What is the Paschal mystery?

The Paschal mystery (Christs cross and resurrection) is the center of the Good News that his followers are to proclaim to the world. Through the Paschal mystery, Gods saving plan was accomplished once for all. (CC 571) So how is it that we enter into his saving work? The Judeo-Christian religion begins with the law (Ten Commandments) of Moses. The law was received with much joy and it was understood that it took a great and loving God to provide such a definitive law. Anyone who has needed the law to find security and protection knows that the law contains much love. Justice depends on law and those who enforce the law are agents of this particular form of righteousness. But to transgress the law meant spiritual death. And every man has transgressed the law (Romans 3:23, 5:12). But fortunately for us, God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life - John 3:16. Through Jesus, the law was not only upheld but fulfilled because Jesus loved the law, recognized the true spirit of the law and accepted it to the point of taking on its curse for our sake. Now it is through following Christ, his vision or beatitude, that we both find blessing and become a blessing to others. Jesus sees poverty of spirit, mourning the way of the world, blessing others, being meek, merciful, peaceful, pure of heart, hungering for justice, persevering in bearing witness to others and honoring the name of God as the keys to understanding the law of the commandments and the law of love for God and neighbor. Beatitudes unlike commandments do not merely forbid bad behavior but show the way to live life in right relationship to God. The proof of what we believe lies in how we act. Blessed is he who hears the Word of God and obeys it. -Luke 11:28. Jesus came demonstrating a new way of life in faith. As he began his ministry, obeying his Heavenly Father (and mother Mary at Cana) in the power of the Holy Spirit, performing miracles, men began to put their faith in him (John 2:11). if there had been a law given which could have given life, righteousness should have been by the law So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. - Gal 3:21, 24. Faith in Christ St. Augustine wrote, Now there is a great difference between believing in Christ and believing that Jesus is the Christ. For that he was the Christ even the devils believed; but he believes in Christ who both loves Christ and hopes in him. Here St. Augustine refers to the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love, the three things that last forever. These virtues adapt mans faculties for participation in the divine nature. (CC 1812) What is the good news? Colossians 1:22-23 tells us: But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- IF you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. THIS IS THE GOSPEL that you heard and that

has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. It isnt enough to be baptized and accept what Jesus did for us on the cross. We continue to have faith and hope in the Word of God. This is the work that brings about the Kingdom of God and makes us holy. Jesus tells us: I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. - John 14:12. The Kingdom of God comes not with observation but it is within us (Luke 17:20-21), and we undergo a type of suffering like a woman in labor. Romans 8:22-23 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.. The Paschal mystery is wrought in us when we die to our own will, receiving the Word of God so that Christ, our new life, can reign in us. We celebrate the Paschal mystery at every Mass. In the liturgy, we hear the Word of God and keep it in our hearts so that it may become manifest in our actions and words revealing that we are children of God (his fruit). In the Eucharist, we receive his body and blood in a way that empowers us to live our lives for the sake of the Gospel. The passion and death of Jesus, the grain of wheat that not only died but was crushed for our iniquities, mingled with his precious shed blood and the water that symbolizes our new birth in baptism is our communion with him. We feed on him and we are consumed as we emulate and imitate him, going forth to love and serve others in the everlasting virtues of faith, hope and love. http://www.examiner.com/article/catholicism-101-what-is-the-paschalmystery