1. THE KINGDOM OF GOD

2.  PFV.02 explore the origin and purpose of Catholic social teaching;  PFV.03 explore ways Church teaching can help people understand contemporary ethical and moral issues as part of the discernment process.  FLV.01 describe the meaning of “the intrinsic dignity of each human person,” and its impact on our inherent sense of responsibility towards self and others;  We will be to describe the Kingdom of God and apply it to CST.

3. What is the Kingdom of God?  The themes of CST begin to describe the Church’s worldview in matters of social awareness, analysis, and action  This application of the ‘faith in action’ cycle is described in scripture as building the Kingdom of God.  Often we think of the Kingdom as being Heaven, and this is true, but it is also the presence of justice in our time and in our world.

4. What did society look like in Jesus’ time?  The world of Jesus, first century Palestine, had a particular view of the social order: Romans, Priests, Rich Foreigners, Poor, Sick, Unclean Women Prostitutes, Murderers Closest to God; prosperity is a sign of God’s favour. Outside of the covenant; not favoured. Considered property, few rights; value comes from males. Furthest from God; contaminated community.

5. What did society look like in Jesus’ time?  The world of Jesus, first century Palestine, had a particular view of the social order:  Those at the top could not associate with those at the bottom (see “The Good Samaritan”) without having to perform a ritual cleansing to purify themselves.  Jewish society was one of division and social classes, much like ours today.  What social divisions do we see today?

6. What did Jesus advocate?  Jesus offered an alternate vision of society that preferred the poor and vulnerable: Prostitutes, Murderers Women, Rich Foreigners, Poor, Sick, Unclean Romans, Priests Most in need of God’s favour. Still a patriarchal society, rich required sacrifice. Brought into the community, recognised essential dignity. Furthest from God; concerned with authority not justice.

7. What did Jesus advocate?  Jesus offered an alternate vision of society that preferred the poor and vulnerable:  “The last shall be first.” The poor, suffering, and oppressed need God’s love the most.  Those who want to be first much not be selfish but rather work for goodness and justice.  Draw 2 pyramids: 1 that describes how society might be organised today; 1 that describes how society should be organised today according to the Kingdom of God.

8. What does the Gospel tell us?  The Gospel of Matthew describes Jesus as a teacher (Rabbuni) articulating a new way of being, a new way of living in loving relationship.  Read In Search of the Good:  Pages 87 & 89; For whom did Matthew write? Why is that significant? How is Jesus shown as a teacher? How is he linked to Moses?

9. What does the Gospel tell us?  Read In Search of the Good:  Pages 90-98; What is the Parousia? How can we describe the Kingdom of Heaven? What are the Beatitudes? Why are they significant? What are the main messages of each of the following passages? Write a summary statement for each.

10. What does the Gospel tell us?  The Gospel of Matthew describes Jesus as a teacher (Rabbuni) articulating a new way of being, a new way of living in loving relationship.  Read In Search of the Good:  Pages 87 & 89; For whom did Matthew write? The Jewish community divided over the authority of rabbis and Jesus. Why is that significant? Jesus’ story is told to foster a church that grows from the Jewish tradition (a hermeneutic of continuity). How is Jesus shown as a teacher? Establishes authority in the line of David and describes him as rabbi. How is he linked to Moses? Events parallel Moses life in order to show Jesus bringing the new law, the new Torah, the new covenant through the five sections of the book.

11. What does the Gospel tell us?  Read In Search of the Good:  Pages 90-98; What is the Parousia? The second coming of Christ which, for the community of Matthew, was believed to be imminent. How can we describe the Kingdom of Heaven? The presence of God amongst us, incarnated in the person of Jesus and realised when we fully live in loving relationships. What are the Beatitudes? Value statements that presuppose a good and its consequence. Why are they significant? They proclaim the goodness of the poor and vulnerable and advocate caring for one another. What are the main messages of each of the following passages? Write a summary statement for each.

12. What does the Gospel tell us?  Salt & Light: illustrating the mission of the Christian.  Law & Prophets: deepening the Old Testament.  Anger: anything that harms relationships is bad.  Adultery: deepening the idea of fidelity to include intimacy.  Oaths: emphasizing one’s word as enough to trust.  Retaliation: “Hate does not cease by hate…”  Enemies: calling us to love all people.  Almsgiving: worship must be accompanied by action.  Prayer: asking for the fullness of the Kingdom.  Fasting: take action for action’s sake, not recognition.  Worry: the Kingdom is the real treasure, worry not.  Judging: do everything for love.  Ask…: trust in God’s care.  Golden Rule: summarizes the sermon and the way to make the Kingdom real.  Narrow Gate: the Kingdom requires an active, loving choice.  Self-deception: be true to the Kingdom.  Hearers & Doers: our actions determine our true beliefs.

13. How do we realize the Kingdom of God?  Select three of the summary points and, placing them in the context of Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God, describe: 1. How they might challenge the world in which we live? 2. How they might change the world in which we live? 3. What might prevent us from living them? 4. What might encourage us to live them?