What does the Paschal Mystery refer to?

• A. The creation of the world
• B. The miracles of Jesus
• C. The saving work of Christ: Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
• D. The teachings of Jesus

Answer: (C)

The Paschal Mystery refers to the saving work of Christ—the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. It’s the sequence in which God saves humanity: Jesus endures suffering and crucifixion for sinners, rises to new life as a proof of victory over sin and death, and ascends to the Father, opening the way for the Spirit to be sent and for believers to share in the risen life. The term echoes Passover, signaling liberation and a new exodus accomplished in Christ. This is not about creation, miracles, or mere teachings. Creation begins history, miracles reveal the Kingdom, and Jesus’ teaching shows truth; the Paschal Mystery is the event of salvation itself, made present to believers especially through the sacraments like Baptism and the Eucharist.