Theological Analysis of the Formula “I Offer You… the Divinity” in the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the Light of Nicene–Chalcedonian Christology
Abstract
The article examines whether the formula of the Divine Mercy Chaplet (“Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity…”) is consistent with Nicene–Chalcedonian Christology and with the normative liturgical language of the Church. The study combines philological-syntactic, comparative, and dogmatic-hermeneutical methods. It draws upon biblical sources (Heb 9–10; Rom 3:25), patristic witnesses (Cyprian, Ambrose, John Chrysostom, Augustine), euchological tradition (Roman Canon, Eastern anaphoras), and scholastic theology (Aquinas, Sth III q.48, q.83). The syntactic structure “I offer… the Divinity” semantically includes divinitas within the scope of the oblation, which conflicts with homoousios (Nicaea 325) and communicatio idiomatum (Chalcedon 451). Three interpretative strategies—enumerative, idiomatic, and “sacrificial dimension of divinity”—fail to remove this semantic and dogmatic tension. To maintain fidelity to the lex orandi – lex credendi principle, a catechetical clarification or editorial revision is required. The object of the offering is Christ’s humanity, while its infinite efficacy derives from the divine dignity of the Person of the Son. This is the first comprehensive dogmatic and linguistic study of the Chaplet’s formula within the Nicene–Chalcedonian framework, integrating exegetical, liturgical, and scholastic perspectives.
Keywords:
Divine Mercy Chaplet, sacrifice of Christ, lex orandi – lex credendi, communicatio idiomatum, Nicaea, Chalcedon, Thomas Aquinas, liturgical theology, Christological orthodoxyReferences
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Authors
Wojciech SłomskiVizja University in Warsaw Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1532-0341
Prof. dr hab. Wojciech Słomski - born in 1969 in Warsaw. Professor of philosophy and theology. Graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Warsaw and the Faculty of Theology at the Academy of Catholic Theology in Warsaw. Habilitated doctor in philosophy and theology. Since 2005, titular professor. Author of numerous publications in the fields of philosophy of religion, dogmatic theology, and Christian spirituality (e-mail: w.slomski@vizja.pl).
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