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Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
THE WORD
Growing in Love
A Students Textbook
mature. Using the lens of faith, we can best understand this love within the mission of the
Trinity in and for the world. Out of love, God the Father sent his son into this world so that
those who believe in him may not die but may have eternal life (Jn. 3:16). This son of the
Father, Jesus Christ is the Word spoken of in this verse: In the beginning was the Word. And
the Word was with God and the Word was God; He was in the beginning with God And the
Word became flesh; he had His tent pitched among us (Jn. 1:1-2, 14).
To this Word who has pitched His tent among us, we are in our hearts deeply beckoned to
witness. Being a witness to the Word is the mark, the identity not only of every member of the
Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and every lay partner of the SVDs like you our dear students
but also of every Christian. In a nutshell, becoming a witness means reflecting in our own
modes of being and doing the unconditional love of God as manifested in the person and mission
of Jesus Christ. This mission of witnessing has all the more become urgent in todays
materialistic world so pervaded by, in the language of St. Arnold Janssen, the darkness of sin
and the night of unbelief.
With such an identity of every SVD and of every Christian, the Divine Word Educational
Association (DWEA) of which your school is a member would like to see well-nurtured in all
SVD educational institutions all over the Philippines and the respective communities to which
these institutions belong. To address this concern, we the members of the Witness to the Word
working team: Mr. Esperidion S. Abellana, Fr. Magdaleno F. Fabiosa, SVD, Sr. Mary Martha
Fe, OSF, Mrs. Marilou M. Mandawe, and Mrs. Jocelyn E. Tagaro expended all our physical and
psycho-emotional efforts so that we can come up with this book entitled, Witness to the Word,
Growing in Love. As the title suggests, this course provides you with avenues and
opportunities so that in your own pace and unique ways you can wholeheartedly respond to the
call of the triune God deep in our hearts to love, to become the person God has created you to be
to become like the Word, his Son who is the perfect image of himself (Col. 1:15).
This book consists of many learning episodes designed in such ways that the love story
between God and his people in its entirety specifically from the creation scene down to the
experience of the people of God in the Old and New Testaments can be more or less covered.
The last part of the course highlights the missionary vision and activities of the SVDs as the
specific setting within which the love of God can be understood and experienced. Each learning
episode has two major parts. Whereas the first gives the contents in summary form, the second
presents the learning engagements labeled as Witness to the Word Growing in Love Portfolio.
The three types of learning engagements merit special attention. Placed right after the symbolic
Photo of a human mind/brain/head are activities meant to help you grow in knowledge and
understanding about the topic at hand. Why should these activities be undertaken by you? It is
because in loving, you cannot but take into account the great role of knowing. As the saying
goes, You cannot love someone you do not know. The second set of activities which you need
to engage in pertains to matters of the heart which in this context concerns with religious
values and feelings such as trust, piety, and gratitude expressed and nurtured through prayers, the
4
sacraments, celebrations, and other related activities. These values and feelings are supposed to
have stemmed, as they should be, from the mind/head, that is, ones knowledge and
understanding. Whatever it is that you have perceived in your mind and nurtured in your heart,
you are supposed to translate it into action. That is why, the last set of activities, following
immediately the Photo of hands is provided. So, you see all the learning engagements are
intended to assist you in growing in a holistic manner. Love after all is holistic. It is inclusive.
To bring to a close this section, let us revert to the college instructors experience. After
around 20 years of teaching, he encountered another student who he would like to describe as
polite and respectful. This student would always help him in erasing the writings of the board.
He would always share his personal story with the teacher. In one of his sharings, the teacher
learned that he has never succumbed to the temptation of taking drugs and being addicted to
computer games and other negative stuff which many of the students in the same boarding house
where he was temporary staying have resorted to. So, the teacher asked this question, Why are
you so strong? What is the reason why you have remained uninfluenced by your co-boarders?
His answer was: My father really loves me. Wow! You are so blessed to have a loving father.
What is the name of your father? To the teachers surprise, the father of this student was his
student around 20 years ago the one who thought that to hurt and be hurt was what he really
desires. The teacher realized that this father who was once his student made a decision to
witness to the Word in the very concrete situation where he found himself. When he decided to
forgive, the miracle took place. He was empowered by love to become the person he was meant
to be. Love drove away his fear (1 Jn. 4:18).
Our beloved students, with this course, may you embark on the journey you must!
CONTENTS
8
LEARNING EPISODE 1: THE WORD OF GOD IN THE LIGHT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
Learning Encounter 1: Introduction Understanding the Word
as Dabar in the Old Testament and as
Logos in the Gospel According to St. John
16
21
29
35
44
LEARNING EPISODE 2: THE WORD OF GOD WHO BECAME FLESH IN THE NEW TESTAMENT 58
Learning Encounter 7: Jesus Christ: the Word Who Reveals God
59
Learning Encounter 8: Jesus Christ: the Word Who Reveals the Human
65
Learning Encounter 9: Jesus Christ, the Word Who Brought Salvationthe Galilean Crisis and the Death of Jesus
72
82
86
87
90
95
103
113
120
124
Learning Encounter 18: Justice, Peace and Integrity of Gods Creation (JPIC)
As a Characteristic Dimension in Prophetic Dialogue
135
149
Learning Encounter 20: The Society of the Divine Word in the Philippines:
Through the Years of Christian Witnessing
15
163
REFERENCES
169
ABBREVIATIONS
174
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
175
LEARNING EPISODE 1:
THE WORD OF GOD
IN THE LIGHT OF THE OLD
TESTAMENT
In a nutshell, learning
episode one begins with the
Trinitarian mission of creation and
ends with Gods initiative towards
recreation. In the beginning, Gods
image and likeness, through His
Word and Breath, was reflected in
human beings. As a reflection of
God, human beings enjoyed the gift
of freedom. It was when they
misused this same freedom that
the image and likeness of God in
them was disfigured. From then
onwards, brokenness, pain and
death have become their lot. God,
in
His
unconditional
love,
intervened in the lives of the
Patriarchs and the prophets, in the
struggle of the Israelites so that He
can show the way in the journey
towards the Promised Land,
towards the acceptance of His
Word who became flesh.
Learning Encounter 1
THE MEANING OF WORD AS DABAR IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
AND AS LOGOS IN THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN
Dabar is the Hebrew term for the English equivalent -word. Dabar, however, has more connotations than its English
counterpart. Aside from referring to the spoken word which is
the expression of a persons thought or will, dabar is, for the Jews
more than the spoken word; it may refer to a thing, an affair, an
event, an action, and the like. Once spoken, a word assumes a
quasi-substantial existence of its own. The following quotes from
the Old Testament (OT) are just samples of the Hebrew use of
dabar: it is life giving (Dt. 32:46-47); it has power to heal (Ps.
107:20); it was by Gods word that the heavens were made (Wis.
9:1; Ps. 33:5); using the comparison of rain and snow which come
from heaven and make the earth fruitful, God says: so shall my
word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me
empty (Is. 55:19).
Quote from:
[http://www.brainyquote.co
m/quotes/quotes/m/mother
tere125705.html]
Photo from:
http://www.vatican.va/news
_services/liturgy/saints/ns_li
t_doc_20031019_madreteresa_en.html
Plotinus (205-270 AD), a great philosopher of the ancient world, taught that there is a supreme, totally
transcendent "One", containing no division, multiplicity or distinction; likewise, it is beyond all categories
of being and non-being (http://encyclopedia.tfd.com/Plotinus).
1
Modalism also termed Sabellianism is the Trinitarian heresy proposed by Sabellius, a Christian priest and
theologian in the third century. According to him, God was one indivisible substance, but with three fundamental
activities, or modes, appearing successively as the Father (the creator and lawgiver), as the Son (the redeemer),
and as the Holy Spirit (the maker of life and the divine presence within men). The term Sabellianism was later used
to include all sorts of speculative ideas that had become attached to the original ideas of Sabellius and his
followers (http://encyclopedia2.tfd.com/sabellius).
3
The heresy called Arianism was one of the most divisive heresies in the history of Christianity. Founded by the
bishop Arius in Alexandria (c. 318), it propagated the idea that God created, before all things, a Son who was the
first creature, but who was neither equal to nor coeternal with the Father. According to Arius, Jesus was a
supernatural creature not quite human and not quite divine (http://encyclopedia2.tfd.com/arianism). Against
this heresy, the first Council of Nicaea in 325 affirmed the divinity of Jesus Christ as of the same substance with the
Father.
11
Belmonte, C. (Ed.). (2006). Faith seeking understanding. Mandaluyong: Studium Theologiae, Inc.
Cf. ibid.
6
Richard St. Victor died in 1173 but his birth date is unknown. This mystical theologian is called Richard of St.
Victor since he became an abbey of the Augustinian monastery, St. Victor in France from 1162 until his death. He is
famous for his most important work, De Trinitate ("On the Trinity") where he stressed that it was possible to
reach the essentials of the doctrine of the Trinity by the process of speculative reasoning. Retrieved from
http://encyclopedia.tfd.com/Richard+of+St.+Victor
7
Sta. Maria, D. B. (1998). The mystery of the trinity in Christian life. Makati City: St. Pauls.
5
12
I have no
imagination.
I
cannot
picture
God the Father.
All that I can see
is Jesus.
- Mother Teresa
of Calcutta,
1910 - 1997
(Youth Catechism,
2010: 18).
This parable talks about a landowner who sent his servants to the tenants of his land to get his share of the
harvest. The tenants grabbed the servants, beat one of them and killed another. The parable says that the
landowner sent other servants whom the tenants treated in the same way. AGAIN, he sent more servants whom
the tenants treated in the same way. Last of all, (other translation says: finally), the landowner sent his son
whom the tenants killed. Clearly, this parable is referring to the fact that Jesus, the Son of God, is the definitive
offer of salvation.
13
What recurring emotion have you been sensing at this point in your
life? What is the connection of your feeling to the topic discussed in
class, that is, the meaning of the word Dabar in the Old and the New
Testaments?
What does this feeling tell you about yourself? Do you think it has
something to do with the reality of God? If yes, what is it?
Then, share your answers with a family member or a friend. Ask your
friend/family member to make a comment on your reflection paper
before turning it in to the teacher.
14
35 points
15
15
35
100 points
*For Comprehensiveness
Excellent
(13-15)
Insights
presented are
very
comprehensive
and relevant;
almost all the
topics from the
lesson are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and ones
experience.
Very Good
(10-12)
Insights are
moderately
comprehensive and
relevant: many of
the topics from the
lesson are covered
and are being
related to oneself
and experience.
Good
(7-9)
Insights are less
comprehensive
and relevant:
some parts of
the topics are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and
experience.
Fair
(4-6)
Insights are least
comprehensive:
few topics from
the lesson are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and
experience.
Poor
(1-3)
Insights are not
comprehensive
and relevant:
just 1 or no
topic from the
lesson is
covered and
related to
oneself and
experience.
Good
(7-9)
Fair
(4-6)
Poor
(1-3)
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas so unclear
and
disorganized.
**For Clarity/Organization
Excellent
(13-15)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
error-free.
Very Good
(10-12)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
almost error-free.
