Church Teaching:
The prophets were men called by God to speak His word to the people,
interpreting their present situation in the sight of God and telling them what He
would do with them. Most of all the prophets called the people back to the
covenant. For despite God’s constant fidelity, Israel’s history is a series of
infidelities. After the first stage of God’s saving acts in liberating His people
from their slavery in Egypt, a second stage concerns their deliverance
proclaimed by the prophets, both before and after the exile, if only they
would turn back to the Lord. The prophetic message proclaimed by the
prophets is of conversion, hope and fidelity to the Lord. (CFC 428)
LESSON 2:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE NEVI’IM (PROPHETS)
Missionary Response:
God remains faithful and does not abandon the people He called to
participate in his work. The task may be difficult but if we remain working
with the Lord, the task is easier. As the prophets did their task with Lord as
their companion so we are also sent to do a mission. We can do these through
the following:
1. accompany and befriend a classmate who is hard-up in adjusting to
college life.
2. remind gently a sibling who always forget his/her responsibility in
his/her studies
PRELMINARY EXAMINATION
READINGS
________.(1994). Catechism of the catholic Church. ECCE and Word and Life Publications, Makati city
Austin, F. (1984.). Vatican Council II: The Conciliar Documents. New York: Costello Publishing Co.,1
Belmonte, C. (2006). Faith Seeking Understanding. Stagium Theologae foundation, Inc.
Benedict XVI.2011. Verbum Domini word and life Publication. Don Bosco Compound, Makati
_______Christian Community Bible: Catholic Pastoral Edition
Borabo, Milagros L. Interactive and Innovative Teaching Strategies. Leomar Publishing, INC, Cubao, Quezon City
Dalpadado, J. Kingsley OMI. (1974) Reading the Bible: A guide to the word of God for everyone. Saint Paul’s Publication, Pasay,
Metro
Manila
Dilim,A., Jacla, H. (2013). Becoming a Household of God in the Old Testament.
Goldingay, J. (2011). Key questions about biblical interpretation Old Testament answers. M.I. : Baker Academic
https://bible.org/article/god-s-reluctant-missionary-jonah-1-4
https://biblestudyforcatholics.com/the-bible-is-inspired-by-god-part-2/ https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Importance-of-the-
Hebrew-Scriptures-in-Maintaining-Principal-Beliefs-of-the-Jewish-faith accessed 6/27/18
https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/canon-of-the-holy-scripturesaccessed 6/27/18
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=3352
https://www.gotquestions.org/exegesis-eisegesis.html accessed 6/27/18
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hebrew-bible
https://www.theologyofwork.org/old-testament/the-twelve-prophets#jonahs-call-and-response-jonah-11-17
Javier, C. Inspiration and Imagination: a toolbox for teaching the Bible. CBCP-ECBA
Pontifical Biblical Commission
Wansbrough, Henry. (2010) Use and abuse of the bible
LESSON 3:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE KETUVIM (WRITINGS)
Inspired Word:
Job 1:1-5; 2:7-10; 42: 10-17
Job lives in a foreign pagan land in ancient times. His
position is enviable: he is a leader of the nomads,
somewhat like Abraham and he lacks nothing.
In the last paragraph (42:0-17) the conclusion of the
popular story of the holy man Job. Since he preserved
his trust, it was rewarded by the by the just God.
LESSON 3:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE KETUVIM (WRITINGS)
Ecclesiates 3:1-17
Ecclesiastes looks at all the aspects of the
human condition, one after the other, beginning
from the surest: death. Death destroys all illusions of
man who tries to forget the lack of meaning in his life.
LESSON 3:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE KETUVIM (WRITINGS)
Wisdom 10:1-21
The wisdom of God is at work in world history. When an event takes place,
we do not usually, judge its global value: it is history which enables us to
appreciate it. When we look at the history of people, like the Israelites, we
that god had a plan which develop step by step, even though the people were
free. Many elements were involved in the realization of God’s plan: sin,
punishment, penance and forgiveness.
God’s love for his people reveals itself in the very forces of nature
That serve to punish the Egyptians and o save the Hebrews. This can be a
lesson concerning the forces ruling our world today. Organization, speed,
science, technology, emancipation: all these are instrumental in the liberation of
man if used with wisdom.
