OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA SEMINARY

High school Department

Bibincahan, Sorsogon City
A.Y. 2020-2021

Learn
Relig4 QUARTER
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ion 7
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Prepared by:
Bro. Ray Nonn O. Mallorca

Owned by:

LESSON 24
BABYLON AND THE FALL OF THE PROUD KINGDOM OF JUDAH
 SALVATION HISTORY

Learning Objectives
- To understand the connection between
the historical facts and the sacred
teachings of the Catholic Church; and
evaluates his relationship with God.

A. BIBLICAL FACTS AND HISTORY

1. Assyria Weakens, Babylon Rises

It has been said that the greatness of a
kingdom lies in the greatness of its king. The
great kings of Assyria have gone. Those who
succeeded to the throne were weak and
were not es great as their fathers. Because of this, the former kingdoms under the
Assyrian subjugation freed themselves. Yet one of these kingdoms vowed to take
over as the new superpower of the ancient world. As Assyria weakened, Babylon
rose to power.
From the shackles of bondage, Babylon, with their newly installed king, King
Nabopolassar declared independence from the Assyrian rule in 625 BCE. It staged
war with the latter and attacked Nineveh (the capital of Assyria) to conquer the
ancient world. Heading the Babylonian army was Nebuchadnezzar, the son of King
Nabopolassar.
In 605 BCE, in the decisive Battle of Charchemish, the Babylonian forces faced
the Assyrian-Egyptian coalition. The Babylonians won the battle. Assyria fell, while
the Egyptians led by the Pharaoh Neco ran back to Egypt. Babylon became the new
superpower controlling the ancient world.
Nebuchadnezzar intended to catch up with the fleeing Pharaoh, but news came
in. His father was about to die. With the sad news, the young prince gave up. the
chase and headed back to Babylon. In no time, Babylon had a new king, the young
and energetic, King Nebuchadnezzar.

2. The Pride of the Promise (House of David) and the Temple

The fall of the sister-kingdom, i.e., the Kingdom of Israel, was no good news to
the people of the Kingdom of Judah. In 722 BCE, the Assyrians destroyed the
Kingdom of Israel. It scattered the remaining inhabitants all over the ancient world
to be sold as slaves.

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 SALVATION HISTORY

With God at their side, the Kingdom of Judah was spared from the Assyrian
onslaught. It paid a big toll, however, to the saved kingdom. The people of Judah
had to pay huge sums of taxes to Assyria, to the point that many kings took hold of
the Temple treasury to pay its bills. Other than this, the kings of the Kingdom of
Judah were forced to build shrines for the Assyrian gods, and at the same time
promulgate norms to worship these foreign gods.
For almost a century, the Kingdom of Judah turned away from God. The leaders
of the kingdom became engrossed with wealth, to the Point that they did not any
more bother to see whether their people were in deep economic troubles or not,
What was important was that they could pay their taxes to the Assyrians, asked the
people for the payment, and maintained their peace.
The kings, the prophets, and the temple priests were all in the same boat.
Although there were kings who repented and brought back the nation to the path to
God (e.g., Hezekiah and Josiah), the rest of the kings turned their backs on God.
They worshipped the Assyrian gods to appease the Assyrians. Backing them up
were the paid prophets and the temple priests who believed (just like those in the
Kingdom of Israel) that for as long as the offerings to God in the Temple continued,
the worship to foreign gods would be acceptable. They thought that they too could
bribe God.
Other than that, they justified the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel for the
simple reason that they did not have the Temple. The people of the Kingdom of
Judah had it, and it was where God lived. We ask, "How could the Kingdom of
Judah fall, when God has always been with it?"
Another point that boosted their confidence to such idolatrous works and social
injustices was the promise of God.to King David. For it was written, that God will
never smite the house of David and it shall stand until the end of time (cf. 2 Sam
7:14-16).
Two reasons, therefore, were held by the people of the Kingdom of Judah to
maintain their idolatrous acts and injustices to the lowly people: (1) the Temple in
Jerusalem with continuous offerings; and (2) the promise of God to King David that
it would stand forever. These were the two reasons that made them proud.
However, God will never be enclosed in a certain place. God will never be
bribed. God will never ever let the poor people suffer for the benefit of the abusive
few.

3. The Fall of the Kingdom of Judah

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 SALVATION HISTORY

God sent prophets to the kings, but the kings were either engrossed with their
idolatry and injustices, or confused by the other paid prophets who told them
otherwise. The temple priests, on the other hand, were on their side, reassuring the
kings of the constant offerings in the Temple so much so that for as long as God was
fed with offerings, He would be appeased.
The paid prophets and the temple priest' silenced the prophets. They mocked
them. They imprisoned them and they planned to murder them. Yet Prophet
Jeremiah stood his ground. He prophesied the downfall of the Kingdom of Judah if
the people would not repent and turn back to God, every word he said against the
kingdom would be fulfilled according to the message sent by God Himself. He
explained the truth that God could never be bribed and be appeased by mere
offerings, but Was to be served with love and fidelity.
Prophet Jeremiah also believed in God's promises, but that would not after Him
from giving the best of lessons to His people. The prophet cried for change, but like
the people of the Kingdom of Israel, everything fell on deaf ears.
In 597 BCE, King Nebuchadnezzar appeared in Jerusalem. He crushed the army
of the Kingdom of Judah and sent to exile a number of the high echelon of the
kingdom. After several' years, because of the people's stubbornness, in 586 BCE, the
Babylonians destroyed the Whole kingdom and sent to the Babylonian exile
everyone left of the higher society of the Kingdom of Judah. In no time, the Temple
in Jerusalem was destroyed. Nothing was left in Jerusalem, not even the pride once
enjoyed.