Few
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
15
Learning Encounter 2
THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF THE TRIUNE GOD
AS REFLECTED IN THE HUMAN BEING
For us to understand correctly and appreciate the role
Jesus played in the history of salvation, it is very important to
see him in the light of Old Testament salvation history. (Vetus
Testamentum latet in Novo, Novum Testamentum patet in
Vetere: the Old Testament is hidden in the New; the New
Testament is clarified in the Old).
The glory of God is
man fully alive...
- St. Iranaeus of Lyons
(ca. 135-202)
Photo from:
http://3minutecatechesis.blogspot.com/
2010/07/st-irenaeus-father-ofchurch.html
16
Photo from:
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seint_Edith_
Stein.jpg]
17
Photo from:
[http://catholictv.blogspot.com/2011/04/catholictvto-air-beatification-mass-of.html]
CALLED TO FELLOWHIP
18
19
Excellent (13-15)
Good (7-9)
Fair (4-6)
Poor (1-3)
1. The
case/moral issue
is well-narrated;
details and main
events are
clearly
presented.
All angles,
details, and
examples of the
issue are
presented.
Many angles,
details, and
examples of the
issue are
presented.
Some angles,
details, and
examples of
the issue are
presented.
Few angles,
details, and
examples of
the issue are
presented.
2. Contents from
the lessons are
well- considered
in the
explanation or
analysis.
Many of the
topics from the
lesson are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and ones
experience.
Some of the
topics from
the lesson
are covered
and are being
related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
Few of the
topics from the
lesson are
covered and
are being
related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
One or no topic
from the lesson
is covered and
related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
3. There is
coherence and
clear
organization of
thoughts;
Grammar,
formulation of
sentences, and
choice of words
are appropriate.
There is an
excellent
coherence and
organization of
thoughts;
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
error-free.
Thoughts are
moderately
organized
and
connected to
one another;
Few
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation
of ideas
unclear and
disorganized.
Most of the
thoughts are not
connected to
one another;
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
4. The poem or
prayer enables
the student to
be in touch with
the depths of
life.
Feelings point to
almost all the
deep realities of
life and to the
ultimate reality
God himself.
Feelings enable
the student to
know many truths
about himself and
the world around
him.
Feelings
enable the
student to be
in touch with
some aspects
of the self.
Feelings enable
the student to
reveal few
aspects of the
self.
No explanation
is given as to
how the feeling
reveals about
oneself.
5. For publishing.
For publishing ones work, a perfect score is given; a zero is given for not publishing.
20
Learning Encounter 3
THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS
OF THE TRIUNE GOD IN HUMANS
AS DESTROYED BY HUMANS THEMSELVES
The confession of
evil works is the first
beginning of good
works.
- St. Augustine,
354-430;
philosopher and
theologian
Quotation from:
http://christianquotes.ochristian.com/SinQuotes/
O God, to turn
away from you is to
fall. To turn to you is
to stand up. To remain
in you is to have a sure
support.
- St. Augustine,
354-430;
philosopher and
theologian
(YOUCAT, 2010: 49)
21
Grace is Christianitys
best gift to the world, a
spiritual nova in our midst
exerting a force stronger
than vengeance, stronger
than racism, stronger than
hate.
- Philip Yancey, 1997: 30
22
Boredom
comes
from
failing to see the
community of life
within ourselves,
and
ourselves
within
Gods
community.
- Robert J. Wicks,
1991:9
The concept of sin as alienation from self, others, nature, and God is taken from the workbook of the Religious
Education students of the University of San Carlos (USC) entitled, The Longing and Searching for God. But this
workbook also got such an idea from an author whose name escapes my memory.
23
Photo from:
http://www.romegiftshop.com/st
pebamisoan.html
10
This thought of Albert Nolan in Jesus Today (Quezon City, Philippines: Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.),
2006: 31, is based Linden, I. (2003). A New Map of the World .London: Darton, Longman and Todd. Pp. 37-51.
24
25
My dear friends,
let us love one
another for love
comes from God.
Everyone who loves
is born of God and
knows God.
A wise man from India was walking along the Ganges River
with his disciple, when suddenly he noticed a drowning scorpion.
He reached down with his bare hand and safely brought the little
animal ashore. At that moment, the scorpion stung him. They say
it causes terrible pain. The wise mans hand began to swell. As
soon as he put him down on the ground, the scorpion slowly made
its way back to the water again. Although his hand was terribly
swollen and he was in severe pain, he once again took the
scorpion out of the water. His disciple simply observed.
The third time he removed the scorpion from the water with his
hand extremely swollen and in terrible pain, he placed him further
away from the rivers edge. By then the disciple could no longer
bear to see this go on and said, Master, I dont understand. Its
the third time that youve removed this animal from the water
and it stings your hand. You must be in awful pain. And he, with
the peaceful expression of those who know the secret of good,
who have victoriously conquered the territory of love and
renunciation of the heart, those who can envision heavenly truths,
turned to his disciple and said, My son, this animals nature is to
sting, but mine is to save! 11
By Esperidion S. Abellana
11
The story and its drawing are taken from Universal Church of the Kingdom of God India (UCKG Help Center).
The Wise Man and the Scorpion. Retrieved from [ http://uckghelpcentreindia.blogspot.com/2010/01/wise-manand-scorpion-wise-man-from.html]
26
27
Excellent (13-15)
Good (8-9)
Portrayal of the
social issue is
comprehensive
and holistic,
accurate, and
detailed.
There is sufficient
use of examples
in presenting the
issue from almost
all angles. Causes
and effects take
into account both
attitudinal and
structural causes.
Analysis is
rooted in
Scriptures and
Churchs
teachings.
The use of
relevant
Scriptural texts
both from the
OT and NT is
clearly linked
with many
Churchs
documents such
as PCP II, Vatican
II, CFC, CCC, etc.
Churchs
teaching is
enlightened by
the human
sciences.
Ability to relate
the social
issue/problem to
their lives as
reflected in the
prayer/song/
poem
Almost all
aspects of their
lives (family,
student, citizen,
etc.) are
included.
Students are
able to identify
themselves as
part of the
problem.
Attempt to
publish their
video/power
point
presentation
Fair (4-7)
Poor (1-3)
Some
important
sides of the
issue are
looked into
but examples
are limited.
The issue is
presented
using only
one side
and, thus,
limited and
very
opinionated.
No example
is given.
Relevant
Scriptural texts
taken either from
the OT or NT are
used and are
linked with many
pertinent
documents.
Churchs teaching
is not enlightened
by the human
sciences.
Relevant
Scriptural
texts from
both OT and
NT are used
but their
connection to
the Churchs
teaching
cannot be
established.
Analysis made
use of the
Scripture but
the text used is
not relevant.
The text is not
explained in
relation to
pertinent
Churchs
documents.
Analysis is
very biased
using only
ones
personal
experience
as basis.
Their prayer,
poem or
song is not
related to
their lives.
As long as the students can publish their work, they get a perfect score.
28
Learning Encounter 4
THE INTERVENTION OF THE TRIUNE GOD
IN THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM
Abraham lived in an age where the measure of success was
very simple. Being nomads all they wanted in life were the
following: a fathers house, an extended family, ones own family,
and some animals to call their own. Abraham had all these as
revealed in Genesis 12. He was a successful man but only one thing
disturbed this success he had no children because Sarah was
barren. Having children was important to them because of their
belief that after life for them was to exist with their children and
their childrens children. The call of Abraham came when he was at
the peak of success. Here, God took the initiative and called
Abraham to enter a relationship with Him. The text, Call of
Abraham (Gen. 12:1-2), has the message that God wanted to
covey:
your Country
your Kins
your Fathers house;
and go to a land
I will show you.
I will give you many
descendants
and they will become a
great nation.
I will bless you and make your name
famous so that you will be a
blessing.
I will bless those who bless you.
I will curse those who curse
you, and through you
I will bless the nations.
Leave
We walk by faith
and not by sight.
(2 Cor 5:7)
their own resources but in God, in his promises. And then they will iscover
that God can be trusted. Commit yourself to the Lord and he will act on
your behalf.
To hope is
the way we
are saved.
But if we
saw what
we hoped
for,
there
would be no
longer
hope; how
can
you
hope
for
what
is
already
seen.
(Rom. 8:24)
30
13
31
So we no
longer
pay
attention to the
things that are
seen, but to
those that are
unseen, for the
things that we
see last for a
moment,
but
that
which
cannot be seen
is eternal .
(Rom. 4: 18)
his son as a sublime act of a worship, but in the end his conscience told
him that his God is loving and compassionate and as such, does not
want murder. That God did not want human sacrifice is confirmed by
Fr. Nil Guillemete when he stated, And it was only at the very last
moment, when he raised his knife over the boys prone body, that in a
flash, his mind was flooded by a new insight: Elohim was a God of life,
not a God of death, and he would never want a father to take the life of
a son, not even for a religious purpose. 14
It is within the framework of a compassionate God that
problems in our lives should not be imputed to Gods wrath which is a
prevalent in the Old Testament. Rather than thinking of sufferings as
God-given, we should look at them as natural consequences of the
disruption of the laws of nature or simply as effects of sins. In this
regard, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, every sin, even
venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be
purified either here on earth, or death in the state called Purgatory.
This purification frees one from what is called temporal punishments
of sin. These two punishments must not be conceived as a kind of
vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the
nature of sin. 15 Confirming this teaching of the Church, Msgr. Sabino
A. Vengco, Jr., SThD succinctly puts, Human disasters and tragedies due
to human decisions and malice are better called effects or
consequences of sin. Theologically, these natural calamities and
disasters are definitely not acts of God. 16
As evidenced in the faith-life of Abraham, faith is three-pronged:
1) belief that involves rational thinking which in theology is termed as
faith seeking scientific understanding or fides quaerens intellectum
scientificum 17, 2) trust in God, when amidst the inexplicable realities of
life, the believer holds on to God as expressed in prayer and worship,
and 3) loving action or faith that seeks social justice and love for others
especially the least. The first two aspects of faith were best reflected
respectively in Abrahams critical analysis of his faith, i.e., not following
Fr. Nil Guillemete, SJ. The Scandalous Bible (2650 F.B. Harrison Street, 1300 Pasay City, Philippines: Paulines),
2010: 76, printed 2011.
15
Catechism of the Catholic Church . Manila, Philippines: ECCCE, Word and Life Publications. 1994: 1472.
16
Msgr. Sabino A. Vengco, Jr. Itanong Kay Monsi (1203 Makati City, Philippines: St. Pauls Philippines, Kadiwa sa
Pagkapari Foundation), 2012: 8.
17
The additional term scientific/scientificum I got from OCollins Gerald, SJ, The Tripersonal God (New
York/Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press), 1999: 3-5.
14
32
the ritualistic practice of human sacrifice in his time, as well as, in his act of setting out to a
foreign land where everything was unfamiliar in order to obey Gods commands. This act of
risking to venture into the unknown is Abrahams concrete act of enfleshing his love for God
and his wife Sarah who can be considered as among the least since being barren is an
experience of social and psychological poverty.
By Esperidion S. Abellana
Identify one aspect of your life which resonates with that of the
hemorrhaging woman, that is, the area in your life which needs
healing. Then, explain whether you can trust in Gods power to heal
or not.
33
15 x 2 = 30 points
20
20
15 x 2= 30
100 points
*For Comprehensiveness
Excellent
(13-15)
Insights
presented are
very
comprehensive
and relevant.
