O katechezie św. Piotra w Quo vadis

Abstract

The composition of the Petrine catechesis consists of two parts, carrying content with the nature of first instruction, then testimony. Preached to the whole liturgical assembly in Ostrianum, it is perceived, according to the poetics of the novel, by Vinicius. Its individualisation marks the opening of the Christian stage of the life of the hero, which has its stages. First the Ostrian study, then the experience of Christian charity, and finally baptism. Through the memory of what he remembered of the events post-Passover, St. Peter emphasises that Christ’s resurrection is fundamental, without which there is no sense of faith in Him, and as St. Paul emphasises in the First Letter to the Corinthians writing: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14). And this is the key to understanding why St. Peter mentions no public ministry of Jesus, but bears witness that Christ is truly risen. Characteristic of the catechesis of St. Peter is the simplicity of the stories – memories of the post-Passover events (as well as the interpretation of basic moral truths) is an expression of absolute conviction of the Apostle in the truth of the words addressed to the ecclesial community. His words are no longer just apostolic teaching, but become the Word of the Lord. I am of the opinion that, through the catechesis of St. Peter in the Ostrianum, Sienkiewicz stresses that „For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12).