Paruzja jako „dzień Jezusa Chrystusa”

Abstract

The Greek word „parousia” originally means both „the present” and „coming” In Hellenism it was used to heighten a ceremonial visit made by the ruler of a state, especially in a given province. The New Testament when it speaks about „parousia” does not refer to this image (cf. Matt 24, 3. 27. 37. 39; 1 Cor 15, 23; 1 Thess 2, 19; 3, 13; 4, 15; 5, 23; 2 Thess 2, 1.8; Jas 5, 7; 2 Pet 1, 16; 3, 4. 12; 1 John 2, 28). The understanding of „parousia” in the New Testament is based on the Old Testament hope of „The Day of Jehovah” when the Lord will come to judge the world, i.e. to transform it or to create „a new world and a new earth”, and in this way to establish a lasting community of God and mankind (Isa 2, 12-21; 11, lOf; 13, 6; Amos 2, 16; 8, 9. 13; Micah 2, 4). For original Christians „The Day of Jehovah” is „The Day of Jesus Christ” In this way God’s Parousia is done in Jesus Christ’s Parousia. This parousia is understood not only as „Christ’s second arrival in glory” but also as „Christ’s coming to finally transform the world” Hence „parousia” is not only a purely Christological event but is also an event „concerning the world” At present there are two complementary interpretations of this transformation of the world: the futurist one and the present one. The former one means expecting (in the future) the day of „Christ’s rule”, that is judging and complementing the world, and at the same time an encounter with Christ for fulfilment. The latter interpretation means a real possibility of meeting Christ even today (the present): in love of one’s neighbour, in the Eucharist, in gathering together round the name of Jesus Christ. This is tantamount to taking the decision „for” or „against” Christ, and hence to judgement and eternal life even today. At the same time it is a transformation of this world, right now, into the Divine Kingdom established by Jesus Christ. Hence „parousia” is the present of the beginning of our fulfilment.