LESSON SEVEN: ANSWERS
Preparation: Opening Prayer
Proclamation: Isaiah 40:11: Like a shepherd He will tend His flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs and gather tem in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
Song: Like a Shepherd (Lift up your Hearts--St. Louis Jesuits)
(Chorus) Like a shepherd he feeds his flock and gathers the lambs in his arms holding them carefully close to his heart leading them home.
Say to cities of Judah: Prepare the way of the Lord. Go to the mountains, uplift your voice: Jerusalem, here is your God. (Chorus)
I myself will shepherd them for others have led them astray. The lost will I rescue and heal their wounds and pasture them giving them rest. (Chorus)
Come unto me if you are heavily burdened and take my yoke upon your shoulders. I will give you rest. (Chorus)
Reflection
Clarification on the existence of angels (D-1), CCC 328 and
Satan (I-2), CCC 391
Questions and answers: Section 9: Jesus Christ, Supreme Teacher p. 57
What did Our Lord teach the people: Redemption was at hand; The Kingdom of God had come; He was the fulfillment of the Old Law (in doctrine, moral law, and worship); The infinite love of God; The mystery of the Trinity; The mystery of his divinity, his Church, and his sacraments.
How did Jesus teach? (1) Simply and directly: law of love; (2) Parables: Sower; (3) By example: meek and humble of heart (Crucifixion, washing the feet)
What is a parable? Illustration of a truth by means of an example or a story: (a) barren fig tree: need for good works; (b) Pharisee and publican: virtues of humility and contrition; (c) Wise and foolish virgins: being prepared for death; Marriage of the king’s son: need of being in possession of the divine life; (d) unmerciful servant: necessity of forgiving one’s enemies; (e) Good Samaritan: necessity of loving one’s neighbor; (f) Prodigal Son: love and mercy of God.
What are some of the doctrines which Jesus taught by his example as well as by his words? Particularly love of God and neighbor, prayer, submission to the will of God, poverty, and detachment.
How did Jesus teach love?
(1) By laying down his own life for all.
(2) Forgiving and praying for those who crucified him.
(3) In his miracles showing compassion for the sick and suffering: (a) cure of centurion’s servant; (b) raising from the dead: Jairus’ daughter, widow’s son; Lazarus; (c) cure of paralytic at pool of Bethsaida; (d) cure of the man born blind.
How did Jesus teach prayer? He taught the true spirit: sincerity, simplicity, no hypocrisy or wordiness. His entire life was a prayer. He spent long periods of time in prayer: whole nights, 40 days and nights (including fasting). Began activities with prayer: choosing his disciples, working miracles, beginning his passion. He prayed during his agony in the garden and as he hung on the cross.
How did Jesus teach perfect submission to the will of God? I always do what is pleasing to him (the Father): Jn 8:28-29; Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house? Lk 2:49; …He…was obedient to them: Lk 2:51; My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will: Mt 26:39
How did Jesus teach poverty and detachment? By his own complete detachment: born in a stable, working as a carpenter, having no home or possessions during his public life, having no where to rest his head. He had special love and concern for the poor. He chose disciples who had very little and still required them to give up what little they had.
Prayer: Rosary: See Handout