Short version core message of the bible

Exploring the Core of Exploring the Core of Biblical FaithBiblical Faith

“A Catechetical Primer”“A Catechetical Primer”

IntroductionIntroduction

Q. What is the core-message of the Bible?Q. What is the core-message of the Bible?GodGodJesus ChristJesus ChristSinSinGraceGraceLoveLovePromise and FulfillmentPromise and FulfillmentRedemptionRedemption

Each of these belongs to the core message….Each of these belongs to the core message….

Key insights:Key insights:

HistoryHistory SalvationSalvation

JusticeJustice

These do not constitute the entirety These do not constitute the entirety of the core message, but without of the core message, but without them, the biblical message cannot be them, the biblical message cannot be understood.understood.

The Bible . . .The Bible . . .

Is not a book.Is not a book. It is a library.It is a library. A collection of books by different authors A collection of books by different authors

who wrote with different purposes and for who wrote with different purposes and for different readers in the span of different readers in the span of approximately 2000 years (approximately approximately 2000 years (approximately 1500 BCE to 100 CE)1500 BCE to 100 CE)

Often within a given book there are, in Often within a given book there are, in turn, different layers of traditions.turn, different layers of traditions.

Bible: Bible: Written product out of Written product out of life, experience and faithlife, experience and faith

The Biblical people lived their religion within The Biblical people lived their religion within the drama of life long before there was a the drama of life long before there was a written Bible. written Bible. From lived faith, some inspired writers put From lived faith, some inspired writers put together their traditions and wrote books = Old together their traditions and wrote books = Old

TestamentTestament Early Christians lived out their faith in Jesus Early Christians lived out their faith in Jesus for about a generationfor about a generation Some inspired writers like Paul and Mark, out of Some inspired writers like Paul and Mark, out of the faith of the early Christian communities, began the faith of the early Christian communities, began

to write literature which we not call the New to write literature which we not call the New TestamentTestament

In touch with a Living FaithIn touch with a Living Faith

The lived faith is much bigger and The lived faith is much bigger and more exciting than the written Bible, more exciting than the written Bible, as life is much bigger and more as life is much bigger and more exciting than a book.exciting than a book.

Attitude:Attitude: When we “study the Bible” we should When we “study the Bible” we should

really be in touch with the life and really be in touch with the life and faith of our religious ancestors.faith of our religious ancestors.

Basic insights and core intuitions:Basic insights and core intuitions:

To read the Bible from a Third World To read the Bible from a Third World perspective, we nee the following:perspective, we nee the following:

Commitment to our fellow poor and Commitment to our fellow poor and oppressed brothers and sistersoppressed brothers and sisters

2. Participation for justice and full 2. Participation for justice and full humanityhumanity

Why commitment to the oppressed and Why commitment to the oppressed and participation in the justice-struggleparticipation in the justice-struggle

1. Biblical religion, in its most ancient and 1. Biblical religion, in its most ancient and authentic form, was a religion that was authentic form, was a religion that was forcefully committed to the poor and oppressed. forcefully committed to the poor and oppressed. e.g. the centrality of the exodus event in the e.g. the centrality of the exodus event in the Hebrew Scriptures)Hebrew Scriptures)

2. At the bed-rock of biblical religion, both Hebrew 2. At the bed-rock of biblical religion, both Hebrew and Christian, is the concern for full humanity and Christian, is the concern for full humanity and justice. e.g.the centrality of justice and and justice. e.g.the centrality of justice and liberation in the original mission of Jesus (Mt liberation in the original mission of Jesus (Mt 11:5; Lk 4:16-20)11:5; Lk 4:16-20)

What do we need?What do we need?

Openness Openness and and willingnesswillingness to re-discover to re-discover the original and authentic message of the the original and authentic message of the Bible.Bible.

This demands This demands courage courage because one must because one must be prepared to confront a disturbing be prepared to confront a disturbing message.message.

The Bible, much as it is a good news, is also The Bible, much as it is a good news, is also a “hard saying.”a “hard saying.”

Bible, good news of life, justice and Bible, good news of life, justice and the kingdom for everyone who is in the kingdom for everyone who is in search of it…search of it…

Also a “hard saying” for those who Also a “hard saying” for those who are not in search of justice, life, are not in search of justice, life, kingdom, or who, in their search, kingdom, or who, in their search, find out that they must go and sell find out that they must go and sell what they have, give to the poor in what they have, give to the poor in order to come and follow Jesus.order to come and follow Jesus.

Our help …Our help …

It does not attempt to produce a biblically-based It does not attempt to produce a biblically-based Filipino theologyFilipino theology

Simply provides Simply provides help for re-discovering some help for re-discovering some of the authentic and basic insights of biblical of the authentic and basic insights of biblical religion.religion.

Wants to Wants to assist assist in in re-readingre-reading the Bible today. the Bible today.‘‘re-reading’ taking a second look at the Scripture re-reading’ taking a second look at the Scripture and attempting to re-discover what it was trying and attempting to re-discover what it was trying to say all along.to say all along.

