Session 3
Pascual
GOAL
• Wrap-UP Luminous Mysteries
• Consider the component of Jesus’ death and Resurrection
The Transfiguration
The Fourth Luminous Mystery
The Transfiguration
• Context: This event occurs seemingly a few days after Peter proclaims that
Jesus is the Messiah,
• Yet Jesus mysteriously responds to this act of faith by predicting his Passion,
death and Resurrection. (Mt 16:16ff)
• The event occurs on top of a mountain where it’s just Jesus, Peter, James
and John.
AND NEXT?
• Jesus’ face and clothes shone
like the sun
• Moses and Elijah appeared
with Jesus
• Father’s voice came from the
clouds “this is my beloved
Son, with whom I am well
pleased; listen to him.”
Symbolism
• To faithful Jews, Moses represented the Law and Elijah represented the
message of all the prophets.
• This was a sign that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and prophets.
• This event strengthened the faith of Peter, James and John, right before the
ordeal of Jesus’ Passion and death.
The Institution of the Eucharist
The Fifth Luminous Mystery
GOAL
• Explore what is popularly known as the Institution Narrative of the
Eucharist.
• How does Jesus make the connection of the Eucharist and the Passover?
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Some Vocab
Passover – The night the Lord passed over the houses of Israelites marked by the blood of the lamb,
and spared the firstborns from death. It also is the feast that celebrates the deliverance of the
Chosen People from bondage in Egypt and the Exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Eucharist- Literally means thanksgiving.
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typically means the liturgical celebration of Mass for the Catholic Church
Also, as a noun, refers to the bread and wine that is substantially changed to the body and blood of Jesus Christ
(for the Catholic Church)
Anamnesis- opposite is amnesia
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Means to remember, a Memorial
2000 years ago, the Jewish understanding of “remembrance” means to make something present again.
Sacrifice – “sacred offering”, to make holy (or dedicate to God)
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Sacre – Holy, of God
Fice – to offer
Strategy
• Look at the Hebrew Scripture narrative on Passover
• Compare it to the Gospel narratives
• Consider what theology is the Gospels trying to convey
Exodus 12: 1,3,5,7-8
• 1The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt:
• 3Tell the whole community of Israel: On the tenth of this month every
family must procure for itself a lamb, one apiece for each household.
• 5Your lamb must be a year-old male and without blemish.
• 7They will take some of its blood and apply it to the two doorposts and
the lintel of the houses in which they eat it.
• 8They will consume its meat that same night, eating it roasted with
unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
Exodus 12:11-14
• 11It is the LORD’s Passover.
• 12For on this same night I will go through Egypt, striking down every
firstborn in the land, human being and beast alike, and executing
judgment on all the gods of Egypt—I, the LORD!b
• 13But for you the blood will mark the houses where you are. Seeing the
blood, I will pass over you; thereby, when I strike the land of Egypt, no
destructive blow will come upon you.c
• 14This day will be a day of remembrance for you, which your future
generations will celebrate with pilgrimage to the LORD; you will celebrate
it as a statute forever.
Passover scene from Prince of Egypt
• Some context for the Passover
Some intriguing scenes
from the Gospel of John
• 1:29 The next day (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming
toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God,* who
takes away the sin of the world.t
19:14 (Crucifixion scene) It was preparation day
for Passover, and it was about noon.
• Footnote: Noon, the time when, according to John, Jesus was
sentenced to death, was the hour at which the priests began to
slaughter Passover lambs in the temple
Exodus 12: 22 Then take a bunch of hyssop, and
dipping it in the blood that is in the basin, apply
some of this blood to the lintel and the two
doorposts.
• John 19: 28o After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order
that the scripture might be fulfilled,* Jesus said, “I thirst.”p
• 29There was a vessel filled with common wine.* So they put a sponge
soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.
• 30* When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”q And bowing his
head, he handed over the spirit.
Ex 12:43,46 This is the Passover statute… You
shall not break any of its bones.*
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John 19:
32So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who
was crucified with Jesus.
33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break
his legs,
34* s but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water