B. THE SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE FALL OF THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH

1. God can never be bribed.
As already learned from the lessons from the Fall of the Kingdom of Israel (i.e.,
Lesson 22) where the people bribed God with their offerings to cover up for their sins,
God can never be bribed. He does not need any of our offerings, for everything comes
from Him.
What God needs from us is our contrite and humble hearts, with the intention to
change for the better, and to always be with Him. He desires that we open up to the
needs of others so that others too may feel His love in the midst of pain and suffering.
2. Temples are built for prayer, though God is present everywhere.
The people of the Kingdom of Judah thought that God could be enclosed in a
Temple built for Him by King Solomon. They thought that in giving Him a home, God
could be trapped in such a way that He could not leave its premises. They had thought
of God in a very selfish manner.

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 SALVATION HISTORY

God can never be enclosed in a certain place. It is true that God can be found in
our churches, but it is also true that God can be found anywhere, where we can find
peace. He is even in the midst of war and injustices, There, He also resides. All we need
to do is close our eyes, open our hearts, and feel His presence, can never be enclosed in
a certain place, for He is everywhere.
3. God fulfills His promises.
God makes special promises, but He will never allow ill intentions to intervene
with these promises. He promised to love us and to protect us always, but if we do
strange things and leave Him for another, we might as well be lost in our lives. It is just
like the promises made to us by our parents. They swear to be always be with us, but if
we keep on with illicit relationships, illicit activities, we should not blame them for
distancing from us.
4. Too much confidence may lead to one's doom.
The people of the Kingdom of Judah had this false confidence that God would
protect and love them no matter what. It is true that God will really love and protect
them against anything that would harm them, but when this confidence is plated in a
wrong way, it may lead them to their doom as it occurred to them,
They sinned and continually sinned. They left God and imputed injustice to the
lowly ones. Yet still they falsely believed that God would be with them, while doing
sins against Him and against their neighbor.
It is true that God as a Father, will forgive His erring people. He will embrace
them and accept them for what they are, Yet also as a Father, He will let His people
experience hardship for them to learn a good lesson.
We complain against our parents that they have been unjust. We complain that
they should have been more forgiving and more understanding. Yet have We evet
asked ourselves if we really deserve their forgiveness (i.e., have we ever repented and
changed)? Have we been open to their thoughts, or have we been so closed with our
selfish motives?
God is a God of love and forgiveness. He is a good Father. However, When His
children become too much too confident with His love and forgiveness, and that
knowing that they would be forgiven in spite of the continued commission of sins and
unjust actuations against others, God might as well give us a good lesson.
It is to this that we have to check the meaning of what we say when we tell God
that we are "sorry" for having hurt Him for the sins we have done. Where is the
sincerity of the word "sorry" if we say it so often in a single day? Do we really mean
what we say when we say, "l am so sorry…”?

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 SALVATION HISTORY

The point is we say "sorry" several times to God. He is forever forgiving, but
can't we think of it in a different angle? Why not look at it as God feels it? Thus, where
is repentance? Where is the change? What is the meaning of "sorry"?
The offerings made by the people of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah were like
the same "sorry we utter to God. We are too confident of His goodness. Yet these
offerings and words like "sorry" become meaningless when we do not turn away from
our, sins and keep on sinning. Being truly sorry means having to resist and to stop evil
deeds.
When shall God teach us a good lesson? When shall He decide to be firm with
us, as a Father to His children? We do not know. Yet it does not matter, for what
matters is that we express to God how much we love Him by changing our ways.

B. ACTIVITY
Answer the following questions. (5pts)
1. What kind of relationship do you have with God? How do you talk to Him? (2pts)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

2. Why do you think the Kingdom of Judah fell? What kind of relationship the people
have with God? (3pts)
______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________
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LESSON 25
THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN A FOREIGN LAND

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 SALVATION HISTORY

Learning Objectives
- To understand the ill effects of sin to oneself and to others and conforms with
what is right and morally acceptable by standing on the consequences of his
actions.

A. The People of God in Exile

Babylon is too far from the promise land. It is as if the children of Abraham went
back to the region where their father came from. (Ur, where Abraham originated, is
supposedly +/—250 km straight south-east of Babylon, but following the Euphrates
River may come to a 380 km walk toward the south-east.)
It is not easy to be in exile; Exile means to be in a foreign land with foreign
people, speaking in a foreign language. These foreign people would have their own
culture distinct from that which has been accustomed by the people of the Kingdom of
Judah. These people worshipped a different god They ate distinctly. It was totally a
different world.
The people of Judah were considered a vanquished nation. This reality made
things worse. In those times, a nation fallen to the hands of a conqueror became slaves
of the conquering nation. If they would be lucky, like the kings and their children, they
would live in palace-compounds and would be considered as "guest-prisoners." These
strategies were employed to tell the whole world that the conquering leaders were
merciful.
To be a slave, on the other hand, would mean to be a servant of another. He/she
would not be paid for his/her services. He/she would work or a master/mistress as a
cook, a gardener, a farmer, or a helper. Worst, since he/she had no rights, he/she might
be sentenced to death at any time his/her master wants to. His/her life depended upon
his/her owner.
A slave, therefore, was considered a thing. He/she might be human, but he/she
was "owned" Their existence largely depended on their masters/ mistresses.
Babylon was said to be a garden the middle of the desert, but to live there as a
slave or a prisoner of war, is to live in a beautiful place without peace and tranquility.
As a slave, one lives in Babylon without freedom. As a slave, life was filled with misery.
Life in the garden of Babylon was meaningless.
The prophet Habakkuk blamed with great pains their fathers who did not listen
to the words of the prophets. The latter cried for reforms, repentance, and return to the
ways of God. However, their fathers mocked them and gloated. And now in the
evening twilight, they and their children were suffering the cold of the painful night.
For the Prophet Habakkuk, the exile was a punishment for the injustices committed by
their fathers so much so that God lifted Babylon so as to bring forth a mighty lesson for
His people.

