The Significance of the Paschal Mystery and Salvation

The Mission of Christ and the Path to Salvation

Jesus Christ came to fulfill the promise of salvation. He gave His life to rescue many and, in doing so, reconciles all humanity with God.

Manifestation at the Last Supper

On the eve of His Passion, Jesus gathered the twelve apostles and instituted the Eucharist. He offered His sacrifice and established His apostles as priests of the New Covenant.

The Agony of Jesus in Gethsemane

In the Garden of Gethsemane, despite the natural horror of death, the Son of God accepted the burden of our sins in His body to save all humanity.

Effects of the Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross

Jesus freely offered His life in atonement—that is, to repair our faults through His obedience unto death. Jesus calls His disciples to bear the cross, as He wants to associate His sacrifice with those who are its primary beneficiaries.

The Kingdom of God and Divine Mercy

Jesus invites all people to enter the Kingdom of God and to accept His infinite mercy. He accompanied His words with signs and miracles, coming into this world to deliver us from the slavery of sin.

Authority Given to the Apostles

Jesus chose twelve prospective witnesses of the Resurrection with the mission to teach, absolve sins, and govern the Church.

The Meaning of the Transfiguration

Jesus shows that His glory passes through the Cross; the Transfiguration gives a foretaste of the Resurrection and His divine glory.

The Messianic Entry into Jerusalem

Jesus decided to go to Jerusalem to suffer His Passion, to die, and to rise again. With this event, the Church begins the observance of Holy Week every year.

The Importance of the Paschal Mystery

The Paschal Mystery includes the Passion, death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ. It is at the center of the Christian faith because it represents the Son of God coming to save us.

The Indictment of Jesus

Jesus was accused of acting against the Law, against the Temple of Jerusalem, and particularly against the faith in God by proclaiming Himself the Son of God. For this reason, He was delivered to Pilate, who did not hesitate to condemn Him to death.

Responsibility for the Death of Jesus

No one person or group is uniquely guilty of the death of Jesus; rather, every Christian is a sinner responsible for the suffering of Jesus on the cross. We are often guilty when we fall into sin and when vices are exceeded.

The Divine Plan for Salvation

The death of Jesus is part of God's plan. To bring salvation to all people doomed to death because of sin, God sent His Son to die for all sinners, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament. Christ offered His whole life to the Father.