Course 2, Chapter 2: Birth of the Messiah

1. Were all nations expecting the Messiah when our Lord Jesus Christ came into the world?

Yes, when our Lord was born, all nations were expecting an extraordinary personage who would reign over the world, and establish in it the empire of justice and virtue. In the first place, the Jews knew, in accordance with the prophecies, that the Messiah was at hand; but, blinded by the Pharisees they expected, in the Messiah, a conqueror who would deliver them from the yoke of the nations. It was in this very hope they undertook, notwithstanding their weakness, to sustain a war against all the power of the Roman empire.

2. And the pagans?

The pagans, also, relying upon their ancient traditions, were at that time expecting the coming of an extraordinary personage. "It was the general conviction," says Tacitus, "that the ancient books of the priests announced that at this period the East would have the ascendency, and that from out of Judea should go forth the masters of the world."

3. Is this fact well attested?

This fact is so well attested, that even the great est enemies of religion are obliged to admit it.

4. What do you remark?

I remark that since the coming of Jesus Christ, all nations have ceased to look for the Messiah; whence we must conclude either that all nations have been deceived in expecting the Messiah, and in recog-

nizing Jesus Christ as such; or that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Messiah promised by the prophets and expected by all nations.

5. What is the history of the birth of the Messiah?

When the time marked by the prophets was accomplished, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin, who dwelt in the city of Nazareth. The angel said to her, Hail full of grace, ttie Lord is with thee. Behold, thou shall bring forth a son. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High.

6. What reply did the Blessed Virgin make'?

The Blessed Virgin replied, Behold the hand maid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word. Then the angel disappeared, and the God-Man was formed by the power of the Holy Ghost in the chaste womb of Mary. An edict of the emperor Augustus obliged the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph to repair to Bethlehem, where the Messiah was to be born.

7. How was his birth announced V

His birth was announced by angels, who sang this canticle, which is the abridgment of all the works of the Messiah: Glory to God on high and peace on earth to men of good will.

8. By whom was the new-born Messiah adored V

The new-born Messiah was adored, first by the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, and then by the shepherds, who hastened to publish every where the wonderful mystery which they had witnessed.

Q On what occasion did our Lord receive the name of Jesus?

A. Our Lord received the name of Jesus on the occasion of his circumcision.

9. What does the word Jesus mean?

The word Jesus means Saviour. Our Lord is thus called, because he has saved all men from the slavery of their passions, of the devil, and of sin.

10. Did God make known the birth of the Messiah only to the Jews?

140 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

A . God made known the birth of the Messiah to the Gentiles also. A short time after his birth, a miraculous star appeared in the heavens. The Magi, (that is, wise men of the East,) having seen it, came to adore the Lord and to offer him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

11. Why was the Messiah born in poverty, humiliation and suffering?

He was born, and he lived and died in poverty, humiliation and suffering: 1. to expiate sin; 2, to cure us of its consequences; 3, to set us an example.