Last night, at the parish, during the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), our Pastor, Fr. Will Schmid taught on The Incarnation of Jesus Christ – True God and True Man. He also taught on some of the early Christological Heresies that plagued the Early Church, such Docetism, Arianism, Nestorianism, and Monophysitism. It was a great night of teaching from our Pastor on the Person of Jesus Christ.

Although I would love to explain the heresies to you in greater detail, it is late here in Phoenix, I am cooking dinner while I write this, and Father does a much better job than I can do. So if you are interested in learning more about these heresies (which are mentioned in paragraphs 464-469), and listening to more of his teaching, please check out our Podcast Page and view the category RCIA/Adult Confirmation Weekly Teachings 2015-2016.

Now let’s read briefly what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about the Incarnation of Jesus Christ –

At the time appointed by God, the only Son of the Father, the eternal Word, that is, the Word and substantial Image of the Father, became incarnate; without losing his divine nature he has assumed human nature. [#479]

Jesus Christ is true God and true man, in the unity of his divine person; for this reason he is the one and only mediator between God and men. [#480]

Jesus Christ possesses two natures, one divine and the other human, not confused, but united in the one person of God’s Son. [#481]

Christ, being true God and true man, has a human intellect and will, perfectly attuned and subject to his divine intellect and divine will, which he has in common with the Father and the Holy Spirit. [#482]

The Incarnation is therefore the mystery of the wonderful union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. [#483]

For a complete understanding of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, I would recommend you read paragraphs 456-478 in the Catechism. I would also suggest reading, St. Cyril of Alexandria, Defender of the Incarnation and the Theotokos.

In case you haven’t heard – Understanding Catholic Teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary, my first book, has been published by Emmaus Road Publishing. You can purchase a copy here for $5.95.