On the path of Salvation Church- The
worshipping community- Year 9
Lesson 1 – Worship of God
Chapter 2 – Signs and Symbols
4. How many sets of signs are there in the liturgy? Name them.
Words, actions, objects, places, individuals, arts and time (seasons) are the various signs used in the worship of God. If we understand properly the exact meanings of these signs, we would be able to participate in the worship of God, especially the Holy Qurbana.
Lesson 3- Signs and symbols in the Holy Qurbana
Lesson 6- The Preparation of Gifts and Anaphora
The children need to explain briefly the contents.
Lesson 7- The Communion Service and the Concluding Service.
Lesson 8- The Word of God and Christian Life
Page 67 the wholepage
Page 68 the whole page
Page 69 whole page
The children need to explain briefly the contents.
Lesson 11- The Sacraments of Healing
Answer: page 87 last paragraph starting from the heading Examination of conscience to the whole page 88.
It is a natural human tendency to sin as it was evident at the first fall in the Garden of Eden.
As we have all sinned, we look to the Lord for forgiveness and mercy. By being forgiven we receive the ability to reconcile ourselves with others.
We confess our sins to the priest, who is the representative of the whole church community. Jesus gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. This is the authority the church has to this day exercised through the priests in the confessional.
By being reconciled at the confession box, we reconcile ourselves with God and the Church community and restore the lost status of the son of God.
The key element of this sacrament is the authority of the priest passed through the church and the ability God gives him to forgive our sins in His name.
Thus St. Augustine quotes, ‘Confession of evil deeds is the beginning of good deeds.’ This is the essence of the Sacrament; hence it’s named as ‘Confession’.
The story of the prodigal son reminds us of the depth of the Father’s love and mercy. We experience this same mercy and love when we are forgiven for our sins.
There are five requisites to receive the sacrament of reconciliation worthily:
Examination of conscience
We have to carefully examine our conscience since our last confession to find out all the times we have fallen short of God’s love.
Contrition
Every sin is an act against God’s love. The thought that we have hurt God with sin and the consequent sorrow and hatred towards sin is called the ‘perfect’ contrition. We are thus agreeing to leave all the chances of sin and return to Jesus.
Resolution
Through contrition, we will make a resolution to not repeat the mistakes; readiness to avoid the circumstance leading to sin will also be there.
Confession
Confessing our sins to the priest is the next step. By confessing our sins openly to the priest, we are being open to God and the faithful community.
Penance
The priest prays on your behalf and asks you to fulfil a penance. We are to perform this and implore Jesus for forgiveness for our sins and the grace to lead a holy life.
Lesson 12- The Sacraments of Holy Orders
Lesson 13- The Sacrament of Matrimony
Lesson 14- The Liturgical Year and Christian Life
The liturgical year starts with Annunciation. It is a season of preparation for the birth of Jesus, on 25th of December. During this period, we remember, in a special way , Blessed virgin Mary who cooperated whole heartedly with the mystery of salvation.
Nativity
The duration between the day of Christmas and the feast of epiphany is the period of nativity. The important thoughts for meditation offered for the period are the birth of Jesus, his presentation in the temple, the visit by the wise men and the escape to Egypt.
Epiphany
In this period, we specially remember the baptism and the public life of Jesus. The feast of epiphany is celebrated on 6 January. During the baptism of Jesus, the sonship of Jesus as well as the revelation of the mystery of the holy trinity of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit was revealed to man. We remember these events at this feast.
Lent
The season of lent consist of 7 weeks, the days to prepare for Easter. This season meditate on the mysteries of Jesus' passion and death, besides engaging in doing penance for our sins. This season exhorts us to resort to fasting, prayer and generosity.
Easter
This is the most important feast and we participate in the new life secured by Jesus with his resurrection. this season has seven weeks extending from the feast of Easter up to the Pentecost. The season of Easter exhorts us to cherish every moment of our life incorporating the death and resurrection of Jesus, and transform our lives.
Apostles
This season starts with the feast of Pentecost. During this season, we meditate the descent of the Holy Spirit and the activities of the church. This season reminds us that we must be witnesses to Christ by engaging in the apostolic mission of the Church.
Summer (Kaitha)
The seven weeks after the seasons of apostles is known as the season of summer also known as the season of fruits. The season starts with the feast of 12 apostles who were the foundation for the growth of the church. All those saints who suffered martyrdom for the growth of the Church are commemorated on the Fridays of this season.
Elijah - Cross - Moses
The feast of the Exaltation of the cross celebrated on 14th September is the central event of this season. We recall the transfiguration and the second coming of Jesus with the sign of the cross and escorted by the angels, the end of the world and the Last judgement.
Dedication of the Church
The last four weeks of the liturgical year constitute this season. This is the season we recall Jesus dedicating the church, his bride, to God. this season help us to meditate more on the Church and to configure ourselves with the Church moving ahead.
Lesson 15- The Consecrated Life
Lesson 1 – Worship of God
- What do you know about the liturgical
rites prevalent in the olden days?
- The worship of God is as old as the
history of mankind. In the olden days, man worshipped anything and everything
that was beyond his wit and might, and hence he worshipped the sun, the moon,
the snake, the natural elements etc.
- His awe and wonder at them led him to worship
them. The basic motive of this worship was to escape from their wrath and get
favours from them.
- The intelligent man, during the
process of worshipping the natural powers, probed deep and reached at the
omnipotent source that has been imparting might and power to all the natural
objects.
- He addressed this supreme power as God and
began worshipping Him and ceased to worship varies depending on the
traditional, regional and socio-cultural practices of the people across the
globe.
- Even then the basic tenet of worship was
oblation. From time immemorial, man, as a symbolic offering of himself, went on
offering flowers, fruits, birds and animals.
- Christian adoration is a sharing in
the adoration of Jesus. Explain
- We cannot offer a sacrifice better
than what Jesus offered. Hence, Christians, who participate in the worship of
God, unite with Jesus and offer his one and eternal sacrifice.
- Christian worship is that praise,
respect, thanks and adoration we offer to God in heaven and on earth by uniting
ourselves with Jesus, the head of the Church, through our participation in the
Holy Qurbana, sacraments, sacramental and the divine office.
- Like the old Israel, the new Israel
also is a worshipping community. As a father loves his only son and a husband
his wife, God loved Israel.
- Similarly, he loves the church, the
new Israel. He proved this love by sacrificing his life.
- The Church repays this love
sacrificing herself and participating in the sacrifice of Jesus. Thus, uniting
herself with Jesus, our Lord and God, and offering his sacrifice, the church
has become the worshipping community of the New Testament.
- The church, by participating in the Holy
Qurbana – a commemoration and the celebration of the sacrifice of Jesus, the
celebration of the sacraments, the liturgical year, the sacraments, the divine
office etc., is undertaking this duty.
- The risen Jesus, through these
liturgical observances, showers graces upon mankind and offers the adoration of
man to God, the father.
- Thus, the worshipping community who
offers sacrifice with Christ participates in the salvific experience.
