Theology II: Passion, Resurrection, and Church Doctrine

I. Key Terms & Definitions

A. People

• Judas Iscariot: Betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin.
• Saint Peter: Denied Jesus three times.
• John the Apostle: The apostle to whom Jesus entrusted his mother.
• Mary Magdalene: Recognized Jesus after the resurrection when He called her name.
• Thomas the Apostle: Recognized Jesus after the resurrection by touching the wounds of Christ.
• Pontius Pilate: Believed Jesus was innocent but still decided to execute Him.
• Simon of Cyrene: Helped Jesus carry His cross.
• Disciples on the Road to Emmaus: Recognized Jesus after the resurrection in the breaking of the bread.
• Caiaphas: The high priest who accused Jesus of blasphemy.

B. Events in Jesus’ Passion, Death, & Resurrection

• Entry into Jerusalem: Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey while people shouted "Hosanna" and laid palms on the ground.
• The Last Supper: Two sacraments were instituted (Baptism and Eucharist). Jesus taught the disciples to serve one another by washing their feet.
• The Cups of Passover: Jesus drank four cups:
  • First cup: Drunk after a blessing, followed by bitter herbs symbolizing the bitterness of Egyptian slavery.
  • Second cup: Drunk after the telling of the Passover story.
  • Third cup: The “Cup of Blessing,” drunk after eating the lamb and unleavened bread.
  • Fourth cup: The “Cup of Consummation”; the Passover was not complete until this cup was consumed.
• Garden of Gethsemane: The last place Jesus prayed before His death; He sweated blood and was arrested by the Romans. Judas betrayed Him with a kiss.
• Trial Before Pilate: Pilate feared the crowd and avoided the truth to prevent riots.
• The Seven Last Words of Christ: The final sentences spoken by Jesus on the cross.
• Burial of Jesus: Performed by Joseph of Arimathea.
• Descent into Hell: Jesus descended to save the holy souls.
• Ascension: Jesus ascended to heaven, body and soul, representing the future resurrection of the body for all.
• Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, granting them the ability to speak in other languages.
• The Great Commission: Jesus instructed the apostles to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

C. Theology & Church Terms

• Hero Messiah vs. Prophet Messiah: Many Jews expected a “Hero Messiah” (a military leader).
• Salvation History: The gradual unfolding of God's plan to save humanity.
• Blasphemy: Claiming to be God.
• Redemptive Suffering: Uniting personal suffering with the suffering of Jesus for the redemption of souls.
• Eschatology: The study of the last things.
• The Last Things: Death, Particular Judgment, and Heaven or Hell.
• Virtue: The firm and habitual disposition to do good.
• Mortal Sin: Sins that result in the loss of sanctifying grace.
• Final Judgment: When Christ judges the living and the dead.
• Resurrection of the Body: The promise of new life.
• Vatican II: A council where bishops of the Catholic Church gathered to clarify teachings.
• Documents of Vatican II: Produced 16 documents, including 4 major constitutions:
  • Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963): The Most Sacred Council.
  • Lumen Gentium (1964): The Light of the Nations.
  • Dei Verbum (1965): The Word of God.
  • Gaudium et Spes (1965): Joy and Hope.
• Marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
• Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
• Deposit of Faith: All that has been revealed and must be accepted by the Church.
• Sacred Tradition: Continuity with the apostles, interpreted by the Magisterium.
• Sacred Scripture: Inerrant and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
• Magisterium: The teaching authority of the Church.
• Tripod of Truth: Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium.
• Heresy: The obstinate post-baptismal denial of a truth that must be believed with divine and Catholic faith.
• Precepts of the Church: Laws governing the moral and liturgical life of the faithful, including attending Mass on Sundays, annual confession, receiving Communion during Easter, fasting/abstinence, and supporting the Church.

D. Apostles

• The Twelve: Peter, Andrew, James the Greater, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the Lesser, Jude, Simon the Zealot, and Matthias (who replaced Judas).
• Martyrdom: Most apostles died as martyrs, including Peter (crucified upside down), Andrew (crucified), and James the Greater (beheaded).

E. Catholic Practices

• Fasting Days: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

II. Discussion Questions

1. Zechariah 9:9: Jesus fulfills this prophecy through His Triumphal Entry, demonstrating His role as the humble King.
2. Judas's Betrayal: Motivated by greed.
3. Judas vs. Peter: Judas fell into despair, while Peter repented and sought forgiveness.
4. Washing of the Feet: A lesson in humble service.
5. Passover Lamb: Foreshadows Jesus as the sinless Lamb of God whose blood saves humanity.
6. Sanhedrin Charge: Blasphemy for claiming to be God.
7. Temple Veil: Its tearing signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
8. Holy Spirit: Given to the disciples after the Resurrection to grant the authority to forgive sins.

III. Essay Questions

1. Salvation: Jesus' death satisfies divine justice, while the Resurrection confirms the sacrifice and offers hope for eternal life.
2. Peter's Redemption: Models God's mercy, showing that failure is not final.
3. The Church: Part of God's eternal plan to be in relationship with humanity, not a spontaneous invention.
4. Bride of Christ: Represents the total self-giving love between Christ and His Church.