Chapter 3 “The Son” “The Rise” Discussion Questions

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Small Group Discussion Questions

This guide is designed to facilitate a discussion on the theological analysis of “The Rise” from Robert Barron’s Light from Light. The questions are divided into two parts: the first focuses on understanding the core theological principles presented, and the second aims to foster personal reflection and a deeper intimacy with Jesus.

Part I: Understanding the Core Principles

  1. The report opens with a stark quote from Bishop Barron: “90% of the Creed craters in upon itself if Resurrection faith disappears”.1 What does he mean by this? In your own words, how does the Resurrection function as the “keystone” for all other Christian beliefs like the Incarnation, the Trinity, and our own hope for eternal life?
  2. Barron argues against modern attempts to reduce the Resurrection to a symbol, myth, or psychological event. Why is he so insistent on the Resurrection as a “disturbing fact”? What is lost, in his view, if the Resurrection is not a real, bodily event in history?
  3. The analysis states that the Resurrection is a “metaphysical rupture” that shatters a closed, materialistic worldview. How does the event of one man rising from the dead challenge the idea that “this world is all there is”? How does it change our understanding of creation and the problem of suffering?
  4. Discuss the political implications of the Resurrection. In what way was the Crucifixion a political statement by the Roman Empire? How does the Resurrection act as God’s counter-statement, declaring Jesus, not Caesar, as the true Lord (Kyrios)?
  5. The report outlines a narrative moving from “The Descent” to “The Rise.” How does the Resurrection complete Jesus’s mission? Explain the concept of Christ as the divine shepherd who goes “all the way down” to gather the lost and then, in rising, brings them back to the Father.

Part II: Growing in Intimacy with Jesus

  1. The Resurrection is presented not just as something that happened to Jesus, but as an event that has implications for us.2 How does the historical reality that Jesus conquered death personally affect how you view your own struggles, fears, and hopes for the future?
  2. Barron argues that the logic of the world is often the logic of Caesar: competitive, power-driven, and ultimately reliant on the threat of “death” (whether physical, social, or spiritual). Where do you see this “logic of Caesar” at play in your own life, work, or in the wider culture? How does the presence of the Risen Christ empower you to live by a different, non-competitive logic of self-giving love?3
  3. Reflect on a time when you felt lost, alienated, or even “godforsaken.” The report explains Barron’s view that in running from the Father, we run “into the arms of the Son.” How does this image of Jesus descending to the lowest depths to find you change your perspective on that difficult experience? Does it help you see God’s presence even in moments of darkness?
  4. The first disciples recognized the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread.4 How does your participation in the Eucharist (or other forms of worship and prayer) help you to encounter the living presence of Jesus today? What practices could help you become more attentive to his active role in your daily life?2

If we truly believe that God’s love is more powerful than any failure, sin, or even death, how should that change the way we live day-to-day? What is one concrete way you can live with greater “Resurrection hope” this week, acting as a witness to the fact that death does not have the final word?5

When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings

Sharing

Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and 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.”

Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age

Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post

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