Almost all the
topics from the
lesson are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
Very Good
(10-12)
Insights are
moderately
comprehensive and
relevant. Many of
the topics from the
lesson are covered
and are being
related to oneself
and ones
experience.
Good
(7-9)
Insights are less
comprehensive
and relevant.
Some parts of
the topics are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
Fair
(4-6)
Insights are least
comprehensive.
Few topics from
the lesson are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
Poor
(1-3)
Insights are not
comprehensive
and relevant.
One or no topic
from the lesson
is covered and
related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
**For Clarity/Organization
Excellent
(13-15)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
error-free.
Very Good
(10-12)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
nearly error-free.
Good
(7-9)
Fair
(4-6)
Few
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Poor
(1-3)
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
34
Learning Encounter 5
THE INTERVENTION OF THE TRIUNE GOD
THROUGH THE MISSION OF
SELECTED PROPHETS
A prophet means, for many people, a
person who foretells the future. He is thought
to predict the outcome of some future events.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for
prophet was nabi. This word did not stress
the prophet as a predictor of future events,
but rather the prophet as a spokesman for God
in the present 18. The prophets were the
spokesmen of God and communicated Gods
message to men. This divine message could
refer to the past, present, or future. Because
of the supernatural illuminations through
which the divine message came to him, a
prophet was also called a "Seer" (I Kings 9:9). 19
The central message of the prophets is
faithfulness to the Covenant of God. The whole
history of Israel is a history of people turning
their back on God despite Gods love and
faithfulness.
The
prophets
constantly
reminded the people of Gods love, calling
them back that they might only live in His love.
The prophets were Gods instruments of the
true liberation of His people.20 To cast more
light on the concept of prophets, the following
Section entitled Prophetic Hope, may be
quoted verbatim from the Catechism for
Filipino Catholics (CFC, 437 440).
http://www.google.com.ph/search?q=st+joseph+freina
demetz&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&e
i=_D8sUeehJMJmQXlpICgBw&sqi=2&ved=0CEMQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=
629
18
Abiog, M. A. (1995). Journey of faith: Old Testament. Quezon City: FNB Educational, Inc.
19
www.cathtruth.com/catholicbible/prophet.ht
20
Ibid (1)
35
21
37
http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-Our-Seminarians--Missionaries/Priest/Fr--Ed-Herberger,-SVD.aspx
http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-Our-Seminarians--Missionaries/Priest/Fr--Ed-Herberger,-SVD.aspx
39
15 x 2 = 30 points
15
45 points
*For Contents/Relevance
Excellent
(13-15)
Insights presented
are very
comprehensive and
relevant. Almost all
the topics from the
lesson are covered
and are being
related to oneself
and ones
experience.
Very Good
(10-12)
Insights are
moderately
comprehensive and
relevant: many of the
topics from the lesson
are covered and are
being related to
oneself and ones
experience.
Good
(7-9)
Insights are less
comprehensive
and relevant: some
parts of the topics
are covered and
are being related
to oneself and
ones experience.
Fair
(4-6)
Insights are least
comprehensive:
few topics from the
lesson are covered
and are being
related to oneself
and ones
experience.
Poor
(1-3)
Insights are not
comprehensive
and relevant: just
1 or no topic from
the lesson is
covered and
related to oneself
and ones
experience.
Good
(7-9)
Few grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation of
ideas unclear and
disorganized.
Fair
(4-6)
Some grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation of
ideas unclear and
disorganized.
Poor
(1-3)
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas so unclear
and disorganized.
**For Clarity/Organization
Excellent
(13-15)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
error-free.
Very Good
(10-12)
Grammar and sentence
formulation are nearly
error-free.
40
Excellent
(13-15)
The life of the
All the details
Saint is
and main
comprehensively events are
presented
presented.
correctly.
Very Good
(10-12)
Many main
events with
details are
given.
Good
(7-9)
Very few
main events
are given but
with many
details.
Fair
(4-6)
Answer to the
question how
the life of the
saint relates to
the idea of
becoming
prophets in the
world today is
clear and
comprehensive.
Life of the
saint is well
explained
with the use
of sufficient
examples
some of
which are
not so
relevant and
appropriate.
Life of the
saint is well
explained
but many
examples
are not so
relevant and
appropriate.
Life of the
saint is fairly
explained
with many
irrelevant and
inappropriate
examples.
Life of the
saint is very
poorly
explained and
all examples
are irrelevant
and
inappropriate.
Presentation of
Grammar and
ideas is clear and sentence
formulation are
organized.
error-free.
Grammar
and
sentence
formulation
are nearly
error-free.
Few
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation
of ideas
unclear and
disorganized.
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation
of ideas
unclear and
disorganized.
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation
of ideas so
unclear and
disorganized.
Very
few/limited
details but
with main
events are
given.
Poor
(1-3)
No detail is
given. Only
one main
theme or
event is
narrated.
41
This I ask through the love of the Father and the Holy
Spirit, through the abundance of your infinite mercy,
and through the merits of all your saints.
Amen."May the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all
people?
Re: Spiritual Motto
Fr: Canonization Stampita
70 points
30 points
100 points
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name
Chorus:
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine
I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live
Chorus:
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are min
42
15 x 2 = 30 points
15 x 2 = 30
60 points
Very Good
(10-12)
Cooperation or
teamwork is
evident; there is
creativity but the
use of varied
materials is not
observed.
Good
(7-9)
Teamwork is
less evident
and there is
the use of
few
materials
Fair
(4-6)
No teamwork:
only 2-3
members are
actively
involved. No
use of varied
materials.
Poor
(1-3)
No teamwork:
Presentation is a
one-man show and
other members did
not participate well.
No use of varied
materials.
**For Relevance
Excellent
(13-15)
The presentation
is very relevant:
almost all
significant life
issues in the
personal, familial,
and societal
levels are
depicted.
Very Good
(10-12)
The presentation is
moderately
relevant: all aspects
of personal and
familial aspects are
depicted but
connection to
society is quite
unclear.
Good
(7-9)
The presentation
is relevant: some
aspects of
personal and
familial life are
portrayed but
connection to
society is not
established.
Fair
(4-6)
The
presentation is
less relevant:
issues focused
only on personal
life issues
without being
connected
clearly to family
and society.
Poor
(1-3)
The
presentation
is not
relevant:
connection to
all aspects of
life is not
established.
43
15 x 2 = 30 points
70
100 points
Excellent
(13-15)
Contents reflect
very clearly the
topic/lesson.
Very Good
(10-12)
Contents of the
letter reflect
moderately the
topic/lesson.
Good
(7-9)
Fair
(4-6)
Contents of
the letter
reflect less the
topic/lesson.
Contents of the
letter reflect
least the
topic/lesson.
Poor (1-3)
Contents are not
related to the
lesson/topic.
44
Learning Encounter 6
GODS INTERVENTION IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:
SALIENT POINTS
Salvation History is the story of Gods intervention
in human affairs in order to remedy and change the
situation which the human being has brought to himself.
It would take a long time to discuss the whole OT
salvation history. What we will do is highlight salient
points that are important to understand this process and
also to be able to get in touch with Gods pattern of acting
in behalf of his chosen people. He continues to behave in
the same way even with us today. So, getting in touch
with this pattern of behavior will give us a good basis for
an image and an understanding of God.
Election
46
22
Finger of God is another biblical term for the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead. It is an appropriate
metaphor for the ways by which God powerfully and lovingly touches the life of humans and the whole of the
universe. In the Old Testament, creation is described as a work of Gods fingers (Ps. 8:4) and the Ten
Commandments, as Gods law of love, were written on the tablets of stones by the same fingers (Dt. 9:10). These
laws of love are etched by God in the hearts of humans by his fingers (2 Cor. 3:3).
23
By desert here, I meant sufferings and pains.
47
Photo from:
http://clipart.christiansunite.com/
24
News and Archive of the Spiritual Family of Charles de Foucauld were retrieved from
http://www.jesuscaritas.info/jcd/fr/4154/why-o-lord-inner-meaning-suffering
25
Ibid.
48
Blessed
be
Yahweh who has
given rest to his
people Israel as
he promised; for
not one of his
promises, given
to Moses his
servant has been
broken.
(1 Kgs. 8: 56)
26
By Esperidion S. Abellana
Covenant
This is a very important concept not only in the OT but also in
the NT. It is, therefore, important to understand the cultural
background of this concept. After having shown his greatness through
what he did to the Israelites, showing to them that he can be trusted
and that he fulfills his promises, God took the initiative to enter into
covenant with them.
To have a good grasp of what this element of Jewish religiosity
meant, we have to look at it in the context of their socio-cultural
background. They were nomads and animals constituted their
economic base. They had to wander from one place to another for the
sake of their animals. In the process, they entered territories not their
own. They, therefore, had to ask permission from the tribal leader of
the place to allow them to graze their animals and protect them from
bad elements. They had to haggle over the terms of the covenant, so
that for their animals to graze in the land, the leader would guarantee
protection only in exchange for some gift, such as a bull, sheep, or
goat. If the terms are agreeable, the covenant would be sealed with a
meal. Then a piece of flat stone would be broken in two, one of which
would be given to the owner of the land while the other would remain
with the nomads. This pledge would be a guarantee that the terms of
the covenant are obeyed and followed. If something untoward
happened to the them in the process, they could complain to the
owner of the territory, bringing their piece of stone with them to show
to the latter that they had made a covenant.
Ibid.
49
It is vitally important,
therefore, that the wealthier States, in
providing varied forms of assistance
to the poorer, should respect the
moral
values
and
ethnic
characteristics peculiar to each, and
also that they should avoid any
intention of political domination.
(Pacem in Terris* on the Evolution of
Economically Underdeveloped
Countries)
*Pacem in Terris, which means Peace
on Earth, is the encyclical of Pope John
XX111, April 11, 1993
27
50
As a sign of
Gods
promise
not to destroy the
earth by flood,
the
rainbow
reminds us of our
right and duty to
promote human
life and protect
the environment.
The Lord is
my shepherd, I
shall not want.
(Ps. 23:1)
28
29
51
Contrary to the
ritualistic religion of
the
Israelites,
authentic
religion
plays a great role in
life. In this regard, the
following statement
below
is
worthquoting:
By Esperidion S. Abellana
Promised Land and Prosperity
God eventually led the Israelites to that land he promised
them flowing with milk and honey (an expression which means
prosperity). In the Promised Land they became economically and
politically prosperous. They became a nation that surrounding
nations had to reckon with. This prosperity reached its peak in
what they would call the Davidic Dynasty. But it is a human
experience that prosperity brings along with it the seeds of its own
destruction:
+
The people started to do lip service to their part of the
covenant.
+
Relationship with God became a matter of ritual and rite.
+
The few rich started to exploit the majority who were poor.
(See Jeremiah 26:1ff). God, true to his nature as Father, tried to
send his representatives (Prophets, Judges, and Kings), to remind
the people of their part of the covenant. The prophets tried to
show to the people the evil they were doing. After some time of
30
Among
those
respondents
who
prayed regularly and
depended on their
religious beliefs to
cope, I found a higher
sense
of
life
satisfaction and lower
level
of
death
anxiety.
