Chapter 2

Question 0

Annunciation

Answer 0

The announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that God wanted her to be the Mother of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Question 1

Incarnation

Answer 1

The teaching that God became flesh through the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God and the child of the Virgin Mary.

Question 2

Jesus

Answer 2

A word that means “YHWH is Salvation” or “Savior.”

Question 3

Nativity

Answer 3

The birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and of the Virgin Mary.

Question 4

Docetism

Answer 4

A first-century heresy that taught that Jesus only seemed to be human.

Question 5

Resurrection

Answer 5

The rising of Jesus from the dead on the third day af- ter his Death on the cross. Jesus was able to conquer death because he is God.

Question 6

Mystery

Answer 6

A truth about God and his saving plan that will always be beyond human understanding.

Question 7

Epiphany

Answer 7

The celebration of the manesfestation of God in human form; the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles or non-Jews.

Question 8

Presentation of the temple

Answer 8

The presentation of the infant Jesus by Mary and Joseph in the Temple took place forty days after his birth. This ritual observed the Law of Moses and marked the end of forty days of purification for the mother after childbirth. This presentation also completed the “redemption” of a firstborn son with a ritual offering.

Question 9

Kingdom of God or kingdom of heaven

Answer 9

The beginning of God’s new reign on earth, which was to bring the forgiveness of sins, the healing of the sick, and the establishment of a time of peace and joyful living for all. Jesus, the Redeemer, initiated this new Kingdom.

Question 10

Paradox

Answer 10

A figure of speech or state- ment that seems contradic- tory but actually contains a hidden truth.

Question 11

Blasphemy

Answer 11

Any thought, word, or act that expresses hatred or contempt for God, Christ, the Church, saints, or holy things. It is a grave sin, contrary to the Second Commandment.

Question 12

Transfiguration

Answer 12

The glorious transforma- tion of Jesus that mani- fested his divine identity for Peter, James, and John on a high mountain, probably Mount Tabor. The event, reported in all three Synoptic Gospels, also involved the appearance of both Moses and Elijah.

Question 13

Paschal mystery

Answer 13

The redemptive Passion, Death, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension of Jesus Christ through which Jesus not only liberated
us from sin, but also gave us new life through his Resurrection.