“HE DESCENDED INTO HELL” W H AT H A P P E N E D TO J E S U S W H E N H E D I E D ?

DESCENDED TO THE DEAD Before Christ’s Resurrection – What happened to

those who died? § Soul separated from body (this is still true today; all will gain

back bodies at Second Coming) § Soul goes to ‘abode of the dead’ to wait – Heaven is not ‘open’

until Jesus resurrects. § Name of this ‘abode of the dead’ – for ALL the dead: § Sheol (Hebrew) § Hades (Greek)

§ Souls of the just – place called ‘the bosom of Abraham’

“HE DESCENDED INTO HELL” When Jesus dies: § Many of the dead rose from their graves: Matt 27:52-53 § Jesus went down to visit and comfort the souls there. § Some would go right to Heaven § Some would go to Purgatory

Hell – for the souls that rejected God § Died in a state of unrepentant mortal sin § It is always our choice

THE RESURRECTION

THE RESURRECTION A Historical Event § It is an event that actually happened. § He was seen by many people – Apostles, women, 500 others

§ Myths concerning the Resurrection: § Apostles removed the body § Myth because of early Christians great admiration § Myth due to mass hysteria – followers convinced themselves that

it had happened. § None of the myths can account for the many people that gave

their lives to preach the Word and suffer martyrdom.

THE RESURRECTION Jesus’ Glorified Body § Can appear and disappear at will. § Can hide or reveal his identity. § Can pass through doors and walls. § Immune from suffering and death § Keeps wounds in hands, feet and side § Not limited by time or space.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

Without it, our faith is in vain § If Jesus did not rise, what hope do we have for our future? God has power over death, sin, and evil § He shows us that He really does have power over all this and can also bring about change in our own lives. § He can also make us rise to eternal life with Him This power confirms the legitimacy of all his teachings. § No other prophet or religious founder can claim this power.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

•  We are given the power to live a new life. •  Just like Christ, something (sin) must be put to

death in us (on the cross). And we too must rise again to new life in Christ. •  John 3:3-7 •  2 Cor 5:17 •  Eph 4:17-24

•  A true Christian must have a changed life. Have the name Christian is not enough.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN John 20: Forgiveness – the First Fruit § The whole purpose of the Passion and Resurrection is to bring us

back into relationship with God. § On the evening of the Resurrection, He gives his Apostles the power

to forgive sins: § John 20:21-23 § They are to continue Jesus’ own mission of forgiveness and restoration

of the relationship between God and man after He has ascended. § The fact that it is the first act he does shows its fundamental

importance.

§ John 21 – Forgiveness of St. Peter § Jesus asks Peter 3 times, ‘Do you love me?’ to make up for Peter’s 3

denials. § His sin does not change his mission. The same is true for us.

CELEBRATING THE RESURRECTION

Each Year We Celebrate Easter: § For 8 days – the Easter Octave § Begins with Easter Sunday, ends on Divine Mercy Sunday We Celebrate Easter every Sunday § Every Sunday is a ‘mini-Easter’

THE ASCENSION

ASCENSION TYPOLOGY Arises to heaven in a ‘cloud of glory’ (shekinah): 1. Same cloud that filled the sanctuary of Israel in the desert,

filled the Temple in Jerusalem. 2. Fulfillment of messianic prophecy in Daniel: He saw the ‘Son

of Man’ who appeared victorious over his enemies and was carried to God on the clouds of heaven in order to be given an eternal world-wide kingdom. (Daniel 7:13-14)

3. Same cloud that covered him at the Transfiguration.

ASCENSION TYPOLOGY In the 40 Days between the Resurrection and

Ascension, Jesus (Acts 1:3): 1. Gave them final instructions and teachings 2. Confirmed their faith in the Resurrection 3. Prepared them for the coming of the Holy Spirit

40 Days •  40 Days is a symbol of a time of preparation for some great

work (40 days/years in desert, 40 days on the mountain, etc) •  This time of preparation is for the Apostles, to prepare them

for their new mission.

ASCENSION Final Mission to the Apostles : § “Go to all the world, baptize, and preach and teach all I have commanded you.” § “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” § Just as the Father sent Jesus to us with a mission, now Jesus sends his Apostles out to continue His mission and work. § We have the same mission today.