LESSON 3:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE KETUVIM (WRITINGS)
Psalms 23
Church Teaching:
Ketuvim, the name of the third section of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible),
means simply “Writings”, presents the discernment needed to day-to-
day living.
LESSON 3:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE KETUVIM (WRITINGS)
The Catechism for Filipino Catholics teaches the following when it says:
The psalms and the wisdom literature present how the faithful can discern the
presence of God in their daily lives. Job responds by not only looking back to the confident
experience of God’s saving presence in the past. He also looks forward to divine
inscrutabili” the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away” (Jb 1:21). Some advice
“liberates” by exposing evils that enslaves. “There are six things that the Lord hates:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heat that plots wicked
schemes, feet that runs swiftly to evil, the false witness that utters lies, and he who sows
discord among brothers’ (Prv. 6:16-19). Job’s question is answer by the vital interaction of
life-experience and Lord-experience. The best human knowledge of salvation is discerning
obedience to the Lord.
LESSON 3:
GOD, THE FATHER JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE KETUVIM (WRITINGS)
Missionary Response:
As God journeyed with the people of God promising salvation through
his continued presence, he also journeys with us in our day to day
undertakings. We take assurance of His accompaniment in the wisdom
of the wise. Our journey with God becomes enjoyable, easier despite
adversaries like Job if we need to recognize that all blessings and
goodness comes from God and that difficulties can be overcome come
if we entrust ourselves to God. To be guided to live a life of blessing,
we need to pray like the Psalmist do, trust in God’s timing and listen to
the wisdom of the wise. These can be done by developing a habit of
prayer and constant participation in the Eucharist.
CHAPTER II.
GOD, THE SON (JESUS) JOURNEYS WITH HIS PEOPLE
This chapter deals with the journey of God, the Son with his
people, Jesus- the fullness of God’s revelation. The analogy of Jesus,
the new Adam who saved human race through his death and
resurrection thereby making right what was destroyed by the first
Adam will be discussed. Jesus as the fullness of God’s revelation
(and used in the context of Story-Jesus as the New Adam). Mary’s
total yes to God exemplified her great faith and trust in God
brought the Saviour Jesus. Jesus’ public ministry further manifests his
presence in the life of his disciples throughout his life.
LESSON 1: MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS
Context: Prayer reflection: The Angelus
Instruction: 1. After praying the Angelus, Reflect on the prayer
2. What is the prayer all about?
3. what insight did you get from the prayer?
4. What realization did arrive at?
The prayer reflection will lead the student to understand deeper the
meaning of the payer being aired in the campus at noon time. It will further
encourage the students to pray along invite their fellow students to do
thesame.
LESSON 1: MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS
Inspired Word: Luke 1:26-38
the savior is expected and welcomed by a mother: a young girl freely
and knowingly accepts her role as servant of the Lord and become the
mother of God.
“The power of the Most High…” By using this image the Gospel conveys
that Mary becomes God’s dwelling place, through whom he works out his
mysteries.
God does not usually communicate with his great sainta and prophets
through visions. Everything occurs in an intimate encounter from person to
person. God engraves his words in the depths of the mind, and his grace so
enables the a holy spirit of his servants that they give the total response
which god expects.
LESSON 1: MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS
Church Teaching:
The Blessed Virgin Mary most perfectly embodies the obedience of
faith. By faith Mary welcome the tiding and promise brought by the Angel
Gabriel, believing that “with God nothing will be impossible” and so giving
her assent: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me
according to your word”. It is because of this faith that all generations have
called Mary blessed. (CCC148)
Mary perfectly exemplified the common definitions of faith as “full
submission of the intellect and the will” and the “obedience of faith”. (CFC
156)
LESSON 1: MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS
Mary was not only the first to be evangelized, to receive the good
news, she is also the first evangelizer. (PCP II 2)
In the words of the New National Catechetical directory for the
Philippines (NNCDP), Mary’s response of faith, as can be glimpsed from
Scriptures, is a picture of a complete integration of that “perfect
cooperation with the grace of God that precedes and assists” and that
perfect openness to the action of the Spirit, who constantly brings faith to
completion his gifts. In living her fiat, her total yes to God, in all the realities
of ordinary, daily living; in family crisis; in moment of uncertainties and
inability to understand; and in times of distress, worry, anguish and
suffering, Mary becomes in a personal way, the “exemplar of faith” for the
Filipinos. She is not only the icon of the fulfilment their prayers and hopes
but also the mother who identifies with them, understands their problems,
and cares for them. (204)
LESSON 1: MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS
Missionary Response:
Like Mary, the model of faith, we emulate her simplicity, humility and great faith so that we
can entrust ourselves to the Lord as she did. We can do this by being contented with what we have
and do not demand much from your parents. We can also make our faith grow and bear fruit.