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 SALVATION HISTORY

For almost fifty years, the people of God lived in Babylon. Many imbibed the
culture and accepted their fate. Babylon had become their new home. For the past years,
the young grew old while the older ones just died. A new generation rose and they
embraced the new world.
Some of them, however, maintained their faith in God. Some of them passed on
their thoughts to the new generation. Some of them hoped for a new tomorrow, when
God would bring them back to the Promised Land.
One of these men was a priest named Ezekiel. He was a visionary who received
visions from God. He saw the children of God, who had been faithful to Him, return to
the land once given to their fathers. He proclaimed it to those who unceasingly hoped
for their return.

B. THE SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE EXILE OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN

BABYLON

1. A single sin affects not only one's self, but also others.
As Prophet Habakkuk would painfully blame their fathers for their sins, one can
just imagine how a single sin may affect not only the self but also others.
It is true that we are all responsible for our actions. Each one of us should be
punished for each one's sin. However, as we sin (i.e., we commit sin), we do not only
affect ourselves. Rather, people become involve, too, in one way or the ether.
Try to imagine the sin of theft. When one gets something from another, the other
would lose something. When one kills someone, he takes the life of another and brings
forth sorrow to the family of the murdered person. When one drinks and drives, then
gets into accident, his/her family would grieve over him/her. And if in the accident,
another innocent life gets involved, more people become involved.
When one commits adultery, he/she destroys the family of another. When one
speaks ill of others, he/she damages the dignity of another. A single sin brings forth
harm not only to the self, but to others as well. We should be cautious not to do things
because of what we feel. We should consider others' feelings and the consequences of
our actions.

2. A dreadful situation brings out the spirit of hope deep within the heart of man.
Sad as it may seem, oftentimes we see ourselves in a dreadful situation because
of others' faults. We tend to ask God for the reason why things are bad, but answers are
so evasive. We would find ourselves lost in the mire of questions.
In the midst of suffering and pain, we tend to stop asking. We see God. We see
hope. We see meaning. This is the phenomenon of human spirituality that every man

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and woman who encounters pain should work on. God dwells inside each of us, but
without proper help, we may fail to discover Him.
It is our duty, therefore, to assist those in pain to look deep in their hearts and
hold on to that flickering. hope. For from that tiny hope, things would be better for
him/her.

3. Pain has a cathartic effect.

Pain, once overcome, produces a cathartic effect. It washes past fears, and it
makes a person better and stronger.
Friendship is, therefore, important, for it is through our friends that we get out of
our pains. Through them, we cleanse out suffering. Through them, we become better
and stronger.

4. Pain and suffering exist for many reasons therefore.

In the past lessons (e.g., Lesson 8), we have learned how sometimes God tests
our faith as He has done with Abraham. In this lesson, we have seen how pain comes
because of the sins/mistakes/ errors of others. Yet these pains and sufferings make us
better people. Because of these pains and sufferings, we come to know who are our real
friends.

C. ACTIVITY
ESSAY: Why is it that pain and suffering necessary for people to grow? Write at least
with 5 sentences. (10pts)

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 SALVATION HISTORY

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________

LESSON 26
PERSIA FLEXES ITS ARMS AND THE
COMING OF A FOREIGN SAVIOR

Learning Objectives
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 SALVATION HISTORY

- To understand and describe how God saved His people, and appreciates the help
given by significant and meaningful people.

A. PERSIA FLEXES ITS ARMS

As in the case of Assyria, Babylon had its time of success. At the death of King
Nebuchadnezzar zin 562 BCE, his son Awil-Marduk succeeded to the throne. However,
he was unlike his father and he lost control of power. Within two years of reign, Awil-
Marduk was murdered and the deterioration of the Babylonian supremacy began.
In the south-east of Babylon was Persia. Taking advantage of the instability in
Babylon, Cyrus (II) took control in Persia, declared independence from Babylon, and
annexed Media (east of Babylon) to Persia in 552 BCE. In no time, Cyrus entered
Babylon in 539 BCE, conquered it, and became the new master of the ancient world.
The Jews exiled in Babylon had waited for the coming of Cyrus, The news about
his policies reached those who had hoped for their return to the Promised Land. Before
taking Babylon, Cyrus conquered kingdoms, and from these victories he did not
destroy any of the great creations jn those places, like what the Babylonians and the
Assyrians did. Rather, Cyrus maintained peace by replacing the kings with satraps
(provincial governors), converting the conquered kingdom to a province under Persia.
A year after taking Babylon, in 538 BCE, Cyrus released an edict proclaiming the
return of all those exiled in Babylon back to their respective places of origin.
Hope has found its fulfillment. The long wait is over. Freedom is regained!

B. SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE SENDING OF CYRUS AS SAVIOR OF GOD'S

PEOPLE
1. God chooses foreign leaders to free His people from bondage.
Since the calling of Moses, God has not called a foreign king to save His people.
For the first time in the history of salvation, a non- Jew has been chosen by God to free
His people from the bondage of slavery and exile. God has chosen and called Cyrus (II,
or Cyrus the Great).
In the course of our lives, special strangers become significant persons. They
shall stretch out their hands to us and will pull us out of our sinful ways. They will give
us the needed light. They will bring us back the dignity once lost.
These people are sent to us by God so that we may know that God lives and
loves. They are anointed to lead us back to the path of salvation.
We may not know it, but we, too, are called by God to save other people's lives.
We are called, through the sacrament of Baptism, to give hope and to give new life to
others who have been mired with sin and sinfulness. We, too, are being pushed toward
the service of our poor brothers and sisters.

