Catecismo para bárbaros. Clase 7: La redención

Opening Prayer and Context

Introduction to the Session

• The session begins with a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance in speaking and understanding.

• A call is made for the Holy Spirit to ignite love in the hearts of believers, emphasizing the importance of divine inspiration during discussions.

Catechesis Overview

• This marks the sixth class in a series aimed at catechizing individuals, with sessions typically lasting between 45 minutes to an hour.

• Today's focus is on "redemption," explaining its meaning as salvation and how it relates to previous teachings about sin.

Understanding Original Sin

The Concept of Original Sin

• Discussion on how original sin affects humanity, detailing its transmission from Adam and Eve through human procreation.

• Emphasizes that original sin stems from our physical condition and is passed down through generations via marital unions.

Importance of Baptism

• Highlights the necessity of baptism for children to enter heaven, indicating future discussions will address unbaptized children.

Jesus' Teaching Methodology

Categories of Followers

• Explains that Jesus had two categories of followers: the twelve apostles chosen personally by Him and other disciples who followed Him more generally.

• Notes that among His disciples were both men and women, some closer than others, with certain disciples being sent out in pairs.

Opposition from Religious Leaders

• Mentions various groups like scribes, priests, and Pharisees who often attempted to trap Jesus with questions or challenges regarding His teachings.

The Nature of Sin

Infinite Offense Against God

• Recaps previous lessons on original sin as an infinite offense against God due to its nature as a transgression against an infinite being.

• Discusses God's singular prohibition in Eden regarding eating from the tree of knowledge—an act driven by pride leading to disobedience.

Redemption Through Christ

Necessity for an Infinite Redeemer

• Stresses that only an infinite being can pay off the debt incurred by humanity's infinite offense against God.

• Introduces God's decision to send His Son, Jesus Christ—true God and true man—to redeem humanity through His sacrifice.

Parable Introduction

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Introduction to Parables and Hyperboles

• The speaker discusses the nature of parables, likening them to hyperboles, which are exaggerated statements meant to convey deeper truths.

• Many of Jesus' parables serve as hyperbolic expressions designed for the Jewish audience's understanding.

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

• This specific parable illustrates God's struggle with the people of Israel, who repeatedly turned away from Him despite His revelations through prophets.

• Jesus narrates that a man planted a vineyard, rented it out, and sent servants to collect fruit; however, they were mistreated by the tenants.

Rejection of Prophets and Sending of the Son

• The owner sends multiple servants (representing prophets), all of whom are abused or killed by the wicked tenants.

• Finally, he sends his beloved son, hoping they will respect him; instead, they plot to kill him to seize his inheritance.

Consequences and Fulfillment of Scripture

• Jesus indicates that this reflects how He is treated as God’s son. The tenants’ actions foreshadow their judgment.

• He quotes scripture about the stone rejected by builders becoming the cornerstone, emphasizing His pivotal role in salvation history.

Implications for Salvation and Redemption

• The parable signifies a shift where salvation extends beyond Israel to all humanity through Christ.

• It highlights that in Christ there is no distinction among people; everyone can be part of God's family if they accept Him.

Understanding Redemption Through Christ

• The concept of redemption is explained as Christ offering Himself as a sacrifice for humanity's sins.

• This act restores humanity's relationship with God, allowing believers to become adopted children rather than merely creations.

Nature of Being Children of God

• While all creation can be seen as God's handiwork, only those baptized are considered children by adoption through faith in Christ.

• Emphasizes that Jesus is uniquely God's only begotten Son while believers share an adoptive relationship with God.

Suffering of Christ and Redemption

Key Sufferings of Christ

• The primary sufferings of Christ included his intense inner agony, sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, flagellation, and the crowning with thorns.

• Early Church Fathers emphasized that Jesus' greatest suffering was not physical but rather the internal anguish from bearing the sins of humanity.

• A child’s understanding illustrates that each sin adds to Jesus’ suffering; thus, one should strive to console Him by avoiding wrongdoing and doing good.

Nature of Suffering

• The most profound pain for Christ stemmed from witnessing His sacrifice as a means to redeem humanity while knowing He would be betrayed by those He called friends.

• Moral suffering is often more intense than physical pain; this is likened to preferring a physical blow over emotional betrayal or slander.

Understanding Redemption

• The main sufferings leading up to Jesus' crucifixion were significant in understanding God's love for humanity and the gravity of sin.

• Good Friday is unique as it commemorates Jesus' death; no Mass is celebrated on this day because it marks His passing.

Faith vs. Works

• A theological dilemma arises: if Christ died for all, does mere belief in Him guarantee salvation? This question challenges interpretations within different Christian denominations.

• Martin Luther's revolutionary stance posited that faith alone suffices for salvation, regardless of one's sinful nature—a view still held by many Protestants today.

The Role of Actions in Faith

• James 2 emphasizes that faith without works is dead; true faith must manifest through actions, highlighting the necessity of both belief and deeds in Christian life.

Understanding Faith and Reason

The Relationship Between Faith and Reason

• The speaker emphasizes the acceptance of revealed truths, asserting that faith can be rationalized. They argue that faith is not irrational but rather grounded in truth.

• God is presented as the author of both reason and faith, suggesting that they coexist harmoniously without contradiction.

Universal Redemption Through Christ

• The speaker discusses the concept of universal redemption, stating that Jesus forgives all sins and offers salvation to everyone.

• A metaphor is used comparing salvation to a large blanket; while it covers all, not everyone chooses to accept its warmth or protection.

Objective vs. Subjective Redemption

• The idea of "objective redemption" is introduced, indicating that while Jesus' sacrifice applies universally, individual acceptance varies.