- The Jews were a worshipping community. Elucidate (Explain). Essay Question
- God released the
Israelites from Egyptian bondage with the intension of making them a
worshipping community.
- Moses, who came with the message to release
the Israelites, said to Pharaoh: “Let us go on a three-day journey into the
wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord, our God”.
- Having been smothered under the ten plagues,
the last and final being the death of the first-borns, Pharaoh understood the
power of the Israelites’ God decided to release them from slavery, and said:
“Go, worship the Lord as you said”.
- God sealed a covenant with the Israelites on
Mount Sinai and made them his own people. The Israelites recognized fully the
power of God when they rescued from Egyptian slavery.
- God saved them from enemies during their
precarious journey across the desert, provided water from the rock to quench
their thirst, and Manna and wild fowls to feed them.
- They remembered the
love of God and worshipped him in gratitude. They worshipped God not only in
their houses but also in temples in Jerusalem and synagogues.
- Different types of
sacrifices were offered in the temple in Jerusalem; increase offering, gain
offerings, to name a few.
- They assembled in
synagogues and praised God reading the Bible and chanting psalms.
- They used to assemble
in houses under the head of the family and chanted psalms, broke bread and
shared it with everybody.
- In short, the life of the Israelites was
centered on devotion to God.
- How should we offer worship in spirit
and truth as taught by Jesus?
- Jesus sacrificed himself to fulfil the wish of
God, the Father. He revealed, through his sacrifice, his love for his Father.
- Thus, he rendered worship most pleasing to
God. We, the Christians, participate in this most majestic and supreme worship
rendered by Jesus.
- Jesus taught us, how to worship God in truth
and spirit, by executing his will.
- As opined (suggested) by St.
Irenaeus, a life led according to the design of God- based on the commandments-
is true worship.
- “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and
sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy
and acceptable”.
- What is liturgy? List out the
different elements of liturgy.
- The official and public worship of
God is called liturgy. It originates from the Greek work ‘leitourgia’, which
means public activity.
- The word ‘liturgy’ is used in the Bible to
indicate that the church is publicly praising God.
- In Malayalam, ‘dhaivaradhana’ is the word
equivalent to liturgy, and it is also used to denote the Holy Eucharist.
- In an extended way, the word liturgy refers to
the Holy Eucharist, the sacraments, the liturgical year, the sacramental, and
the divine office. Bible to indicate that the church is publicly praising God.
Chapter 2 – Signs and Symbols
- How was the sign of the bronze
serpent fulfilled in Jesus?
- The bronze serpent was a sign of salvation and it was consummated (completed)
in Jesus.
- Jesus said “and when I am lifted
up from the earth will drew all people to myself”. And it was realised on
Calvary.
- There are fundamental differences
between signs and symbol. All symbols are sign but all signs are not symbols.
- Symbols are woven out of man’s power
of free thinking.
- For example, a balance symbolizes
justice, a flying dove with an olive
leaf in its beak stands for peace and the sceptre for kingship.
- Write a short note: signs and symbols
in the liturgy.
- Signs and symbols do help us to
experience the invisible God
- There are certain officially
recognised signs and symbols signifying the heavenly realities of our salvation
- The liturgy contains signs fixed and
formulated by the Mother Church under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit
nd with the authority granted by Jesus
4. How many sets of signs are there in the liturgy? Name them.
Words, actions, objects, places, individuals, arts and time (seasons) are the various signs used in the worship of God. If we understand properly the exact meanings of these signs, we would be able to participate in the worship of God, especially the Holy Qurbana.
- Explain the importance of signs and
symbols in the liturgy?
- The liturgy is enriched with signs and symbols. But, all these signs and
symbols are not separate entities; they merge with each other and become one.
- It is in the design of the divine
scheme that we use signs. This is what we come across in incarnation.
- The invisible experience the
fruits of salvation secured by him; he also instituted the sacraments in his
church for the attainment of salvation. Following this example of Jesus, the
Church instituted signs in liturgy.
- We must accept these signs and understand the realities signified through
them. We must believe that we can obtain the grace of God as symbolized through
the signs.
- If we want to participate actively in the Holy
Qurbana, we must understand the meaning of the signs and symbols giving due
importance to the realities indicated through them.
- What are the different
signs used in the Worship of God?
- Words, actions,
objects, places, individuals, arts and time (seasons) are various signs used in
the worship of God. we need to understand these signs and participate properly
in the Holy Qurbana
- Words- Words are the
frequently used signs in the worship of God; they are the most important as
well. All words are used are signs to exchange ideas. The very intention and
meaning of the rituals are revealed through words. For example; 1. The prayer
by the celebrant when washing hands in the Holy Qurbana clarifies the meaning
of the washing of hands; ‘May God, the Lord of all, wash away the stains of our
debs and sins in the oceans of His Mercy.
- Actions- These are the
different movements and postures of our body; each of these has particular
meaning. Certain actions indicate the inner feelings. For examples, bowing,
stretching out of hands, standing, kneeling etc. signify diverse inner
attitudes. Certain actions center on other objects. Blessing, anointing, making
a sign of the cross, lamp-lighting etc. are examples.
- Objects- We can divide
the objects used in liturgy into two groups- natural and manmade. If water,
wine, oil and bread are natural objects, the alter and sacred vestments are
man-made.
- Places- Every places
connected with liturgy has symbolic meaning; the sanctuary, the bema, the
bethgazza, the font and other places used in the liturgy indicate particular
meanings.
- Individuals- All the
faithful assembling for the worship of God are symbols. For instance, the
priest who celebrates the Holy Qurbana represents Jesus and the deacons, the
angels.
- Arts- There is symbolic
meaning for the arts used in the liturgy. The architecturally decorated
sanctuary represents glorious heaven and the hymns chanted during the liturgy
remind us of the heavenly songs of praise by the angels.
- Seasons/time- God and
the divine mysteries are beyond time. But man is dependent on time. The divine
mysteries which are beyond time can only be represent through signs. The
Church, hence, introduces the mysteries of salvation that are beyond time,
through the liturgical year and the different feasts of the liturgical year.
Lesson 3- Signs and symbols in the Holy Qurbana
- Which are the three important area
within a church? Explain their symbolic meanings.
- There are 3 important portions in the
church:the Sanctuary, the Questroma and the Hykla.
- The Sanctuary (Madbaha) - The
sanctuary’s position in a church built in an east-west is at the extreme
eastern end; this is the most holy place. The sanctuary is symbolic of heaven;
it provides an experience of heaven suffused with the glorious presence of God
and the praises of God continuously poured out by the heavenly hosts.
- The lowering height of the sanctuary
as well as its roof reveals the supremacy of heaven over the earth. The
sanctuary is, usually, built three steps higher than the questroma. The custom
of protecting the sanctuary with a veil reveals the sanctity and supremacy of
the place.
- The Questroma- Between the sanctuary
and the hykla and a step higher than the hykla, the questroma is arranged. The
questroma, where the choir stands, will be usually separated from the hykla
with railings.
- The Hykla- this is the place where
the faithful assemble; it is symbolic of the earth.
