Mercy as Oikonomia of the Church. Based on the Examples of Magisterium Ecclesiae Cover Image

Miłosierdzie jako oikonomia Kościoła. Na podstawie wybranych tekstów Magisterium Ecclesiae
Mercy as Oikonomia of the Church. Based on the Examples of Magisterium Ecclesiae

Author(s): Agnieszka Dudek-Kowalska
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II - Wydział Teologii
Keywords: mercy; oikonomia; sacraments; creativity in charity; forgiveness; atonement; Church

Summary/Abstract: As it was mentioned in the first part of the present article, its purpose was the presen¬tation of the selected issues concerning the ecclesiological and social aspect of mercy in the teaching of the Church, mainly of the pontificate of pope John Paul II, as the answer to the disappearing of the bond of brotherhood among people and the way of the restoration of relation. The study was leant on three pillars (problems): 1) God’s mercy in sacraments (through the sacramentalness of the Church, in the Eucharist and the sacrament of pen¬ance and reconciliation), 2) the issue of “creativity in charity” (through support for needy people, relationality of mercy and the relation between “mercy” and “justice”), 3) deeds of mercy (through mercy as a life style, the idea of the civilization of mercy and reconcil¬iation as the purpose of the service of mercy). Summarizing the presented observation, it must be said that the validity of Christ’s Church mission and the necessity of its existence in the modern world depend largely on the undertaking of the adjuration contained in Christ’s Gospel: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).The example given by the Church is to become the leaven of the world based on authentic interpersonal solidarity. The act of mercy creates harmony and unity amongst people, building a better world. The service of the Church should reflect on the level of authentic faith in God’s mercy – for the members of the Church to experience it. God’s mercy brings renewal of the earth. The duty of the Church is to show the true meaning of “mercy” that reflects in the human attitude God’s perfection, fulfilling justice and to lead a better life.

  • Issue Year: 13/2019
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 201-222
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Polish