Our hope . . .Our hope . . . Will allow the authentic insights of biblical faith to Will allow the authentic insights of biblical faith to

pronounce judgment on the way we live out faith pronounce judgment on the way we live out faith today.today.

The face of the biblical God that we will encounter in The face of the biblical God that we will encounter in studying the Bible will have been familiar to many of studying the Bible will have been familiar to many of us, as a face we have encountered in the living us, as a face we have encountered in the living history of our people.history of our people.

Help to win back into our catechesis and theology, Help to win back into our catechesis and theology, into our pastoral practices and spirituality the into our pastoral practices and spirituality the following forgotten truths:following forgotten truths:

1. The dimension of history1. The dimension of history2. The understanding of salvation as integral, 2. The understanding of salvation as integral, 3. The passion for social justice 3. The passion for social justice

What is the Bible really all about?What is the Bible really all about?First and foremost about HISTORY.First and foremost about HISTORY.The Bible’s most basic and over-The Bible’s most basic and over-

arching “theme” is HISTORY.arching “theme” is HISTORY.- history of the Israelite people - history of the Israelite people

(e.g. Gen 12-50, Exodus to Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel to (e.g. Gen 12-50, Exodus to Deuteronomy, 1 Samuel to 2Kings, Nehemiah and Ezra, the prophetic books as critical 2Kings, Nehemiah and Ezra, the prophetic books as critical comments on Israelite history)comments on Israelite history)

- history of humankind and of the - history of humankind and of the worldworld(e.g. Gen 1-11, Isaiah 40-66, Jewish Apocalyptic writings, (e.g. Gen 1-11, Isaiah 40-66, Jewish Apocalyptic writings, Romans, Ephesians, Revelations, the Kingdom-message of Romans, Ephesians, Revelations, the Kingdom-message of the Gospels)the Gospels)

The history stretches from…The history stretches from… The creation of heaven and earth in The creation of heaven and earth in

the beginning the beginning (Gen 1-3)(Gen 1-3) to the coming of a new heaven and a to the coming of a new heaven and a

new earth at the end of this human new earth at the end of this human history history (Rev 21), (Rev 21),

and the center of this history is Jesus and the center of this history is Jesus Christ, his works, his death, his Christ, his works, his death, his resurrection and his “coming again” in resurrection and his “coming again” in glory.glory.

There is no author or set of authors There is no author or set of authors who tell the whole story . . .who tell the whole story . . . but the cumulative message of the but the cumulative message of the

Bible adds up to a message about Bible adds up to a message about human history as seen through the human history as seen through the eyes of biblical faith.eyes of biblical faith.

The meaning of human history with The meaning of human history with Jesus Christ in its center—this is the Jesus Christ in its center—this is the most over-arching “theme: of the most over-arching “theme: of the entire biblical literature.entire biblical literature.

The Bible then is …The Bible then is … NOT primarily a collection of a-NOT primarily a collection of a-

historical truths to believe in, e.g. the historical truths to believe in, e.g. the Trinity, the divinity-humanity of Trinity, the divinity-humanity of Jesus, etc.Jesus, etc.

NOT primarily a collection of moral NOT primarily a collection of moral laws to follow in order to find personal laws to follow in order to find personal salvationsalvation

The Bible is largely…The Bible is largely… ABOUT the history and the meaning ABOUT the history and the meaning

of historyof history

What kind of history does the Bible What kind of history does the Bible speaks about?speaks about?

It is a “salvific history” or “history of salvation”It is a “salvific history” or “history of salvation”- history of salvation of Israel- history of salvation of Israel- of human kind (personally and collectively)- of human kind (personally and collectively)- of the world- of the world

In effect: speaks about the drama of salvation, In effect: speaks about the drama of salvation, from the perspective of faith, beginning with from the perspective of faith, beginning with the creation of humankind and the world, and the creation of humankind and the world, and concluding with the coming of the final and concluding with the coming of the final and definitive kingdom of God at the close of our definitive kingdom of God at the close of our present history.present history.

What is salvation for the Bible then?What is salvation for the Bible then?Our AverageOur Average

CatechesisCatechesisBiblical UnderstandingBiblical Understanding

Seeing God face to Seeing God face to faceface

Fullness of life, resurrectionFullness of life, resurrection

destruction of all evils,destruction of all evils,

justice, joy, feasting, seeing justice, joy, feasting, seeing God, Divine filiation, God, Divine filiation, transformation of all things, transformation of all things, God being all in allGod being all in all

For the soulFor the soul For the total For the total tao, tao,

for the human communityfor the human community

For the whole of created For the whole of created realityreality

In heaven In heaven In a new world wit a new In a new world wit a new historyhistory

Salvation Salvation inin

the the

here-afterhere-after

Salvation in Salvation in

this lifethis life

(here-and-(here-and-now)now)

Our Average Our Average CatechesisCatechesis

Biblical Biblical UnderstandingUnderstanding

Sanctifying graceSanctifying grace Life-giving blessingsLife-giving blessings

(health, justice, (health, justice, bread, rain, bread, rain, forgiveness of sin, forgiveness of sin, God’s Spirit in our God’s Spirit in our hearts)hearts)