flowed out.
35An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows* that he is speaking
the truth, so that you also may [come to] believe.t
36For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled:
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“Not a bone of it will be broken.”
The Last Supper
(according to Synoptics)
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it
to his disciples.
Image in public domain
Take and eat; this is my body.
Drink from it, all of you, for
this is my blood of the
covenant, which will be shed
on behalf of many for the
forgiveness of sins.
Image in public domain
Then he took a cup, gave
thanks, and gave it to them.
for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed
on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.
In this instance…
• Jesus is identifying himself with the Paschal Lamb of Passover
• The original Paschal Lamb was offered to free the people of Israel from the
slavery in Egypt,
• A true sacrifice, the people of God were designated holy (or “OF GOD”)
Jesus as the Passover
• so through his Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus’ life is
offered up for us. This is the core of the Paschal Mystery, which Catholics
enter into every time we participate in the Eucharist. (p 77)
• Hence, a “sacrifice” that reconciles humankind to God. Not just death that is
a sacrifice, but his life and Resurrection.
Question to ponder
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If, in giving us the Eucharist, Jesus left us a way of continuing to be present with us
even after his earthly life was over, why did Jesus choose a meal as his way of doing
this?
Why “whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, remember me”?
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Why not every time you plant a seed, row a boat, take a walk, watch the sunrise, and so on?
And, if a meal, why bread and wine?
NOTE: you’ll break into groups to discuss this
Just as Important…
• John 13 describes Jesus washing the feet of his disiciples at Passover…
• Reading this contextually, who washes feet 2000 years ago?
John 13:12c-15
• “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’
and rightly so, for indeed I am.
• If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to
wash one another’s feet.
• I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should
also do.”
Important point
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The Catholic Church places this Gospel reading in its Holy Thursday Mass, which
celebrates the Institution of the Eucharist (and the Priesthood)
This suggests a close connection between the Eucharist, ministerial leadership and
service.
In other words, you cannot simply go to the Eucharist as a simple by-stander…you
are called to serve in the same way Jesus does.
Conclusion part 1 of 3
• For Catholics, there is no more important way of forming our identity as
Christians than participating in the Eucharist,
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which has endured for almost two thousand years as Jesus’ way of continuing to be
present with the faith community that bears his name.
• This is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.
• All are invited to the table; all should be equally welcome to the table just as
it is in the Reign of God.
Conclusion part 2 of 3
• The Transfiguration and Institution of the Eucharist anticipated the Passion
and death of Jesus (as well as his Resurrection).
• This suggests an intimate connection between Jesus’ life, death and
Resurrection.
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Therefore, you cannot separate these components.
Conclusion part 2 of 4
• Jesus’ as the Lamb of God offers his life (death and resurrection) for
humankind to redeem them from sin
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Or makes humankind holy (SACRIFICE for humankind)
Conclusion part 3 of 4
• Jesus uses Bread and Wine in the Eucharist to express a dual expression of
Meal (table fellowship) and Sacrifice (make humankind holy).
• Participation in the Eucharist is participation in the heavenly banquet.
Conclusion part 4 of 4
• Jesus uses the Eucharist to be a “memorial” of his sacrifice for humankind
(his life, death and resurrection).
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He connects himself to the Paschal Lamb of Passover
• Jesus also ties to this “memorial” the duty of service, using the symbolism of
the washing of the feet. Therefore, to celebrate in the Eucharist is to commit
one’s self in service to others like Christ would.
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The fact that he does this to his Apostles is a clear sign that leadership is first and
foremost SERVICE.
Break
• Socrative
• 5 minutes
Look briefly into the events of the Passion and Death of
Jesus
 Consider the historical analysis of the scene
 Reflect on the theology that comes from these stories.

