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RCIA – Church As Sanctifier Pre-Catechumenate Lesson Application

RCIA – Church As Sanctifier Pre-Catechumenate Lesson Application. The Church As Sanctifier Introduction.

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RCIA – Church As Sanctifier Pre-Catechumenate Lesson Application

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  1. RCIA – Church As Sanctifier Pre-Catechumenate Lesson Application

  2. The Church As SanctifierIntroduction The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a classic parable; and probably one most known by others, even those who aren’t Christian. We have all heard of modern day “Good Samaritan” stories. Yet the parable as told by Christ is far from a superficial call to be “nice” to others. It is much deeper than that. In fact the parable itself can help us see and better understand the very Church itself.

  3. Parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:29-37Engaging the parable and discussion • What takes place in the parable? • What do you think Jesus is trying to teach us in this parable? • What specifically in this parable gives us a deeper understanding of the Church?

  4. Engaging St. Augustine’s Interpretation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan We know that our Lord told this parable in answer to a question about who our neighbor is. This parable teaches a lesson about real charity. However, it seems that our Lord also had a deeper message in mind about grace, faith, salvation history and the Church. The fourth-century bishop St. Augustine encapsulates all of these principles in his interpretation of our Lord’s Parable of the Good Samaritan.

  5. St. Augustine’s Interpretation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan Let us suppose that the man who is traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is Adam, who also represents the whole human race. He was “robbed” – by the devil – of his riches, that is the life of grace. Just as the man was left half-dead by the side of the road, the human race is weak, fallen, and without the many gifts God intended for us. Most important, after the Fall, we were unable to attain salvation. The priest and the Levite signify the priests and the prophets of the Old Covenant, who were unable to restore us to supernatural life. Finally, the Samaritan pouring oil and wine on the man’s wounds represents Christ, who “pours out” graces through the sacraments to heal our spiritual wounds.

  6. Discussion • Based on St. Augustine’s explanation of the parable of the Good Samaritan, explain the significance of the “inn” and the “inn keeper.”  What other symbols do you find in this parable? Discuss their significance in relation to the Church.

  7. The Church as Sanctifier St. Augustine’s interpretation helps us see the Church as Sanctifier particularly in the reality of the Inn, and the “deposits” (two coins) that Christ gives to the innkeeper. Christ’s work is sufficient, and the Church is to use the treasures of Christ to, “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). The Church has a solemn duty to sanctify the world and bring all souls to Christ.

  8. Final Discussion • Given St. Augustine’s interpretation of the parable of the Good Samaritan, in what way, if any does it change the meaning of Our Lord’s words in verse 37? – “Go and do likewise.”

  9. Notes • This parable is used to break open the reality of the Church as Sanctifier. St. Augustine presents the meaning of the parable within an ecclesial framework. All of salvation history is summed up in the parable, leading to Christ who then establishes a Church for all to come to the fullness of truth. The Church is the Catholic Church. Understanding this parable within the framework Augustine presents should enable us to move beyond the common superficial understanding that is parable is about being “nice” to our neighbor. If this parable is truly about the truth of the Church, and the saving work of Christ, then the words of Christ to “go and do likewise” would lead us to the realization that truly loving your neighbor is to lead them to the fullness of Faith, as lived and expressed in the Church Christ established for our salvation.

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