For the soulFor the soulFor the people,For the people,

Individually andIndividually and

collectivelycollectively

Summary comment:Summary comment: For the Hebrew Scriptures, future For the Hebrew Scriptures, future

salvation means:salvation means:- the blessing of light (for the nation)the blessing of light (for the nation)- breaking of oppressionbreaking of oppression- cessation of warscessation of wars- JusticeJustice- RightRight- joy for a new Israel that will joy for a new Israel that will

experience a new history.experience a new history.

b) In the Christian Scripturesb) In the Christian ScripturesLk 20:35Lk 20:35

But those who are accounted But those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age and worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead to the resurrection from the dead neither marry not are given in neither marry not are given in marriage . . .marriage . . .

Explanation: “That age” refers to a new era or Explanation: “That age” refers to a new era or history where humankind will attain salvation. history where humankind will attain salvation. And in that future history, one of the blessings of And in that future history, one of the blessings of salvation is the resurrection from death, i.e., the salvation is the resurrection from death, i.e., the total person vanquishes death in a physical total person vanquishes death in a physical resurrection.resurrection.

But according to his promise we wait But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and new earth in for new heavens and new earth in which justice dwells (2 Pet 3:13)which justice dwells (2 Pet 3:13)

Comment: Salvation in the hereafter Comment: Salvation in the hereafter is a new creation in which justice is a new creation in which justice dwells.dwells.

The Basic Faith-The Basic Faith-Statement of IsraelStatement of Israel

Part 1Part 1

Creed is a religion’s basic faith-statementCreed is a religion’s basic faith-statement

Q.Q. What is our official creed today?What is our official creed today?

A.A. Either the so-called Apostolic Creed Either the so-called Apostolic Creed (composed sometime in the 4(composed sometime in the 4 thth century AD) or the longer, Nicene-century AD) or the longer, Nicene-ConstantinopleConstantinopleCreed (composed in 325 and 381 Creed (composed in 325 and 381 AD)AD)

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, God, born of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, through whom all things substance with the Father, through whom all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven, and became flesh from the Holy down from heaven, and became flesh from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake too He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, our sake too He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried. On the third day He rose suffered and was buried. On the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures, He ascended into again according to the Scriptures, He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the He shall come again in glory to judge the living and the dead; of his Kingdom there will be no end. And in the dead; of his Kingdom there will be no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. And in one Holy Catholic and through the prophets. And in one Holy Catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We expect the resurrection of the forgiveness of sins. We expect the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Creed presents a story of salvation Creed presents a story of salvation consisting of three phases:consisting of three phases:

- creation through the Father- creation through the Father- redemption through the Son- redemption through the Son- sanctification through the Holy Spirit- sanctification through the Holy Spirit

““Articles of Faith” are abstract, metaphysical Articles of Faith” are abstract, metaphysical truthstruths

e.g. trinity of persons in one divine nature, e.g. trinity of persons in one divine nature, the divinity of Christ and the divinity of the the divinity of Christ and the divinity of the Holy spirit, the universality and Holy spirit, the universality and apostolicity of the Churchapostolicity of the Church

Biblical Formulation:Biblical Formulation:

My father was a wandering Aramean, who went My father was a wandering Aramean, who went down to Egypt with a small household and lived down to Egypt with a small household and lived there as an alien. But there he became a nation, there as an alien. But there he became a nation, great strong and numerous. When the Egyptians great strong and numerous. When the Egyptians maltreated us and oppressed us, imposing hard maltreated us and oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our labor upon us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil and our oppression. He brought affliction, our toil and our oppression. He brought us out to Egypt with his strong hand and us out to Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arms, with terrifying power, with outstretched arms, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders; and bringing us into this signs and wonders; and bringing us into this country, he gave us this land flowing with milk and country, he gave us this land flowing with milk and honey. (Therefore I have now brought you the honey. (Therefore I have now brought you the first fruits of the products of the soil which you, O first fruits of the products of the soil which you, O Lord, have given me.) Lord, have given me.) Dt 26:5-10Dt 26:5-10

