University of San Agustin

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MODULE 4: THE PASCHAL MYSTERY OF CHRIST

MODULE 4: OVERVIEW

A Grace-filled day! Welcome to Module 4!

In this module, we will discuss on the Paschal Mystery
of Jesus Christ: His Passion, Death, Resurrection and
Ascension. Its importance in our Christian doctrine will be
to highlighted as we develop our faith, hope and love to Jesus,
Module 4! our Redeemer. This module is inviting us to contemplate the
love of God to humanity and how he saved us from the slavery
of sin and restore our identity as children of God.

Consultation hours

Phone / messenger:
Virtual time:

MODULE 4: LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the module, the students will be able to:

1. manifest understanding of the paschal mystery Christ.

2. relate the paschal mystery of Christ in their life.
3. participate actively in the celebration/activities of the Church.

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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MODULE 4: CONTENT OUTLINE

Below is the Schedule of Module 4.

Activity Description Overview Time to

Complete

1 Overview on the Paschal Mystery 10 minutes

2 Film viewing on the “Passion of Christ” 15 minutes

3 Lecture on the Passion and Death of Jesus 20 minutes

4 Sharing on their experiences of (passion and death)

in life and how they overcome them
45 minutes

5 Bible scanning about the Resurrection of 90 minutes

Jesus/sharing of the different passages on the
Resurrection story

6 Lecture/Report on the Resurrection and Ascension 90 minutes

of Jesus

Assessment Task 60 minutes

Conclusion 30 minutes

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

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MODULE 4: OPENING PRAYER

Opening Prayer: As we start with this module, I invite you to

pray the Prayer before class.

Leader: When we live in unity,

All: How good and how pleasant it is.
Leader: Pray for us, Holy Father Augustine,
All: That we may dwell together in peace.
Leader: Let us pray,
All: God our Father, Your Son promised to be present in
the midst of all who come together in His name. Help us
to recognize His presence among us and experience in
our hearts the abundance of Your grace, Your mercy,
and Your peace, in truth and in love. We ask this,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

MODULE 4: ACTIVITY 1 AUGUSTINE ON THE PASCHAL MYSTERY OF CHRIST

Film viewing: The Passion of Christ

(Quotation from St. Augustine)

I have tasted sweet taste, I found nothing sweeter than the word of Truth. Taste, I tasted
a sweet taste. I found nothing sweeter than the taste of God. Taste, I tasted a sweeter
taste. I found nothing sweeter than Christ. (Brown, 1967)

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403

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The Paschal Mystery of Christ

The heart of the Christian liturgy is the celebration of the paschal mystery. This
celebration is called by the Jews “Pesach” meaning passage (is the commemoration
of the passing of the angel of death). In Augustine’s view the “pesach” or “pascha”
in Greek is precisely the passage of the Lord from death to life (Ps.
68.2;120.6;138.8), or John the Evangelist puts it, the passage of Jesus from the
world to the Father, (Jn. 13:1; Trin. 55.1), (Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery,
1999). The passion and resurrection of the Lord confirm the passage of the faithful
from death to life. In fact, in his death and resurrection, the Savior offered his own
body in order to heal the humanity (Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery,
1999).

Christ’s whole life—beginning with the mystery of the Incarnation and culminating
in the saving events of the Paschal Mystery—manifests God’s love to the world.
Fitzgerald says that “this is the process by which human beings are made gods,”
(Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Incarnation”, 1999). Hence, the saving act of God is
universal; it has been accomplished by Christ in behalf of all human beings, even
those who in fact are lost, even Judas. Augustine continues to say that redemption
does not consist solely in the example of virtue that Christ has given; but it includes
ransom, reconciliation, and liberation. It was accomplished by the sacrifice of the
cross, which was proper, freely offered, and perfect sacrifice (Trape, 1986).

A. Passion
The Passion and death of Jesus is the culmination of his
public ministry, as his name portrayed “Jesus” the name
that saves. Augustine uses Christ’s trial in the Garden of
Olives to speak of the distress of the dying and so offer
consolation. He further says that Christ agony represents
2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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the weaker members of the church who do not want to suffer and die, (Fitzgerald,
gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery, 1999). He prays, “Let this cup pass from me…” (Mt.
26:39), to teach humanity to develop the value of hope. In Jesus’ agony in the
garden, he assumes the human anxiety and fear in facing death and yet he
transfigured it, for fear that Christians will fall into despair and doubting God’s
mercy, (s. 305.4). Augustine said, “The Christians should remember that Christ’s
said, ‘”My soul is sorrowful unto death’” (Mt. 26:38), he voluntarily assuming the
weakness of the humanity. Moreover, he said when Christians fear death; they
should fix their gaze on Christ, lest they become the castaways, swallowed in a
more pitiful death of despair, (Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery, 1999). .
The death of Jesus was “necessary” to fulfill the Scripture: “How slow you are to
believe all that the prophets have announced! Was it not necessary that the
Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Lk. 24:25b-26) Jesus
saw his suffering and death as part of the coming of the Kingdom (CFC, 562).

