RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 2

2nd SEM: FINALS

The Kingdom of God 1. KOG is a Gift as well as the Task

KINGDOM OF GOD IS… - gift of salvation; it offers pardon to the sinners; it is eternal
- the central image of Christ’s as proclaimed in the synoptic - is a banquet, a table-fellowship, a joyful communion with
Gospels (CFC2151) the Lord and with one’s fellow human beings
- the heart of the Gospels’ presentation of Jesus’ mission
and ministry … as a Task …

PICTURING THE KINGDOM - our role : search for God’s Kingdom; work for its
coming; celebrate its presence here and now
- Kingdom of God should make a real difference

Thus, we pray:
- to have a change of heart and mind (conversion)
- to be less and less self-centered
- to exercise virtues of the Kingdom of God and seek
justice
- to be prepared to sacrifice for the Kingdom and reject
THE OLD TESTAMENT whatever hinders its coming
- YAHWEH is the Creator of all things- then He is the true - to use our talents for the Kingdom
Ruler and real King of all creation
- the Kingdom of God as a political state or a specific
2. Serve others in humility
territory
- the coming of Jesus ushered in God’s Kingdom
- prophets were sent and foretold about the Messiah who
- identifiable by Christ’s norms, as distinct from society and
would start a new covenant or a new era
the world
- evils will be abolished, and God will rule in justice and
- the Church represents the coming of the Kingdom in
peace
process (CFC 1378)
- the Messiah-King - defeat Romans and gain independence
- the petition :”Thy Kingdom come” in the Lord’s Prayer
for them; restore their nation to its former glory and bring
(CFC 1379)
back the prosperity and their power they had
KINGDOM OF GOD HAS “COME”…
JESUS UNIQUE VISION OF THE KINGDOM
- Jesus’ acts were signs of the Kingdom
- He taught and preached about the concept of the Kingdom
- God’s will is manifested to all people: esp. the abandoned,
in a spiritual one
the outcast... be cared for (SALVATION)
- He gave parables and Beatitudes and presented analogies
- The experience of SALVATION - act of freeing people from
- He announced that the Kingdom was present in His person
sufferings and oppression that is directed toward a life of
- He performed miracles that revealed the Kingdom –
love ( full well-being)
 where God is the Lord;
- Therefore, we “bring God’s Kingdom here on earth.”
 condition of order; peace, wholeness in people
as well as the environment
KOG – The Church
THE KINGDOM OF GOD OLD TESTAMENT
Understood as Kingship / Reign of God
Old Testament Vision - the experience of “blessedness” (life in the Garden of Eden
God is the ruler God is the Lord – Gen. 2)
Political State Spiritual - was foretold by the Prophets, “God’s rule of grace in the
Prophets In and through Him world and a future period
Messiah King Messiah Suffering - a product of people’s experience (e.g., Exodus event)
Servant - points to the experience of “worship”
Territorial Condition of Life - they always experienced God in their prayers and
gatherings
PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD - is eschatological
(Lk. 4:18-19; Is. 61:1-2) - Israel had earnestly desired and hoped for the coming of
- He brought Good News to the poor by preaching in the God’s glory.
streets and byways, in the market places, along the shore - they hoped for the restoration of Israel.
of the lake of Galilee
- He sought out public sinners(Zaccheus, Lk. 19:1-10); The Kingdom of God is the core-content of Jesus’ message:
(adulterous woman. Jn.8:1-11) and forgave their sins - Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This
freeing them from the captivity of their own guilt. is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
- He gave sight to the blind (Bartimaeus, Mk 10: 46-52; Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
Bethsaida, Mk 8:22-26)
The Letter of Paul says:
THE CHURCH’S TEACHING - “For the Kingdom of God is not food or drink, but justice,
- Important Characteristics of the Kingdom of God from the peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 14:17)
PCP 2
- JUSTICE – means “right” relations to myself, others, -become more committed to the mission of helping build
and God (Jer. 22.16) the Church
- PEACE – comes from the Hebrew term, “shalom,” which 2. Live an active life of worship
means “reconciliation” to self, others, and God. - active participation in the liturgy, especially in the
- Christ’s gift to all of us (Jn. 14:27) Eucharistic liturgy
- Christ’s first word to His disciples (Jn. 20: 21, 26) - the liturgy empowers and challenges us to promote
- JOY – biblically, it means “fullness,” “life,” and “love.” justice, peace, and charity
- The Kingdom of God is portrayed on the Wedding 3. Develop and use your talents
Feast, where the joy of all was guaranteed. - to serve the community
- is not original with Jesus, others had used it before, - to attract others to Him
especially the OT writers. - to foster the growth of the Church.
