Religious Education Curriculum Directory (3-19) - The Catholic ...

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales — Department of Catholic Education and Formationc Probably started synagogues — places forteaching and prayerE Daniela Young Jewish hero from days of Babylonianexileb Not strictly a prophet, rather part of apocalyp-tic strain of Biblec His apocalypses influenced the writer of bookof RevelationF Other prophets: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah,Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah,Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi5.6. Overview of the New TestamentA Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and JohnB Acts of the ApostlesC Letters or epistles attributed to Paul, James, Peter,John, and JudeD Revelation (Apocalypse)E These twenty-seven books are authoritative forChristian life and faith5.7. The GospelsA The word ‘Gospel’ means Good News of salvationfrom sin and the gift of divine lifea God’s promise in the Old Testament is fulfilledin the Incarnation, life, teachings, PaschalMystery of Jesus Christb Stages in formation of Gospels (125)c Matthew, Mark, Luke called ‘Synoptic Gospels’due to similar contentd John differs in content and approache Placing the Gospels first gives the impressionthey were the first New Testament (NT) booksto be written; but Paul’s letters were writtenfirstf Non-canonical Gospels: what they are, andwhy they are not part of the NTB Matthewa Approximate date of composition and commu-nity/audience for which it was writtenb First two chapters contain infancy narrative— emphasis on Joseph, on the Magi, and ongenealogy back to Abrahamc Central message: Kingdom of Heaven, need forrepentance to welcome the Kingdom, commissionof Peter as an ecclesial emphasisd Message structured in five sections introducedby Christ’s discourses (to parallel the fivebooks of the Torah)e Passion and Resurrection narratives — majes-tic salvation accountsf Great commission — the call to evangelizationC Marka Approximate date of composition and commu-nity/audience for which it was writtenb Shortest Gospelc Becoming a disciple of Christ is his majorthemed Passion account is prominente Reveals Christ’s divinity through reactions ofpeople to Christ’s miracles and teachings withamazement, wonder, awe, astonishment, butabove all at the Cross; all titles of Christ acquirebest meaning in his saving DeathD Lukea Approximate date of composition and commu-nity/audience for which it was writtenb Opens with an infancy narrative that focuseson Mary’s role and the adoration of the shepherds(and genealogy back to Adam)c Themes: Gospel of pardons and mercy; for thepoor; of prayer and Holy Spirit; of concern forwomend Passion account — God’s will is accomplished.Resurrection narratives include Emmaus journey,breaking of breadE Johna Approximate date of composition and commu-nity/audience for which it was writtenb John begins with the Word of God made fleshwho dwells among usc Book of seven signs and explanatory dis-courses (chapters 2–11)d Book of glory (Jn 18–21): Jesus is ‘lifted up’ onthe Cross and ‘lifted up’ from the tomb to everlastingglorye I AM statements: Jesus appropriates God’s titleat burning bushf Priestly prayer of Jesus (chapters 12–17)g Caution against misusing John’s texts for anti-Semitism (Nostra Aetate, no. 4)5.8. Acts of the ApostlesA Revelation of Holy Spirit, who manifests, teaches,and guides Churcha Catechesis on Holy Spiritb Nine days of prayer for coming of Spirit —Mary in centre of disciplesB The infant Church — communio (Acts 2:42-47)C Stories of Peter (Acts 1–12): ‘No other name,’51