B. Death
According to Augustine, “Christians should not fear
death, Christ’s voluntary death taught by example that
is not to be feared.” Fear of death reveals the soul’s
attachment to sheer force of habit. But if the souls were
to turn wholly to God, it would not only disregard death,
but even desire it (Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal
Mystery, 1999). Fear of death is natural, as part of human’s infirmita as fallen
creatures. Despite Christ’s conquest of death, fear of death remains as a kind of
ordeal to test the faithful. Fear of death proves and perfects Christians in their
faith. The faithful overcoming the fear of death is a part of struggle of faith itself.
God permits death to remain for the contest of faith witnessing it, humanity may
advance into holiness, (Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery, 1999).
Fear of death tests and strengthens faith, for one must believe “in things unseen”
in the mystery of resurrection to enable conquer it, (Ps. 63: 15-16; 70: 2,10;74:6).
2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
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Death has no sting” (1Cor.15:55) because the resurrection spells the Old Enemy,
(Ps. 148:4). Fear of death is also an inspiration to virtue and righteousness, and so
a providential good. Death was originally proposed as an object of fear so that sin
might not committed. But if sin is committed and be forgiven, it becomes the
award of righteousness bestowed on those whose victory earned it (civ. Dei 13.7).
Fear of death is a trial to prove faith and a deterrent to committing sin. But death
also brings reward to the virtuous who have “run the good race.” In some ways
Augustine still holds the classical sentiment that death is good for the one who is
good (Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery”1999).
Fear of death presents a trial and agony, but the Christian can only overcome it
through charity and God’s grace. Like for example the martyrs, they had to conquer
it with the “faith which works by love,” as Christ and John said, Laying down their
lives for their friends (Jn. 3:16; 15:13). Moreover, tortures taught them to rely on
divine help to conquer the fear of death, (Ps. 90:1,10). This may come through an
indwelling of Christ, a unity with him. In fact, when Augustine speaks of how
Perpetua and Felicitas overcame fear of death, he says: “He conquered in them
who lived in them, (s. 280.4). Indeed, fear of death is a lesson in perfection that
should teach humility, turning the Christian to Christ for help, (Fitzgerald, gen.
editor, “Paschal Mystery” 1999).
Augustine in his argument with the Pelagians he said, “Only Christ was perfectly
just and so without fear of death. Christ underwent death, though sinless and not
bound to death, to teach the lesson of obedience” (pecc. mer. 2.31.51). Christ
voluntarily, and so his death is redemptive for all. But the rest of humanity was
subject to original sin, which prevented such prefect justice. The natural fear of
death that all feel, it indicates that death was the punishment of original sin,
(Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery” 1999). But in the New Testament death
is the end of life but the beginning of a new life in Christ.

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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C. Resurrection

“If Christ was not raised, your faith is worthless. You are all still
in your sins… If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only,
we are the most pitiable people of men” 1 Cor. 15: 17, 19.
Augustine added saying, “If the dead do not rise, we have no
hope of a future life, but if the dead do rise, there will be a future
life” (s. 361.2.2). The Resurrection of the crucified Jesus Christ is
the primordial Christian proclamation. In fact the resurrection and exultation of the
crucified Jesus as LORD was the content of the apostle’s proclamation (Kerygma),
(CFC 614). While for Augustine he viewed it as the culmination of Jesus work of
salvation (Fitzgerald, gen. editor, “Paschal Mystery” 1999), which is the ultimate
meaning and goal of every human lives (CFC 620).

The meaning and salvific importance of Christ’s Resurrection (CFC, 621-625)

 His Resurrection confirmed everything Christ had done and taught.

 Through his resurrection, Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies
promising a Saviour for the entire world (Ps. 110; Dn. 7:13).
 The resurrection confirmed Jesus’ divinity
 Christ death freed us from sin and his Resurrection brought us a share in
the new life of adopted sons/daughters of the Father in the Holy Spirit.
 The Risen Christ is the principle and source of our future resurrection.