• Many people actively choose not to embrace this salvation despite its availability, leading to their own condemnation.

Insights from the Last Supper

Biblical References in Context

• The speaker references Matthew 26:26 during the Last Supper, highlighting Jesus’ words about bread representing His body.

• He also mentions the significance of wine as His blood for the remission of sins, emphasizing a key theological point regarding communion.

Translation and Interpretation Issues

• Discussion arises around translation discrepancies in liturgical texts; specifically how "for many" was altered to "for all" in some translations.

• The original Greek text's meaning is explored further, clarifying nuances lost in translation over time.

Papal Clarifications on Salvation

• Pope Benedict XVI’s clarification on using “for many” instead of “for all” sparks debate about fidelity to scripture versus inclusivity in interpretation.

• It’s noted that while redemption is available for all humanity, not everyone accepts it; thus individual salvation remains contingent upon personal choice.

Consequences of Acceptance or Rejection

Eternal Outcomes Based on Choices

• The speaker concludes with a stark reminder: those who live according to God's grace may attain eternal life, whereas others risk eternal separation from God (hell).

Understanding Redemption and Divine Judgment

The Role of the Church in Redemption

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching the world according to the revelations and mandates of the church, highlighting that it is easier when everyone remains complacent.

• Discusses objective redemption available to all humanity, but subjective application only affects some individuals. Quotes St. Augustine on creation and salvation.

Cooperation with Divine Grace

• Emphasizes that God requires human cooperation for salvation; one cannot be saved without personal effort or merit.

• Mentions God's grace being sent to guide people towards repentance, likening this process to a shepherd guiding lost sheep back home.

The Nature of Divine Judgment

• Addresses misconceptions about divine condemnation, asserting that God does not predestine anyone for hell but rather judges based on individual actions.

• Clarifies that even condemned individuals must agree with their sentences, reinforcing the concept of free will in judgment.

Understanding Hell and Salvation

• Explains Jesus' words regarding eternal separation from Him as a consequence for those who reject His teachings.

• Highlights three key lessons: Christ's suffering for humanity, God's love demonstrated through sacrifice, and the ongoing impact of sin on Christ's suffering.

Suffering and Atonement

• Discusses how personal suffering can serve as atonement for sins, cautioning against adopting a victim mentality prevalent in society today.

• Illustrates how members of the body of Christ (the Church) support each other through their struggles, emphasizing communal responsibility in spiritual health.

The Sacrifice of Mass as Atonement

• Describes how participating in Mass allows believers to offer their sufferings as sacrifices to God.

• Defines "incruenta" (without bloodshed), explaining how the Mass renews Christ’s sacrifice without physical bloodshed while still being spiritually significant.

The Harrowing of Hell

• Introduces the concept of Jesus descending into hell after His death, referring to it as a place where souls awaited redemption before His resurrection.

The Concept of Limbo and Christ's Descent

Understanding the State of Souls Before Christ

• The souls of those who died before Christ's coming were in a state known as "the limbo of the just," distinct from hell, where some were clearly condemned.

• Notable figures like Saint Joseph, King David, and Old Testament prophets awaited access to paradise after their deaths, as they had not yet encountered Jesus' resurrection.

• Theologians suggest that even righteous pagans may have been included among those rescued by Christ during his descent into hell to bring salvation to all just souls.

Artistic Representation and Historical Context

• A significant painting by Fra Angelico depicts Christ leading Adam and other just souls out of limbo, illustrating the moment of salvation for these waiting souls.

• This descent is described as a journey to a place called "limbo" or "the bosom of Abraham," where good souls awaited the Messiah’s arrival.

The Resurrection: Key Events and Implications

• After Jesus' death on Good Friday, his body lay in the tomb while his soul descended to limbo; he resurrected on Easter Sunday, demonstrating his divine power over death.

• The resurrection serves as proof that Jesus is God and fulfills his promise regarding rebuilding the temple (his body) in three days.

Judgment: Individual vs. Universal

• While saints like St. Philip Neri performed miracles such as raising others from the dead, only Jesus resurrected by his own power—highlighting his unique divinity.

• At the end times, all will face judgment; individuals experience a particular judgment upon death followed by a universal judgment at the end of time.

Justice in Divine Judgment

• The first judgment is private; however, at the final judgment, all actions—including thoughts—will be revealed publicly for divine justice.

Salvation and Faith: Understanding the Role of Instruments

The Nature of Salvation

• Emphasizes that salvation cannot be found in figures like Buddha, Muhammad, or any guru; it is solely through the second person of the Holy Trinity.

• Discusses how faith often begins through trusted individuals (e.g., catechists, parents, friends), who serve as instruments rather than the source of faith itself.

Trusting in God Over Human Instruments

• Stresses that while various religious figures may guide us, true faith must rest in God alone. Personal trust should not be placed in human structures or leaders.

• Highlights potential crises of faith when those we trust fail us; if our faith is based on people rather than God, it can lead to disillusionment.

The Concept of Redemption

• Introduces the idea of objective redemption—Christ died for all—but subjective redemption requires personal cooperation and belief.

• Explains that mere belief is insufficient without action; one must demonstrate their faith through works.

The Afterlife and Judgment

• Describes Christ's descent into hell to rescue just souls before His resurrection, emphasizing His role as redeemer.

• Mentions the judgment after death where souls are separated for eternal life or eternal damnation.

Conclusion: Faith's True Foundation

• Reiterates that Jesus Christ is the only true redeemer; all other figures are merely means to an end—the ultimate goal being eternal life with God.