historical

128. Why is the Resurrection at the same time a transcendent occurrence?
647
656-657
While being an historical event, verifiable and attested by signs and testimonies, the Resurrection, insofar as it is the entrance of Christ's humanity into the glory of God, transcends and surpasses history as a mystery of faith. For this reason the risen Christ did not manifest himself to the world but to his disciples, making them his witnesses to the people.

impossible

127. What are the signs that bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus?

639-644
656-657
Along with the essential sign of the empty tomb, the Resurrection of Jesus is witnessed to by thewomen who first encountered Christ and proclaimed him to the apostles. Jesus then “appeared toCephas (Peter) and then to the Twelve. Following that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brethren at one time” (1 Corinthians 15:5-6) and to others as well. The apostles could not have invented the story of the resurrection since it seemed impossible to them. As a matter of fact,Jesus himself upbraided them for their unbelief.

Resurrection

126. What place does the Resurrection of Christ occupy in our faith?
631, 638
The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ and represents along with his cross an essential part of the Paschal Mystery.

descended

“Jesus Christ descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead.”

125. What is the “hell” into which Jesus descended?
632-637
This “hell” was different from the hell of the damned. It was the state of all those, righteous and evil, who died before Christ. With his soul united to his divine Person Jesus went down to the just in hell who were awaiting their Redeemer so they could enter at last into the vision of God. When he had conquered by his death both death and the devil “who has the power of death” (Hebrews 2:14), he freed the just who looked forward to the Redeemer and opened for them the gates of heaven.

preserved

124. In what condition was the body of Christ while it lay in the tomb?
624-630
Christ underwent a real death and a true burial. However, the power of God preserved his body from corruption.

cross

123. Why does Jesus call upon his disciples to take up their cross?

618
By calling his disciples to take up their cross and follow him Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who are to be its first beneficiaries.

reparation

122. What are the results of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross?
613-617
622-623
Jesus freely offered his life as an expiatory sacrifice, that is, he made reparation for our sins with the full obedience of his love unto death. This love “to the end” (John 13:1) of the Son of God reconciled all of humanity with the Father. The paschal sacrifice of Christ, therefore, redeems humanity in a way that is unique, perfect, and definitive; and it opens up for them communion with God.