- Who are all represented by the
celebrant, deacons and the community of the faithful?
- The Individuals participating in the
holy Qurbana are also considered as signs. They can be divided into three
groups
- The Community- The community is the
symbol of the Church participating in the Holy Qurbana. All those who are
redeemed by Jesus are included in this group.
- The Celebrant- The celebrant is a representative
of Christ and a mediator between God and man. He celebrates the Qurbana on
behalf of the community.
- The Deacons- The deacons and servers enjoy the
position of angels. They impact timely instructions to the community so as to
have an active participation in the Qurbana. They assist the celebrant in the
ministry as well.
- What all are symbolized by the cross?
- Cross (Sleeva) - The cross placed in
the sanctuary is both a sign of salvation and a symbol of the sacrifice and
resurrection of Jesus.
- It is a symbol of Jesus himself, a sign of
glory and an emblem of success. The word ‘Cruz’; in Syriac, we say ‘Sleeva’.
- List out the different sacred
vestments worn by the celebrant? Explain the significance of each item?
- Every individual Church uses, for the
celebration of the Sacraments, sacred vestments suiting their ancestral
tradition. Donning (putting on ) them, they celebrate the Holy Qurbana.
- Kotina- Kotina is symbolic of Christ
as well as man renewed in Christ. This sacred vestment reminds us of the need
to discard the old self (of evil) and embrace the new self (of goodness).
- Zunara- This is a symbol of Chastity
and service. Zunara used as a girdle over Kotina reminds that we must refrain
from worldly thoughts and serves God with alertness and purity of mind.
- Urara- the Urara worn on the neck is
a sign of the sacred service entrusted upon the celebrant; this indicates
priestly authority and purity.
- Zande- With this, the borders of
Kotina are designed. It means that the hands are ready for the sacred service.
- Paina (Kappa) - Paina is worn over
the other sacred vestments by the priest. This is called “vestment of Justice’
proving the dictum ‘a priest must adorn himself with justice’, the priests duty
of a shepherd is also indicates here.
- Sosappa- Sosappa is a square-shaped
sacred veil of the same colour as that of paina. The act of covering the holy
mysteries with the sosappa signifies the burial of Jesus and the sosappa is
qualified as the lid of the coffin of Jesus, the shroud covering his sacred body
and also as his head-dress.
Essay Question
- Write a short note: the gestures and body postures in the
Holy Qurbana.
- Standing- The general
characteristic of our liturgy is to stand. Standing signifies resurrection. We
are the children of resurrection with heavenly hope. Through our faith in Jesus
and baptism, we are liberated from death and all sorts of slavery.
- Sitting- We can sit
during all the readings except the gospel, the homily. This indicates careful
listening.
- Kneeling- This is a
posture of the one pleading for exemption from debts and that of a repentant
sinner. This reveals the attitude of man requesting for divine help, it
signifies penance as well.
- Bowing- Submission,
respect, worship, gratitude etc. are expressed through bowing.
- Stretching out hands-
This signifies request and interceding for others.
- Exchange of Peace- The
deacon receives peace from the priest and gives it to others; this indicates
mutual love and unity. This is a sign of reconciling with each other. This,
further, signifies that we are all one body in Christ.
- Kissing- Kissing the
alter, the Holy Bible, Cross etc. denotes the love and respect for them as well
as staunch (loyal) hope in them.
- The Sign of Cross-
Making the sign of the cross and blessing with the sign of cross are there in
the Holy Qurbana. The priest, with an open palm of the hands or with the thumb
makes the sign of the cross on himself; with the right hand blesses the deacon,
the faithful, the sacred offerings and the increase; blesses the people with
the gospel book, puts a cross on the alter with the thumb, the sacred body and
blood are sealed with mutual signs of the cross. The cross is a sign of
salvation of mankind; it represents Jesus himself.
- Incense- Besides being
a symbol of forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, respect, penance and
sanctification it symbolizes the prayer raised heavenward and the praises
dedicated to God.
- Washing of the hands-
As the prayer during this washing of the hands indicates may the Lord wipe away
the sins this ritual signifies the wiping out of the stains of sins, and
purification of the heart.
- Processions- There are
many processions in the Holy Qurbana. The introductory procession, procession
with the gospel book, the procession to the alter carrying the sacred body and
blood refer to the incarnation, public life, the entry into Jerusalem, the
journey to Calvary etc.
- Lighting the Lamp-
Amidst the sacred mysteries a lamp is being lit in memory of Jesus, the light
of the world. When we participate in the holy Qurbana comprehending the meaning
of all these rituals and sacred mysteries, our oblation will be blessed.
- Why do we consider the Holy Qurbana
as the solemn form of worship of God?
- ‘God so loved the world that he gave
his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have
eternal life’.
- Having understood fully the wish of
his Father, Jesus sacrificed himself on Calvary in order to set us free from
the menaces of sin.
- The Holy Qurbana is a sacramental celebration
of the most solemn adoration rendered by Jesus through his own self-dedication.
Hence, the Holy Qurbana is the most solemn form of worship.
- The Church joins Jesus to worship
God. Elucidate.
- The Church joins her groom, Jesus,
and performs her liturgical services. The Church is his body.
- The Holy Qurbana is the eternal and holy form
of worship of God in honour of the Father offered by Jesus.
- As the document on the Sacred Liturgy teaches
‘ It is Jesus who sacrificed himself on the cross, through the ministry of the
priest, performing the oblation in the holy Qurbana.
- He is present in the bread and wine, in a
special way. He is present in all the sacraments with his own power. Whenever
the sacraments are celebrated or the Holy Bible is read in the churches,
prayers are being recited, Jesus is invariably present there’.
- And he is actually officiating them. Every
rite in the liturgy is sacred and solemn as it is performed by Jesus the
priest, in union with the Church, his body.
- The Holy Qurbana is not a private
prayer by individuals, but a prayer by the community of the Church. Do you
agree with this statement? Give your reasons.
- The Holy Qurbana is the official form
of worship of God by the community of the Church.
- The Holy Qurbana is the worship of
God, the Father, rendered by the Church, the body, in union with Jesus, the
Head.
- In the Holy Qurbana, all those in
Heaven and on earth unite and worship God. The Church basically is a
worshipping community.
- All the activities of the Church
focus on the zenith (high point) of worshipping God. The proclamation and the
observance of her faith and salvific experiences are being echoed in the holy
Qurbana.
- Jesus is the corner stone of the Church built
on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, and in this temple, we
conduct our worship of God
- How does the Holy Qurbana become the Power-house
of Christian life?
- The Holy Qurbana is the power-house
of Christian life, because we commemorate and celebrate the great, awesome,
holy, life-giving and divine mystery of the passion, death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus who has taught us the message of love in giving up
himself for the sake of others.
- When we participate in these divine
mysteries, we are filled with divine grace; and grow in the love of God and
men. We get strength and inspiration to incorporate our sorrows in life with
the agony endured by Jesus and make them redemptive.
- The Mother of Destitute, the Blessed Mother
Theresa, received strength to see Jesus in the poor, the sick, the infants and
the old, left out on the streets and serve them, from the Holy Eucharist.