§ But they need a special power to do this: the Holy Spirit

PENTECOST

PENTECOST 10 Days between Ascension and Pentecost § ‘Pente’ – Comes from the word for 50 § There are 50 days between Pentecost and Easter

Jewish Feast of Pentecost § Began as an Agricultural festival where Jews made pilgrimage

to Jerusalem to offer first fruits of the wheat harvest. § 50 Days after Passover

PENTECOST TYPOLOGY Later, Pentecost began to be associated with the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai § This event happened 50 days after Passover in Egypt.

A New Sinai § New Pentecost – the giving of the New Law (the Holy Spirit) to his

chosen people 50 days after the New Passover (Last Supper/Crucifixion).

§ Sound of rushing wind, tongues of fire, speaking in many langauges. § Mt. Sinai – God came in form of fire, with loud trumpet blasts,

thunder, communicated in language familiar with the people. § Gave the law – but the people were incapable of keeping it.

Needed something more….

PENTECOST PROPHECIES Israel failed over and over again to keep the Law God gave them. Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel both prophesized a day in which God would give him people ‘new hearts of flesh’ with the law written upon the heart. § Jeremiah 31:31-33 § Ezekiel 36: 26-27

The Spirit makes it possible for us to love as Christ love and follow his laws. It changes us.

PENTECOST Holy Spirit comes and descends on the Apostles and

Changes them § They are changed – no longer fearful, timid and not

understanding Jesus and his messages. § They are bold, courageous and well-spoken

§ People are converted – 3000 in one day § The Spirit wants to make the same change in us.

PENTECOST TYPOLOGY Reversal of Babel § The Tower of Babel § Men were united in doing evil. God confused their languages and divides them – symbol of division caused by sin. § Basic principals: God is unity, Satan is division § Word ‘diabolic’ means to ‘divide’ or ‘tear apart’ § Satan always seeks division and discord.

§ Pentecost § Opposite of Babel: People from different nations are united – all hear in his own language § God brings unity.

PENTECOST AND OUR LADY Our Lady was present among the Apostles during Pentecost § At the Annunciation, she was already covered by the power of the Holy Spirit and filled with his presence. § She was the “Spouse of the Spirit” – totally united to him as ‘one flesh’ § Therefore, it is actually Mary’s presence that calls forth the Spirit that she already has in her. § Just as the Spirit’s presence in Mary gives birth to Jesus, the Spirit’s presence in the Apostles gives birth to the Church.

ASSUMPTION OF MARY

ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY Basic Points: § Read CCC 966 § Mary did not have original or personal sin – therefore, she does not experience the consequences of sin (bodily death and corruption) § She is taken up body and soul into heaven (just like Jesus) § Did she die? Or was she assumed before death? § The Church leaves open both possibilities § Most theologians think she died – not because she needed to (she is free of the consequences of sin) but to be in union with her Son who experienced human death.

MORE ON THE ASSUMPTION… Old Testament Assumptions: § Both Enoch and Elijah were taken from earth before their death. § If God can assume these righteous men, even more so his own Mother.

Mary was the first Christian disciple – fitting she would experience the first fruits of redemption.

“Honor they Mother and Father” – An event of love § St. Francis de Sales: “What son would not bring his mother back to life and would not bring her into paradise after her death if he could?”

CORONATION OF MARY

TYPOLOGY – THE QUEEN MOTHER

Why is Mary a Queen? (Since she is Mother, but not wife) § In Israel, the Mother of the King was the Queen § Practically, the King had many wives and concubines

§ We read in the Old Testament, the Queen Mother: § Held an official position in the royal court § Had a throne and crown § Was a counselor to the king § In Scriptures, she is usually introduced by name along with the king. § Served as an advocate for people – presented their intentions to her son the King.

TYPOLOGY – THE QUEEN MOTHER

Queen Bathsheba (King Solomon’s Mother) § She was first the wife of King David § When she entered his presence, she bowed with face to ground, saying, “May my lord King David live forever.”

§ When she was Queen Mother to her son King Solomon § Someone asks her to intercede on their behalf because “He will not refuse you.” § When she enters his presence: § King Solomon stands and bows before her. § King has a throne brought so she can sit to his right – a position of authority. § She presents her petition, and he says, “Mother, make your request, for I will not refuse you.”

TYPOLOGY – MARY, THE NEW QUEEN MOTHER

§ Since Jesus is the Son of David, who will inherit the throne forever, his Mother now becomes the new Queen. § We see references and evidence of this throughout the New Testament: § The Visitation § The Wedding at Cana § Pentecost § Book of Revelation

MARY’S QUEENSHIP AT THE VISITATION

§ Elizabeth says, “Why does the mother of my Lord come to me?” § In royal court language of the East, ‘mother of my lord’ would have been used to address the Queen, as the King was referred to as ‘lord.’

