incarnation

Question 1

explain “in the beginning was the word”

Answer 1

• the Word existed before all things
• stresses the further dimension that the word is an eternal being
• in other gospels, the word became human

Question 2

explain “The word was God”

Answer 2

• A word comes from within a person and is an expression of what’s inside the person
• The word of God is within God and God’s self expression

Question 3

explain “The word was with God”

Answer 3

• Indicates the word and God are united and co-exist, though there is a distinction
• The word of God is how God expresses his power
• Everything existing depends on the Word of God as it gives light, life and guidance (especially to those who accept him)

Question 4

explain “the Word was flesh”

Answer 4

• the Word took on human nature and came down to earth to live as a full human being

Question 5

explain “The word as an expression of love”

Answer 5

• the Word is God’s expression of love to us
• God’s free gift of grace of given to us, and helps us respond to it
• Christians believe God doesn’t force us to accept, but hopes

Question 6

explain Dei verbum

Answer 6

• God is revealed in Jesus and speaks through Jesus
• As God is with us, Jesus defeats sin and brings salvation in all people
• at the same time, Jesus is also sent as a man among people, stressing human nature

Question 7

explain Verbum Domini

Answer 7

• shows Jesus’ kenosis: Jesus self - empties himself and limits himself to human condition … so that us humans can make sense of God’s love
• as a human, Jesus was fully in tune with God, as he always chose to do God’s will no matter what it cost him
• it was through the very act of dying that Jesus takes himself into God’s hands that lead to the resurrection and glorification of Jesus as Christ