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2. Earthly powers are given by God to save and to protect the people.
The powers enjoyed by Cyrus of Persia came from God. God gave these powers
(wealth, fame, military might, influence, among others) to Cyrus to serve His people.
The same thing goes with all our political, economic, and social leaders. Power is
coupled with privileges. God has given these things to them. And these powers are
provided to serve the people better.
As young leaders, we are to be aware of this truth, for when our time comes, i.e.,
when we reach the pinnacles of our careers, may we be reminded that everything that
we have (the powers that we exercise be it in the government or in the private sectors)
are all provided for us to better serve the people of God.

C. ACTIVITY
Ask yourself about your dream-career. Imagine the possible powers you can have if
ever you succeed in your chosen career. How can you help people if ever you take such
powers? (5pts)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

LESSON 27
THE PERSIAN DECREE OF RETURNONG TO HIS OWN COUNTRY

Learning Objectives
- To understand and recognize the role of
Cyrus in the pursuit of freedom from
slavery and forgive those who have done
wrong to him or her.

A. CYRUS DECREED THE RETURN

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 SALVATION HISTORY

In the year 538 BCE, King Cyrus of Persia decreed that every in Babylon could go
back home to their places of origin, and To the Jews, King Cyrus added that they could
also rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem and the walls that protected the city, Both the
Temple and the walls in Jerusalem were destroyed by the Babylonians entered
conquered, and crushed the Kingdom of Judah.
Enslaved for almost half a century, the Jews born in Babylon grew up as slaves
went home thanking God, now with freedom in their hands.
It had been almost after fifty years when their great-grandfathers walked in
chains toward Babylon. It was a long-devastating wall journeyed with crushed hearts as
slaves toward a country not their own. They marched with pain, not only because of the
shackles on their feet, or hands, but also because they walked as human without a
name, without dignity of any sort.
After almost fifty years, they marched toward home. It shall be a long walk, but
it would never be like before, for it is a journey with high hopes and with pleasant
dreams. Their necks, feet, and hand are not anymore clasped with any metal chains, but
are filled with necklaces, colorful arm bands and sandals. With joy, they walked toward
their lands and their homes. They were now free, and they looked beyond this long
march toward a new era of their lives.
Although the Israelites were saved by Cyrus, they knew for a fact that it was God
who "pushed" Cyrus to set them free. This truth is written and expressed in the Book of
Isaiah.

B. THE SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE DECREE PROCLAIMED BY CYRUS

1. Although God uses great men and women to free His people, still He is the "cause"
of their salvation, i.e., the one who willed for them to be freed.
It is true that Cyrus was instrumental to God's plan to free His people from the
bondage of Babylonian slavery. God willed and inspired Cyrus to do it. It is also true
that Cyrus made use of his great talents and great planning so that the Babylonians
would be defeated, and thus would free the Israelites exiled in Babylon. Yet without
God's gifts of talents and intellectual capabilities, Cyrus may have failed.
God is the true Savior of the Israelites exiled in Babylon, He is the true force
behind the victory of Cyrus. He is the one who guided Cyrus toward triumph.
The same thing goes with our smalt triumphs and victories. We may have won a
good fight, have exhausted our energy, and given our best to win. Still, the true victor is
not us, but God who willed that we win. There may be people to be thanked, but above
all, it shall be God who willed and destined things to happen.

2. Pain and suffering can bring about spiritual cleansings.

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 SALVATION HISTORY

The redemption (salvation) of the exiled Israelites was due to the cleansing effect
of their pain and suffering experienced in Babylon. The humiliating effect of such an
ordeal brought forth repentance. Through their pain and suffering, they humbly
realized their faults. They asked forgiveness, and they were cleansed.
In the sacrament of Reconciliation, one humbly accepts his/her faults. One
painfully confesses his/her sins. He/she repents and offers penance. He/she changes
his/her ways. Thus, the pain of realizing one's sins brings forth cleansing. It prepares
the person toward the confession of his sins. From such pain and suffering, he/she
revives himself/herself a new person committed to do penance and reparation...so as to
face the world as a new person.

3. Salvation also includes love and forgiveness.

When God saves, He expresses His love, and when He loves, He also forgives. (It
should be clear at this point that the "punishment" given to the Israelites is an
expression of love on the part of God. It is a gesture by God as a Father, i.e., as a
"parent," who imposes chastisements so that His children may learn more of life.)
Saving, loving, and forgiving go with each other. Thus, in saving His people
from the bondage of Babylonian captivity, He shows His love to them and at the same
time He also blots out the sins that have hindered the people to return to Him. And in
wiping out the sins through forgiveness„ His people becomes free, i.e free to worship
and serve Him once again.
With this, it is nice to think about the times when God has saved us from many
harm. It only means He loves us so dearly' However, as our sins are forgiven, let us not
be proud. let us humble ourselves and confess our sins so that Gods forgiveness
through the absolution of sins may come to pass.
4. There is joy in the event of salvation.
For almost fifty years; the Israelites had a miserable life. After almost fifty years,
everything changed. They were now free. Such freedom brings joy. It brings happiness
and contentment. Deep in their hearts, they know fully well that God 'truly loves them
and has forgiven them from their sins.
In the sacrament of Reconciliation, there is the experience of joy. There is this
feeling of freedom, where the bondage of sin has been broken through God's
forgiveness. There is this deep sense of happiness and confidence for truly God loves.

C. ACTIVITY
Access the internet and look for an interview of an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
You can also interview people that you know that work abroad. Answer these
following questions. (10pts)

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Guide Questions
1. What is the nature of his/her work?
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the difficulties he/she encountered in working abroad?
______________________________________________________________________________
3. What is his/her situation—physically, emotionally and spiritually?
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Is there an improvement in the life of his/her family at home?
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Is there a desire/plant go home for good? Why or why not?
______________________________________________________________________________

LESSON 28
THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE AND THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM

Learning Objectives
- To understand and realize the effect of
destruction—physically, mentally,
emotionally and spiritually, and
resolves each other’s differences in
order to achieve a common goal.