Harold Koenig, MD,
2000: 83
(Dr. Harold Koenig is
the executive director
of Christian Medical
and Dental
Associations)
Leon-Dufour, X. (Ed.). (1990). Dictionary of biblical theology. Pasay City, Philippines: St. Pauls.
52
53
Summary Points:
+
Alone and unaided, man and woman can never save
or realize themselves.
+
Despite human unfaithfulness, God will always
remain faithful.
+
Humans failure and sinfulness is not greater than
Gods love and goodness; it cannot destroy Gods plans.
54
31
Yancey, P. (1998). Whats so amazing about grace? Mandaluyong City, Philippines: OMF Literature, Inc.
55
56
57
20 points
20
15 x 2 = 30
15 x 2 = 30
100 points
Very Good
(10-12)
Analysis considers
almost all topics
and examples are
sufficient.
Good
(7-9)
Analysis
includes more
than two topics
but with limited
examples.
Fair (4-6)
Poor
(1-3)
Analysis
Analysis is very
includes two or limited: it
three topics but involves only
with very
one topic and
limited
has no
examples.
examples.
**For Clarity/Organization/Coherence
Excellent
(13-15)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
error-free.
Very Good
(10-12)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
nearly error-free.
Good
(7-9)
Few
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Fair
(4-6)
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Poor
(1-3)
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
58
LEARNING EPISODE 2:
THE WORD OF GOD WHO
BECAME FLESH IN THE NEW
TESTAMENT
The incarnation of the
Word, the focus of the
present section is Gods
greatest act of emptying
himself (Phil 2:7). Out of
great love, he took the risk of
becoming human like us in
all ways except sin (Heb.
4:15) so that we can be
saved. In his whole salvific
act from birth to his public
ministry and to his paschal
mystery Jesus Christ, the
incarnate Word becomes the
perfect image of the invisible
God (Col. 1:15) and the
epitome of what it is like to
become a real human being.
Photo from
http://clipart.ochristian.com/Photos_of_Jes
us_Clipart/The_Birth_of_Jesus_Clipart/index
3.shtml
59
Learning Encounter 7
JESUS CHRIST: THE WORD WHO REVEALS GOD
The image of God that Jesus revealed uses the
symbol ABBA! The content of the term (ABBA) Father is
adequately captured in the following three statements
that form the very foundation of our Christian faith.
1. God Always Loves Me Unconditionally
No matter how I feel, no matter who I am, no
matter what I have done, how sinful I may be, how far I
may imagine myself to be from God, how messed-up my
life may be? There is one reality I can count on: God loves
me, and he loves me with no conditions at all! God is
concerned with what is best for me (Jer. 29:11-14). He
will never give me up as a hopeless case because he loves
me. I can neither reduce nor increase this love for me.
The only thing I can do is reject it or accept it graciously
and in accepting find in it the fulfillment of my life, my
identity.
Many find it hard to accept such a statement
about Gods love for them. They are not sure if God can
love them without conditions at all. Many find this idea
of God hard to accept. They cannot accept such an idea
of God because they already feel guilty just thinking of
God and definitely find themselves unworthy of such a
love. Their idea of God is like this: God would accept and
love them only after they shall have amended their lives
through good deeds and penance. They believe that they
have to make themselves worthy of such a love. There is
nothing we have to do in order to be loved by God,
because even before we do the things we intend to do
that would make us worthy of God, we are already loved
by God (cf. woman caught in adultery in John 8:3-11). 32
From:
http://catholiclane.com/thepharisees%E2%80%99-pride/womancaught-in-adultery/
32
God, in and through Jesus, offered to the woman who was caught in adultery, forgiveness, acceptance and love
even in the dirt that she was in. Gods love knows no conditions at all; it is offered for free.
60
61
Sad to say, however, so many people find it difficult to believe in such a forgiving God.
They cannot accept a God who gives them a second chance. The best image of this forgiving God
is the Father 33 in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk. 15:11-32), a father who receives us back
without any questions at all. But
we have to be realistic that if our
past has been forgiven, it does
not mean that the effects of our
sins are also automatically
healed. Deeply ingrained habits
will never go overnight. We have
to cooperate with Gods forgiving
love through discipline and
sincere efforts to overcome the
craving of the past and to let
myself gradually be cured.
However, only he who admits his
sins and faults without any
excuses can really receive Gods
forgiving love. This honesty is the
first step toward receiving Gods
pardon and forgiveness.
Another aspect of forgiveness that bothers a lot of people is their seeming inability to
forgive. People say that they feel like hypocrites when forgiving a person because even after a
good confession, they still feel in their heart the resentment and the hatred towards another
person. In effect, what they are saying is that as soon as they forgive, they expect the feelings in
their heart to disappear. This wrong expectation stems from a wrong notion of our being
human. We are not like fluorescent lamp which, when we turn on the switch, the light goes on,
and, when we turn the switch off, light goes off. That is not the way God created us. He created
us with a heart that takes time to heal from hatred and resentment. When we forgive
somebody who hurt us deeply, God even does not expect that the feeling of resentment will
disappear as soon as we forgive. It will remain because that is the way God created our heart. It
will take time for that feeling to heal.
It was Martin Luther King who explained what it means for a Christian to forgive. When he
did this, we all know what he was talking about because of the experiences he underwent in his
33
The photo above, The Return of the Prodigal Son, is an oil painting by the Dutch painter Rembrandt. He made
this painting within two years of his death in 1669. The photo was retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Return_of_the_Prodigal_Son_(Rembrandt)
62
Photo from:
http://imgur.com/r/QuotesPorn/KeYil
Text from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_
King,_Jr.
63
15 x 2 = 30 points
30
40
100 points
Excellent
(13-15)
Gods
unconditional
love as basis
for analysis is
very well
considered;
some
examples from
the Bible and
Churchs
documents are
used.
Very Good
(10-12)
Gods
unconditional
love is
somewhat
considered;
some examples
from the Bible
but many
examples from
Churchs
documents are
used or viceversa.
Good
(7-9)
Gods
unconditional
love is used
but
considering
only one
source for
examples the
Bible or
Church
documents.
Some
examples are
given.
Fair
(4-6)
Gods
unconditional
love is used
as basis for
analysis using
only one
source (Bible
or Churchs
documents)
but very few
examples are
given.
Poor
(1-3)
Gods
unconditional
love is used
but no
examples from
the Bible and
Churchs
documents are
given. Only
ones own
ideas are
presented.
65
Learning Encounter 8
JESUS CHRIST: THE WORD WHO REVEALS THE
HUMAN
If
you
obey
my
commandments you will remain in
my love, just as I have obeyed my
Fathers
commandment
and
remain in his love
(Jn. 15:10)
Photo from:
http://www.allthingsclipart.com/privacy.htm
66
34
How does one know and discover the will of God. One unmistakable way, which Jesus exampled for us in his life,
is to discover Gods will in the consequences of ones life vocation (i.e. being mother of a family and a wife to ones
husband; being father of a family and a husband to ones wife; ones work and profession; being a priest; a
religious; living a single lifestye; etc.). By doing these consequences well and conscientiously, with all our heart
and soul, we are also doing the will of God and thus show concretely that we love God. This kind of Christian life
brings God, who people think is in cloud number 9, down to the ordinariness of our everyday life. In the ordinary
and banal things of everyday life, we meet him and we can love him.
67
During Holy Mass, after the twofold consecration, the host was
changed into live Flesh and the wine
was changed into live Blood, which
coagulated into five globules, irregular
and differing in shape and size.
70
of this, many of Jesus followers turned back and would not go with him anymore.
The human reaction of one put on the spot, as Jesus was, would have been to give an
explanation, especially to his chosen few. But Jesus did not. He respected their freedom to
choose and to make a decision. It is very interesting what John says in his gospel when this
problem was at its critical height. Jesus went to his disciples and asked them, and you would
you also like to leave? To love the other also means respecting the freedom of others to make
their own decisions, even allowing them to make mistakes in the process.
4. Seeing oneself as servant (Jn. 13:2-11)
The last supper is a living commentary to the meaning of Jesus life before this incident,
and a commentary, as well, to what was to happen the next day (his suffering and eventual
death on the cross). Strategic to this commentary was the washing of the feet of his disciples.
This was an act that only slaves (or servants) would do; and yet Jesus did it to his disciples. In
fact, Peter, in unbelief, refused that his feet be washed by Jesus. After this unbelievable
moment, Jesus explained to his disciples what He did. His coming to this world, his life, and his
suffering and death on the cross the next day was an act of service for humanity. This is why he
came, this is why the Word became flesh and dwelt among us: that we may have life and have
it to the full.
By Fr. Magdaleno F. Fabiosa, SVD
15 x 4 = 60 points
20
20
TOTAL
100 points
Very Good
(10-12)
Ample details are
given; very few
aspects of the
whole Photo of
the story are
missed out.
Good
(7-9)
Some details are
given; some parts
of the whole
Photo of the
story are missed
out.
Fair
(4-6)
Very few
details are
given; many of
the aspects of
the whole
Photo of the
story are
missed out.
Poor
(1-3)
It is very clear
that the story
is not
understood.
72
Learning Encounter 9
JESUS CHRIST: THE WORD
WHO BROUGHT SALVATION THE GALILEAN CRISIS
AND THE DEATH OF JESUS
Was the role of Jesus only to preach about who God
(Yahweh) is and to be an example and pattern (coming from
God) of who the human being is supposed to be? Was his
role like that of pushing the ball and then leaving it rolling
on its own, or did he have a more important role to play?
We have to journey through the experience of Jesus prior to
his paschal mystery (suffering, death, and resurrection) to
be able to answer this question.
Prior to the Galilean Crisis
35
The suffering servant figure in the OT (especially Is. 53) has a very precise meaning: through the vicarious
suffering and death of the servant, Yahweh will bring to fulfillment His plans for creation, the Kingdom of God.
73
74
Photo from:
http://clipart.christiansunite.com/
Mk. 15:34
He cried on the cross in his feeling of being forsaken by God. At three o'clock
Jesus cried out with a load shout, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Gal. 3:13
2 Cor. 5:21
"For our sake God made the sinless one into sin,
so that in him we might become the goodness of
God."
It was not physical death that Jesus was afraid of. What
made him cry to his Father was that horrible burden of human
sinfulness which would mean for him that he had to conquer it
with his love. The cry on the cross is the moment when Jesus
identified himself most fully with us in our God-forsakenness. In
this moment, it seems as if the love of the Father, from which
he drew meaning for his whole life, stopped flowing. So Paul
could say, "God made him as sin for us." He touched hell. This
is what the creedal formula means when saying, "He descended
to the dead."
By his crucifixion,
Jesus Christ identified
himself fully with us in
our sufferings and he
stretched out his hands
to embrace the whole of
humanity.
Photo from:
http://clipart.christiansunite.co
m/
76
78
Saint Thrse of
Lisieux (January 2,
1873 September 30,
1897), or Saint
Thrse of the Child
Jesus and the Holy
Face, born MarieFranoise-Thrse
Martin, was a French
Carmelite nun. She is
also known as "The
Little Flower of Jesus"
or simply, "The Little
Flower".
79
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(German: [dit
bonhf]; 4 February 1906
9 April 1945) was a
German Lutheran pastor, theo
logian, dissident anti-Nazi,
and founding member of the
Confessing Church. His
writings on Christianity's role
in the secular world have
become widely influential, and
many have labelled his
book The Cost of Discipleship a
[1]
modern classic. Apart from
his theological writings,
Bonhoeffer became known for
his staunch resistance to
the Nazi dictatorship. He
strongly opposed Hitler's
euthanasia program and
genocidal persecution of the
Jews.