- refers to God’s action = RULING powerfully as
King
- is unique in Jesus: Its fulfillment is IN / THROUGH The Parables
Him is not well defined by Jesus, but described in - a comparison drawn from the nature or human life and
many images (e.g., Parables) told as a story to evoke some moral or religious insight.
- a symbol of God’s revolution among humanity - convey Jesus’ teaching clearly
- thus, it is not a specific place, but a condition, a - Jesus’ parables are one of a kind because of the “twist”
state of being = God REIGNING in ONE’s LIFE - The “twist” was meant to highlight some countercultural
- it requires FAITH AND CONVERSION values of society.
- ALREADY = we already experience the presence - Today, Jesus, parables led us to question our attitudes or
of God’s Kingdom values that are contrary to the Gospel values
- NOT YET = we do not experience its fullness yet…
- WHY? = because we will experience its fullness in Types of Parables
the “end-time.” 1. Parables that describe the King/ God
- His nature, qualities, and attitudes in dealing with
THE CHURCH people.
- Church – is “an assembly of God’s people: the
community of Jesus’ disciples Ex. The Workers in the Vineyard (Mt, 20:1-16)
The Lost Son (Lk 15:11-32)
The ETYMOLOGICAL meaning of the Church
- Ekklesia – a Greek word, which means “the citizens of 2. The Parables that emphasize the kind of response
God’s assembly,” an act of being gathered (no religious needed to enter the Kingdom of God.
meaning)
- Qahal – a Hebrew word (taken from Septuagint – LXX), Ex. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Lk 18:9-14)
which means “an assembly of the Chosen People of God The Rich Fool (Lk 12:16-21)
- these people were called by God to give testimony
to Him (Ps. 40:10; 107:32) 3. Parables that refer to the future coming of the Kingdom
- (has no religious meaning)
Ex. The Weeds Among the Wheat (Mt. 13:24-30)
THE KINGDOM OF GOD The Wedding Feast (Mt. 22:1-14)
- Through Christ’s preaching of God’s Kingdom
- When the people believe, profess, and respond to Christ’s The Good News Themes in the Parables
preaching 1. God’s loving mercy is at the heart of the Good News
- Under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the - reveals that God is Abba
Church is constituted. - an endearment Father
- The “Pentecost” event (Acts 2:1-13) - He loves us with infinite, unconditional
- Because of her constitution, the Church has a “special call” 2. Everyone is called to enter in the Kingdom of God
- To be at the service of the Kingdom of God: to become the - the Kingdom is a gift to all people
living witness - requires responses from each of us
- For the Kingdom of God is the Goal of the Church 3. The Kingdom demands our response
(people) - Jesus challenged the people to “repent and believe in
- The Church is a pilgrim Church, the Gospel” (Mt. 1:15)
- She is journeying towards the Kingdom of God. - we are to change our ways and to be selfless
4. The Good News demands our persevering response
The Church says… - we will be judged according to our response to the
- The first great “living work of the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Good News
Life is the Church. - we should always be ready
- The word Church means that which pertains to the Lord. 5. Rejoice and be Hopeful
- For the Church is none other than the community of men - those who will accept God’s message will find the
and women “who united in Christ and guided by the Holy “hidden treasure”
Spirit, press onwards towards the Kingdom of the Father - the Kingdom will triumph though there is much
and are bearers of the message of salvation intended for suffering and evil
all men.” - God assures us that He is in charge, and He asks us
to trust in Him
Doing the Message
1. Lead an authentic life of prayer The Mustard Seed
- develop an intimate union with God - The Kingdom of God starts from the smallest beginning but
- grow in holiness grows into much bigger proportions”
- It gives consolation and hope, esp. when tempted to Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted
doubt the goodness of our works - the pain, suffering, or sorrow
- it affirms that every good that we do, no matter how small - we are driven to reflect on the deep realities of life
it may seem to us, contributes to the building of God’s - ask God, “Why me Lord?”, the Holy Spirit consoles us
kingdom of love, peace, and justice - grief maybe sorrow over our sins or over a form of injustice
- never be discouraged by setbacks or difficulties in our or evil
efforts to do good.
What did JESUS do?
The Yeast (Mt. 13:33) - experience sorrow and mourning
- Signs of the kingdom are not always visible “My soul is sorrowful even to death.” (Mt. 26:38)
- Kingdom encourages us to look beyond what is visible - He promised that our mourning will turn into blessing when
and to trust God in establishing His Kingdom in quiet but our sorrow awakens real compassion.
sure ways “Your grief will become joy.” (Jn 16:20)