- Similarly, the sacrifice of Jesus on
Calvary strengthened many saintly souls like Fr. Damien and Maxmillian Kolbe to
sacrifice their lives for the sake of others.
- The Holy Eucharist supplies energy
for a God-centred and man-centred life.
- Write short note on:
“The Holy Qurbana: A sacrifice and a banquet”.
- The Holy Qurbana is
both a sacrifice and a banquet; the celebration of the Qurbana on the alter is
a re-enactment of the sacrifice of love, offered by Jesus to our eternal
Father, on Calvary.
- Jesus was both the celebrant and the
sacrificial offering in the sacrifice on Calvary. He said; ‘I lay down my life
in order to take it up again.
- No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on
my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up
again’.
- As St. Paul said ‘Christ loved us and gave
himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God’.
- In the midst of the
Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Holy
Qurbana, the very sacrifice of his own life.
- What he did during the Last supper was the
sacramental form of the sacrifice, yet to be fulfilled on Calvary. Taking a
loaf of bread, Jesus blessed it and broke and gave to his disciples and said
‘Take, eat, this is my body’.
- Jesus did specify that the bread was he
himself. He was hinting that he was the lamb to be sacrificed on the wooden
cross on Calvary.
- The Holy Qurbana is a
heavenly banquet prepared for us by Jesus. We eat and drink, here, the body and
blood of resurrected Christ.
- Those who participate
in the Qurbana feed from the sacrificial offering at the completion of the
sacrifice.
- Those who are invited
for a wedding feast share the meal to show their complete participation.
- Similarly, those who
participate in the Qurbana ought to receive communion for the completion of
Eucharistic participation.
- The liturgy of the Word
in the Holy Qurbana prepares us to recognize and experience Jesus. Explain. Essay Question
Answer : the whole page 43 starts with The Liturgy of the Word heading, the whole page 44 and in page 45 up to Karozutha heading.
The children need to explain briefly the contents.
- What are the important
parts of the introductory rites?- Essay Question
Answer: Page 40 starts from the heading of The introductory service, the whole page 41 and the whole page 42.
The children need to explain briefly the contents.
- What does the resurrection hymn
remind us of?
- The resurrection hymn that follows
reminds us of the baptism of Christ. This is also considered as a song in
praise of the resurrected Jesus.
- (The sanctuary veil is removed now
symbolising the gates of heaven being open and the revelation of the Holy
Trinity during the baptism of Jesus.
- Then the sanctuary, which is a symbol
of heaven, is seen. At this juncture, the glow of lights and the incense fumes
give the worshipping community a heavenly experience).
- During the chanting(singing) of this
hymn, we recall the baptism of Jesus, his death and resurrection interpreted as
his second baptism,
- our baptism though which we become
participants of the salvific mysteries of Jesus, and the heavenly glory
awaiting us.
- What experience does the Trisagion
prayer give us?
- The ministry of the word starts with the
Trisagion. In the first part, the deacon invites us to raise our voices and
glorify the living Father;
- and in the second part, addressing the holy,
mighty, and immortal God, we implore His mercy.
- This hymn gives us the very same
experience of prophet Isaiah when he heard the angels praising God as ‘holy
holy holy’.
- What all things are indicated through
the procession with the gospel book and the reading?
- Prior to the reading of the gospel,
holding the gospel book, the celebrant advances to the bema (elevated platform)
in a procession.
- The celebrant, taking the gospel book
from the right side of the altar and coming to the bema, signifies the arrival
of Jesus to the earth. We are reminded that Christ himself, not the priest,
comes holding the gospel book aloft (holding up in the air).
- It is taught in the second Vatican
Council that in the liturgy, Jesus himself gives the word to us. the people
behind their heads and receive the blessings when thecelebrant blesses them
with the gospel book saying , ‘Peace be with you’
- The word of God is a lamp to our feet
and a light to our path. Through every holy Qurbana, Jesus himself gives the
word of God necessary for our daily life.
- The word of God grants life, power
and health. When we aplly these words in our life, it illuminates our life.
Lesson 6- The Preparation of Gifts and Anaphora
- When we participate in anaphora, what
are we sharing in?
- The Holy Qurbana is a celebration of the
mystery of redemption consummation in Jesus.
- Anaphora, the consecratory rite, makes us
participate in the central events of the messianic mystery, namely, His
passion, death and resurrection.
- What do we commemorate during the
preparation of gifts?
- This service is a preparation for anaphora,
a celebration of the mysteries of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
- There are two types of preparation:
material and spiritual.
- The
preparation of the offerings for sacrifice, their deposition and
covering them with the sosappa are the different elements of the material
preparation.
- Dismissal of the unworthy, paying
obeisance (bow), washing of hands, the creed, the entry of the celebrant into
the sanctuary are that of spiritual preparation
- What are the rituals performed during
the hymn of the mysteries? Also give their symbolic meanings.
- The celebrant brings bread and wine
kept on the bethgazza to the altar. The hymn sung at this time is the hymn of
the mysteries.
- The procession conducted by the
celebrant carrying the already set chalice and the paten reminds us of the
journey of Jesus to Calvary.
- The raising up of the Eucharistic
mysteries in the form of a cross hinds at his death on the cross.
- Thereafter, the celebrant covers the
chalice and the paten with the sosappa, this signifies the burial of the sacred
body of Jesus.
- How many anaphoras are there in East
Syrian liturgy? Name them.
- Anaphora is the central part of the
holy Qurbana. It is Greek word
meaning’lifting or dedicating. In the Syro-malabar liturgy, there are 3
anaphoras
- The anaphora of the Apostles, the
anaphora of the Mar Theodore, and the anaphora of Mar Nestorius. We follow the
anaphora of the apostles
- What are the actions of the Holy
Spirit mentioned in the invocation to the Holy Spirit in our Qurbana?
- We celebrate, here, the mystery of
the resurrection of Jesus. The sacrifice on the alter is consummated with the
descent of the Holy Spirit who was instrumental in the resurrection of Jesus.
- We pray that the Holy Spirit may descend
and dwell upon the Qurbana and bless it
- so that those who receive these mysteries will
be granted remission of debts, forgiveness of sins, great hope in the
resurrection of the dead and new life in the heavenly kingdom.
- The fourth G’hatha as well as anaphora ends
with the prayer of the celebrant, ‘We offer glory and honour…’
- How many prayer cycles are there in
the Anaphora?
- There are four prayer cycles in the
anaphora; each prayer cycle consists of four subdivisions,
- and they are the prayer request,
private prayer, G’hantha prayer and prayer of praises, the centre of them being
the G’hantha prayer.‘
- Bowing’ is the meaning of the Syria
word ‘G’hantha’. This prayer because the celebrant bows himself and prays.
- This is also called thanksgiving prayer
because paying thanks is the aim of this prayer.
- Explain all four
G’hantha cycles in the anaphora.
The children need to explain briefly the contents.
Lesson 7- The Communion Service and the Concluding Service.
- The prayers of the reconciliation rite
grants forgiveness of sins. What is the meaning of this statement?