81
15 x 4 = 60 points
40
100 points
Very Good
(10-12)
Insights are
moderately
comprehensive
and relevant:
many of the
topics from the
lesson are
covered and are
related to oneself
and ones
experience.
Good
(7-9)
Insights are less
comprehensive
and relevant:
some parts of
the topics are
covered and are
related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
Fair
(4-6)
Insights are least
comprehensive:
few topics from
the lesson are
covered and are
related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
Poor
(1-3)
Insights are not
comprehensive
and relevant: 1
or no topic
from the lesson
is covered and
related to
oneself and
ones
experience.
82
Learning Encounter 10
JESUS CHRIST, THE WORD GLORIFIED
Photo from:
en.wikipedia.org
Photo from:
www.svdphn.org
36
Catechism of the Catholic Church (Manila, Philippines: ECCCE and Life Publications), 1994: 368
83
Source:
http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2007/04
/resurrection-quotes-from-churchfathers.html
37
Ibid, 645
Ibid, 645
39
Ibid, 655
38
84
their passing grades or even high marks. Our life is just a vicious cycle of passion, death, and
resurrection. So as to face challenges, trials, and problems, whether great or ordinary, we
should always turn to Jesus who faced His Paschal Mystery with total obedience to the will of
the Father so that in the end we will all become victorious and have an expectant heart, so that
at the end we, too, can have our own resurrection by the grace of God.
By Jocelyn E. Tagaro
Find your respective prayer partners. Take turns with your prayer partner
in reading yours and his/her reflection paper.
85
15 x 2 = 30 points
15 x 2 = 30
40
100 points
Very Good
(10-12)
Many
topics/insights on
the resurrection
are related to
personal life and
the society.
Many examples
are provided.
Good
(7-9)
Fair
(4-6)
Poor
(1-3)
Some
Few
Connection of
topics/insights on topics/insights on the resurrection
the resurrection
the resurrection
to personal life
are related to
are related to
and society and
personal life and personal life and vice-versa is not
the society. Some the society. Few
established. No
examples are
examples are
example is given.
given to illustrate given.
ideas.
Very Good
(10-12)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
nearly error-free.
Good
(7-9)
Few
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Fair
(4-6)
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Poor
(1-3)
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
86
LEARNING EPISODE 3
WITNESSING TO THE WORD IN
THE WORLD
Bearing the title of
the course Witness to the
Word, this section may be
considered as the climax for
it presents the missionary
spirit of being a Christian in
the context of the SVD
mission
of
prophetic
dialogue.
It starts with the
Church as the community of
disciples who believe in the
promise of Jesus that He will
be with them always until
the end (Mt. 28:20) and,
then, brings the readers to
the foundations of love and
service as an act of witness
to the truth that Jesus
manifested in his in his life.
As SVDs or lay
partners of the SVDs, coming
to terms with the dynamic
spirituality of St. Arnold
Janssen his unique way of
responding in faith to the
Word as the Truth is of
great necessity.
87
Learning Encounter 11
GODS CONTINUING ACCOMPANIMENT
IN THE CHURCH
By communicating his Spirit to His brothers and
sisters, called together from all peoples, Christ made
them mystically part of His body. The community,
therefore, of those who are baptized, gathered together
by the Word of God as partakers of the Eucharist, and
continues the presence of Christs ministry in our world
today. Through the lifestyle, mentality, and values lived
by her members, the Church anticipates in a human way
that Kingdom where unity, justice, peace, and harmony
reigns for all eternity: -- Gods dream and the dream of
every human being as well.
Jesus promised that He would never abandon
the community without his accompanying guidance.
This promise - that he will not leave us until the end of
the world - remains true even in our times. God sends a
person or persons in every given age to be a channel of
his abiding concern for his Church and creation.
The 1st and 2nd centuries saw the watering down
of the radicalism of early Christianity. This came about
because the Christians accommodated themselves to
the lifestyle and values of the world. The things of
heaven, the after-life, and the gospel values lost their
attraction. Life in this world became THE value. The
radicalism of early Christianity became a thing of the
past. It did not take long for God to inspire men and
women to leave the world and go to the desert and live
the radical demands of the gospel, in solitude or in
communities.
Photo from:
http://lifebeyondthesea.com/?p=888
89
20 points
15 x 2 = 60
20
100 points
Good (7-9)
The Gospels
connection to
life is
explained
somewhat
clearly. Very
limited
examples are
given.
Fair (4-6)
The Gospels
connection to
life is explained
vaguely. No
example is
given.
Poor (1-3)
Ideas are not
connected to
one another
and are not
relevant to
life.
90
Learning Encounter 12
INTEREST IN AND LIVING
THE WORD OF GOD
IN THE WORLD TODAY
Source:
http://www.ewtn.com/library/CHISTORY/mo
vecoms.HTM
Photo from:
thttp://caritasmanila.org.ph/index.phpure
and quoted texts from:
92
Photo from:
http://www.hnu.edu.ph/main/hnnews/index.p
hp?office=31&artno=111139&vol=100&ish=1
93
Ignorance of Scripture is
ignorance of Christ.
St Jerome
94
25 x 2 = 50 points
50
100 points
95
Learning Encounter 13
WHEN THE WORD BECOMES LIFE
To understand and appreciate the impact of the
Word of God in our everyday lives as human beings,
there is a presupposition that needs to be explained.
The presupposition is the basic human fact that all of us
are wounded but in different degrees. This
woundedness goes back to basic human need the
need to be loved and to love. This is the need that
makes us constantly bend back upon ourselves and
make us self-centered.
The source of difference in degree is how this
need was fulfilled or not fulfilled in our childhood. As
we grow older this need expresses itself in subtle ways
(seeking for attention, doing things in order to be
noticed, seeking the acceptance of people whom we
consider important). We even go to the point of
manipulating things, events, and people in order to get
even a semblance of attention from people around us,
attention that is so temporary. This causes much unfreedom in our everyday life and creates undue anxiety
and stress that causes migraine and high blood pressure
that have to be controlled by expensive maintenance
medicine.
Photo from:
http://warrantedbelief.wordpress.com/2011
/03/05/the-relevance-of-the-old-testamentlest-we-forget/
Photo from:
http://freed2love.blogspot.com/
96
conditions at all.
If this becomes a concrete
experience in ones life, it immediately brings healing.
It brings a sense of peace that, as John says in his
gospel, a peace that the world cannot give. This
experience must be sustained in ones everyday life so
that one becomes sensitive to the manifestations of
this love in ones concrete life. This is strategic for
Christian because these experiences, no matter how
little and insignificant, strengthen the conviction in
the individual about Gods love and encourages him or
her to respond with courage and conviction.
----- It changes Ones Self-Image!
Associated Press/Bullit Marquez Residents affected by typhoon Bopha
crowd as relief goods are distributed
at New Bataan township, Compostela
Valley in southern Philippines Sunday
Dec. 9, 2012. The number of missing
in the wake of the typhoon that
devastated parts of the southern
Philippines has jumped to nearly 900
after families and fishing companies
reported losing contact with more
than 300 fishermen in the South
China Sea and Pacific Ocean, officials
said Sunday. (AP Photo/Bullit
Marquez)
98
Photo from:
http://constantblabber.wordpress.com/tag/
pilipinas/
Photo from:
http://lovepinaspinoy.blogspot.com/
Civilian
volunteers
in
Nabunturan, capital of Compostela
Valley, distributing relief goods.
Photo and texts from:
http://www.gov.ph/2012/12/14/photorelease-relief-operations-in-compostelavalley-december-13-2012/
99
Photo from:
http://heavenawaits.wordpress.com/pray
er-list/
Photo from:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserRe
views-g298573-d310890-r148065526Quiapo_ChurchManila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html
100
as Christ loves them. This presence of the resurrected Christ is what makes of any group in the
Church a true Christian community, a community of the disciples of Jesus, an ecclesiola, who
are recognizable by the love that they have for each other. Wherever two or three are
gathered in my name, I am with them in their midst (Mt 18:20).
By Fr. Magdaleno F. Fabiosa, SVD
Narrate a personal story on how you actualized the Word of God in your
life.
102
Very Good
(10-12)
Good
(7-9)
Presentation of
Presentation of
personal story is personal story is
very well done.
well done. Some
Ample significant very important
details are
details are
considered, and included, and
insights are
insights are less
profound.
profound.
Fair
(4-6)
Presentation of
personal story is
fairly done. Very
few details are
narrated, and
insights are
shallow.
Poor
(1-3)
Personal story is
poorly done. No
clear
presentation of
details, and can
hardly be
understood.
Fair
(4-6)
Poor
(1-3)
Lots of
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Very Good
(10-12)
Good
(7-9)
Grammar and
Few grammatical
sentence
errors and
formulation are
sentence
nearly error-free. formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear
and
disorganized.
103
Learning Encounter 14
THE CHURCHS MISSION OF CHIRISTIAN
WITNESSING
A Christian witness is one who has a
mission of following in the footsteps of Jesus.
There is no other else who can best be
associated with the mission of Jesus or
embody his ideals except the authentic
Christian himself. Every Christian has to own
this task as a personal mission. The full
acceptance of the nature of this commitment
leads him to be drawn into full obedience to
the Father of Jesus.
In witnessing, the challenge that
Christians need to stand for and by is the
truth that Jesus stood for in his life
particularly in his public ministry, that is,
there is a Father who, in his unconditional
love, wants his children to gather into his
loving embrace. In the light of this loving
desire of the Father, the mission of Jesus finds
great meaning: For the Son of Man has come
and to save what was lost (Lk. 19:10). From
this end, all are led by Jesus to God the
Father. Jesus emphatically teaches his
followers that God is a loving and truly caring
Father for His children. If this truth is held as
of great importance in our life as Christians,
then everything in us --- our dreams,
intelligence, freedom, and conscience must
be put in the service of Jesus mission.
Photo from:
http://www.claretianformation.com/en/apostolicdimension/114-jpic/328-a-formation-itinerary-for-aprophetic-religious-life/
From:
http://catholicdefense.blogspot.com/2013/03/popefrancis-foot-washing-and-cross.html
104
Missionary activity is a
spiritual battle where the
individual can only be successful
when he is supported by others.
- St. Arnold Janssen
Text from:
Taken from Witness to the Word Vol 2,
p8 by Leonardo R. Estioko, SVD
105
106
Photo from:
www.annunciationparishab
q.org
40
41
107
108
Word.
This Word-dimension of evangelization must be seen
more than the basic contents of evangelization or catechesis
because in the final analysis, the Word is, in here, a person
Jesus Christ himself. By implication, the Word-dimension of
evangelization means growing in knowledge, understanding,
and belief in Jesus Christ.
Worship - (How do we celebrate what we believe?) As
evidenced in the way of Jesus, the proclamation of the
kingdom of God is always nurtured with a deep prayer life,
As the commemoration
of the Last Supper, the
Eucharist is the highest
form of Christian worship.
Worship is a celebration
of Christs real presence.
Christs
presence
is
encountered
in
our
dealings
with
others
especially the poor, the
oppressed
and
the
exploited.