‘‘Isang pagala-galang Arameo ng aming ninuno. Isang pagala-galang Arameo ng aming ninuno. Maliit ang kanyang sambahayan nang magpunta sila Maliit ang kanyang sambahayan nang magpunta sila sa Egipto upang doon makipamayan. Ngunit sa Egipto upang doon makipamayan. Ngunit dumating ang panahon na ang angkan niya’y naging dumating ang panahon na ang angkan niya’y naging malaki at makapangyarihang bansa. Hindi mabuti malaki at makapangyarihang bansa. Hindi mabuti ang ginawang pakikitungo sa amin ng mga Egipcio. ang ginawang pakikitungo sa amin ng mga Egipcio. Pinahirapan nila kami at inalipin. Kaya, dumulog Pinahirapan nila kami at inalipin. Kaya, dumulog kami sa inyo Yahweh, diyos ng aming mga ninuno. kami sa inyo Yahweh, diyos ng aming mga ninuno. At dininig ninyo kami. Nakita ninyo ang aming At dininig ninyo kami. Nakita ninyo ang aming pagdurusa, ang kahirapan at kaapihang dinaranas. pagdurusa, ang kahirapan at kaapihang dinaranas. Sa pamamagitan ng inyong kapangyarihan, ng mga Sa pamamagitan ng inyong kapangyarihan, ng mga kakila-kilabot na gawa at mga kababalaghan, inialis kakila-kilabot na gawa at mga kababalaghan, inialis ninyo kami sa Egipto at dinala sa lupaing itong ninyo kami sa Egipto at dinala sa lupaing itong sagana sa lahat ng bagay. Kaya, narito ang unang sagana sa lahat ng bagay. Kaya, narito ang unang bunga ng aming mga panananim sa lupaing ibinigay bunga ng aming mga panananim sa lupaing ibinigay mo sa amin.’mo sa amin.’Deut 26: 5-10Deut 26: 5-10

The “articles of faith” that an Israelite confessed were the following The “articles of faith” that an Israelite confessed were the following great events in their people’s history, particularly those events great events in their people’s history, particularly those events

associated with the founding of their people and nation:associated with the founding of their people and nation:

1.1. The migration of the patriarch (s), The migration of the patriarch (s), Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, from Mesopotamia and Aram to Canaan Mesopotamia and Aram to Canaan and Egypt. (Gen 12:1-5; 15:1-7)and Egypt. (Gen 12:1-5; 15:1-7)

““My father was a wandering My father was a wandering Aramean, who went down to Aramean, who went down to Egypt . . .”Egypt . . .”

Gen 47:5-12; Ex 1:1-7Gen 47:5-12; Ex 1:1-7

2. The first part of the sojourn in 2. The first part of the sojourn in Egypt, marked with prosperity and Egypt, marked with prosperity and peace, under the leadership of peace, under the leadership of Joseph, (“…and lived there as an Joseph, (“…and lived there as an alien. But there he became a nation, alien. But there he became a nation, great strong and numerous."great strong and numerous."

Ex 1:8-14; 3:1-10; 15:1-19Ex 1:8-14; 3:1-10; 15:1-19

3. The struggle against their Egyptian 3. The struggle against their Egyptian oppressors and their liberation from slavery. oppressors and their liberation from slavery. (“When the Egyptians maltreated us and (“When the Egyptians maltreated us and oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us, oppressed us, imposing hard labor upon us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, we cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil and our oppression. He brought us our toil and our oppression. He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders.”) signs and wonders.”)

Deut 26:5-10Deut 26:5-10

4. Their formation into a community 4. Their formation into a community with their own legal code. This event with their own legal code. This event is called the “covenant” with Yahweh, is called the “covenant” with Yahweh, by which Israel becomes God’s by which Israel becomes God’s people, with whom God has formed people, with whom God has formed as alliance or covenant, and on as alliance or covenant, and on whom God’s statutes and ordinances whom God’s statutes and ordinances are binding. are binding.

5. Their coming into possession of the 5. Their coming into possession of the land of Canaan. (“And bringing us land of Canaan. (“And bringing us into this country, he gave us this into this country, he gave us this land flowing with milk and honey.”)land flowing with milk and honey.”)

1

PATRIARCHAL MIGRATION

2

PROSPERITY IN EGYPT

5

ACQUIRING OF LAND

4

FORMATION OF A PEOPLE

3

LIBERATION FROM SLAVERY

The content of the Israelite act of The content of the Israelite act of faith is faith is events.events. Events or a series of events make up the Events or a series of events make up the

stuff out of which their “creed” is made.stuff out of which their “creed” is made. In their “creed” they celebrated eventsIn their “creed” they celebrated events

-- socialsocial- - politicalpolitical-- economic economic -- religious happeningsreligious happenings

““Creed” was about history, not abstract a-Creed” was about history, not abstract a-historical truths.historical truths.

Q. How can one characterize this history which the Q. How can one characterize this history which the Israelite “creed” celebrated?Israelite “creed” celebrated?

It is a salvific history or history of It is a salvific history or history of salvation.salvation.The migration, properity, exodus The migration, properity, exodus from Egypt, formation of the people from Egypt, formation of the people and acquisition of the land . . . the and acquisition of the land . . . the Israelites celebrated Israelites celebrated saving eventssaving events and and saving history.saving history.

Q. Q. How did the Israelite faith look upon these How did the Israelite faith look upon these saving event and this saving history?saving event and this saving history?

From the From the point of view of faithpoint of view of faith, as , as God’s saving actionsGod’s saving actions their people’s their people’s history.history.

The saving events of their history The saving events of their history were God’s saving deeds.were God’s saving deeds.