A. THE FULFILLMENT OF THE DREAM TO REBUILD THE TEMPLE AND THE

WALLS OF JERUSALEM

1. The Order to Rebuild 'the Temple in Jerusalem

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It was the policy of King Cyrus (and the kings succeeding him) that every part of
the Persian kingdom would maintain its identity, religion, and culture. There would be
no other kings, but the king of Persia alone. Thus, one can freely have his own belief
system, but there would be only one government.
With this policy, the Jews returned to Jerusalem with a special order from King
Cyrus to rebuild the Temple once destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The
rebuilding started with great fervor, but it Was stopped because of complaints. It was
then continued and was finished in 515 (or 516) BCE.
Since then, the worship of God in Jerusalem was restored. And the dignity once
destroyed for the people of God was also restored.

2. The Wish to Rebuild the Walls in Jerusalem

The walls of Jerusalem were so important that they became the first line of
defense against probable attacks. Since there was a central government in {he whole
Kingdom of Persia, the walls of Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonians served no
purpose, and they appeared to be incompatible with the newly built Temple.
The walls shall be rebuilt so that they may be in harmony with the beauty of the
Temple rebuilt recently. Thus, Nehemiah asked King Artaxerxes} the newly installed
King of Persia, permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He was given permission
for and was sent to Jerusalem in 445 BCE as its new governor (satrap).
Upon his arrival to Jerusalem) Nehemiah started the rebuilding. And in no time
(i.e., in fifty-two days as inscribed in Neh 6:15) the walls stood beautifully and strongly
in the perimeters of the Temple.
B. THE SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE NARRATIVES

Rebuilding is no easy task. It is not easy to rebuild what has already been
destroyed. One must be committed and must seek assistance to accomplish the task. For
almost fifty years, the Temple in Jerusalem stood in ruins. Its devastated form only
brought forth pain. It brought back the memory of the past elders in exile to the new
generation of young men and women of the Persian era.
Looking forward, the Jews had high hopes. They wanted to rebuild, but they
needed all the help to obtain what they wanted: a new Temple to bring back the old
days, to enhance the newly given freedom, to have a place where they could offer to
God what is due to Him.
Yet God is good. God opens all the possibilities for the Jews to attain they wish
for: He opened the heart of the Persian King Cyrus to proclaim the decree to rebuild the
Temple; God opened the hearts of the rich and the poor so that they could offer their
time, talent, and treasure; and above all; He Opened up the minds of the young men
and women who did not experience the actual pain of receiving the news that the

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mighty Temple of God in Jerusalem had been destroyed—all they had were stories of
pain and desolation from their grandfathers.
In like manner, we have a lot of brothers and sisters who intend to rise from their
fall (be it caused by themselves or by nature, as in the destructive effects of natural
calamities). Their resilience may be innate in them, but they need more than that. They
need our help.
Those who have fallen due to their personal faults (e.g., our siblings due to a sin
committed, our friends due to a scandal made) need our assistance: our time, our
talents, and our simple treasures. So, too, are those who have fallen due to natural
calamities (e.g., super-typhoons, flooding, earthquakes) need our help. They, too, need
our donations, our care, and our love.
God loves them, and God wants .to give them the best of help. And that is why
God is sending us to them.

2. The task of rebuilding starts with a dream.

Rebuilding begins from within. One needs to dream so as to start rebuilding.
Thus, without this simple dream of rebuilding, there would be no action toward
rebuilding, and in the end, there would be no rebuilding.
The returning Jews from the Babylonian exile, dreamt of rebuilding the Temple
and the walls of Jerusalem. They dreamt of bringing back the dignity lost due to the
invasion of the Babylonian army. They dreamt of a future when everyone, from all parts
of the earth, will also worship God in Jerusalem. Because of this dream, the rebuilding
started. Yet what if there was no dream like this?
Not everyone has this resiliency in them. Many are stunned and shocked of the
cruelty that occurred. They could not move. They could not dream.
We have to double our efforts to assist them in dreaming. We have to push them
back toward the reality of living. We have to help them jump back to fight and to
rebuild. They need help, and God is sending us to them.

3. With God's blessings, the unity among men and women can perform the greatest
of miracles.
United to finish the dream of rebuilding, the Jews finished the Temple in just a
number of years. Because of the unity among the Jews, they finished rebuilding the
walls of Jerusalem in a jiffy, Unity among people who unselfishly aim for a good cause
can perform feats unknown to man's imagination.
Thus, by setting aside 'our differences, by taking away our selfish thoughts, and
by thinking of the others for love, we can unite ourselves and give the necessary
assistance to our needy brothers and sisters. Together, we can make marvels. Together
we can make

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C. ACTIVITY
What do you think the hope for the future after this pandemic? What do you want to
happen for the world? Express it on a drawing below. (10pts)

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LESSON 29
THE GREEKS FLEX THEIR ARMS AND THE REIGN OF ANTIOCHUS IV

Learning Objectives
- To understand and know the history of war
between Persians and Greeks, and justifies
the conviction of the martyr’s in defending
their faith

A. THE BIBLICAL FACTS AND HISTORY

1. The Persians weakened as the Greeks grew

stronger.
The Greeks were composed of small city states interconnected with each other,
but were independent from each other. Each city- state (like Athens, Corinth, and
Macedonia) had its own king. Each king had his own men. Oftentimes, these city-states
clashed and did battle against each other, but when a formidable foe came, the Greek
city-states united themselves to form a coalition and repel foreign invasion.