Witness as living a
Eucharistic life means
finding God and allowing
him to find us in our
struggles to love and be
loved by the least of the
society.
Photo from:
http://clipart.christiansunite.com/
1363603261/Easter_Clipart/The_L
ast_Supper_Clipart/The_Last_Sup
per010.gif
109
110
doctrine/word, worship, and morals/witness and the need to touch our heads, hearts and
hands. The Church says that by celebrating in worship, the truth Christ our Life we both
make our prayer more realistic and are
empowered by grace to know and act in a
Christian manner (NCDP, 269).
By Marilou M. Mandawe
Photo from:
http://www.claretianformation.com/en/apostolicdimension/114-jpic/328-a-formation-itinerary-for-aprophetic-religious-life
111
Work hand in hand with the Campus Ministry of your school or with your parish.
Inquire if there is a Sacrament of Confirmation scheduled
for this particular semester. If there is, volunteer to help
according to the task assigned to you: 1) to help design a
Confirmation-Liturgy situated within the context of the
three dimensions of faith or of evangelization, 2) to
volunteer as readers, acolytes, lectors, collectors, etc., 3) to
be among the participants. If you are not yet confirmed,
join as one of the candidates for Confirmation. If you
belong to other faith traditions and you feel uncomfortable
joining the Sacrament of Confirmation, you may choose
another activity (with teachers knowledge and permission)
that fosters interiority and is more or less equivalent to the
Sacrament of Confirmation in terms of value.
112
70 points
15
5 x 2 = 30
115 points
Good (7-9)
Reflections or
insights show
the interrelatedness of
the three
dimensions of
faith but
examples or
illustrations
either from the
Scriptures or
experience are
many but not
sufficient.
Fair (4-6)
Reflections or
insights somewhat
show the
interrelatedness
of the three
dimensions of
faith but examples
are lacking.
Poor (1-3)
Reflections or
insights hardly
show the
interrelatedness of the
three
dimensions of
faith.
Examples are
very limited.
Good (7-9)
Few
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation
of ideas
unclear and
disorganized.
Fair (4-6)
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear and
disorganized.
Poor (1-3)
Too many
grammatical
errors, and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear and
disorganized.
113
Learning Encounter 15
WITNESSING THROUGH PROPHETIC DIALOGUE
WITH DIFFERENT DIALOGUE PARTNERS
42
42
114
115
From http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-Our-Seminarians---Missionaries/Priest
116
From: http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-OurSeminarians---Missionaries/Priest
117
Option 1:
Copy from the internet the song: One Heart Many Faces by Fr.
Raul Caga, SVD. Write a one-page reflection about the song in
relation to Prophetic Dialogue, and;
Conclude the reflection with a short interfaith dialogue prayer.
40 points
15 x 2 = 30
30
100 points
Very Good
(10-12)
Grammar and
sentence
formulation are
nearly error-free.
Good
(7-9)
Few grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear and
disorganized.
Fair
(4-6)
Some
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear and
disorganized.
Poor
(1-3)
Too many
grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations
make the
presentation of
ideas unclear and
disorganized.
118
Make a research on the meaning of each form of Dialogue and look for a Bible verse
that corresponds to the meaning of each dialogue. Then, use these forms of
dialogue in critiquing or analyzing your experience of immersion.
Forms of Dialogue
Bible Verse
Dialogue of Life
Dialogue of Action
Dialogue of Theological Response
Dialogue of Prayer and Religious Experience
Engage in a one-day immersion in your locality or any place in consultation with the
office of your school that takes charge of community outreach activities.
Possible area of exposure: squatter area, factory, garbage dump, relocation area, (if
possible to people with other religion and culture)
After the exposure, do the following: a) compose a prayer or make a drawing that
expresses the impact of the immersion on you, and b) analyze your experience in
light of the forms of dialogue.
Rubrics for Evaluation
Correctness of the definition/description of the form of dialogue*
15 points
Appropriateness of the chosen verse in relation to the form of dialogue**
15
For engaging in the immersion (so long as the student participated,
he/she gets a perfect score on this criterion)
30
Insights/Thoughts in relation to ones analysis***
15 x 2 = 30
For making a prayer/drawing (so long as the student makes,
he/she gets A perfect score)
10
TOTAL
100 points
119
Description or
definition is
excellent with
no errors in
sentence
construction.
Description or
definition is very
well-made with
very slight errors
in sentence
construction.
Good (7-9)
Description or
definition is
well-made with
errors in
sentence
construction.
Fair (4-6)
Description or
definition is
somewhat
correct with
many errors in
sentence
construction.
Poor (1-3)
Description or
definition is
poorly done with
so many errors in
sentence
construction.
Good (7-9)
Fair (4-6)
Poor (1-3)
The chosen
verse applies to
some aspects
and
ramifications of
SVD prophetic
dialogue and all
the various
paradigms on
mission.
Good (7-9)
Fair (4-6)
Poor (1-3)
Ones
experience is
analyzed in view
of the
interrelatedness
of all the forms
of dialogue.
Examples are
more than
sufficient.
Ones experience is
analyzed in view of
the interrelatedness
of all the forms of
dialogue. Examples
are many but not
sufficient.
One form of
dialogue is not
considered in
the analysis of
ones
experience.
Quite a few
examples are
given.
Two or more
forms of dialogue
are not
considered in the
analysis of ones
experience. Few
examples are
given.
120
Learning Encounter 16
COMMUNICATION 43 AS A
CHARACTERICTIC DIMENSION IN
PROPHETIC DIALOGUE
44
43
This part is lifted from an article by Tom Ascheman, SVD, which appeared in Verbum, Vol. 47, no. 1, (2006), pp.
27-36; and a talk of Fr. General to the Provincials of European Zone, entitled Prophetic Dialogue from the XV to
The General Chapter Advance, Difficulties and Challenges, 2005.
44
The logo was retrieved from http://www.svdphhttp://www.svdphc.org.ph/index.php/about-us/svd-philippines
121
122
initiative to open communication with people to whom we are sent (our dialogue partners).
Very little missionary service will take place if we dont. We need to go out and meet our
partners where they are and as they are; that is part of communication. We need to be able
to talk about things in their world, in a language that they can understand. We need an open
attitude to hear their questions and experiences. All these are part of communication.
By Fr. Magdaleno F. Fabiosa, SVD
123
Use of relevant
evidence and historical
context
25%
Good (5-10)
Demonstrate a basic
understanding of the
Bible sharing in relation
to the lesson.
Fair (1-5)
Demonstrate a limited
understanding of the
Bible sharing. The
reflection needs
revision.
Use incomplete or
vaguely developed
examples to only
partially support claims
with no connections
made between texts.
124
Learning Encounter 17
THE BIBLE 45 AS A CHARACTERICTIC DIMENSION
IN PROPHETIC DIALOGUE
Poster from:
http://www.ecbacbcp.com/apps/blog/show/22545642
45
125
46
http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-Our-Seminarians---Missionaries/Priest
The text and the photos below were retrieved from http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-Our-Seminarians--Missionaries/Priest/
47
126
48
By Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, DD Chairman- ECBA Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of San Fernando
Pampanga as found in http://www.ecba-cbcp.com/apps/blog/entries/show/22545642-national-bible-week-2013
127
49
128
50
http://www.svdmissions.org/birth_of_mary_svd_foundation_day_september_8/
129
http://fielsvd.wordpress.com/tag/
our-lady-of-the-poor/
Fiel, SVD
This is a testament that the Virgin of the Poor continues to
draw her SVD sons and daughters to herself, especially the
younger generations, to always connect us with the poverty of our
beginnings and to constantly remind us to continue our mission for the poor.
51
http://fielsvd.wordpress.com/tag/our-lady-of-the-poor/
130
40 points
15 x 2 = 30
15 x 2 = 30
100 points
*Content/Insights
Excellent (13-15)
Insights presented
are very
comprehensive
and relevant:
almost all the
topics on the Bible
and prophetic
dialogue are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and ones
experience.
Good (7-9)
Insights are less
comprehensive
and relevant:
some parts of the
topics on the Bible
and prophetic
dialogue are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and
experience.
Fair (4-6)
Insights are least
comprehensive:
few topics on the
Bible and
prophetic dialogue
are covered and
are being related
to oneself and
experience.
Poor (1-3)
Insights are not
comprehensive
and relevant: just
1 or no topic on
the Bible and
prophetic
dialogue is
covered and
related to
oneself and
experience.
Good (7-9)
Few grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas unclear
and disorganized.
Fair (4-6)
Some grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas unclear
and disorganized.
Poor (1-3)
Too many
grammatical errors
and sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas so unclear
and disorganized.
131
15 x 2 = 30 points
15 x 2 = 30
60 points
Good (7-9)
Insights are less
comprehensive
and relevant:
some parts of the
topics in the Bible
and prophetic
dialogue are
covered and are
being related to
oneself and ones
experience.
Fair (4-6)
Insights are least
comprehensive:
few topics in the
Bible and
prophetic dialogue
are covered and
are being related
to oneself and
ones experience.
Poor (1-3)
Insights are not
comprehensive
and relevant: just
1 or no topic on
the Bible and
prophetic dialogue
is covered and
related to oneself
and ones
experience.
Good (7-9)
Few grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas unclear
and disorganized.
Fair (4-6)
Some grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas unclear
and disorganized.
Poor (1-3)
Too many
grammatical errors
and sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas so unclear
and disorganized.
Option 1:
In groups of 5-8 members, conduct a prayer service using Bibliodrama.
This experience will help you meditate and reflect on the Word of God
and examine your relationship with God and others. It will open your
heart and mind, especially on sharing your experiences on the Word
and become a better person God wants you to be.
132
20 points
20
15 x 2 = 30
15 x 2 = 30
100 points
Good (7-9)
Bible themes
are
connected to
some topics
or themes on
prophetic
dialogue.
Fair (4-6)
Bible themes are
somewhat
connected to many
topics or themes
on prophetic
dialogue.
Connection is not
clearly established.
Poor (1-3)
Bible themes are
far from or not
connected to the
themes or topics
on prophetic
dialogue.
Good (7-9)
There is slight
cooperation:
some members
were passive
and failed to do
their expected
assignments.
Creativity and
resourcefulness
are shown to a
high degree.
Fair (4-6)
There is passive
cooperation
among the
members who
played the role of
mere
participants.
Creativity and
resourcefulness
are shown to a
less degree.
Poor (1-3)
There is no
cooperation at
all: it is simply a
one-man show.
Creativity and
resourcefulness
are hardly
evident or not
shown at All:
Option 2:
-
Sing the song, In the Light of the Word heartily. As you sing, remember your
identity as Witness to the Word.
Identify the feeling you felt while singing the song and give an explanation for
such feeling. This may be done through sharing or writing.
133
60 points
20
20
100 points
40 points
15 x 2 = 30
15 x 2 = 30
100 points
134
Good (7-9)
Themes are
connected to some
topics on the Bible
and prophetic
dialogue. A
dialogical yet firm
stance in regard to
ones faith is
evident to a high
degree.
Fair (4-6)
Themes are
somewhat
connected to
many topics on the
Bible and
prophetic
dialogue.
Connection is not
clearly established.
A dialogical yet
firm stance in
regard to ones
faith is evident to a
less degree.
