Life Of Christ #4 Flashcards
The Circumcision of Christ affirms the reality of His human nature
True - The correct answer is true. As St. Thomas Aquians addresses in the Summa in Question 37 Article I, the circumcision proves the reality of the human nature of Christ. Some heretics had claimed that Christ did not actually have a body and that it was a mirage whereas others claimed His Body was consubstantial with the Father and could not suffer any pain; the reality is that Christ our Lord was a divine person with a fully human and a fully divine nature. And as one with a human body, He can and did suffer. The first drops of blood shed for the remission of our sins occurred at His Circumcision, only a few days after His birth.
The Old Law has been now replaced by the Law instituted by Christ. As a result, Circumcision is no longer required and if done for a religious motive (rather than a hygiene one) it actually is a sin.
True - : The correct answer is true. Circumcision was an external sign of the Old Law, by which the people of that day were numbered among the chosen people of God, as now they become, by baptism, members of the Church of Christ. Why did Jesus submit to circumcision? So that He might show His great love for us, which caused Him even at the very beginning of His life, to shed His blood to cleanse us from all our sins. Furthermore, He did so to teach us obedience to the commandments of God and His Church, since He voluntarily subjected Himself to the Law, although He was not in the least bound by it, which ordered that every male child should be circumcised on the eighth day after its birth. Today, we are to keep His Law. The Law in place today is the law of Baptism, which replaced circumcision. Our laws have perfected the former laws in place in the Old Testament. Not only are the Mosaic rituals unnecessary to observe, but to observe Mosaic laws that have been purified by the Law of Christ would be a sin against the First Commandment.
The Circumcision of Christ affirms His approval of the practice as well as His ancestry from Abraham
True - : The correct answer is true. Jesus’ circumcision, on the eighth day after his birth, is the sign of His incorporation into Abraham’s descendants, into the people of the covenant. It is the sign of His submission to the Law. At the moment of His death, Our Lord abolished the Old Law and replaced it with the New Testament Law. This was symbolized by the temple veil rending in two. Nowadays, we obey the Laws of the Catholic Church, the Church established by Jesus Christ, and not the former laws of the Mosaic Law which were completed by the work of Christ on Calvary.
The example of the circumcised Christ exhorts us to obedience
True - The correct answer is true. The example of Christ submitting Himself to the rite of Circumcision teaches us obedience to the commandments of God and His Church, since He voluntarily subjected Himself to the Jewish law, although He was not in the least bound by it since He is God Himself. We, though, are bound to whatever He decrees.
Circumcision was prescribed as a remedy for original sin so Christ should not have submitted Himself to the ritual
False - The correct answer is false. The question is directly quoted from the Summa of St. Thomas Aquinas as an objection in Question 37, Article I. St. Thomas responded to this erroneous statement by saying: “As Christ voluntarily took upon Himself our death, which is the effect of sin, whereas He had no sin Himself, in order to deliver us from death, and to make us to die spiritually unto sin, so also He took upon Himself circumcision, which was a remedy against original sin, whereas He contracted no original sin, in order to deliver us from the yoke of the Law, and to accomplish a spiritual circumcision in us; in order, that is to say, that, by taking upon Himself the shadow, He might accomplish the reality.”
The name “Jesus” means “God saves” or “Redeemer”
True - The correct answer is true. Why was He named Jesus? Because Jesus means Redeemer and Savior, and He had come to redeem and save the world (Mt. 1:21). This is the holiest, most venerable, and most powerful name by which we can be saved.
Simeon and Anna symbolize all the anticipation of Israel awaiting its encounter with its Savior
True - The correct answer is true. As stated in the Compendium of the Catholic Church: “at the presentation in the temple, Simeon and Anna symbolise all the anticipation of Israel awaiting its encounter with its Savior.”
Just as Our Lord subjected Himself to the burdens of the Law (e.g. circumcision), Our Lady fulfills the prescriptions of the Law (e.g. Temple Purification) in an example of humility and obedience, although she was sinless and not subject to the prescriptions
True - The correct answer is true. On February 2nd, we celebrate the Feast of the Purification of Mary (also known as the Presentation of Jesus). Mary presented Herself to the Old Testament priests 40 days after the birth of Jesus since the Mosaic Law required it for purification. Mary though was sinless; therefore, she had nothing to be purified from. However, she presented Herself to the priests still out of obedience and in humility. From this example the Catholic Church started the practice of “churching of women,” to give to new mothers a special blessing.
All Catholics are bound to observe the Law of the Church
The correct answer is true. Just as the Jewish people were bound by the Law of Moses, we are bound by the Law of the Church. As the Baptism Catechism states: “The Church has made commandments to teach the faithful how to worship God and to guard them from the neglect of their religious duties.” All of humanity is called to be members of the Catholic Church and the Church’s laws are universal. They have replaced the Jewish laws and extend to everyone on earth.
Each of the members of the Holy Family came from noble
True - The correct answer is true. Saint Matthew in his first chapter, thrice enumerating fourteen generations from Abraham to Jesus Christ inclusive, shows that Mary descends from fourteen patriarchs, fourteen kings, and fourteen princes. St. Joseph was born of patriarchal, royal, and princely stock in a direct line as has been said, for Saint Matthew in his first chapter established a direct line with all the aforementioned fathers from Abraham to the spouse of the Virgin, clearly demonstrating that all patriarchal, royal, and princely dignity come together in him.