1. To deepen our understand of Christ’s message, we need to read our bibles and listen to the
homilies during the mass
2. to grow in faith, we need to love and this love should be translated to charity. this charity
need not to be grand but start in our homes. While at home we can do our share in the day-
to- day chores in order to ease our parents. In school, take care of the property of the school like
your own.
3. Just as our body needs nourishment of grow and be healthy, we need to nourish our faith
life. Take time to visit the chapel and pray but more importantly participate in the celebration
of the sacraments most especially the Holy Eucharist.
LESSON 2. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Context:
Activity: “Stop, look and observe”
Upon entering the school this morning what signage did you see? What does
it remind you of? Why are you reminded of it? Or
Your favourite singer is coming to your school and you are assigned to
introduce him/her in the welcome program? How will you do it?
The activity reminds the students to be observant in his/her surroundings. This
will make the students aware of the importance of the signage posted in the
school campus.
LESSON 2. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Church Teaching:
John’s sole purpose is to prepare the people to receive the “One more
powerful than I” (Mt. 3:11). This powerful one will not only announce but
make present the kingdom of heaven. The message of John announces a
new intervention of God in the history of the people. It invites the Israelites
to accept the prophetic manifestation of God’s will.
LESSON 2. JOHN THE BAPTIST
The catechism of the Catholic Church speaks of John the Baptist as
the Lord’s immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare His
way. Prophet of the Most High, John surpasses all the prophets, of
whom he is the last. He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his
mother’s womb, welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in
being the “friend of the bridegroom”, whom he points out as the
“Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. Going
before Jesus “in the spirit and power of Elijah”, John bears witness
to Christ in his preaching, by his Baptism of conversion, and through
his martyrdom. (523)
LESSON 2. JOHN THE BAPTIST
When the church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she
makes present this ancient expectancy of the messiah, for by
sharing in the long preparation for the saviour’s first coming, the
faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By
celebrating the precursor’s birth and martyrdom, the Church
unites herself to his desire: “He must increase, but I must
decrease” (Lk 1:17). (524)
LESSON 2. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Missionary Response:
John the Baptist was a man of humility and man of courage. He leads people to
the true light, Jesus Christ. We can be witnesses God like John the Baptist and
introduce Jesus to people as he did through the following
1. our willingness to listen to others and accept their opinions instead of
insisting our opinion
2. appreciating our God-given talents and use them in the service of
others
3. correcting a friend in the bad things he/she does even if it breeds
animosity
4. follow the example of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the firs first Filipino martyr, to
stand firm for our faith when indoctrinated by other faith.
5. encourage our friends to go to Jesus through our good prayer life
LESSON 3: JESUS AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
In all Jesus’ healing, his message was the same: your faith been your salvation. Go in
peace” (Lk. 7:50). The faith that Jesus praised throughout his ministry was not the self-
righteous, legalistic faith of the scribes and Pharisees. Rather, for those who knew their own
helplessness, it was the open acceptance of God’s free gift of loving, healing presence
among them in Christ. “Believing” meant reaching out beyond themselves and their need to
embrace the free gift of Christ’s life-giving and healing love. This is the faith that saves
because it shares in the very power of God, active within our daily lives.