Poor (1-3)
Themes are far
from or not
connected to the
topics on the Bible
and prophetic
dialogue. A
dialogical yet firm
stance in regard to
ones faith is
hardly or not
evident at All:
Good (7-9)
Few grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas unclear
and disorganized.
Fair (4-6)
Some grammatical
errors and
sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas unclear
and disorganized.
Poor (1-3)
Too many
grammatical errors
and sentence
formulations make
the presentation
of ideas so unclear
and disorganized.
135
Learning Encounter 18
JUSTICE, PEACE AND
INTEGRITY OF CREATION
AS A CHARACTERICTIC DIMENSION
IN PROPHETIC DIALOGUE
The concern to discover the
movement of Gods grace in the world
today, necessarily throws us in the midst
of the ethos of our times. We find this in
JPIC concerns. However, this dimension is
a bit hard to recognize if we limit JPIC to
social involvement and solidarity with the
poor. Yes, they are fundamental
elements, but they are not the only ones.
In the incident at the well with the
Samaritan woman, Jesus taught us
something on issues related to religious
tolerance, cultural openness, and the full
participation of women. When Jesus said
that a day was coming when true worship
of God would not depend so much on the
Jerusalem temple or on the temple at Mt.
Gerizim, he was making very strong
statements. In Jesus time there was a
sharp
religious
hostility
between
Samaritans and Jews.
Martin Luther King and St. Arnold Janssen What did these two men have in common? "Each
man had a dream; each man affected the world in
profound and different ways. And their respective
dreams can merge as one - just look at me," says
Fr. Darrell Kelly, SVD.
136
From:
http://www.jofreeman.com/photos/Kingfuneral.html
137
From:
http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-OurSeminarians---Missionaries/Priest
138
AVOIDING MILF
140
Turco
The smiling child
We did not waste any time. When all the teachers were
ready, we also trooped to Turco, where a boat took us to
Poblacion Mabuhay. Like a scene of a movie, we became so
uneasy when at mid-sea, the boat suddenly stopped.
Despite the rising tension, I could not take my eyes off this
child who innocently smiled at me.
52
From http://www.svdvocations.org/Meet-Our-Seminarians---Missionaries/Priest
141
142
Restoring Beauty, Restoring Hope is another inspiring story of Fr. German Mehler, SVD.
His account is narrated by Bro. Dennis Newton, SVD:
He was born and raised in Germany. After his ordination, he was assigned to
the Philippines. Fr. Mehler has served as a pastor in a number of remote areas of the Philippines
and has undertaken a special medical ministry in addition to his regular duties as pastor. His
current assignment is pastor of Conception Parish on the tiny island of Sibale in Romblon. The
parish encompasses the entire island, which has a population of approximately 4,500. Most of
the people live in poverty. 53
Fr. Mehler traces his ministry to an American Divine Word missionary, Fr. Raymond Kolk,
SVD. While assigned to the University of San Carlos in the Philippines, Fr. Kolk began a medical
program for children with birth defects and other medical conditions. Over 4,000 children have
been helped through Fr. Mehlers efforts. The children and their families are joyful and relieved
53
from: //www.svdvocations.org/Meet-Our-Seminarians---
143
144
145
http://jpicidc.org.ph/news
146
SVD-USC in Action
Scripture
My advocacy as a
student in an SVD
administered school
Reflection
Justice
Peace
Integrity of
Creation
20 points
20
20
10
10
10
10
100 points
Read the case of Alexander Armas on the following page and do the following:
a) Relate the case to the SVD mission of promoting JPIC.
b) Compose a prayer or express in a drawing your reactions or feelings or
response to the case.
c) Publish your prayer or drawing on the internet social media as a way of
promoting JPIC. See to it that your outputs are worth-publishing or posting
on the internet.
Come up with your own criteria for grading your outputs. Sample rubrics are
provided.
148
149
Learning Encounter 19
MISSION ANIMATION
AS A CHARACTERICTIC DIMENSION
IN PROPHETIC DIALOGUE
Mission is the term usually given to those
particular undertakings by which the heralds of the
Gospel, sent out by the Church and going forth into the
whole world, carry out the task of preaching the Gospel
and planting the Church among peoples or groups who do
not yet believe in Christ (AG 6). This missionary task of
the Church was reflected in the humble religious life of St.
Arnold Janssen.
As per good example of the founding Father, St.
Arnold Janssen, the SVD (Societas Verbi Divini in Latin)
missionaries are given the mandate to listen to the Word
of God, that is, Jesus Christ, and proclaim him to all:
Moved by the Holy Spirit, these priests and brothers have
gone far in their mission ad gentes. 54 The SVD is a
community of men missionaries who hail from different
parts of the world, with diverse and multicultural roots.
They are found in more than 60 countries numbering
more than 6000 priests and brothers engaging in varied
missionary works. Being missionaries, they envision a
dialogue that fosters the attitudes of solidarity, respect,
and love which are all integrated into their personal and
communal life and to all their pastoral activities. 55
54
The Latin words AD Gentes means to the nations is used as the official title followed with the text Decree on
the Missionary Activity of the Church. This was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965.
55
Cf. IDW 3 92006), p21. Dialogue.
150
Taken from:
Book Arnold Janssen, 1837-1909: A Pictorial Biography
published by Editorial Verbo Divino
151
56
Lay people or laity refer to those baptized Christians who are not ordained as priests nor as members of any
religious congregation.
57
Vatican II Documents, Apostolicam Actuositatem 1.
58
Ibid, 2.
152
lifetime, worked for mission awareness. In those critical times of kulturkampf, 59 he thought of
establishing a mission house outside Germany as the actions of the Catholic priests were
restricted. He also promoted missionary ideals to the Germans and the world by creating a
printing press that issued a magazine on mission Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart. Truly,
Fr. Arnold in his time awakened the people of his time the zeal to mission work.
By Marilou M. Mandawe
Mission Animation became especially obvious toward the end of the dialogue between
Jesus and the Samaritan woman
at the well. But it is a strange
situation to contemplate. While
the disciples were standing
around
scandalized,
the
Samaritan woman hurried away
to tell her neighbors about the
man she had met at the well.
Perhaps, what Jesus is teaching
with this incident is that our lay
partners are there not to help our
missionary work but they are
missionaries in their own right.
Thus, we should put much effort
in helping them find ways and
means to be missionaries in their
own daily activities. This, of course, would mean a radical rethinking. What, for example, does
inter-religious or inter-ethnic encounter mean for a mother or a father, precisely in their roles
as father and mother? What does solidarity with the poor and marginalized mean for a
husband and a wife? What does faith sharing mean for co-workers, neighbors and friends?
The conclusion of Jesus dialogue with the Samaritan woman is that she became a
missionary. And, as a fruit of his dialogue with a Samaritan friend, Jesus has been welcomed by
an entire Samaritan town. At the end of the story, it was the woman who took the initiative to
open up a wide space for communication with her neighbors she went to share with them
59
Kulturkampf is a German word which means culture struggle. Discriminatory laws were unleashed by Otto von
Bismarck, wherein many Catholic priests and bishops were hindered in their activities. Those who opposed
were ousted from their position or tortured.
153
what she discovered. With that, the cycle of missionary dimension started over again (bible,
JPIC, mission, communication).
May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word
and the Spirit of grace; and may the Heart of Jesus live in our hearts and in the hearts of all
people.
Fr. Magdaleno Fabiosa, SVD
Criteria
1. Sound
Mission
Ideas
(60 %)
2. Delivery
(40 %)
Excellent
14-15 points
All contents
from the lessons
are well covered
in the discourse.
Very Good
11-13 points
Almost all the
topics from the
lesson are
considered in
the discourse.
Good
7-10 points
Some topics
are included in
the sharing of
ideas.
Fair
4-6 points
Few subtopics
are
mentioned.
Poor
1-3
No connection
at all to the
topic on
Mission
Animation
Excellence in
confidence and
persuasiveness
Satisfactory in
confidence
and
persuasiveness
Moderately
satisfactory in
confidence
and
persuasiveness
Fair in
confidence
and
persuasiveness
No confidence
at all; Failed to
give a
discourse in
the first 5
minutes of the
presentation
154
Introduction:
Let us renew our baptismal vows. Let us make enthusiastic commitments in our personal
encounter with Christ in our families, school, country and the world.
Leader: Do you reject Satan?
All:
I do.
Leader: And all his works?
All:
I do.
Leader: And all his empty promises?
All:
I do.
Leader: Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
All:
I do.
Leader: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary
was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at
the right hand of the Father?
All:
I do.
Leader: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
All:
I do.
Leader: God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water
and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord
Jesus Christ forever and ever.
All:
Amen.
155
New Life
Refrain
New Life, New Life.
You came to bring us new life.
New Life, New Life.
We find such joy in your abundant life.
You are the source of our great joy the fountain of our life.
You give us living water.
You bid us come and drink
We come to you we bless you lord.
We glorify your name.
We bless you Lord.
We worship you.
We thank you for your gift of new life.
Repeat Refrain
156
Excellent
(13-15
points)
Very Good
(10-12
points)
Good
(7-9 points)
Fair
(4-6
points)
Poor
(1-3
points)
Some
Few
resources
resources
are present. are
present.
One or no
resource is
present for
the use in
the prayer
service.
2. Participation in the
actual prayer service
(30%)
Helped in creating mood
for prayer
Needed materials are
made available.
Facilitated the prayer
service
All students
help in the
prayer
service.
Many
students
help in the
prayer
service.
Some
students
help in the
prayer
service.
Few
students
help in
the
prayer
service.
One or no
one of the
students
took the
responsibility in
the prayer
service.
All plans of
actions are
applicable
and doable.
Many plans
of actions
are
applicable
and doable.
Some plans
of actions
are
applicable
and doable.
Few plans
of actions
are
applicable
and
doable.
One or no
plan of
actions is
applicable
and
doable.
157
*Learning Encounter 20
THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE WORD
IN THE PHILIPPINES:
THROUGH THE YEARS OF CHRISTIAN WITNESSING
Truly there is a reason for the Philippine SVD
Missionaries to remember, rejoice, and renew their
commitments for the fruitful years of mission after
the relentless lives of St. Arnold Janssen and St.
Joseph Freinademetz who serve as models and
heralds of the Gospel of Jesus. A good number of
Filipino SVD missionaries work in different countries in
the world today.
Having 148 Filipino SVD
missionaries working in forty-one countries all over
the world, 60 the table has been turned, from being
recipients of Christianization, the Philippines has
become a mission-sending country. Though many
Filipino SVDs are faced with inevitable difficulties in
foreign missions, it is their resiliency during these
situations that refuse to break their spirits. Being men
of faith and prayer, the sacrifices of the Filipino SVDs
serve as inspiration to draw all towards interest in
mission work.
Witness to the Word Society of the Divine Word Philippines 1909-2009. Manila: Logos Publication, Inc., 2009, 97.
Ibid, 97.
62
One With You. A Tribute to Filipino SVD in Foreign Missions. Manila: Mission Angels, 2000.
