Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 95 No. 1, 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.1.10
The Mystery of God’s Love in the Incarnation and the Cross. Realization in the Life of Francis of Assisi
Marija Pehar
orcid.org/0000-0002-8083-1896
; Catholic Faculty of Theology University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
On the occasion of significant Franciscan jubilees (marking 800 years since the event in Greccio, when Francis of Assisi staged the mystery of the Incarnation, and the event of the stigmata reception at La Verna), this paper aims to highlight the theological realization of Francis’ understanding of the Gospel and the Revelation of God as the mystery of love. This unique mystery of the biblical Revelation of God as love in His being and action is presented in this work primarily through the Christological dimension of the Incarnation and death on the Cross, and it is also enriched with a theological view of the Revelation of Creation of the world and through a reference to the eschatological fulfilment. In doing so, the mystery of God’s love is also reflected upon and presented as a fundamental characteristic, or as the sum and summary of the pivotal life experiences of Francis of Assisi. These can be seen as relevant points from which everything that marked his life radiates, starting from his fraternal enthusiasm for all of God’s Creation, through God’s Incarnation and death on the Cross, up to his death. Finally, certain consistencies are drawn from the biblical Revelation of God as love and Francis’ life experience and understanding of this mystery, which can serve as guidance and support for a deeper understanding and living of the same mystery today.
Keywords
God’s love; mystery; incarnation; cross; Francis of Assisi
Hrčak ID:
330353
URI
Publication date:
25.4.2025.
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