Mercy as Fruit of the Paschal Mystery in the Theology of Pope John Paul II: The Source of Christian Hope

Agnieszka DUDEK-KOWALSKA

John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland , Poland

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explain the soteriology of the Paschal events in the context of the Divine Mercy. This interpretation, proposed by John Paul II, is a new input in the field of dogmatic theology in Catholicism. A creative comparison of the attribute of mercy with the mysteries of the salvific events of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has contributed to the development of major soteriological categories, understood as the fruits of the Paschal Mystery. Within the framework of traditional notions of redemption, justification, and salvation, the author analyzes chosen issues of the theology advanced by John Paul II. When it comes to the category of redemption, they include: mercy as love conquering sin, mercy as victory over death, and mercy as reconciliation with the Father. As far as the category of justification is concerned, the following notions have been analyzed: love versus justice, the merit of justification, and doing justice to the love of the Father. With respect to the mercy of salvation, the following issues have been reviewed: the covenant with the whole of mankind, the gift of a new creation, and anticipation of “a new heaven and a new earth.”

Keywords:

mercy, Christian hope, justice, Paschal Mystery, redemption, justification, salvation, resurrection, John Paul II