- God has sent his son to redeem sinful
man who went astray from him. Jesus sacrificed himself and redeem mankind.
- He arranged an eternal banquet for man and fed
him with his own body and blood. He invites us to enjoy this banquet in his
Holy Qurbana.
- We become one with Jesus when we eat
his body and drink his blood in the Holy Qurbana; and thus, becomes inheritors of
the salvation secured for us.
- We remember this mystery in the reconciliation
rite of the Holy Qurbana.
- There are four important divisions in
this rite, namely, rite of reconciliation, the rite of fraction, the rite of
communion, and the concluding rite.
- What preparatory requisites are
essential to receive the Holy Communion as exhorted in the karozutha prayer?
- The karozutha prayer- ‘Let us
approach the mysteries of the precious body and blood’- prepares us for the
Holy Communion. This prayer reminds of how we must prepare to receive Holy
Communion and what are the benefits there of. The reconciliation rite ends with
the celebrant’s reconciliation prayer- ‘Lord, in your mercy forgive the sins
and offences of your servants’.
- Make your conscience clear. Avoid
spite for others.
- Keep away from quarrel. Dispenses with enmity.
- Get rid of ill-will. Be in harmony
with everyone.
- Keep the spirit of love. And be
pious.
- Why is it said that receiving Holy
Communion is necessary for the completion of the Holy Qurbana?
- In response to the invitation of the
celebrant, the community confesses that God alone is holy.
- The grace of God makes us worthy to
receive Holy Communion.
- We participating in the Holy Qurbana, which is
both a sacrifice and a banquet, should receive the body and blood, Jesus breaks
and serves.
- It is necessary for the completion of
our Eucharistic experience.
- We must, therefore, participate in the Holy
Qurbana with the necessary preparation and purity of heart.
- Everyone who participates in the Holy
Qurbana is sent as a missionary. Explain.
- Before ascending to heaven, Jesus
blessed his disciples and said, ‘Go into the world and proclaim the good news’.
- Jesus blesses each and every one of us to
continue this mission; and fills us with the grace and power of the Holy
Spirit.
- Actually, Jesus grants through this
blessing the readiness to bear witness to the word of God with our words and
deeds.
- The worshippers who were in the presence of
God, heard the word of life, participated in the paschal mystery, fed with the
bread of life and are sanctified, are then sent out to be the evangelizers.
- How do our lives become redemptive?
- Jesus has become a sacrifice to
gather the scattered people to God. He longed to unite the people dispelling
their disunity and lead them to togetherness in life.
- With this intention, he nourished them with
his sacred body and blood. One who partakes in his sacrifice and feeds on his
sacred body will attain divine life.
- Let us unite ourselves with Jesus,
participating in his sacrifice and feeding on his sacred body and blood.
- Let us draw sustenance from the Holy Eucharist
and be the ministers of love and service so as to sacrifice ourselves in the
different spheres of our life.
- Thus, our lives will be blessed and
become redemptive.
Lesson 8- The Word of God and Christian Life
- Explain the importance of the Word of
God in the Christian life?
- The word of God has an important
place in our Christian life; it remains the foundation of our life.
- As St. Peter teaches: “We have been
born anew, not perishable but if imperishable seed, through the living and
endurance word of God. Those, who listen to the Word of God and live
accordingly, will be saved.
- Jesus said: “Very truly I tell you,
whoever keeps my Word will never see death”. The word of God are spirit and
life. Those who pray heed to the word of God with faith, love and prayer will
have divine life.
- Everyone who hears the word of God
and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock. He can
overcome any dilemma with valour.
- That the Lord is the strength, light and
fortress will deepen in him. In adverse circumstances, the word of God would
impart strength and inspiration. As it is said in the book of Maccabees: “…we
have as encouragement the Holy Books that are in our hands”
- What is the relation between the Word
of God and discipleship?
- “If you continue in my word, you are
truly my disciple.” To become the true disciples of Jesus we must be rooted in
the Word of God.
- Jesus wished that his disciples
should be filled with the Word. Often he exhorts his disciples to listen to his
words.
- A true disciple fulfils the wish of
his master; the disciple of Jesus should know his wish. God reveals His wish
through the sacred word; the word of God is the wish of God about man.
- The discipleship of Jesus is a sharing of his
individuality. A life according to his teachings is real discipleship.
- We must realise this discipleship
through our ordinary life and activities. Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to
me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Write short note: The Word of God:
source of life.
- The word of God gives life. With the
power of the word Lazar regained life after 4 days of his death.
- Jairus’ daughter, who was dead, returned to
life when the word of God entered her. She walked about as though she was awake
from sleep.
- The dead son of a widow, carried in a
bier, revived to life with power of the word of God.
- “Whoever has the son has life,
whoever; whoever does not have the son of God does not have life”. Even now a days,
the word of God is giver of life. The benumbed mind revive with it.
- It provides hope for the hopeless,
power to the powerless, health to the sick, destroys bondage to sin and guides,
through the correct path, those who lost their way.
- What are the special
qualities of the Word of God? Essay
Question
Page 67 the wholepage
Page 68 the whole page
Page 69 whole page
- What are the requisites for the Word
of God to influence our life?
- Read the word prayerfully; understand the personal message given through
the verse by Jesus,
- be ready to correct the mistakes
and rectify our mistakes revealed through the word of God.
- Accept the interpretation of the
word of God given by the Church without trying to have our interpretations.
- Read the word with a thirst to
understand God’s plans.
- How does Jesus act as a basic
sacrament?
- Since the incarnated Jesus reveals
the invisible Father to us, he is the sacrament of the Father.
- Jesus, through his human personality, sacred
verses and activities grants us invisible graces ad sanctifies us. Thus, he
remains the basic sacrament.
- Why do we say that the Church is a
sacrament of Jesus?
- Just as Jesus is the basic sacrament,
the Church is his sacrament.
- Jesus is, now, working through the Church, it
is the Church who grants us the fruits of salvation served by Jesus we meet and
experience Jesus through the Church.
- Thus, the Church remains as the
sacrament of Jesus by giving us Jesus, the sanctifier.
- The sacraments are sanctifying
rituals. Explain.
- As the word meaning, in Syriac, signifies, every
sacrament sanctifies us; because Jesus who sanctifies us by forgiving our sins
is celebrating them.
- Besides, every one sacrament leads to
salvation obtained by Jesus through his death and resurrection.
- This experience of the remission of
sins and salvation is our participation in the sanctity of God.
- He showers on us, through the
sacraments, the Holy Spirit and fill us with grace granting forgiveness of our
sins.
- Thus the sacraments sanctify the
different phases of our life and nurture us with divine grace.
- Write a note: The sacraments are
channels of grace.
- Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: “
The water, that I give, will become in them
a spring of water gushing up to eternal life”.
- Jesus said in an other context: “Out
of the believers’ heart shall flow rivers of living water”. The springs of the
sacraments flow into us from Jesus, the source.
- Grace is an experience of divine love
revealed through Jesus. Grace is the salvation secured by Jesus through his own
self-negation.
