The Paschal Mystery Paschal: Passover, the Exodus experience when God led the Hebrews out of slavery to the Promised Land Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross is a passing from the slavery of sin and death to the greatest freedom of all: Resurrection. The Eucharist re-presents the Paschal Mystery, enabling us to enter into the events of our Salvation.

Historical Background of Jesus’ Death Jesus’ opponents felt threatened by some of Jesus’ words and actions. Some judged that Jesus was a false prophet. Members of the Sanhedrin accused Jesus of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death.

Theological Background of Jesus’ Death Responsibility for Jesus’ Death is assigned historically to Pontius Pilate. The real instruments of Jesus’ crucifixion are sinners. Holding all Jewish people responsible for Jesus’ Death is a form of anti-Semitism. Why Jesus Died In his suffering and Death, Jesus’ humanity became the free and perfect instrument of divine love, a self-surrendering gift of love on our behalf.

The Passion Narratives “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.” Last Supper Jesus instituted the Eucharist. Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection are God’s New Covenant with us. Gethsemane “Abba... Take this cup” Jesus took the path of peace.

The Passion Narratives Before the Sanhedrin Judged that Jesus committed the sin of blasphemy Pilate Condemns Jesus to Death Jesus was charged with sedition, punishable by death under Roman law. Crucifixion Typically died by suffocation Jesus refused pain relief. “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me.”

The Passion Narratives Jesus’ Death Symbolized the end of the Old Covenant Fulfilled the mission of the Suffering Servant “Truly, this man was the son of God.” Jesus’ Burial His Mother, Mary, and John the “beloved disciple” and other women were present Buried by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Resurrection of Jesus Fundamental event of Salvation History “If Christ has not been raised, then empty to is our preaching; empty, too, your faith.”

Scriptural Accounts of the Resurrection Disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24) Disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24) Women (Mt 28) Women (Mt 28) Mary Magdalene (Jn 20) Mary Magdalene (Jn 20) Peter (Lk 24, 1 Cor 15) Peter (Lk 24, 1 Cor 15) Four separate appearances to the Eleven and some other disciples (Jn 20, Mt 28, Acts 1) Four separate appearances to the Eleven and some other disciples (Jn 20, Mt 28, Acts 1) Seven disciples (Jn 21) Seven disciples (Jn 21) More than five hundred brothers (1 Cor 15) More than five hundred brothers (1 Cor 15) James (1 Cor 15) James (1 Cor 15) Paul (Acts 9) Paul (Acts 9)

Theological Meaning of the Resurrection Many disciples would suffer martyrdom for their belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The event of the Resurrection is historical, but it also goes beyond human experience. It proves that Jesus is divine. He lives on in his Body, the Church. “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

The Ascension of Jesus The Ascension “indicates a difference in manifestation between the glory of the risen Christ and that of the Christ exalted to the Father’s right hand.” On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit gives the Apostles the power to preach the message that Jesus is Risen.

The Second Coming of Christ Parousia: the Second Coming of Christ when the Lord will judge the living and the dead “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” “AMEN! COME, LORD JESUS!” MARANATHA

Journal Dr. Rice argues in favor of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ by responding to six questions. Which answer to these questions is your favorite? Which one is your least favorite? Why? 1.Did Christ die? 2.Was he buried? 3. Was the tomb empty on Easter? 4.Where did the body go? 5.Who could have taken the body? 6.Did the Apostles and Disciples merely imagine that they had seen Christ?

The Second Coming of Christ Read: Mark 14-15, Matthew 25-26, or Luke Mark 14-15, Matthew 25-26, or Luke How does the contrast with John 18-19?