Augustine said that the resurrection of the dead is the very center of eschatological
transformation the dividing line between time and eternity. So the expectation of
resurrection is the distinctive faith of Christians the hope that marks off Christian
doctrine from pagan wisdom (s. 241,1; cf. 214.12; 234.2) (Fitzgerald, gen. editor,
2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
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“Paschal Mystery” 1999). In fact the Resurrection of Christ is the “central event of
God’s whole plan of salvation.” This is how God wills to save all persons for all time.
In the risen Christ a new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken
world has been renewed, and we are once again made whole, (CFC, 627).

D. Ascension
The Ascension of Christ is the integral part of his Paschal
Mystery. With the event of Jesus ascension into heaven this
is the final end of his apparition which is the irreversible
entry of his humanity into divine glory symbolized by the
cloud and the heaven, where he is seated at the right hand
of the Father, (CCC,659).
This veiled character of the glory of the Risen One during this
time is intimated in his mysterious words to Mary Magdalene: “I have not yet
ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to
my Father and your Father, to my God and your God,” (Jn. 20:17; cf. CCC,659-60;
CFC,648). This indicates a difference in manifestation between the glory of the risen
Christ and that of Christ exalted to the Father’s right hand, a transition marked by
the historical and transcendent event of the Ascension, (CCC, 660).
The primary meaning of being raised from or “lift up” is Christ’s exaltation,
sovereign authority and power over creation and all history. Some example verses
from the Scripture that portray the sovereign authority of Jesus over the nature.
“Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the
boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save
us! We’re going to drown!”(Mt. 8:24-25). The disciples were amazed and asked,
“What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Mt. 8:27).
But the ascension is also a saving event for us. Christ’s return to the Father was
necessary for sending the Holy Spirit: “It is better you that I go…If I go, I will send

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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the Paraclete to you” (Jn. 16:17). Jesus Ascension to his Father did not separate him
from the world. Rather, it made him even more present to his disciples.
The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took his seat at God’s right hand. The
Eleven went forth and preached everywhere. The lord continued to work with them
throughout, and to confirm the message through the signs which accompanied
them (Mk. 19:19-20).

Basic truth of Ascension

 It marks Jesus’ exaltation into heavenly realm of his Father
 It does not separate Christ from us because as he promised, from heaven he
“draws everyone to himself” (Jn. 12:23)
 Since “he lives forever to make intercession,” Christ continues to exercise his
priesthood since he entered “heaven itself, that he might now appear before
God on our behalf” (Heb. 7:25;9:24)
 The ascended Christ as Head of the Church gives us, members of his Body,
the hope of one day entering into glory with him (cf. CCC, 661-67; CFC, 651)
Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercede s
constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of
the Holy Spirit (CCC, 667).

MODULE 4:

1. Quiz
2. Make/create a map of one’s “paschal mystery” in life and explain how God
journey with them.

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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3. Share one’s experiences of “paschal mystery” in the group.

OR
Write a reflection paper on the film “The Passion on the
Christ”
MODULE 4: Conclusion:
The ups and down in life is always present in our journey as long as we live.
What we have to inculcate in our mind in times of our troubles, not to give up but
to see the brighter side of life and to entrust our worries, insecurities, and doubts
to the hands of the Father, like Jesus he said “Into your hands I commend my spirit”.
All our worries, insecurities, doubts and shortcoming we bring it to the Lord
through prayer. We have to learn from Jesus to live not only in happy moment but
even in the saddest moment of life. We have to cultivate the value of faith, hope,
and charity so that our fellow Christians/Augustinian can see that Christ is truly
alive in the midst of us.

MODULE 4: CLOSING PRAYER

Closing Prayer After the Class

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord,

All: Who made heaven and earth.
Leader: Let us pray.
All: God, the desire of every human heart, you moved Saint
Augustine to seek restlessly for truth and peace. Touch
our hearts with his burning desire for wisdom, for the
Word made flesh. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Leader: Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit.

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

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All: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.

Amen.

MODULE 4: REFERENCES

 Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1994). Manila ECCCE. Word and Life
Publications.
 Catechism for Filipino Catholics. (1997). Manila ECCCE. Word and Life
Publications.
 Fitzgerald, gen. editor, Jones, Alexander. (1966). The Jerusalem Bible.
Philippine Bible Society. Manila, Philippines.
 Fitzgerald, gen. editor, Jones, Alexander. (1966). The Jerusalem Bible.
Philippine Bible Society. Manila, Philippines .
 Trape, Agostino. (1986). Saint Augustine Man, Pastor, Mystic. Catholic
Publishing Co. New York.

2022-2023 Module Packet for ASF 2 (Saint Augustine on Christology and Worship), Center for Religious
Studies, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

Email: crs@usa.edu.ph | Contact No.: 337-4841 to 44 | Fax No.: (033) 337-4403