MARY’S QUEENSHIP AT THE WEDDING AT CANA

§ At the Wedding, she serves as mediator between Jesus and the people. § To be a mediator, you need to have authority over both ‘parties’

§ Maternal Authority over the serves: § “Do whatever he tells you.” § This is a direct command that implies authority over the servers. § Her authority is always directed ultimately toward obeying her Son: “Do whatever he tells you.”

§ Maternal Authority over Jesus – otherwise why would she ask or anticipate his response by giving the command to the servers.

MARY’S QUEENSHIP AT PENTECOST

§ Acts 1:15 – She is singled out by name as present with the Apostles and given her most prominent title, ‘the mother of Jesus.’ § This indicates the centrality of her role.

§ Jesus had ascended and the Apostles had yet to find their bearings to lead the Church entrusted to them. Like queen mothers of Judah in times past (2Kgs 11; 1Kgs 21:14), she was helping to guide the Church while the Apostles, into whose care the Church would be placed, grew to maturity. §  The mother of secular kings often “served as regent upon the king's death and during his extended absences.” (Andreasen, “The Role of the Queen Mother,” 182.)

§  Mary was in the midst of the Apostles, and as “the queen mother assumed the role of regent during the transition of power upon the death of the king.” (Andreasen, “The Role of the Queen Mother,” 184.)

MARY’S QUEENSHIP IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

§ Revelation 12:1 – A women with a crown of 12 stars around her head and the moon under her feet. § The Child she gives birth to is understood to be the Messiah,

making the woman Mary. § She wears a crown (royalty) of 12 stars. § Crown of 12 stars – Queen of Church of the 12 tribes of Israel

and the 12 Apostles § ‘Clothed with the sun’ § Radiates God’s glory

§ ‘The moon under her feet’ is a symbol of her dominion over creation. § As well, ‘under her feet’ symbolizes regal power and defeat of

one’s enemies.

“TO SERVE IS TO REIGN” § Mary’s Queenship is not one of domination § Her authority is directed toward service. § Serves us by: § Presenting our needs to her Son § Leading us closer to Jesus § Guiding, teaching directing us as a Mother

§ “She is a queen who gives us all that she possesses.” (St. JPII)

MARY: MODEL OF THE CHURCH

§ Mary always shows us what we are called to be § She also shows us our future and destiny § Her Assumption and Queenship show us what we await as well as children of God. They give us hope – she lives now what we will all eventually live. § We too will receive our bodies back and live with Jesus forever in Heaven. § We too will be crowned and rewarded for the works of love that we did here on earth. § Not just a ‘trophy’ – we are truly rewarded and glorified because of what we do on earth, how we participate in Jesus’ mission.

ESCHATOLOGY: HEAVEN, HELL AND PURGATORY

WHEN WE DIE… •  We will be judged – Particular Judgment •  The soul will temporarily separated from the body.

Only the soul will enter into 1 of 3 states. •  Each soul will be individually judged according to: •  If we accepted the salvation offered by Christ. •  How they loved. •  Their works – works indicate whether we truly

loved Jesus and accepted his salvation. •  If we believe truly, then we will act on the

belief. •  It is OUR CHOICE.

HELL •  Hell •  Souls in hell died in a state of mortal sin

without repentance. •  This is a state of eternal separation from God. •  It is the result of a choice that we make while

on earth. •  Souls experience eternal hatred and

unhappiness. Read CCC 1033-1037

APPARITION OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

When Mary said these words she opened her hands again. The reflection of light seemed to penetrate the earth and we saw something like an ocean of fire, and submerged in this fire were demons and souls like transparent flames, black or bronze in color, of human form, fluctuating in the fire and taken by the flames that came out from within themselves along with clouds of smoke falling on all sides, similar to the fall of ashes from vast fires, but weightless and unbalanced, amidst screams and lamentations of sorrow and desperation that horrified us and made us tremble with fear. The demons were distinguished by their horrible and repulsive forms, like horrendous animals, but transparent as red-hot charcoal. Frightened and asking for help we looked up to Our Lady, who with sorrow and gentleness said to us :  "You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If you do what I tell you many souls will be saved and you will have peace.”

HEAVEN •  Fulfillment of deepest human longing; the state

of supreme and definitive happiness. •  How and why? – Because we are in full union

with God and each other. • We will have the “beatific vision” – seeing

God in his full glory ‘face to face’ •  “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor mind

has not thought about what God has prepared for those who love him.”