- We are saved through his grace. Grace
is a favour, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond, to his
call to become children of God.
- Grace, free gift of God is given
through the sacraments.
- What is the importance of sacraments
in the Christian life?
- The sacraments extent the experience
of salvation in the most important phases of man’s life. We are born as children
of God and become members/organs of his body the Church through baptism.
- Through the anointing, we are filled
with the power of the Holy Spirit and rooted in faith. We grow being nourished
spiritually by the Holy Eucharist.
- We become reconciled with God and
man, once the sacrament of reconciliation liberates us from debts and sins.
- Spiritual and bodily health and
comfort are received through the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. The
sacrament of the Holy Orders identifies a person in a special way.
- The sacrament of matrimony invites us
to dedicate ourselves in love and incorporate with God in creation. The
sacraments nourish a person with grace right from his birth down to death.
- Name the sacraments of initiation.
Why do we qualify them thus?
- Baptism, Chrismation and Holy
Eucharist are called the Sacrament of Initiation because they initiate a person
into the mystery of the Messiah as well as into the Church community.
- A person starts his Christian life with
these sacraments and so they are called the sacrament of initiation.
- Why did the ancient Church administer
the sacraments of initiation together?
- The faithful are born anew by
Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Chrismation and receive in the Eucharist,
the food of eternal life.
- Thus, a person is born in the Church
and grows in divine life. Hence, in the early centuries, these three sacraments
were given together.
- Baptism is a sharing in the death and
resurrection of Jesus. Elucidate.
- We participate in the death and
resurrection of Jesus and are born anew by baptism. In baptism, we die and
resurrect with Jesus and become anew.
- St. Paul writes to Romans: “Do you
not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised
into his death?
- Therefore, we have been buried with
him by baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by
the glory of the father, so we too might walk in the newness of life”.
- The immersion in water, of the
candidate for baptism, indicates his death together with Jesus; and the font is
seen as a symbol of the tomb.
- The rising up from the water denotes
the resurrection with Jesus.
- Chrismation leads a person born anew
through baptism into Christian maturity. Explain.
- Chrismation is the sacrament that
grants strength and grace of the Holy Spirit to those born a new in the Holy
Spirit and become children of God through Baptism,
- So that they can propagate the gospel
of Christ and bear witness to Christ.
- Chrismation roots a person in the faith
he received through baptism. This sacrament connect a person totally with the
Church; and he is enriched with the power of the Holy Spirit.
- The Catholic Church teaches that
Chrismation is a must for the completion of the grace received in baptism.
- This sacrament leads a person, reborn
through baptism, to Christian maturity and enables him to bear witness to Jesus
courageously and with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
- Write short note on: Chrismation and the Christian life. Essay Question
The children need to explain briefly the contents.
Lesson 11- The Sacraments of Healing
- The Church is entrusted, with the
power to forgive sins, by Jesus. Elucidate.
- Several tomes, Jesus has revealed
that he has the power to absolve sins. He said to the sinful woman who washed
his feet with her tears: Your sins are forgiven”.
- Granting forgiveness to the woman
caught in adultery, Jesus said, “.. from now on, do not sin again”.
- Jesus entrusted the Church with his power
to forgive sins. The resurrected Jesus
appeared to his disciples and said: As the Father has sent me, so I send you….
Receive the Holy Spirit.
- If you forgive the sins of any, they
are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.
- What do you mean by examination of
conscience?
- Examine carefully the period of our
life since the last confession and find out the failing.
- There will be sins of commission and
that of omission.
- The examination of conscience should
be done with respect to the Ten Commandments, the precepts of the Church and
the duties according to our vocation in life.
- What is the essence of contrition?
- Every error is an act against God’s
love. When contrition arises out of the thought that we hurt God with sin and
the consequent sorrow and an aversion towards sin, it is called ‘perfect’
contrition.
- Then we are able to confess like the
prodigal son, “Lord, I have sinned against you”.
- The core of contrition is the mental
attitude to leave all the chances of sin and return to Jesus.
- How should one prepare to receive the experience for
forgiveness of sins? Essay
Question
Or
Answer: page 87 last paragraph starting from the heading Examination of conscience to the whole page 88.
- Describe the sacrament of the
anointing of the sick?
- The anointing of the sick grants
forgiveness of sin and recovery from sickness and thereby gives health both for
our body and spirit.
- The power of the Holy Spirit received
through this sacrament leads a patient to the health of his soul; God willing
he regains bodily health as well.
- The anointing of the sick helps us
place our trust in the divine mercy and accept illness, tribulations and
afflictions with equanimity.
- Generally we receive this sacrament
in a critical stage of illness. If necessary, this sacrament can be received
more than once.
Essay Question
It is a natural human tendency to sin as it was evident at the first fall in the Garden of Eden.
As we have all sinned, we look to the Lord for forgiveness and mercy. By being forgiven we receive the ability to reconcile ourselves with others.
We confess our sins to the priest, who is the representative of the whole church community. Jesus gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins. This is the authority the church has to this day exercised through the priests in the confessional.
By being reconciled at the confession box, we reconcile ourselves with God and the Church community and restore the lost status of the son of God.
The key element of this sacrament is the authority of the priest passed through the church and the ability God gives him to forgive our sins in His name.
Thus St. Augustine quotes, ‘Confession of evil deeds is the beginning of good deeds.’ This is the essence of the Sacrament; hence it’s named as ‘Confession’.
The story of the prodigal son reminds us of the depth of the Father’s love and mercy. We experience this same mercy and love when we are forgiven for our sins.
There are five requisites to receive the sacrament of reconciliation worthily:
Examination of conscience
We have to carefully examine our conscience since our last confession to find out all the times we have fallen short of God’s love.
Contrition
Every sin is an act against God’s love. The thought that we have hurt God with sin and the consequent sorrow and hatred towards sin is called the ‘perfect’ contrition. We are thus agreeing to leave all the chances of sin and return to Jesus.
Resolution
Through contrition, we will make a resolution to not repeat the mistakes; readiness to avoid the circumstance leading to sin will also be there.
Confession
Confessing our sins to the priest is the next step. By confessing our sins openly to the priest, we are being open to God and the faithful community.
Penance
The priest prays on your behalf and asks you to fulfil a penance. We are to perform this and implore Jesus for forgiveness for our sins and the grace to lead a holy life.
Lesson 12- The Sacraments of Holy Orders
- How does a priest become the mediator
between God and man?
- The word ‘priest’ means one who is placed in front. Yes, God places him in
front of the people; at the same time, he is placed infront of God by the
Church.
- Jesus is the one mediator between God
and man.
- The priest, through his priesthood, shares the
eternal priesthood of Jesus. Thus, he acts as the mediator between God and man.
- Write a short note: Common priesthood
and ministerial priesthood.
- All baptised are incorporated into
the priesthood of Jesus. This is the common priesthood of the people of
God.1Peter 2:9 says “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God’s own people.
- St. Peter refers here to the common
priesthood. Common priesthood exhorts us to carry on our life and activities in
a spirit of sacrificial offering and thus introduce Jesus to all around us.
