Inspiracje katechezy kerygmatycznej w Evangelii gaudium i w literaturze przedmiotu

Abstract

The apostolic exhortation begins a new evangelical stage in the whole Church. It is also an important document for catechesis and catechization. The fourth part of the third chapter, entitled Preaching the Gospel, contains elements referring directly to the catechesis. A very important part in it is taken by so-called “kerygmatic catechesis”. As the Holy Father intended, alongside the mystagogical catechesis, it is supposed to serve growing to let us change ourselves in Christ for a gradual life by the Spirit (Rom 8,5). The Holy Father sets before the catechesis clear tasks to return to kerygmatic activity equal to the experience of the biblical and catechumenal apostles of the first centuries. Kerygma is Trinitarian and should take the central position of the evangelical activity and in every attempt of the church renewal. In the Pope’s understanding, it is supposed to be the fire of the Spirit being given away in the form of tongues of fire awakening in the contemporary faith in Jesus Christ who through His death and resurrection reveals and communicates to us God’s infinite mercy. The contemporary mission of catechists is supposed to be an act of witness. At present preaching the Gospel requires not only direct passing on the knowledge or some information, but also, above all, their personal faith and commitment which becomes their witness of Christ. The Holy Father Francis is appealing not to perceive present catechists as experts of apocalyptical diagnoses. They cannot play roles of gloomy judges taking pleasure in finding all kinds of dangers or deviations. The Pope would really like the contemporary catechists to be perceived as joyful messengers of magnifical proposals, custodians of the good and the beauty, shining in the life of those who are faithful to the Gospel.