Review article
Old Testament themes in Catechetical sermons of blessed Alojzije Stepinac
Juraj Batelja
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb
Abstract
While being held captive in his home parish Krašić (1951-
1960) Archbishop of Zagreb Alojzije Stepinac wrote two books of
catechetical sermons in which, on the basis of Scriptural revelation,
he worked out the Christian doctrine and its implementation in
the celebration of the sacraments and in everyday Christian life.
That collection of 140 sermons offers the catechetical reading
matter and entire Christian doctrine. In his sermons the author
uses biblical role models, historical persons, Church Fathers and
councils’ thoughts that guarantee Catholic orthodoxy.
The research subject of this article is the circumstances in
which the sermons originated and the Old Testament themes in
them. These sermons are the original work of authorship and
reveal Stepinac as an excellent catechist and religion teacher,
always aware that without the knowledge of the truths of faith there
cannot be serious Christian life. With his attitude and teaching
he advocates that religious education proclaims, interprets and
conveys the fundamental truths of the Catholic faith regardless
of political circumstances in which they are proclaimed. Although
he does not directly mention that the sermons were written in a
time of political persecution of the Catholic Church, seriousness
of the presentation of Catholic truths and demand for their
implementation in the circumstances of persecution reveal the
author as a watchful shepherd and authentic herald of the Gospel
message.
From the contents and messages of the Old Testament
themes one can conclude that the Archbishop applies a classical
catechism exposure that leads man from the cognition of God
the Creator, to God who does not leave man in his moments of
weakness, moreover, he is full of mercy and compassion towards
him. Stepinac interprets God’s creative intervention into life,
creation of visible and invisible world, uniqueness of man created
in the image and likeness of God, but also the occurrence of sin
and evil. He speaks of God as a good father who shapes his chosen
people, gives him leaders in the faith and liturgy, raises him by
the commandments engraved in his heart as a pledge of identity,
survival and salvation. Furthermore, he advises to respect parents
and superiors, to care for life and personal health as well as for
the health of the neighbour, to take care of virtue and violation of
shyness, other people’s property and good reputation.
Since he had always had trust in God and was faithful to his
Episcopal motto: “In thee, O Lord, I trust!” the Archbishop perfectly
explains how the sin of despair can become a virtue of hope (Saul
and David), but also how the virtue of faith inspired by Abraham
becomes a pledge of God’s blessing. In addition, he shows Moses
as a sort of image of Jesus Christ skilfully connecting the Old and
New Testament history of salvation, illustrating it as an inseparable
whole in which God’s concern for man is manifested.
He gives the prophets, God’s messengers, a central role in
conveying hope and moral raise of God’s people. They announced
the arrival of the Saviour and “their prophecies must lead every
person of good will to Christ.”
The study of these sermons and their partial comparison with
today’s catechetic textbooks enables to contemporary catechists
and believers a better understanding of Archbishop Stepinac who
on the basis of the history of salvation discusses great theological
topics. The order and selection of topics follows the biblical history
with special emphasis on the central figures of the Old Testament.
Keywords
Alojzije Stepinac; catechetical sermons; Old Testament; catechesis; religious education; Bible; God the Creator; angels; grace; sin; prophets; faith
Hrčak ID:
109382
URI
Publication date:
16.10.2013.
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