- God selects some people and appoints
them to share his mission of leading,
teaching and sanctifying the people of God. Jesus elected them and authorised
them to proclaim the message, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons.
- Thus, he gave the disciples authority
to reach the fruits of salvation he secured, through the paschal mysteries, to
the future generation. He gifted them with Holy Spirit and strengthen them.
- This same mission, now, he has
entrusted to the Bishops. Their assistant ministers, the priests and the
deacons.
- One becomes a priest with the
blessings of the Holy Spirit – Elucidate.
- There are two prayers during
imposition of hands in the ordination services of the Syro-Malabar liturgy.
- In the first prayer of imposition the Bishop
prays thus: “True to the apostolic
tradition entrusted upon us, through the laying on of hands, I am presenting
this humble servant in front of you so as to be a selected priest of your
church.
- May the grace of the Holy Spirit
descend upon him with mercy and blessings of your only Son, he may become
mature enough to execute the ministry of priesthood in all perfection”.
- This prayer clarifies that the Holy
Orders has an apostolic succession and that it is continued with the power of
the Holy Spirit.
- Even if
the person called for priesthood is unworthy, the power of the divine
spirit makes him worthy.
- What are the duties of a priest?
- In the prayer of imposition of hands,
the celebrant reminds of the special duties of a priest and also prays for the
grace to execute them.
- The important duties of a priest,
mentioned in this prayer, are preaching the word of truth,
- healing the sick laying hands on
them, performing the ministries in the sanctuary with a clear conscience,
- officiating the sacraments
Reconciliation and Baptism and Matrimony. Through these, a priest is executing
the missions of Christ.
- What all should be done to promote
vocation to priesthood and religious life?
- If God calls us for the excellent
priesthood we must respond to the call. God
has His own plan for all of us.
- When we live according to God’s plan,
our life becomes fruitful. We must pray incessantly (constantly) to know what
is God’s plan for us.
- Frequent reception of the sacraments,
Bible reading etc. are means to promote vocations to priesthood.
- We should pray that God provides many good
priests to the Church.
Lesson 13- The Sacrament of Matrimony
- Why do we say that marriage is a
covenant of love?
- Matrimony (Marriage) is a sacrament that gives us the necessary
grace to love limitlessly, to cooperate with God in procreation and to rear
children.
- With the Holy Gospel as witness, the
bride and bridegroom take an oath. Besides, holding the hands together, tying
the “thali”, exchanging the rings, adorning the bride with the ‘manthrakodi’,
garlanding each other etc. are rituals lending meaningfulness to the
celebration of marriage.
- These rituals are symbols of mutual
giving and dedication. The woman and man having been born in the grace of
baptism and attained an inseparable relation with Jesus, will grow in divine
grace when they receive the sacrament of matrimony.
- During the sacrament of Matrimony, Jesus
blesses them, and unites them inseparably and gives them the grace to execute
their duties.
- What are the duties entrusted to the
spouses through the sacrament of matrimony?
- The husband and the wife, being
united in marriage, cooperate with God in the holy act of procreation. Children
are the supreme gift of God for the heavenly love shared between them.
- The sacrament of matrimony exhorts
the spouses to grow in mutual love, fidelity and purity and to bring up their
children in a way pleasing to God.
- We are taught in the Second Vatican
Council: “Marriage and conjugal love, are characteristically intended to beget
children and bring them up…
- Children are the supreme reward of
married life. Let the spouses consider that their special duty is to beget
children and bring them up.
- The spouses receive the necessary
grace for this through he sacrament of matrimony.
- What are the aims of the sacrament of
matrimony?
- This sacrament has two aims: conjugal
love and procreation. The spouses are obliged to love each other in all
innocence and without measure.
- The love Jesus has for the Church and
the submissiveness of the Church to Jesus should serve as models for them.
- St. Paul says: “Husbands, love your
wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.
- Just as the Church is subject to
Christ, so also wives ought to be, in everything to their husbands”.
- Matrimony is a sacrament. Explain.
- Matrimony (Marriage) is a sacrament that gives us the necessary
grace to love limitlessly, to cooperate with God in procreation and to rear
children.
- The most important ritual in the
sacrament of Matrimony is the blessing by the priest who is the official
representative of the Church after receiving the marriage covenant the bride
and bridegroom render before the witness.
- With the Holy Gospel as witness, the
bride and bridegroom take an oath. Besides, holding the hands together, tying
the “thali”, exchanging the rings, adorning the bride with the ‘manthrakodi’,
garlanding each other etc. are rituals lending meaningfulness to the
celebration of marriage.
- These rituals are symbols of mutual
giving and dedication. The woman and man having been born in the grace of
baptism and attained an inseparable relation with Jesus, will grow in divine
grace when they receive the sacrament of matrimony.
- During the sacrament of Matrimony, Jesus
blesses them, and unites them inseparably and gives them the grace to execute
their duties.
- Procreation is one of the primary
aims of matrimony. Elucidate.
- The husband and the wife, being
united in marriage, cooperate with God in the holy act of procreation. Children
are the supreme gift of God for the heavenly love shared between them.
- The sacrament of matrimony exhorts
the spouses to grow in mutual love, fidelity and purity and to bring up their
children in a way pleasing to God.
- We are taught in the Second Vatican
Council: “Marriage and conjugal love, are characteristically intended to beget
children and bring them up…
- Children are the supreme reward of
married life. Let the spouses consider that their special duty is to beget
children and bring them up.
- The spouses receive the necessary
grace for this through he sacrament of matrimony.
Lesson 14- The Liturgical Year and Christian Life
- List out the different seasons of the
liturgical year; also mention the redemptive events signified through them.
- Annunciation- The season of
preparation for the birth of Jesus.
- Nativity- The season commemorating
the birth of Jesus.
- Epiphany- The season focusing on His
baptism.
- Lent- The season of the forty-day
fasting, passion and death of Jesus.
- Easter- The season recalling the
resurrection and ascension.
- Apostles- The descent of the Holy
Spirit and the activities of the Church.
- Summer- The period of the growth of
the Church.
- Elijah- Cross-Moses- To recall the
transfiguration and the Second coming.
- Dedication of the Church- The period
to consecrate the Church, Jesus’ bride to his Father.
- What are the divine mysteries
commemorated in the seasons of Annunciation?
- The main topics we meditate upon
during this period are the announcement
about the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, the birth of
John, the creation of man,
- The disobedience of our forefathers
and the consequences, the deplorable state of the fallen man, the promise of
redemption by God, the covenant of God with man and the prophecies about the
redeemer.
- The Church specially reminds us of
the negative aspects of sin. To receive the redeemer, repentance and penance
are essential.
- During this period, we remember in a
special way, Blessed Virgin Mary who cooperated wholeheartedly with the mystery
of salvation, prayers and hymns in honour of Virgin Mary are special features
of the period.
- What does the spirit of the seasons
of Epiphany remind us?
- In this period, we specially remember
the baptism and the public life of Jesus. This period starts with the feast of
Epiphany celebrated on 6th January.