Jesus and 12 enter Jerusalem to celebrate PASSOVER
 Jesus “Cleans” the Temple

› Gets the Jewish and Roman Leaders attention (Mk 11:18)

The Last Supper
› Institutes the Eucharist
› Washing of the Feet

Garden at Gethsemane
› Judas leads Temple guards to arrest Jesus

Trial before the Sanhedrin
› Finds Jesus guilty of blasphemy

Trial before Pilate
› Authorizes Jesus’ death
› Scourges Jesus
› Historical note: Pilate may not have been as innocent as the
Gospels portray

The Roman instrument of torture, humiliation and
execution
› Ironic that it becomes the symbol of Christianity…
› What might be a modern day cross today?

According to Matthew, some intense events occur
› Note: Not found in other Gospels… suggests that Matthew
had a specific goal

Context: Only the High Priest can go behind the Temple
Veil (into the Holy of Holies)
› The veil separates the Holy of Holies from the rest of the
Temple
HOLY OF HOLIES
VEIL
Rest of TEMPLE

For the Jew (2000 years ago), the Veil symbolizes the
separation of God from the world/people

So what did Matthew intend?

For Matthew, the tearing of the veil shows that the
death of Christ makes ALL People (not just the High
Priest) having access to God.
It was real…
 “My God, my God…why have you forsaken me?”
 Jesus is truly human…he would’ve had every
experience that went to being human…
 Food for thought…you think he knew he was going to
“Resurrect”?

A RECAP

Jesus challenged their authority to such an extent they
believed Jesus was undermining their authority.
› Not worth a death sentence…
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According to the Gospels, they charged Jesus with
blasphemy
› This is worth a death sentence

Speech or actions that show disrespect or irreverence
for God
› Some Historians believe that Jesus “cleansing” of the Temple
was blasphemy
› Bible exegetes (esp in John) show that Jesus intended to
replace the Temple with Himself!
 That’s blasphemy for the Jew…
Though the Gospels portray Pilate as innocent, biblical
exegesis and historians find this claim very unlikely…
 Likely reason: Jesus disturbed the peace
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› Jerusalem was a volatile city for rebellion
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Simple fact: Pilate authorized Jesus’ death

Jesus was executed because
› He undermined the Jewish Leaders’ authority
 They charged him with blasphemy
› The Romans don’t like unruly citizens
 Otherwise…they could’ve cared less about Jesus…
If Jesus died for our sins (as a ransom for many), doesn’t
God come off as an angry and cold-hearted accountant
demanding payment in blood to set us free? What do we
really mean when we say “Jesus died for our sins”?
2. How would you answer the question, “why would God the
Father allow his Son to suffer and die as he did?”
3. What acts as the best image to describe Jesus’ death for us
today? (the Image of the Suffering Servant, the Paschal
Lamb, or the Ransom for many). If you had to choose one,
which is it and why?
1.

5 minutes
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
RE 2.4.3 D3 Pascual
CHALLENGE
The Gospels are not consistent in their details of the
Resurrection… yet…
 The Resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of Christian faith


“If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and
your faith is in vain” (1 Cor 15:14)
NOTE ABOUT THE RESURRECTION
Jesus’ followers did not expect him to die…
 Their expectation of the Messiah was to deliver Israel as a
Kingdom of God, free from Roman Control
 Their expectation of the Messiah was to call all of God’s people
together (qahal = ekklesia)
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
Historically speaking…Jesus’ death did not fulfill this.
DISCIPLE’S BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION?

There was no expectation of a resurrection of the body until the
end of time…

That’s assuming they did believe in the resurrection…
The Empty Tomb
Mk 16:1-8
Mt 28
Sabbath was past
Very early
First day of week
Sun risen
Late on the
Sabbath
First of week
Growing light
Women
Mary Magdalene
Mary, mom of James
Salome
Mary Magdalene
Other Mary
Purpose
Brought aromatic oils
Had aromatic oil from Friday
Came to anoint
Took aromatic oils along
Time
Lk 24
Jn 20
First of week
At first dawn
Early
First day of week
Still dark
Mary Magdalene
Mary, mom of james
Others
Mary Magdalene (note “we”
in vs 2)
Came to see tomb
Visual
Phenomena
Stone already rolled back
Youth sitting inside on right
Conversation
Angel said:
Not to fear
Jesus not here
He is raised
Tell disciples to Galilee
You will see him there
Earthquake
Angel descended
He rolled back the
stone
He sat on the stone
(outside)
Angel said:
Not to fear
Jesus not here
He is raised
Tell disciples to
Galilee
You will see him
Stone already rolled back
2 men standing (inside)
Stone already moved away
(later) 2 angels sitting inside
Men asked:
Why seek living among dead?
Jesus not here, he is raised.
As he told you while still in
Galilee
(later) angels asked: why do
you weep?
(later) Mary answered: they
took my Lord away.
(later Jesus gives message
for disciples)
Reaction
Mk 16:1-8
Mt 28
Lk 24
Jn 20
Women fled
Trembling,
astonished
Women went
away quickly with
fear, great joy
Women left
Mary ran to Peter
and Beloved
Disciple
Told no one
To tell disciples
Told Eleven and
rest
Told them that
body had been
taken away
DIFFERING DETAILS…BUT A COMMON PATTERN