EVENTSEVENTS(in the area of human history(in the area of human history

SAVING DEEDS OF GODSAVING DEEDS OF GOD (through the eyes of faith(through the eyes of faith

Patriarch’s MigrationPatriarch’s Migration

Peace and prosperity in Peace and prosperity in EgyptEgypt

Escape or revolt of liberationEscape or revolt of liberation

Formation into a Formation into a

community with community with

their own legal codetheir own legal code

Their possession of the landTheir possession of the land

God’s call and God’s promise God’s call and God’s promise of land, children and blessingof land, children and blessing

God’s protection and God’s protection and guidanceguidance

God’s act of liberation with a God’s act of liberation with a mighty hand and outstretched mighty hand and outstretched arm, with signs and wondersarm, with signs and wonders

Covenant Covenant with Yahweh: “I am with Yahweh: “I am your God and you are my your God and you are my people.”people.”

““God gave us this land God gave us this land flowing with milk and honey.”flowing with milk and honey.”

Q.Q. Besides the “creed”, are there other recitations Besides the “creed”, are there other recitations of salvation history? of salvation history?

YES: - Psalm 135YES: - Psalm 135- Davidic era – Psalm 78: 67 ff- Davidic era – Psalm 78: 67 ff- Creation of the world and - Creation of the world and

humanityhumanity(e.g. Psalm 136; Neh 9:66ff; (e.g. Psalm 136; Neh 9:66ff;

Sir Sir 42:15-50:31; Acts 7:1ff))42:15-50:31; Acts 7:1ff))- Final saving event in the future - Final saving event in the future

and and the final Kingdom of God the final Kingdom of God

Q. Q. What is “salvation history” in its most What is “salvation history” in its most comprehensive form?comprehensive form?

History of humankind from creation in the History of humankind from creation in the past to the final kingdom of God in the past to the final kingdom of God in the future between Gen 1:1 and Rev. 211-future between Gen 1:1 and Rev. 211-22.22.

Key realities in Israel’s “creed”Key realities in Israel’s “creed”- history - history - salvation: blessing that bring integral life - salvation: blessing that bring integral life (not just grace or beatific vision) to the total (not just grace or beatific vision) to the total tao and the community (not just to the soul)tao and the community (not just to the soul)

Besides “history” and “salvation” another key Besides “history” and “salvation” another key

reality in the Israelitereality in the Israelite “creed” is “JUSTICE”“creed” is “JUSTICE”

The most important event in the “Old The most important event in the “Old Testament” is an Testament” is an event of liberation and event of liberation and justice.justice.

- - testimony of the whole range of Hebrew testimony of the whole range of Hebrew biblical literaturebiblical literature- the Bible: different authors, different - the Bible: different authors, different layers of religious traditions, coming from layers of religious traditions, coming from different periods = EXODUS – different periods = EXODUS – the eventthe event of of national historynational history

JUSTICE is central to Israelite JUSTICE is central to Israelite religion and its “creed”religion and its “creed”

““I am Yahweh, who brought you out of I am Yahweh, who brought you out of Egypt.” (e.g. Ex 20:2; Lev 25:38)Egypt.” (e.g. Ex 20:2; Lev 25:38)

The Israelite must believe first and The Israelite must believe first and foremost that God “delivered his people foremost that God “delivered his people out of the slavery of Egypt.”out of the slavery of Egypt.”

The most primitive article of faith is about The most primitive article of faith is about JUSTICE and a GOD of JUSTICE.JUSTICE and a GOD of JUSTICE.

What’s the effect on their religious What’s the effect on their religious tradition?tradition?

Given the centrality of the exodus Given the centrality of the exodus and justice, the spirit of exodus and and justice, the spirit of exodus and justice pervades in the literature, justice pervades in the literature, prayers, psalms, poems, prophecies prayers, psalms, poems, prophecies and laws of this religious tradition.and laws of this religious tradition.e.g. Ex 22:21-24e.g. Ex 22:21-24

General ConclusionGeneral Conclusion

The Israelite creed is a recitation of The Israelite creed is a recitation of history.history. It is a It is a proclamation of the great saving deeds of Yahweh in the proclamation of the great saving deeds of Yahweh in the event’s of Israel’s history. It is event’s of Israel’s history. It is salvation history.salvation history.

Salvation Salvation here meanshere means promise of land, children and promise of land, children and blessing; peace and prosperity; justice and deliverance blessing; peace and prosperity; justice and deliverance from slavery; covenant with God; possession of land; from slavery; covenant with God; possession of land; these arethese are life blessings life blessings for thefor the tao tao andand people. people.

In this recitation of saving history, the exodus, which is In this recitation of saving history, the exodus, which is an experience of justice and liberation of oppressed an experience of justice and liberation of oppressed slaves, is the principal event.slaves, is the principal event.

The Prophets and Their The Prophets and Their Hope for Future Hope for Future

SalvationSalvation

Part 2Part 2

The Prophets of Israel The Prophets of Israel and their Messageand their Message

Two aspects:Two aspects:

a. their message regarding the a. their message regarding the presentpresent

b. Their message regarding the b. Their message regarding the futurefuture

Greater stress: prophetic hope for Greater stress: prophetic hope for future salvationfuture salvation

Prophets – Prophets – initiated a hope for future initiated a hope for future saving event, saving event,

- a future saving deed of - a future saving deed of GodGod

The hope for a final, definitive future The hope for a final, definitive future salvation (“eschatology”) started salvation (“eschatology”) started

with the prophets.with the prophets.