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Then, a young Macedonian prince whose father-king was assassinated succeeded

his father to become king. This young man united the Greek city-states into a cohesive
nation and led his people to topple once and for all the Persians. This young man was
named Alexander the Great.
In 333 BCE, at the Battle of Issos, Alexander the Great and the Persian King
Darius Ill met. The Persians not only lost the fight, but also lost to Alexander Syria,
Palestine (another name for the whole of Canaan) and Egypt. It was, however, in a
decisive battle at Gaugamela in 331 BCE, Alexander definitively crushed the Persian
army led by its king, Darius Ill. From that time on, Persia and the great cities of Assyria
and Babylon fell to the hands of Alexander the Great. The Greek Empire was
inaugurated. The Greeks became the new superpower of the ancient world.
At the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, the control of the Greek Empire
was divided among his generals. In no time the ancient world was divided between
Ptolemy and Seleucid, two of Alexander's trusted generals. Both established dynasties,
wherewith the Ptolemies controlled the west, while the Seleucids controlled the east.
At first, Palestine (with it, Jerusalem where the Temple was built, destroyed, and
rebuilt) was controlled by the Ptolemies, After some time, however, it was taken by the
Seleucids. Under the Seleucid Control, life in Jerusalem became unbearable. The Greek
Kings imposed on the Jews the worship of the Greek gods. They were forced to offer
sacrifices to Zeus}, the father of the Greek gods.
From the dynasty of the Seleucid Kings, came the-worst with Antiochus IV
Epiphanes (175-163 BCE). He entered Jerusalem and desecrated the Temple. He
dedicated it to Zeus and sacrificed holocausts to him. All of the Jews were ordered to
follow and to leave their faith in favor of the Greek beliefs, or else they would suffer
death.

B. THE SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE STORY OF THE MOTHER AND HER

SEVEN SONS

1. Martyrdom is the best way of expressing one's faith faced persecution.

Since time immemorial, martyrdom has been considered the highest form of
praise/worship. It is the offering of one's life testimony of his/her faith. At some point,
these men and women who face death for their faith are offered freedom and
sometimes wealth just to make them renounce their faith, but material wealth will never
justify their apostasy against the Truth.
In the succeeding centuries, especially during the times of the Infant Church
(when the Church was still young, i.e., during the first two centuries), many Christians
were martyred. They were killed, offered to wild animals, and were martyred for
amusement purposes while they died a painful death. These men and women humbly

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professed their faith in Jesus and in His promise of eternal life. They would be willing to
die, rather than leave their faith behind.
To date, there are a lot of countries where persecution still exists. Priests, nuns,
and lay missionaries die as martyrs. They, like the martyrs in the past, face death in
view of their faith. They, too, would rather die, than leave behind their missions for
another reason.It is better for us to pray for them. The lives they live are not easy. It is
actually dangerous, but is definitely sacred in the eyes of God.

2. Faith can never and should never be bought by anything.

Many times, we are tempted to leave our faith behind for another. We do this out
of curiosity or sometimes to please a newfound friend.
Sometimes, we are offered jobs, Others would have promising jobs overseas.
Still, we have to stand and fight these temptations or we embrace a faith contrary to our
beliefs.
Our faith is not for sale. Faith can never and should never be bought by
anything. We should stand by our faith in the true God who manifested Himself to our
forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

C. ACTIVITY
Browse the Internet or at the proper of saints in your prayer book and look for at least
five martyr saints of the Catholic Church. Write their names and feast day or solemnity.
(10pts)

Name of Saint Feast day

1. ______________________________________ _____________________

2. ______________________________________ _____________________

3. ______________________________________ _____________________

4. ______________________________________ _____________________

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5. ______________________________________ _____________________

LESSON 30
THE CLASH OF THE TWO CULTURES: THE GREEK AND THE JEWISH

Learning Objectives
- To understand and identify the clash between the
Greek and Jewish cultures, and examine the conflict
in the observance of God’s commands and Greek
culture among Jews.

A. BIBLICAL FACTS AND HISTORY

1. The Conflict between the Greek and Jewish Wisdoms

Although the Persians ruled the ancient world for more than two centuries, their
way of life was not etched in the hearts of their controlled states. Their mode of
government dealt with a laissez-faire concept of "letting them be independent, for as
long as they are under the Persian control.”
In contrast to this was the Greek way of inculcating their way of living to all the
states under their rule. Because of this, the Greek culture entered the hearts of the men
and women of the ancient world. Their gods and goddesses were introduced to the

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people. Their philosophies were taught. Their way of living was imposed to the people
especially to the elite of society. Accompanying these was the education to the Greek
wisdom and thoughts of great Greek teachers.
In no time, many young Jews in all over the ancient world embraced the Greek
culture, tradition, and education. They became more of Greeks, rather than Jews. Their
thoughts were fashioned in the Greek ideals. Their minds were set to bend on the Greek
teachings. And the Jewish wisdom brought forth by their centuries of existence were set
aside as mere secondary, or at the least, unimportant.
It Was to this scenario that the Wisdom Books and the Jewish Songs of great
kings of Israel were compiled and reread. To Jewish thinkers and teachers, there would
be nothing better than the thoughts fashioned in the faith which God Himself taught,
revealed, and disseminated.