But beyond open acceptance, this faith which Jesus praises also involves discipleship:
an implicit commitment. Each is called to live out the gift of life freely given, in all the
concrete circumstances of one’s daily life, by following Jesus’ way. This is what coming to
know Jesus Christ demands of every believer. Each has a mission as Jesus himself had, from
the Father. (486-487)
LESSON 3: JESUS AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Missionary Response:
To Be a disciple of Jesus is to follow his footsteps. Following the
footsteps of Jesus means that we should know him whom we are
following and why we follow him. It is only when we are good
disciple that we can participate in the work of discipleship. We can
do this in various ways according to our capacities as students,
children of our parents, siblings and friends to our peers. Here are
some suggested ways on how we can follow Jesus’ way:
LESSON 3: JESUS AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Context:
Story: “Worth Saving”
Instruction: Read very well the story and answer the
questions embedded in the story. Then share.
LESSON 4:
JESUS’ PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION(THE PASCHAL MYSTERY)
Do you remember the story of Pinocchio, the talking wooden boy carved out by Guipetto? Guipetto wanted
Pinocchio to go to school like a real boy but Pinocchio resisted saying that he won’t be going to school. He
kicked Guipetto’s leg and ran away leading his father in such a chase that a policeman who came along
thought Guipetto was beating Pinocchio.so he locked the poor man in prison for the night. The puppet was in his
own now and could anything he wanted. At last he felt cold and hun, but when he returned home, there was no
food and the house was cold. He felt so miserable that he felt really glad to see Guipetto back the next
morning. He even agreed to go to school as long as he could have a spelling book. Poor Guipetto sold his coat
so the little wooden boy could buy a spelling book. On his way to school Pinocchio met puppets who convinced
him to stay with them in the theatre instead of going to school. Pinocchio met some other misfortunes after this.
All the while Guipetto , his father went around looking for him. One time , he went to the seashore and he saw
Pinocchio being tossed by the monstrous waves of the sea. Guipetto was so anxious for his son, that although he
did not know how to swim, went into the sea to save his son. Was Pinocchio worth saving? Why did
Guipettowant to save him after the trouble he did to him? What were the instances you acted like Pinocchio?
What lesson did you get from the story?
LESSON 4:
JESUS’ PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION(THE PASCHAL MYSTERY)
Church Teaching:
1. Jesus’ Passion and Death
Jesus’ passion and death started when he was condemned then handed over to be
crucified. The Catechism for Filipino Catholics gives highlights on the important
points about this.
The cross as symbol of saving love: Clearly, it is not the very suffering and death
of Jesus that saved us, for this would make His torturers and executioners our
savior. Rather, we are save by Jesus’ perfect self-giving love for his father and for
us, a love lived to the death. The cross then, does not exalt passive suffering or
weakness but rather the transformation of suffering and weakness through active ,
total self-giving love.
LESSON 4:
JESUS’ PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION(THE PASCHAL MYSTERY)
2. Jesus’ Resurrection
The Catechism for Filipino Catholics stipulates the following on Jesus’
resurrection as follows:
Christ’ Resurrection is far from being merely personal miraculous return
from the dead which one might expect of the crucified God-Man. The
actual event of Christ’ rising from the dead was the real starting point and
foundation for the beginning of the Christian faith: for the Christian
community, the church; for adequate understanding of Christ, his passion
and death; for how Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophesies and for
the apostolic commission to preach Christ to the whole world. (615)
LESSON 4:
JESUS’ PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION(THE PASCHAL MYSTERY)
Missionary Response:
Jesus undergone the greatest humiliation and suffering no human person suffered all
because of his love for us and that we may be redeemed from our sins. In our times, we
take for granted Jesus’ sacrifice by continuously committing sin. As followers of Jesus
and in gratitude to his unconditional love for us, we are challenge to do the following:
1. We lessen the likes of Judas who betray Jesus with our sins though constant
prayer and participation of the Holy Eucharist
2. To willingly sacrifice our time to somebody who needed our company or
assistance.
LESSON 4:
JESUS’ PASSION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION(THE PASCHAL MYSTERY)
3. To voluntarily share our talents and skills for the well-being of others like
leading singing by joining the music ministry, teaching the youth
We already know that the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of
our faith. The best way to show that we firmly believe this is to act like Jesus
with courage guided by constant prayer. Our actions show our faith when we
obey and respect our parents and people in authority. Our action can show
our faith when we stop bullying others through our flattery. Our suffering
can show our faith when despite our difficulty we comfort others in their
suffering through supportive presence.