How the prophets looked forward to that definitive How the prophets looked forward to that definitive salvation in the future?salvation in the future?

Pictured in terms ofPictured in terms of- a new history- a new history- where salvation was total and - where salvation was total and

integralintegral- justice was a vital component- justice was a vital component

Sample Case: Sample Case: ISAIAH (8ISAIAH (8thth century B.C.E.) century B.C.E.)

““Situationer” of the times of the Situationer” of the times of the prophetsprophets

e.g. Isaiah chapters 1-5; e.g. Isaiah chapters 1-5; Amos 1:4-11; 8:4-6; Amos 1:4-11; 8:4-6; chapters 3-6chapters 3-6

Sinasabi ni Yahweh ang kanyang paratang Sinasabi ni Yahweh ang kanyang paratang laban sa matatanda at sa mga pinuno ng laban sa matatanda at sa mga pinuno ng bayan:bayan:““Kayo ang naninira ng ubasan, ang laman ng Kayo ang naninira ng ubasan, ang laman ng inyong bahay ay puro nakaw sa mahihirap: inyong bahay ay puro nakaw sa mahihirap: Bakit ninyo inaapi ang aking bayan at sinisikil Bakit ninyo inaapi ang aking bayan at sinisikil ang mahihirap?” ang mahihirap?”

(Isa 3:14)(Isa 3:14)

Society where heads of the noble families and the Society where heads of the noble families and the princess amass wealth by looting the fields of the princess amass wealth by looting the fields of the poor and stock their mansions with the produce poor and stock their mansions with the produce

from the labor of the poor.from the labor of the poor.

““Kawawa kayo na mga laging Kawawa kayo na mga laging naghahangad ng maraming bahay at naghahangad ng maraming bahay at dagdag na bukirin hanggang sa dagdag na bukirin hanggang sa makuha ang lahat ng lupain.” makuha ang lahat ng lupain.”

(Isa 5:8)(Isa 5:8)

The rich expropriate the lands of the indebted The rich expropriate the lands of the indebted poor and thus multiply their mansions and poor and thus multiply their mansions and

lands until the whole countryside is theirs alonelands until the whole countryside is theirs alone

The Leaders make unjust laws and The Leaders make unjust laws and issue oppressive decrees, which rob issue oppressive decrees, which rob

the poor of justice.the poor of justice.

““Kawawa ang mga gumagawa ng di Kawawa ang mga gumagawa ng di makatarungang batas at ang mga makatarungang batas at ang mga nagbibigay ng maling kautusan. Pagkat nagbibigay ng maling kautusan. Pagkat iyan ang nagkakait ng katarungan sa mga iyan ang nagkakait ng katarungan sa mga api at nag-aalis ng karapatan sa api at nag-aalis ng karapatan sa mahihirap. Kawawa ang mga mahihirap. Kawawa ang mga nagsasamantala sa mga babaing balo at nagsasamantala sa mga babaing balo at sa mga ulila” sa mga ulila”

(Isa 10:1 -2)(Isa 10:1 -2)

Courts and judges are corrupt. The Courts and judges are corrupt. The rich can pay bribes. The innocent rich can pay bribes. The innocent

poor is deprived of their right.poor is deprived of their right.

(Kawawa kayo) pinakakawalan ang may (Kawawa kayo) pinakakawalan ang may kasalanan nang dahil sa suhol at ang kasalanan nang dahil sa suhol at ang katarunga’y ipinagkakait sa taong katarunga’y ipinagkakait sa taong matuwid.”matuwid.”

(Isa 5:23)(Isa 5:23)

The rights of the weak and the defenseless The rights of the weak and the defenseless people –widows and the fatherless– are people –widows and the fatherless– are

trampled upon and not defended.trampled upon and not defended.

Naging suwail ang inyong mga pinuno, Naging suwail ang inyong mga pinuno, kasabwat ng mga magnanakaw; kasabwat ng mga magnanakaw; matatakaw sa suhol at nanghihingi ng matatakaw sa suhol at nanghihingi ng regalo; pinagkakaitan ng katarungan ang regalo; pinagkakaitan ng katarungan ang ulila; walang malasakit sa mga balo.” ulila; walang malasakit sa mga balo.”

(Isa 1:23)(Isa 1:23)

Yahweh expected justice and right. Yahweh expected justice and right. Instead he found blood and the cry of Instead he found blood and the cry of

the oppressed.the oppressed.