2. The Revealed Truth is Better than the Greek Instructions

a. An unwarranted Greek teaching

Epicurus is the Greek founder Of Epicureanism which is a belief that every man
and woman Will die. And since everyone will die, each one should just-eat, drink, and
be happy, for tomorrow everyone will face death." Accordingly, in the course of
gluttony and merrymaking, if death does not yet come, one "vomits" what he/she has
eaten so that he/she can "eat… drink… and be happy…” again.
Such immoral teaching is one of those that the Jewish elders had defied with
regards to the instructions given by the Greeks. And since it was a fad in those times to
imbibe such teachings and apply them in one's life, the Jewish elders encouraged the
young ones to turn back and heed the true wisdom, i.e., that which is taught and given
by God.

b. Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly

True knowledge (and its appreciation) is called in the Sacred Scriptures as
“wisdom”. Presented as a person, Lady Wisdom is depicted as opposed to Lady Folly.
Lady Wisdom imbues the instructions of God; the beginning of which is the Holy Fear
of the Lord. On the other hand, Lady Folly depicts the Greek instruction that caters to
unholy actuations that leads to sin. In the end, as Lady Folly gets even more envious
against Lady Wisdom, she destroys the "house" built by Lady Wisdom. The "house"
built by Lady Wisdom represents the schools built for the instruction of the Word of
God which the Greeks dismantled in the course of time.

c. The guidance of the grandfather to his grandson

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The book of Sirach (like the other Wisdom Books) is a sacred book that contains
the advice of a grandfather to his grandson. The grandfather, in his old age, has
observed the events occurring in his times. He sees how the youth of his time opened
up to the Greek teachings which appeared more enticing than the instructions of God.
Through his book of counsel, the grandfather advices his grandson not to be
overwhelmed by the fad of the time. The Greek teachings may be enticing, but they are
concepts of the foolish men. His grandson must, therefore, stick and learn the wisdom
of God and be the best for the instructions of God is life and that which leads to true
happiness and true peace.

B. THE SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE CLASH OF TEACHINGS AND

CULTURES

1. The teachings of God will always be meaningful and great then, now, and
tomorrow.
The teachings of God will always be meaningful and great then, now, and
tomorrow. If ever Jesus corrects the teachers of His time, He is not correcting the
teachings of God, but corrects the "interpretations" of the teachers of His time.

2. The teachings of foolish men and women (the fad of the day) are not true and
should be set aside.
There are other teachings, however, that lead to one's doom. These are teachings
that lead one to sin. Such teachings should never be followed.
These teachings not only lead to sin, but are imparted through media (i.e., the
television, the radio, the newspaper, Internet). These teachings are slowly and
effectively etched in our minds to accept evil things as proper and correct. Through
media, we are bombarded with shows that pug divorce, homosexual union,
prostitution, vengeance, or foul words as proper and correct. Sad, but these teachings
should be shunned and not be accepted.

3. The teachings (taken collectively as one) of God are the only way toward true
happiness and peace.
In the world where humanity seeks true happiness, everyone should learn and
study the teachings of God for these teachings lead to true happiness.
It is true that from afar, God's teachings appear to be "boring" for a modern
man/woman. Yet, as already experienced by billions of men and women, the teachings
of God really lead to true happiness. It takes only an ounce of trial to prove that such
teachings really lead to true happiness.

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4. Respect for each culture must be practiced. However, there are parts of a culture
that should be corrected and straightened toward the path of truth.
Different as we are, we have to respect every culture. There would be cultures
that are strange to us, but those are the ones that make them different. These differences
make us unique and distinct. These differences make up our identity.
On the other hand, there are practices in a culture that should be corrected. These
are practices that are developed through time in their places for one reason or another,
but should be adjusted toward a more humane living. The following are those that can
still be found in some cultures and should be modified or rectified toward what is true
and just: (a) the culture of sodomy and incest; (b) the culture of death and vengeance
(family annihilation); (c) the culture' of animal cruelty (cockfights, bullfights); (d) the
culture of slavery; and (e) the culture of having many wives.
These practices may be "normal" and "acceptable" to a group of people. Although
accepted as normal by them, these actuations should be corrected for they are "not
natural" and thus are against what has been taught and revealed by God. It would be
very difficult to correct them, but a desire to change what is not right is a beginning of a
big leap toward conversion.

5. Not because it is done and believed by many, is it already true and correct.
Then and now, people thought that what is done and believed by many will
always be true and correct. Such a, maxim is not true. It is forever Incorrect: Thug, not
every rule created by the majority vote is licit and moral, e.g, in other countries,
abortion IS legal. It does not follow that it is morally accepted, because many ascribe to
it.
Simply put, say there are 1;000 people in an island and in the island, 995 persons
favor the death of a child who has been so terribly noisy and only five persons object to
the death of the child, and asked for his possible training and change of heart. These
five persons who would opt for life are the mother, the father, the two siblings of the
child and a neighbor of the same. Would it be logical, that the 995 persons who opted
for death are considered correct and should be followed? By no means, for killing is not
for anyone to decide! It is and will always be a crime
As educated people, we should not be influenced by the vote of the many.
Instead, we personally and conscientiously think, reflect, and discern every decision we
make. We are to follow our right conscience all the time. We, therefore, must ask
ourselves of the following questions: Is this true? Is this correct? Is this moral? Will this
be pleasing to God?

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C. ACTIVITY
Describe at least with 5 sentences what this meme means. (10pts)

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1. ________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________

4. ________________________________________________________________________

5. ________________________________________________________________________

LESSON 31
ROME FLEXES ITS ARMS AND THE BIRTH OF THE PROMISED CHILD

Learning Objectives
- To understand and identify the works of God
written in the Scriptures and Catholic Church
Traditions, and appreciate the love of God by
recognizing the Greatness of Jesus and Mary,
our Mother.