On the First day of the week
Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb and found stone
rolled away from entrance
 A young man (“angel”) explains that “He is raised, he is not here”


The women left the tomb fearful
The Appearance
The Gospel Versions
Mk 16:18
Tomb
Area
Country
Road
Jerusalem
Galilee
Mt 28
Lk 24
Mk 16:9-20
Jn 20
Jn 21
Mk 16:18
Mt 28
Lk 24
Mk 16:9-20
Jn 20
Jn 21
The Gospel Versions
To women
returning from
tomb, they
clasped his
feet, He
repeated
message
about Galillee
Tomb
Area
First to
Mary Magdalene
To Simon (v
34)
At tomb to
Mary Magdalene
“Don’t cling to
me”
He spoke of
ascending
To two of them
walking in the
country
Country
Road
To 2
disciples on
road to
Emmaus
Jerusalem
To Eleven
To Eleven
At meal
Easter night
At table
Afterwards
To disciples
minus Thomas,
on of Twelve
At meal
Easter night
To disciples with
Thomas
Week later
Galilee
See promise
in 16:7
To Eleven on
a mtn.
To Seven disciples
At Sea of Tiberias
PATTERN…
A situation is described in which Jesus’ followers are bereft of him.
 The appearance of Jesus
 His greeting to his followers
 Their recognition of him
 His word of command or mission

RESURRECTED JESUS IN
SPACE AND TIME
Physical Appearance…
 Bad Eyes…
 Ninja Jesus…

PHYSICAL JESUS…
LUKE 24
36* While they were still speaking about this,r he stood in their
midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”s
 37But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were
seeing a ghost.t
 38Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do
questions arise in your hearts?
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LUKE 24
39* Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me
and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can
see I have.”
 40u And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
 41While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he
asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?”
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JOHN 21:12

Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.”
 Is
Jesus’ resurrected body spiritual or physical?
BAD EYES
BAD EYES…
John 20:14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw
Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.
 John 21:4 When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the
shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
 Luke 24: 16 but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

WHY?
Seems to tell us that the resurrected body is not a reanimated
corpse…
 Our soul will live on, but with our bodies…
 We are in-spirited bodies…(body and spirit)

NINJA JESUS…
NINJA JESUS???
Luke 24:31 With that their eyes were opened and they recognized
him, but he vanished from their sight.
 Luke 24:36 While they were still speaking about this, he stood in
their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.
 John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the
doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be
with you.”
 John 20:26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and
Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were
locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus’ body is not limited by time or space
SUMMARY, THE RESURRECTED BODY IS
Not a zombie…
 The physical body but transformed

TYPICAL ARGUMENTS

Arguments for supporting the resurrection as a historical event…
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The empty tomb…
Ancient copies of artifacts from different locations (NT)
Many followers chose to die rather than deny the Resurrection
The Resurrection appearances of Jesus caused a profound change in his
followers
Many people claimed for it to be true…
DISCUSS…
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Well after the death (and Resurrection) of Jesus Christ,
questions begun to emerge of how to “articulate/understand
Jesus Christ’s mission and identity, his relationship to God,
and his significance for humanity.”
The believers (of the Early Church) developed some vocab to
help us in our “christology”…
GOD
Mediator,
Redeemer,
Sanctifier
How
are we
saved?
HUMANKIND
Mediator:
 One who connects. Jesus serves as a mediator
between humanity and God
 Sanctifies:
 Makes holy; sanctification is the process of
becoming closer to God and growing in holiness.
 Redeemer:
 Refers to Jesus “paying the debt” to free us from
the slavery of sin.

Terms referring to Jesus
Jesus is called Lord
In the OT God reveals his
name to Moses as YHWH = I
AM
 Out of reverence for God’s
name a different name is
used Adonai = Kyrios = LORD
 In the NT giving the title
Kyrios to Jesus indicated his
divinity

In Roman times a redeemer
was one who paid the
ransom to free a slave
 Jesus paid the price to
ransom us from our own
slavery to sin
 Jesus in the hypostatic union
was able to pay our debt and
unite humanity with God
which makes salvation
possible

Jesus as Redeemer

Refers to the belief that the person of
Jesus Christ is truly human, and truly
divine.

“He was like us in all things but sin”
The two natures are united in one
person.
 His two natures cannot be separated

Hypostatic Union
Incompatible beliefs…
Mediator
Sanctifier
Redeemer
GOD
HUMANKIND
Socrative