READINGS
When the work which the Father gave to the Son to do was accomplished, the
Holy Spirit was sent on the day of the Pentecost in order that he might continually sanctify
the Church, and that, consequently, those who believe might have access through Christ in
one Spirit to the Father. (LG 4)
The growth and dynamism of the Church today testifies the presence of the Holy
spirit. Despite the setbacks that the church experienced and continue to experience, it
continues to witness and bring the risen Christ to those who have not known him. The Active
BECs today continue to testify the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
This chapter discusses how God, the Holy Spirit is at work and is encountered
firstly with the early Christian community starting with the Pentecost event to the conversion
of St. Paul and secondly, with the Christian community today.
LESSON 1: THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Context: song Analysis: “Come Holy Spirit”
Guide questions for the analysis:
1. who do you think is speaking in the song?
2. What does the speaker of the song ask the Holy Spirit to do? Why?
3.what is the Holy Spirit compared to? Do you agree with the
comparison? Why or why not?
The activity will deepen the student’s understanding of the common
song being sung in Church or in prayer services. Tis will also introduce in the
lesson to be discussed ahead
LESSON 1: THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Church Teaching:
1. The Pentecost experience
2. Conversion of St. Paul
The word Pentecost is Greek, meaning fiftieth day. It is the name given to a great
harvest festival celebrated fifty days after the Passover festival. The Pentecost is a
celebration of thanksgiving. The produce of the earth is generous gift of God. In like
manner, the Holy Spirit that comes down on the disciples is God’s supreme git, comprising
all his blessings. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the harvest of all the work of god,
the greatest if which is the Resurrection of Jesus.
The Church teachings on the Pentecost are the following:
LESSON 1: THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
PCP II 214 says that it is the Holy Spirit who continues and brings the work of Christ to
perfection. It is the Holy Spirit who impels each individual to proclaim the Gospel, and it is He
who, in the depths of conscience causes the word of salvation to be accepted and understood. He
will insure continuity and identity of understanding in the midst of changing conditions and
circumstances. Through the Holy spirit, the Gospel penetrates the heart of the world.
CFC 1315 says that the Holy spirit inspires us to live a truly Christian life. Not only does
He strengthen us in our struggle against the power of evil, but also frees us by His interior
transforming presence. When we are troubled, in doubt, or in danger og giving in to temptation,
we learn to pray, “May you good spirit guide me on level ground”.
CCC 2003 furthermore posits: “Grace is the first and foremost gift of the Spirit who
justifies and sanctifies us. But grace also includes the gifts that the Spirit grants u to associate with
his work, enable us to collaborate in the salvation of others and in the growth of the Body of
Christ, church.
LESSON 1: THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Missionary Response:
Like the disciples of Jesus, we, too receive from the Holy
Spirit the gifts most especially the gift of courage to face
the temptations that surround us. It takes courage to follow
the rules of God’s Kingdom. Here ae some ways of
showing this courage:
LESSON 1: THE EARLY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
1. Have courage to learn about our faith and to grow in Christian thoughts
and attitudes. This can be done by having courage not to hold grudge, not to
think badly of others, to think of others’ comfort before ours.
2. we can speak with courage when we avoid using obscene language and not
to tease or gossip others but be generous in our appreciation of others
3. We can act with courage when we choose the friends we go along with and
spend our leisure time with family or people in need and not be addicted with
on line games like Dota. They may be relaxing but they steal our quality time
to work, studies and to family and friends.
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
Context: Activity: “3-2-1chart”
Instruction: recall the crucial or significant events that happen to your life the past weeks or
month. Fill the chart honestly and sincerely.
3 things you 2 interesting and new 1 change that
discovered about insight you gained happened to you
yourself in your From your crucial event After experiencing
crucial event your crucial event
The activity will help the student evaluate him/herself and identify the significant changes
(crucial events) happening in his/her life. By knowing the effects of events happening to
him/her, he/she can effect change better.
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
Inspired Word:
Jn. 17:1-26- Prayer of Jesus for the new holy people
Jesus prays for his own so that they may become the new
people, that is concreted to God, this time according to the truth.
