LESSON THREE: ANSWERS
LESSON 3
This lesson is based on the text, Life in Christ: A Catholic Catechism for Adults, by Rev. Gerard Weber and Rev. James Killgallon (Acta Publications, 1995). The question in bold type is followed by a short answer taken from the text. The text in italics is another answer from the RCIA teacher, Jim Collins. Hyperlinks in red will direct you to documents or websites related to the topic. The entire sequence of lessons forms a comprehensive approach to basic RCIA instruction.
1. Who is the Mother of Jesus? Mary, the Blessed Virgin.
2. How did the Blessed Virgin become the mother of Jesus? The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a son, Jesus, the Son of the Most High through the Holy Spirit. She conceived Jesus when she said, “May it be done to be according to your word.”
3. Why did the angel greet Mary, Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you! The angel recognized that Mary was without original sin and full of grace (kecharitomene).
R-1: Was Mary without sin? (following p. 1122)
4. What is meant by the words, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you”? Jesus would be conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit without the aid of a human father.
5. Why was Jesus born of a virgin? His Father willed it so. Just as Isaac and John the Baptist had been born in miraculous circumstances, so it was fitting that Jesus would have an even more miraculous birth. It was also fitting that the womb that bore Jesus would give birth to no other children.
Q-1: Did Mary remain a virgin? (following p. 1058)
6. Who was St. Joseph? The husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. See geneology in Mt 1:16). He was a carpenter, obedient to God, who spoke to him through angels (Mary as spouse of the Holy Spirit, fleeing into Egypt).
H-4: Why do Catholics pray to Saints and Angels? (previous page to 483)
7. Who are the “brothers of Jesus” mentioned in the Bible? See Q-1 above. Cousins, relatives, no other children.
8. What is the story of the birth of Christ? Lk 2: 1-7.
9. Where did Jesus live most of his life? In Nazareth living with his mother and working as a carpenter until age 30.
10. Why did Jesus spend thirty years in a hidden life? To give us an example of how to live a holy, ordinary human life. He always followed the will of His Father. His public life began when it was His Father’s will. Circumstances around Him were right when He entered His public ministry. St. John the Baptist had prepared the way for him. His future apostles were ready for His call.
11. Did Jesus feel and act as other people do? In every way except sin and ignorance.
M-1: Why does the Church teach that Jesus is God? (following p. 802).
12. What are some of the incidents in the Gospels which show us the humanity of Jesus? His birth, circumcision, fleeing to Egypt, teaching in the Temple, returning to Nazareth to ordinary life; his hunger, thirst, fatigue; fondness of children; sorrow and weeping; loneliness; enjoying human companionship; visiting friends; feeling betrayed; experiencing the agony of his passion and death; His tender love towards all
13. When did Jesus begin his public life? When he was about 30 years old.
Discussion:
Who is Jesus in my life?
How do I see Jesus as human?
How do I see Jesus as divine?
What Gospel incidents stand out in my mind and heart?
Who is Mary, the mother of Jesus, in my life?
Do I have a devotion to St. Joseph?
(St. Joseph Covenant Keepers)