- In Syriac, the word ‘Denha’ means
sun-rise/manifestation. During the baptism of Jesus, the sonship of Jesus as
well as the revelation of the mystery of the Holy Trinity of the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit was revealed to man
- We remember these events at this
feast. Jesus revealed himself during the public life that followed his baptism.
- The spirit of this period exhorts us
to bear witness to Christ, who revealed God’s love wandering all over and doing
good to others, and to repay His love.
- On all the Fridays of this season, we
commemorate all those apostles and saints who revealed Jesus to the world. We
pray for the dead on the last Friday of this period.
- With which feast does the seasons of
summer start?
- The seven weeks after the season of
Apostles is known as the season of summer. ‘Kaitha’ in Syriac language means
the summer, the season of harvest; it is also known as the season of fruits.
- Here, we recall how the tree of the
Church being rooted with the hard work of the apostles and spreading itself far
and wide in the world, begot (caused) many saints and martyrs, and flourishes.
- The season starts with the feast of
the twelve apostles who were the foundation for the growth of the Church.
- All those saints who suffered
martyrdom for the growth of the Church are commemorated on the Fridays of this
season.
- All the children of the Church should
try to attain an interest and vigour to work for the growth of the Church.
- What are the mysteries recommended by
the Church for meditation during the season of Elijah-Cross-Moses?
- The feast of the Exaltation of the
Cross celebrated on 14th September is the central event of this
season. We meditate on the glorious second coming of Jesus with the sign of the
cross and escorted by the angels, the end of the world and the Last judgement.
- The Church, now, prays for the
blessing to welcome Jesus joining with the saints. This season exhorts us to be
vigilant against the temptations of the devil and wait for the second coming of
Jesus, setting ourselves free of sins.
- Moses and Elijah who appeared with Jesus at
his Transfiguration are also commemorated during this season. The
Transfiguration of Jesus actually the symbol of his second coming.
- Moses is the symbol of the law and
Elijah of the prophets. The ancient Church believed that Elijah would come
before the second coming of Jesus and after an argument with the son of
ruination would reveal his mistake to the world.
- Write down in order the names
of the Liturgical seasons of the Syro- Malabar Church. Mention also the
salvific events that are remembered in these seasons.
1.Annunciation - Nativity
- Epiphany
- Lent
- Easter
- Apostles
- Summer
- Elijah- Cross- Moses
- Dedication of the church.
The liturgical year starts with Annunciation. It is a season of preparation for the birth of Jesus, on 25th of December. During this period, we remember, in a special way , Blessed virgin Mary who cooperated whole heartedly with the mystery of salvation.
Nativity
The duration between the day of Christmas and the feast of epiphany is the period of nativity. The important thoughts for meditation offered for the period are the birth of Jesus, his presentation in the temple, the visit by the wise men and the escape to Egypt.
Epiphany
In this period, we specially remember the baptism and the public life of Jesus. The feast of epiphany is celebrated on 6 January. During the baptism of Jesus, the sonship of Jesus as well as the revelation of the mystery of the holy trinity of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit was revealed to man. We remember these events at this feast.
Lent
The season of lent consist of 7 weeks, the days to prepare for Easter. This season meditate on the mysteries of Jesus' passion and death, besides engaging in doing penance for our sins. This season exhorts us to resort to fasting, prayer and generosity.
Easter
This is the most important feast and we participate in the new life secured by Jesus with his resurrection. this season has seven weeks extending from the feast of Easter up to the Pentecost. The season of Easter exhorts us to cherish every moment of our life incorporating the death and resurrection of Jesus, and transform our lives.
Apostles
This season starts with the feast of Pentecost. During this season, we meditate the descent of the Holy Spirit and the activities of the church. This season reminds us that we must be witnesses to Christ by engaging in the apostolic mission of the Church.
Summer (Kaitha)
The seven weeks after the seasons of apostles is known as the season of summer also known as the season of fruits. The season starts with the feast of 12 apostles who were the foundation for the growth of the church. All those saints who suffered martyrdom for the growth of the Church are commemorated on the Fridays of this season.
Elijah - Cross - Moses
The feast of the Exaltation of the cross celebrated on 14th September is the central event of this season. We recall the transfiguration and the second coming of Jesus with the sign of the cross and escorted by the angels, the end of the world and the Last judgement.
Dedication of the Church
The last four weeks of the liturgical year constitute this season. This is the season we recall Jesus dedicating the church, his bride, to God. this season help us to meditate more on the Church and to configure ourselves with the Church moving ahead.
Lesson 15- The Consecrated Life
- Why do we say that the life of the
religious stands in place of martyrdom?
- During the time of kings, who were
religious persecutors, many had to sacrifice their lives to preserve faith.
- Those who confessed their faith in Jesus and
accepted death amidst severe torture are venerated as saint by the Church.
- The faithful embraced martyrdom as an
easy way to achieve eternal bliss. Once the religious persecution was over, the
faithful found the religious life as way to attain perfection.
- There were many sages who spent their
lives in loneliness and meditation in the forests and deserts.
- Why do we say that the life
considered as a symbol of the kingdom of God?
- The religious life is a supreme sign
of the kingdom of God according to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.
- It remains as a visible sign of
ability and responsibility that can persuade the members of the Church to
render the duties of Christian vocation.
- The religious life inspires the
members of the Church to forgo (give up) the evanescent (quickly fading)
material pleasures and try for the permanent heavenly bliss.
- The religious life makes it clear
that the Kingdom of God is very important and beyond that all is material.
- What is the basic rule of the
religious life?
- The foundation for religious life is
the evangelical counsels of obedience, chastity and poverty.
- The religious accept these vows and
follow them faithfully so as to be witnesses of Christ
- They try to grow into the perfection
of the heavenly Father by a vow-bound community life.
- The vows of the religious life enable
a person to outlive the obstructions that block his way to imitate Jesus.
- The religious life is in the Church
and for the Church. Explain.
- The place of Christian religious life
is in the Church. Every religious community must have its own identity and
activity so as to work for the good of the Church.
- The religious are dedicated to work
for the welfare of the Church. Being inspired by the Holy Spirit, they dedicate
their lives to Jesus and the Church.
- All the religious communities must
partake in the life of the Church.
- Every religious order, true to its
spirit, should own and nurture the diverse attempts of the Church in various
fields such as the Holy Scripture, liturgy, theology, pastoral care, ecumenism,
missionary work, social activity etc.
- Why is it said that the divine call
is a gift of God?
- Divine vocation is a gift of God to
mankind. It is not a selection by man, but by God.
- God said to prophet Jeremiah: “Before
I formed you in the womb, I knew you… I appointed you a prophet to the
nations”.
- Jesus said: “You did not choose me;
but I choose you”. Even today Jesus invites the youth for a life founded on
vows. Follow me and I will make you fish for people.
- Jesus who invited the first disciples
makes the same invitation even day. Hence, we must all lend our ears to know if
he calls us.
- All the youngsters-boys and
girls-are duty- bound to respond to the
divine call for dedication of life and be of Jesus to serve the people of God.