He will pour over them the Spirit of Truth, who has been promised
to Israel, and who will instruct us interiorly. Christ prayed for the
Church to whom He entrusted his own mission.
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
Church Teaching:
1. Vatican II
Pope John XXIII, now St. john XXXIII in convening the second
Vatican council sets out 3 general purposes for the council namely: 1.
Spiritual renewal for the of life Church 2. An updating
(aggiornamento) of its official attitudes and approaches and 3. The
promotion of unity among Christians.
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
The term that St. John XXIII employed to capture his agenda was “aggiornamento”, an
Italian word which means “bringing up to date”. Aggiornamento envisions a profound inner
transformation (not only external changes). The endeavour demands a second principle:
ressourcement. This French word expresses a return to the sources of faith (ex. Scripture, Tradition,
Church Fathers) and integrating into contemporary ecclesiology. Aggiornamento and ressourcement
are the two foundational pillars that guided the four sessions of the second Vatican Council. They
also guide all efforts today to truly Christ’s church, to be the holy people of God. (James Kroeger)
With some issues mentioned above, Vatican II is God’s way of opening the Church’s door to
the world. The Church was opened for more dialogue with the different realities/situations in the
world for the effective spread or proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Examples are the use of
vernacular language, inculturation, the need for the active participation of the Laity and others.
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
2. PCP II
The Church in the Philippines was not an exemption from the realities in the Church before
Vatican II. The effect of this in the Philippine Church is presented by PCP II in the Lights and
Shadows (#8-33). In the Philippine Church despite her existence since the arrival of the
missionaries with the Spanish colonizers, the spirit of true Catholicism or true Christian is not yet
well manifested or being live by the Filipinos. Many are still “unchurched” – not well catechize,
not well educated about the Church’s doctrine though their deep faith is manifested in their
active practice of popular religiosity/devotion. Some special concerns also exist such as the
proliferation of different sects who are extreme in their ways of looking at their groups
compared with others, the rampant practice of graft and corruption, the elitist group of
political powers who perpetuate their status in their family circle, the big gap between the rich
and the poor, and others.
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
3. Popular Religiosity
One neglected issue PCP II focused in its work on renewal is worship. It is on
this account that guidelines are provided on popular religiosity in our times.
A renewed life of worship will also mean the critical and fervent use of
popular religious practices. These religious practice are rich in values. They manifest
a thirst for god and enable people to be generous and sacrificing in witnessing
their faith. These practices show a deep awareness of the attributes of God’s
fatherhood, providence, loving and constant presence. They engender attitudes of
patience, the sense of the Cross in daily life, detachment, openness to others and
devotion.
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
But we need to foster these popular religious practices in such a way
that they do not distortions of religion or remain at the level of superficial
form of worship but become rather expressions of faith. We must continue to
foster our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary including the saints but we must
make sure that these devotions are seen in relationship with, and in
subordination to, Christ, the one Mediator between God and the human kind.
In practice the saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary seem to preoccupy the
attention of many of the faithful more than Christ does. Our pastoral practice
must ensure that the Catholic religion does not become saints or Mary-
centered bit it always remains Christ-centered. (172-174)
LESSON 2: CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY TODAY
Missionary Response:
The 16 documents of Vatican II were produced as our guide in our
life of faith. The church in the Philippines came out with 2 documents namely
the Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC) and the acts and Decrees of the
Second Plenary Council of the Philippines and continue to be revisited in our
time to ensure the changes. Like the Church that is dynamic and continue
updating itself, we are called to participate in this renewal. We can do this by
updating ourselves with the contemporary issues in our church, involve in the
parish activities of your church and volunteer your talents and skills most
especially in making the liturgy active and vibrant.
Readings
Holy Bible
RE 3 Textbook
CBCP (2007). New National Catechetical Directory for the
Flannery,A. 1984. Vatican Council II. Costello Publishing Company, New York
Life of the Saints
Catechism for Filipino Catholics
PCP II
Kroeger, James (2014). Walking in the Light of Faith. St. Pauls, Makati City, Philippines
http://cbcpbec.com/?p=323 accessed 7/2/1
https://pimephilippines.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/popular-religiosity-in-the-philippines/ accessed 7/10/18