Paschalna geneza wiary chrześcijańskiej

Abstract

The purpose of the present article is to show the Paschal origin of the Christian faith. The author tries to answer the question: What significance for the Christian faith do the Paschal events have? The problem formulated in this way is considered in three points. In turn, the following issues are presented: the significance of the Last Supper for the Christian faith (I), the disciples’ faith in the “hour” of the cross (II), and the Paschal experiences as the basis for the faith and the testimony of the Church (III). The apostles were prepared by Jesus for participation in the Paschal events by being with the Master during His public activity. The experience of being close to Jesus originated faith in them, which was the basis for experiencing, together with Him, the Last Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, the passion, death and resurrection. It is not yet complete faith, but it is a germ of the post-Paschal faith that was the beginning of the Church’s faith. In the light of the Easter experiences, especially of Christophany, and owing to the Holy Spirit, the apostles understood the meaning of the Paschal events and why Jesus evoked faith in their hearts. Participation of the apostles in the Paschal events is realized not only through their physical presence, but first of all through their faith, owing to which they may recognize the revelatory, salutary and motivational meaning of the Paschal events. Hence the events presuppose the apostles’ faith. It is owing to faith that the apostles could both accept the Paschal events as real ones and also become their participants and experience their salutary results. The apostles, consolidated by the Holy Spirit, give testimony to their faith in Jesus Christ’s Resurrection. The faith of the whole Church is based on their faith. Christians have access to Jesus Christ in the ecclesial community, owing to the apostles’ testimony.