Episode 2-Happy are We: The Teachings of Jesus

I. Questions about Jesus

     A. Which "version" of Jesus is true?

     B. Who was Jesus? What did he do and say?  What did he mean?

     C. The temptation of the New Age Christ

II. The Path of Joy: The teachings of Jesus

     A. Dominus Iesus and the uniqueness of Jesus of Nazareth

     B. He alone is the Son and the Word of the FAther

     C. Jesus' teaching is a central part of his mission

     D. Jesus' teaching is the focus of early Christian writings

III. The Beatitudes

     A. Joy and freedom for excellence

     B. Two versions in the Gospels

          1. Luke 6:17-49

          2. Matthew 5-7

     C. Reveals the fullness of the Old Law

     D. Expresses the heart of the New Law

     E. Intimate connection between Old and New

     F. The meaning of "happy" or "blessed" is difficult, but essential

     G. The Beatitudes

     H. The Sermon should be understood in light of the Mount of Calvary

     I. The path of non-violence

IV. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32)

     A. A parable about divine mercy (JP II)

     B. We are children of God, yet man chooses autonomy from God

     C. By rendering grace, man exiles himself from familial love and communion

     D. Desperation leads to awareness; better to be a slave than to feed pigs

     E. The father is faithful to his fatherhood and to his son

     F. The ring given by the father is marital, re-establishes right relationship

     G. The older son is no different, in the end, than his brother

     H. The heavenly Father waits for man to respond to his fatherly call

V. Matthew 25

     A. Peter Maurin, Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker

     B. Mother Teresa

     C. Metanoiate: changing the manner in which we see the world.

     D. "The Law of Gift"

Suggested reading:

The Priority of Christ by Robert Barron

And Now I see...: A Theology of Transformation by Robert Barron

Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen

The Lord by Romano Guardini

Dominus Iesus by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

Dives in Misericordia by Pope John Paul II

The Moment of Christian Witness by Hans Urs von Balthasar

Episode 1-Amazed and Afraid

Part 1:

1. Both God and Human
2. Jesus is Lord

Part 2:

1. The work of Jesus, the Messiah
2. The first task: Gathering the tribes of Israel
3. The second task: Cleansing the Temple of God
4. The third task: Dealing with the enemies of Israel
5. The fourth task: Reigning as Lord of Nations

Suggested Reading:

The Priority of Christ by Robert Barron

Jesus and the Victory of God by N. T. Wright

The Everlasting Manby G. K. Chesterton

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

Lord Jesus Chist: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity by Larry W. Hurtado

The Divine Comedy by Dante

Catholicism

For the first time, in breathtaking and high-definition cinematography, the truth, goodness, and beauty of Catholicism are illustrated in a multimedia experience. Journey with Fr. Robert Barron to more than 50 locations throughout 16 countries. Be illuminated by the spiritual and artistic treasures of this global culture that claims more than one billion of the earth’s people.
From the sacred lands of Israel to the beating heart of Uganda, from the glorious shrines of Europe to the streets of Mexico, Kolkata, and New York City, the mysteries of CATHOLICISM are revealed.  Learn what Catholics believe and why.  Discover the full meaning of the faith.
-from Catholicism overview

Chapters 27-30

1.  How do you see spiritual discipline and physical discipline as related?

2.  How can we encourage our family members to find their identity in Christ and not in externals?

3.  What is the source of your husband's faith?  Who/what helps him grow in this area?

4.  How do you trust in the goodness of God's plan when circumstances are negative?

Action Point-Thank God for the gift of faith.

Personal Reflection-Do you encourage rather than nag your husband?