HEAVEN •  From the Diary of St. Faustina: •  “During meditation, the Lord gave me

knowledge of the joy of heaven and of the saints on our arrival there; they love God as the sole object of their love, but they also have a tender and heartfelt love for us. It is from the face of God that this joy flows, out upon all, because we see Him face to face.”

PURGATORY •  Called to holiness •  Jesus said, “Be perfect, as your heavenly

Father is perfect.” (Matt 5:48) •  “Strive for that holiness without which no one

will see the Lord.” (Heb 12:14) •  Therefore, we cannot enter heaven until we

are perfectly sanctified. •  State of purification •  It is for those who die in the state of grace,

but still have purification left to complete. •  It is the state of purification for souls on the

way to heaven.

PURGATORY – TYPES OF PUNISHMENT

•  Eternal Punishment •  Hell - Punishment for sin that does not end. •  Acquired through original sin and personal mortal

sin. •  Remitted (removed) through baptism (1st time) and

sacrament of reconciliation (all other times).

PURGATORY – TYPES OF PUNISHMENT

•  Temporal Punishment •  ‘Temporary’ – temporary punishment/consequences from

sin. •  Remains after sin is forgiven. •  Must be ‘expiated’ (made up for): •  Can do ON EARTH through prayer, sacraments,

penance, earthly suffering •  If I don’t ‘finish’ this on earth, it is done in PURGATORY.

•  Even though our sins have been forgiven, there are still temporal consequences we must pay for them.

•  Ex: If I break someone’s window, I can say ‘sorry’ (forgiveness), but I still need to fix the window (temporal consequences).

PURGATORY •  Scripture on Purgatory (know both of these) •  2 Maccabees 12:39-46 •  After a battle, were burying dead, discovered

pagan necklaces on them (sinful). So they took up a collection for the dead to pray for them and expiate their sins, in light of a future resurrection.

•  1 Corinthians 3:10-15 •  St. Paul says that some people’s works will be

burnt up on the Day of Judgment (quality of work is poor), but the PERSON will still be saved – but only through fire.

•  CCC on Purgatory •  CCC 1030-1032

PURGATORY •  Souls in Purgatory: •  Are at peace – they know they are not ready

to see Jesus yet, and they would not dream of doing so. •  Cannot earn any merit – our time of earning

merit is only here on earth. •  Cannot pray for themselves •  CAN pray for us here on earth. •  Suffer greatly.

PURGATORY •  Our suffering on earth can earn us merit and lessen

our purgatory time. It is easier and better to suffer on earth than purgatory.

Jesus to St. Faustina: 1487 - I am giving you a share in those sufferings because of My special love for you and in view of the high degree of holiness I am intending for you in heaven. A suffering soul is closest to My Heart. 1489 - But child, you are not yet in your homeland; so go, fortified by My grace, and fight for My kingdom in human souls; fight as a king’s child would; and remember that the days of your exile will pass quickly, and with them the possibility of earning merit for heaven. I expect from you, My child, a great number of souls who will glorify My mercy for all eternity.

PURGATORY • We must pray for the Souls in Purgatory: •  From the Diary of St. Faustina: “One evening, one of

the deceased sisters, who had already visited me a few times, appeared to me. The first time I had seen her, she had been in great suffering, and then gradually these sufferings had diminished; this time she was radiant with happiness, and she told me she was already in heaven…Then she came closer to me, embraced me sincerely and said, “I must go now.” I understood how closely the three stages of a soul’s life are bound together; that is to say, life on earth, in purgatory and in heaven [the Communion of Saints].”

LAST/FINAL JUDGMENT •  Parousia – The return of Christ at the end of time •  Jesus will return with power and majesty to judge all

men. •  The definitive triumph over sin and death.

•  Last or General Judgment – Jesus judgment at the end of time. •  Resurrection of the Dead •  All souls will rise and get their bodies back. •  All our moral acts (good and bad) will be

revealed. •  All the good and bad effects of each person will

be understood.

CHRIST THE KING •  There will be a new heavens and a new earth • We will understand God’s majesty and power • We will understand why people suffered.

•  Jesus will reign as King • We pray in the Our Father, “Thy kingdom

come.” – we are praying for the coming of this kingdom.

•  The liturgical year ends with this feast •  The liturgical year begins with Advent and

ends with Christ the King –the whole life of Christ.