Challenge to the TEENAGERS

The Treasure (Mt. 13:44)
- sadness is part of life
- The treasure that symbolizes God’s blessings- faith,
- when in grief we should open our hearts to the Spirits
loved ones and true friendship
through prayer
- Treasures that are truly important- authentic happiness
- Spirits comforts us through other persons
(Beatitudes)
- our sorrow should awaken the real compassion in us.
- Kingdom of God can come to us in the most ordinary
ways and through unexpected persons and events Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land
- to be humble, gentle, patient, and not ever ready to take
offense
The Net (Mt. 13:47-50) - don’t lose your “cool”- be in charge of the situation
- It is about what will happen - not defensive, your worth depends on God’s unconditional
at the end of time love
- The Judgment Day - humility is truth
- Live our lives according to the Good News - Be patient-don’t take moral shortcuts
- We are called to a personal relationship with Him that will
lead us to do good to this world. What did Jesus do?
- We must respond in words and deeds - never busy to play with children or pray to His Father
- taught us to try to break the vicious cycle of aggression
and violence
Living the Beatitudes “When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
Living the Kingdom Values turn the other one to him as well”(Mt. 5:39)
- are set of declarations that Jesus delivered in His Sermon - willingly and actively pursue justice and peace even at the
at the Mount ( Mt. 5:3-12) cost of suffering
- are ethical and spiritual standards for the followers of
Challenge to the teenagers:
Christ
- avoid bullying-it is a form of oppression
- present solemn pronouncement of blessings for those who
- be in control of your behavior; do not be arrogant
embraced Jesus’ attitudes and values.
- be strong against cheap-attacks
- express what ordinary people really desire deep in their
hearts Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for their is the kingdom of
- doing for what is right
heaven.
- have an intense drive for justice
- Does not mean being materially poor nor being
- Spiritual hunger or thirst
psychologically and emotionally deprived
It is not a negative trait - radical persevering actions
- recognizes are complete dependence on God. What Jesus do?
- our ultimate trust must be in the living God - Focused on justice, a value so essential to a community
- no one should be in want, - Emphasized that we have to fight against anything that
- value more relationship than riches stands in the way of justice and righteousness
“If your right hand cause you to sin, cut it off and
What did JESUS do?
throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your
- fought against self-centeredness, pride, jealousy, envy,
members than than to have your whole body go into
and greed
Gehenna.” (Mt. 5:30)
- led a simple life (Lk. 9:58)
- completely committed to the poorest of the poor (Mat.
Challenge to teenagers
9:35-38)
- Studying well and not cheating
- suffered death reserved for the lowest of humanity-
- Saving money to buy what we need instead of resorting to
crucified along the with the two criminals
stealing
Challenge to the TEENAGERS today - Staying away from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs
- put things in proper perspective - Doing homework instead of wasting time unproductively
- define the true worth of a person
Blessed are those who are merciful, they will be shown
o persons created and loved by God, redeemed by
mercy
o Jesus, in dwelt by the Holy Spirit
- Involves 2 virtues: compassion and forgiveness
destined for life after death with our loving God
- Being kind, and understanding toward those who are in - He/she resolves disputes between classmates
pain - He/she reconciles family members who had a
- To forgive – no harboring grudges or desire to take misunderstanding
revenge
– restore he dignity of the wrongdoer Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of
righteousness, they will inherit the Kingdom of God
What did Jesus do? - Those who stay loyal to Christ and the Kingdom
- He taught: the Kingdom of peace and love - Those who may no longer fit in with certain groups
“ If you forgive others transgressions, your Heavenly - They don’t fit in with the secular world, they want to fit in
Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, more with the real world created by God.
neither your Father forgive your transgressions.”
(Mt.16:14-15) What did Jesus do?
- “touched” many lives because of His compassion for the - He did not promise an easy life for Christians. He promised
helpless a life that is full.
- His entire life showed the mercy of God who makes friends “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
with the sinners (Lk.9:4;Mt. 10:39; Jn.12:25)

Challenge to teenagers Challenge to teenagers

- “suffer with” (cum passus)to those who are suffering - Be martyrs in school
- With an urge to help (empathy) - refuse to have your homework be copied
- Readiness to forgive others: focus not on the wrong done - do not drink, smoke or get into drugs
but on the doer whose genuine repentance is a grace from - Do not engage idle talk or gossip
God.

Blessed are those pure heart, they will see God

- Those who are not devoted to idols and never swear
falsely
“go up the mountain of the Lord” and “stand in His holy
place.” (Ps24:3)
- those whose heart remain in the “right place”
- Those who seek that which is authentically good with pure
intention
- Those who can detect what is false
- Those who strive to avoid sin, because they value the truth
- Those who commit themselves to live as disciples of Christ
- Those who always seek the will of God.
“ You have been told, O man, what is good, and
what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and
to love goodness, and to walk humbly with you God.”
(Mt, 6:8)

What did Jesus do?

- To live a life that does not not follow conventional
standards
- To live authentic Christian life
- Jesus is the perfect example of someone who is clean of
heart- His fidelity to His mission as the Suffering-Messiah
- Offered his life for the salvation of sinners

Challenge to the teenagers

- Remain committed to Jesus like the saints
- Live a “good life”- an ordered life where God is the central

Blessed are those peacemakers, they will be called

children of God
- The willingness to act for peace
- Passively advocate peace even during the difficult
situation
- Merely love or want peace

What Jesus do?

- As Risen Lord , He greeted the apostles “Peace be with
you” (Jn. 20:21)
- He is the great reconciler and peacemaker
- His mission is to bring us back to the loving relationship
with the Father and with one another

Challenge to teenagers
- He/she settles quarrels between friends