61
158
A Brief History
Philippine SVD missions came from its humble
beginnings - a territory that Fr. Arnold approved for doing
missions. Fr. Arnold received a request from the
Archbishop of Manila, Jeremias Harty, to come to the
Philippines. At first, he was not interested in the invitation
because responding to such would mean acceptance to the
missionary role in existing parishes, when what he and
other confreres wanted was new mission territories, where
there were heathen to be converted. It was through the
advice of Fr. Eberhard Limbrock, the SVD Prefect
Apostolate of New Guinea that convinced the founder to
send missionaries to the Philippines. In Fr. Limbrocks
correspondence, he reported to the founder the crises the
Philippines was facing. In his letter, he wrote: wellmeaning people falling victims to error or reverting to
worse forms of heathen would break ones heart. 63 He
sought for assistance from the Founder to relieve the
distress of the Filipinos.
In 1909, two SVD missionaries were sent to the
Philippines, specifically in Pilar, Abra: Fr. Ludwig Beckert, a
former missionary in China and the newly ordained, Fr.
John Scheiermann. Fr. Beckert was the first Father
Superior. These two SVD missionaries are recognized as
the founder of SVD Philippine Mission. Fr. Arnold sent the
first delegation for the purpose of promoting local clergy
and drawing the Catholics back to faith. Extensive
missionary works were taken by the Abra SVD fathers.
Hence, the mountain province of Abra became the cradle
of the Society.
63
Bornemann, F. (1981). A History of the Divine Word Missionaries. Romae: Apud Collegium Verbi Divini; pp. 328344.
159
160
By Marilou M. Mandawe
65
SVD Word in the World. Illinois: Divine Word Mission Center. 2002, 33-36.
161
Excellent
(14-15 points)
Excellently
captures the
essence of
mission
awareness
Excellence in
using
attractive
designs and
recycled
materials,
making the
output
attractive
Very Good
(11-13 points)
Satisfactorily
captures the
essence of
mission
awareness
Satisfactory in
creativity and
ingenuity
Good
(7-10 points)
Moderately
Satisfactory in
capturing
mission
awareness
Moderately
Satisfactory in
creativity and
ingenuity
Fair
(4-6 points)
Fair in
capturing
mission
awareness
Poor
(1-3 points)
No connection
to the topic on
Mission
Animation
Fair in
creativity and
ingenuity
Less creative
and ingenuity
162
The whole class recites the Prayer for the Missionaries led by a studentprayer leader.
Prayer for Missionaries
O almighty God, Lord of the harvest of souls, we ask You to guide and
bless all who have gone forth to preach the gospel. Endow them with
the gifts of generosity and concern. Send your Holy Spirit on them, that He may strengthen them
in weakness, comfort them in trials and direct their efforts. May He open the hearts of their
hearers to receive Your message. Let Your revelation enlighten all minds for the salvation of
souls, and let Your love heal every heart and body for the happiness of each person. May all
people consciously acknowledge You and serve You by living the teachings of Your Son. We ask
this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 66
66
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pray0048.htm
163
To be prophetic is to speak Gods word into our context. It is what the biblical prophets
did. For Christians it is to proclaim the Good News into our specific situation. It is to challenge
our society.
To be in dialogue is to engage with others in respectful conversation with the desire to
learn and to share. When we are in dialogue we are more open than usual. We listen and
learn better than usual. But we also share what we believe, in respect and humility. Dialogue
can only occur between people who consider the other person an equal. A dialogical
conversation is marked by courtesy and patience, never by aggression or arrogance. Dialogue
is a form of love.
The term prophetic dialogue has been introduced into missiology recently by Stephen
Bevans SVD and Roger Schroeder SVD, two Catholic missiologists who are members of the
order called the Divine Word Missionaries and who teach at the Catholic Theological Union in
Chicago, one of the leading centers of missiology in the world.
PRAYERS
O almighty God, Lord of the harvest of souls, we ask You to guide and bless all who have
gone forth to preach the gospel. Endow them with the gifts of generosity and concern. Send
your Holy Spirit on them, that He may strengthen them in weakness, comfort them in trials and
direct their efforts. May He open the hearts of their hearers to receive Your message. Let Your
revelation enlighten all minds for the salvation of souls, and let Your love heal every heart and
body for the happiness of each person. May all people consciously acknowledge You and serve
You by living the teachings of Your Son. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 68
67
The questions numbered 1, 2 and 3 respectively are not part of the original work of Dr. Ross Langmead. They
are just inserted within the article to facilitate easy answering on the part of the students.
68
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pray0048.htm
164
165
69
http://goodjesuitbadjesuit.blogspot.com/2011/10/murdered-jesuits-case-still-unsolved.html
167
arguing for better working and remuneration conditions with a local logging company. The
Asian Centre for the Progress of Peoples said he was killed for fighting illegal loggers. 70
3. The Oblates in the Jolo region have been the victims of extremists on a number of occasions.
Several Oblates have been murdered, including Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, O.M.I. who was killed
outside the cathedral in 1997. In 2008 Fr. Jesus Reynaldo Roda,
O.M.I. was slain while praying in a chapel. 71 Fr. Rey was a man
full of passion for the islanders. He worked for quality education in
the said God-forsaken island to give the young people opportunity
to pursue higher education. He invited NGOs and some
benefactors to journey with his people as they eke a livelihood in
an island forsaken by the powers that be. 72
Fr. Benjie, OMI was the least likely victim of violence. He
was one of the kindest and one of the most peaceful creatures on
earth. As a scholastic and a missionary, he would prefer to do house chores to street
demonstrations. Yet, in the end, the lamb-like Fr. Benjie ended in the altar of sacrifice victim of
wanton violence and fanaticism in the name of God. 73 Bishop Ben and Fr. Benjie were made
of the same stuff. They were kindness personified. Bishop Ben would go around Jolo and the
whole Vicariate always with a smile and a greeting of peace on his lips. He would listen
endlessly to the cry of his people, Muslims and Christians alike. The martyrs teach us a great
lesson that living is learning to suffer with grace, with elegance; to struggle, certainly, but at the
same accepting suffering and tragedy without hatred or loss of hope. 74
70
Carolyn O. Arguillas Minda News, Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME). Daily Archives November 2,
2011 as found in: http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/10/27/of-13-priests-killed-from-marcos-to-pnoyonly-one-case-solved/
71
http://www.omiusa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=213%3Aphilippine-church-bombedduring-christmas-mass&Itemid=144&lang=en
72
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/211568/opinion/blogs/rethinking-martyrdom
73
Ibid.
74
Ibid.
168
admirable act of honesty, which is rooted on a strong faith in God as she professed, had
been recognized by Mayor Jonas Cortes as a good example for the public.
(The WORD in other words, Jan. 31, 2013)
The Elephant and the Blind Men 75
Once an elephant came to a small town. People had read and heard of elephants but
no one in the town had ever seen one. Thus, a huge crowd gathered around the elephant, and it
was an occasion for great fun, especially for the children. Five blind men also lived in that town,
and consequently, they also heard about the elephant. They had never seen an elephant before,
and were eager to find out about elephant. Then, someone suggested that they could go and
feel the elephant with their hands. They could then get an idea of what an elephant looked like.
The five blind men went to the center of the town where all the people made room for them to
touch the elephant.
Later on, they sat down and began to discuss their experiences. One blind man, who had
touched the trunk of the elephant, said that the elephant must be like a thick tree branch.
Another who touched the tail said the elephant probably looked like a snake or rope. The third
man, who touched the leg, said the shape of the elephant must be like a pillar. The fourth man,
who touched the ear, said that the elephant must be like a huge fan; while the fifth, who
touched the side, said it must be like a wall.
They sat for hours and argued, each one was sure that his view was correct. Obviously,
they were all correct from their own point of view, but no one was quite willing to listen to the
others. Finally, they decided to go to the wise man of the village and ask him who was correct.
The wise man said, Each one of you is correct; and each one of you is wrong. Because each
one of you had only touched a part of the elephants body. Thus you only have a partial view of
the animal. If you put your partial views together, you will get an idea of what an elephant
looks like.
The moral of the story is that each one of us sees things exclusively within ones point of
view. We should also try to understand other peoples points of view. This will enable us to get
a proper perspective on different situations and events.
75
http://www.k4care.net/index.php?id=44
169
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ABBREVIATIONS OF DOCUMENTS
AA
Apostolicam Actuositatem
AG
Ad Gentes
CCC
CFC
CS
DCE
DM
DV
Dei Verbum
EC
Ecclesia in Asia
EN
Evangelii Nuntiandi
ES
Ecclesiam Suam
GC
GDC
GS
Gaudium et Spes
LG
Lumen Gentium
NA
Nostra Aetate
NCDP -
PF
Porta Fidei
PCP II
BO
Presbyterorum Ordinis
RM
Redemtoris Missio
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
For the Christian, life is filled with so much grace. In our journey of making this Witness
to the Word teachers manual and its corresponding students workbook, from the start to the
finish, grace had abounded.
The invitation to be part of the project in coming up with this book is grace in itself.
Along the way, we found loving and kind people who helped and supported us with their
guidance, encouragement, collaboration, and suggestion.
administrators of the University of San Carlos, namely: Fr. Anthony S. Salas, SVD (Vice
President, Academic Affairs), Dr. Ramon S. del Fierro (Dean, College of Arts and Sciences), Dr.
Antonio E. Batomalaque (Dean, College of Education), and Br. Romualdo E. Abulad, SVD (Chair,
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies). As with the Holy Name University, they are:
Fr. Ruel Lero, SVD (Vice President, Academic Affairs), Fr. Teodoro P. Gapuz, SVD (Dean, College
of Arts and Sciences), and Fr. Ansel Nicasio, SVD (Chair, Department of Religious Education).
We are indebted to Melgie Lim for assisting particularly in coordinating the two school
partners: USC and HNU. She had constantly helped us in so many ways which made our work
easy. We also owe words of gratitude to the secretaries and personnel of Holy Name University
who extended assistance in many ways. Setting aside the technical help, the psycho-emotional
is worth mentioning. In the series of meetings held in HNU, Bohol, we felt that the red carpet
was rolled out before us. Indeed, this is a proof of Boholano hospitality.
Meriting special recognition is the contribution of Ferdine Loureese , the daughter of
one of the co-authors of this project, Mrs. Marilou M. Mandawe. With her young mind as a
Grade 5 student of the University of San Carlos North Campus, she had placed the values and
ideas of the authors to visuals through her artistic drawings.
Another word of special thanks is in order here: to our students in the University of San
Carlos and Holy Name University for impacting our lives greatly as we have imparted to them
the lessons of this book through our class sessions. They have inspired us to labor even beyond
working time to complete this book. We have kept in mind that in our toil, this work may bring
great influence on and meaning to their lives.
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We sincerely acknowledge as well the following websites from where we got useful
resources: the 5 SVD websites: www.svdphn.org; www.svdcuria.org; www.svdphc.org;
www.svddivineword.org; and www.svdmissions.org and also www.clipart.christiansunite.com
for the clip arts design, Wikipedia and the other websites indicated on the pages of the books.
Finally, to the Divine Word Educational Association (DWEA) from which the concept of
creating the Witness to the Word textbook all started and specifically to all the representatives
of the member-schools of DWEA the different VPAAs, deans, chairs, coordinators and faculty
-- who gave their comments and suggestions as well as those priests, nuns, colleagues, and our
families who helped and challenged us to live a life in Witness to the Word, we remain
grateful.
May the heart of Jesus live in our hearts and in the hearts of all people!
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