““Ano’t nagumon ka sa kahalayan, lunsod Ano’t nagumon ka sa kahalayan, lunsod na dating tapat, dati’y luklukan ng na dating tapat, dati’y luklukan ng katarungan! katarungan! (“justice” - misphat)!(“justice” - misphat)! Noon, ang Noon, ang naghahari sa iyo’y ang katuwiran naghahari sa iyo’y ang katuwiran (“righteousness” -sedek)(“righteousness” -sedek),, ngayon, tirahan ka ng ngayon, tirahan ka ng mga mamamatay-tao. (Isa 1:21)mga mamamatay-tao. (Isa 1:21)

And he (God) looked for justice (mishpat),And he (God) looked for justice (mishpat),but behold blodshed; for righteousness but behold blodshed; for righteousness (sedakah), but behod, a cry. (sedakah), but behod, a cry. (Isa 5:7)(Isa 5:7)

A picture of luxury and “consumerist” A picture of luxury and “consumerist” consumption of the elite. The women-folk:consumption of the elite. The women-folk:

At sinabi ni Yahweh, “Palalo antg mga anak na At sinabi ni Yahweh, “Palalo antg mga anak na habae ng Jerusalem, matigas ang leeg, pasulyap-habae ng Jerusalem, matigas ang leeg, pasulyap-sulyap, pakendeng-kendeng kung lumakad, sulyap, pakendeng-kendeng kung lumakad, pinapakalansing pa ang mga pahiyas sa paa.”pinapakalansing pa ang mga pahiyas sa paa.”Dahil diyan, kakalbuhin sila ni Yahweh at Dahil diyan, kakalbuhin sila ni Yahweh at iiwanang hubad. Sa araw na iyon, aalisin ni iiwanang hubad. Sa araw na iyon, aalisin ni Yahweh ang mga pahiyas sa paa, ulo at leeg; ang Yahweh ang mga pahiyas sa paa, ulo at leeg; ang mga kuwintas, pulseras at bandana;ang mga mga kuwintas, pulseras at bandana;ang mga pahiyas sa buhok, braso, baywang, mga sisidlan pahiyas sa buhok, braso, baywang, mga sisidlan ng pabango at mga agimat; ang mga singsing at ng pabango at mga agimat; ang mga singsing at pahiyas sa ilong, ang mamahaling damit, balabal, pahiyas sa ilong, ang mamahaling damit, balabal, kapa, pitaka; maninipis na bupanda, kasuutang kapa, pitaka; maninipis na bupanda, kasuutang lino, turbante, at belo.lino, turbante, at belo.

(Isa 3:16-23)(Isa 3:16-23)

The men-folk of the upper strata:The men-folk of the upper strata: Kawawa ang mga maagang bumangon at Kawawa ang mga maagang bumangon at

inumin agad ang kanilang habol; inumin agad ang kanilang habol; hanggang sa makalampas ang dapit-hanggang sa makalampas ang dapit-hapon alak pa ri’t alak yaong iniinom.hapon alak pa ri’t alak yaong iniinom.

Tugtog ng kudyapi sa saliw ng alpa, tunog Tugtog ng kudyapi sa saliw ng alpa, tunog ng tamburin at himig ng plauta, at ng tamburin at himig ng plauta, at saganang alak ang libangan nila. Ginawa saganang alak ang libangan nila. Ginawa ni Yahweh’y hindi alintana.ni Yahweh’y hindi alintana.

(Isa 5:11-12)(Isa 5:11-12)

There is idolatry in the land, i.e. they worship There is idolatry in the land, i.e. they worship god other than the “God of justice.” god other than the “God of justice.”

(Isa 30:18)(Isa 30:18)

Puno ng diyus-diyusan ang kanilang Puno ng diyus-diyusan ang kanilang lupain. Sila’y lumuluhod sa idolong sila na lupain. Sila’y lumuluhod sa idolong sila na rin ang gumawa. rin ang gumawa.

(Isa 2:8) (Isa 2:8)

This was the historical context in which Isaiah and the other prophets lived during

the period of the monarchy.

It was a society of

idolatry and social injustice,

oppression and exploitation.

The Inter-Testamental The Inter-Testamental HopeHope

Historical BackgroundHistorical BackgroundInter-Testamental PeriodInter-Testamental Period

150 years or so years between the end of the 150 years or so years between the end of the Old Testament era (around 16 BC) and the Old Testament era (around 16 BC) and the beginning of the New Testament era (around 4 beginning of the New Testament era (around 4 BC).BC).The life of the Jews and the teachings of the The life of the Jews and the teachings of the Jewish teachers, especially the Apocalyptists, Jewish teachers, especially the Apocalyptists, provide the bridge between the Old Testament provide the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament.and the New Testament.

An important period:An important period:

Palestine during these 1500-Palestine during these 1500-200 years was a tax paying 200 years was a tax paying colony of foreign empires.colony of foreign empires.

From 333 BC to 63 BC, the From 333 BC to 63 BC, the imperial power was Greece.imperial power was Greece.

From 63 BC onwards, it was From 63 BC onwards, it was Rome.Rome.

