Redemptive Nature of Jesus’ Earthly Life

Jesus’ Public Ministry

Jesus as the “Light of the World”

Luminous Mysteries◦The Baptism at the Jordan◦The Wedding Feast at Cana◦The Proclamation of the Kingdom◦The Transfiguration◦The Institution of the Eucharist

Baptism at the JordanFound in all four gospelsJohn baptized followers in the

Jordan River as a sign of cleansing and renewal.◦Jesus was baptized by John

Completely identifies with the human condition

Perfect obedience to the Father Reveals the mystery of the Trinity

Wedding at CanaFound only in the Gospel of JohnTurns water into wine

◦Reveals his glory and disciples begin to believe in him

◦Mary already believed in him◦Power over creation◦Wine was used in ancient times to

“toast” the coming of the Messiah

Proclamation of the KingdomThe Kingdom is revealed through many

miracles and teachings. It is present in Jesus.The kingdom will be here when original

justice and holiness will be restored and people will live in peace with God and one another

Prophesied to begin when the Messiah would bring good news to the poor and freedom to the captives◦ Healed the blind, lame, and others◦ Brought freedom to those subject to demons,

disease, sin, oppression, and death

TransfigurationFound in the three synoptic gospelsFollows Peter’s acceptance of Jesus as

Messiah and Jesus’ proclamation of his passion, death and resurrection◦ Jesus would be a “suffering servant” not a

warrior leader. Messianic mystery

Manifested to Peter, James and John◦ Jesus “shines like the sun”◦ God acknowledges Jesus as his son◦ Jesus shown with Elijah(prophets) and

Moses(Law)

Institution of the EucharistTestified to in the synoptics and Paul’s first

letter to Corinthians, and implied in John’s gospel.

At *Passover meal, Jesus turns bread and wine into his body and blood and commands the apostles to “do this in memory of me”◦First Eucharist◦ Institution of the Priesthood◦An invitation to participate in the Eucharistic

sacrifice

*A remembrance of the saving of the Israelites from death in Egypt commanded by God to be

commemorated each year.

PASCHAL MYSTERY

The work of Salvation accomplished by Jesus

Christ mainly through his life, Passion, death, Resurrection and

Ascension.

The Poverty of ChristElites and non-elites

◦In Jesus’ time there were two classes, the poor and the wealthy

◦Mary and Joseph part of the non-eliteMaterial poverty and poverty of the

heart (spirit)◦Wealthy have an obligation to help the

poor Matt, 19:16-24, Lk.16:19-31, Matt.25:31-46

◦Recognize the need for God Matt.6:19-21, Mk. 12:41-44, Lk. 12: 15-21

The Obedience of ChristRedeeming Adam’s disobedience

◦Through the disobedience of our first parents sin and death enter the world

Jesus’ example of obedience◦Called the “New Adam”◦Restores human nature to its original

holiness◦Obedient to his earthly parents◦Obedient to his heavenly Father

Christ’s moral preaching Morality:

◦ Goes beyond the “letter of the law” (legalistic) *Looks at intention and situation in addition to the action itself.

New law is a return to the original holiness and justice.◦ New Law – Old Law

“You have heard…” “I have not come to abolish the law”

◦ Purifies our conscience by basing our obedience on being in full communion with God Love Adultery/Divorce/Chastity Anger Prayer, Alms, Fasting

*both action and intention must be good in order to have a moral actSituation or circumstance increases or decreases the goodness or evil of the act.

The Sermon on the MountBeatitudes

◦ With the Commandments, a guideline for livingYou are the “Salt of the Earth, Light of the

World”Teachings about

◦ the Law◦ Anger, adultery, divorce,& swearing oaths◦ Retaliation, love of enemies◦ Almsgiving, prayer & fasting◦ Poverty of the heart◦ Judging others, relying on God, Golden Rule◦ Discipleship◦ Results of acting on Jesus’ teachings

Christ’s Miracles or Signs The people of Jesus’ time related sickness to

sin Restoring the wholeness of body, mind, and

spirit Jesus is making the Kingdom of God present

to those who believe in him◦ Healings

Physical healing, (blind, lame, lepers etc)◦ Exorcisms

Removing demons or evil spirits◦ Resurrections

Raising people from the dead◦ Power over Nature

Not performed directly to prove who he was.

CHRIST’S HEALINGS

Isolation

Just as sin isolates us from God, sickness, poverty and all bad fortune isolated people from others. Jesus sought to bring everyone together by his healings

Sinfulness

People thought that sinners where afflicted by God for their sins

Kingdom of God

Healings were a sign of the kingdom that Jesus had brought with him