A. THE RISE OF A NEW EMPIRE

The Greeks ruled the ancient world for almost a century and a half. Its influence
through the teaching of their language and their way of life has brought forth great
impact to the ancient world. Thus, not only the concept of a "universal language" has
served as a bridge to everyone (from the lowest echelon of society to the elite, from the
elite of the conquered state/kingdom to the citizens of the conquering Greeks), but the
concept of "democracy" has also been introduced in many areas of the conquered land.
Through the Greeks, the manner of casting votes was introduced. Every free
male in those times had the right to vote. Each one's voice mattered as they use small

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pebbles of black and white to signify their' approval or disapproval of a certain opinion.
Whether they were to go to war or not, whether they were to build ships or not,
whenever the Greek citizens were asked of their opinions, they cast their votes through
these small pebbles of black and white. The opinion with the most number of casted
pebbles was recognized as the decision to be accepted by the community.
However, just like any kingdom of the ancient world, the Greeks had their time
of glory. Their kings who ruled the east and the west weakened. They were not as
strong and aggressive like their previous kings: And because of this, a new empire
slowly rose in the horizon.
A neighboring land of the Greek city-states, Rome was a community whose lives
were patterned after the Greek way of living. The way they dressed, the way they
thought, the way they ran their tribes, all of these had been fashioned in accordance
with the Greek style of living. The novelty, however, was in the application of
democracy in choosing their leaders. Thus, if the Greeks had their "ideal king" chosen
by the gods to rule over them, the Romans had their leaders chosen by the people,
either by the senate, or by the people at large (i.e., by popular vote).
The Greek political sovereignty slowly weakened. In 70 BCE, Pompey and
Crassus were elected by the Roman Senate to be their leaders. In 67 BCE, Pompey was
invested as the sole leader Of Rome. In 60 BCE, a triumvirate was formed between
Pompey-Crassus-Julius Cesar. In 49 BCE/Julius Cesar, while in the battle fields, was
accused of treason by the aging Pompey. Without anything to lose, Julius Cesar
marched back to Rome to clear his name. However, with an army faithful to Julius
Cesar, Pompey was frightened and declared war against the accused dissident. Civil
war broke in the land of Rome.
In 46 BCE, Pompey was assassinated and Julius Cesar was proclaimed leader of
all Roman forces (first by his army, then by all the citizens of Rome, then by the Senate).
In 45 BCE, Julius Cesar was proclaimed “emperor." His reign, 'however, did not last
long. He was assassinated in the halls of senate in 44 BCE. Again, civil war broke in the
lands of Rome.
Two alliances were formed: one with Octavian (Julius Cesar's adopted son) and
Mark Anthony, and another with Brutus (the assassin of Julius Cesar) and Cassius. In
the battle of Philippi, the whole ancient world sided with one or the other. And When
the forces of Octavian and Mark Anthony won, Octavian changed his name to
Augustus Cesar. Every nation and kingdom, the Greeks included, bowed down to him
as the sole Emperor of the ancient world. ln his reign, there was peace.
In the Sacred Scriptures (i.e., the New Testament), two important personages
were inscribed the name of the emperor of the ancient world (i.e., the most powerful
man on earth), and the name of the Savior of mankind (i.e., the God made flesh).

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B. THE SACRED TEACHINGS ON THE REIGN OF AUGUSTUS CAESAR AS

INSCRIBED IN THE SACRED SCRIPTURES

1. Peace on earth as planned by the Father in heaven

For centuries, peace in the Promised Land has not been so stable until the reign
of the Roman, Augustus Cesar. Morality has been checked. Everyone lived in his/her
quiet little world.
The Temple in Jerusalem was again filled with people offering their sacrifices
and holocausts. During the Sabbath, Jews went to their respective synagogues to listen
to the reading and explanation of the Sacred Scriptures. Theo they prayed and
worshipped God.
There were no wars. There was peace Everything was prepared for an event God
had planned since the time of Adam and Eve. The woman promised by God to give
birth to a son, inscribed in Gen 3:15, had come. And there were no wars in the world.
There was peace so that everyone may know the goodness of God.

2. Augustus Caesar vs. Jesus Christ

The Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar was said to have given Peace on earth
when Jesus came to the world. However, he may have given "peace" to the world, but
Jesus is "the Peace." And everyone who is with Him attains peace.
The Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar may be the most powerful man in the
World, but Jesus is the God made flesh (Jn 1 :1-2, 14). Jesus is the most powerful among
all the kings on earth for along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, as a Divine Person,
God created everything in this world. Thus, He owns the world.
The Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar may have the fidelity of all the kings in
the world, but Jesus has the love of His Father, i.e., the burning love that is the Holy
Spirit. Jesus is served from eternity to eternity by armies of angels and archangels.
Thus, between the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar and Jesus, the latter is more
powerful than the emperor. On the other hand, Jesus, although more powerful than the
Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, was born in a manger. His mother gave birth to Him
in a place where beasts take their rest for the sole reason that there were no more rooms
available for them in Bethlehem; Such is the irony and mystery of the birth of Jesus. For
He may be greater than Augustus Caesar, but He has humbled Himself so as to be
among the lowliest of men and women.

3. Mary as the promised woman of Jesus in Genesis 3:15

In Bethlehem where the promised Messiah would be born (cf. Mic 5:1 —4), the
woman of promise (cf. Gen 3:1 5) gave birth.

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Mary is the woman promised by God since the fall of Adam and Eve. Mary is the
virgin promised to give birth to a child who shall save humanity from sin.
Unlike other Christian sects, Mary is so important in the history of salvation for
Catholics, because she is part of the plan God has made since the fall of humanity As we
give honor to heroes and heroines of our country (who give their lives for our freedom),
so, too, are we to give, honor to the woman God has set to become the mother of the
Savior of humankind.
Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary is not idolatry. We, Catholics, do not worship
Mary. We just honor her as the woman who bore the Son of Man. She is part of God's
plans, and as the mother of Jesus, we venerate her as we honor the mothers who bore
the best of our people.

4. Jesus is the promised Son of Gen 3:15.

Jesus is the promised Son of the woman who shall crush the head of the
primordial Serpent (i.e., Satan). He is the Immanuel which means “God is with us." He
is Peace, for God rescues us from the power of Satan, sin and death.
C. ACTIVITY
Below are the highlights of salvation history from Adam to Jesus Christ. Identify your
favorite part, explain and relate it to your own life story. (10pts)

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