Structure of Society (who controlled wealth and Structure of Society (who controlled wealth and power and/or prestige in Palestine and power and/or prestige in Palestine and

constituted the upper pyramid of societyconstituted the upper pyramid of society

1. Foreign Greeks and Romans, 1. Foreign Greeks and Romans, particularly the officialsparticularly the officials

2. Native Jewish aristocracy*2. Native Jewish aristocracy*a. Landed gentrya. Landed gentryb. Big merchantsb. Big merchantsc. High priestly castec. High priestly caste

*often the same people, or at least, belonged to *often the same people, or at least, belonged to families that interlock with one another.families that interlock with one another.

From the writings of the periodFrom the writings of the period Various sectors of Palestinian Various sectors of Palestinian

society groaned under the society groaned under the heavy heavy burdens of life: the oppression, burdens of life: the oppression, toil, injustice, suffering, pain, toil, injustice, suffering, pain, sorrow.sorrow.

Jewish teachers during the inter-Jewish teachers during the inter-testamental period, especially the testamental period, especially the apocalyptists apocalyptists looked for salvationlooked for salvation..

Like the prophets before, they Like the prophets before, they spoke about the spoke about the coming of final coming of final and definitive salvationand definitive salvation..

Who are apocalyptic writers?Who are apocalyptic writers?

Within Jewish religious tradition, Within Jewish religious tradition, “apocalyptic “apocalyptic traditiontradition””

Use literary forms known as Use literary forms known as “apocalypse“apocalypse”, a ”, a revelation of some secret knowledgerevelation of some secret knowledge, usually , usually about history and the final salvation of Israel about history and the final salvation of Israel and the world with its lavish and the world with its lavish use of symbols use of symbols and images, many of them bizarreand images, many of them bizarre (e.g. (e.g. Revelation, the seven seals, the dragons, etc)Revelation, the seven seals, the dragons, etc)

Anonymous writersAnonymous writers of this kind of of this kind of literature, used as “pen-names” the names literature, used as “pen-names” the names of great men of the past: Moses, Adam, the of great men of the past: Moses, Adam, the 12 Patriarchs, Enoch, etc.12 Patriarchs, Enoch, etc.

Names given for Names given for final and final and definitive salvationdefinitive salvation

A. Age-to-comeA. Age-to-come

B. Reign-kingdom of GodB. Reign-kingdom of God

C. New heaven and new earthC. New heaven and new earth

Age-to-comeAge-to-come

2 “ages” or epochs or eras:2 “ages” or epochs or eras: this agethis age - - the present evil-ridden era in the present evil-ridden era in

which they livedwhich they lived the the age-to-comeage-to-come - - future era of salvation future era of salvation

which would come after the close of this which would come after the close of this present age, i.e. after this present human present age, i.e. after this present human history will have ended. history will have ended.

Another history in which all evils and Another history in which all evils and wickedness, sorrow, pain, perils, wickedness, sorrow, pain, perils,

oppression would cease and where oppression would cease and where there would be justice, joy and life.there would be justice, joy and life.

Reign-Kingdom of GodReign-Kingdom of GodKingdom - Hebrew word, “malkuth”Kingdom - Hebrew word, “malkuth”

a. a. Reign or kingship, with Reign or kingship, with kingdomkingdom implied implied

(e.g. OT- Book of Daniel 2:1 “In the second year of the (e.g. OT- Book of Daniel 2:1 “In the second year of the malkuth malkuth (=reign kingship) (=reign kingship) of Nebuchadnezzar, he had dreams . . .”of Nebuchadnezzar, he had dreams . . .”Mk 1:14-15 - Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Mk 1:14-15 - Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying “The time is Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying “The time is fulfilled, and the fulfilled, and the kingdom of Godkingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.”in the gospel.”

b. b. Kingdom, Kingdom, with reign orwith reign or kingship kingship impliedimplied(e.g. Daniel 9:1 “…Darius… became king over the (e.g. Daniel 9:1 “…Darius… became king over the malkuth(=kingdom) malkuth(=kingdom) of the Chaldeans.”of the Chaldeans.”Mk 9:47 - “And if your eyes causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is Mk 9:47 - “And if your eyes causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the better for you to enter the kingdom of God kingdom of God with one eye than with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell.”with two eyes to be thrown into hell.”

New Heaven and New EarthNew Heaven and New Earth

Final salvation is Final salvation is new heaven and new heaven and new earth,new earth,

““a new world” a new world” or or “new creation”“new creation”e.g. e.g. Book of EnochBook of Enoch

Isa 65:17-25Isa 65:17-25Jer 22:13Jer 22:13

About total and integral salvation: About total and integral salvation: joy, justice, harmony, peace, joy, justice, harmony, peace, authentic prayer, God among authentic prayer, God among people.people.

Blessings are for Blessings are for flesh-and-bloodflesh-and-blood (transformed) people.(transformed) people.

Justice Justice is written in big letters in is written in big letters in the story of this new world (The the story of this new world (The peasant plants. The peasant peasant plants. The peasant eats.”)eats.”)

etc MIGRATION

SOJOURNEXODUS

DAVID etcLAND

COVENANT

AGE-TO-COMEKINGDOM OF GOD

NEW HEAVEN/EARTH

CREATION

Summary LearningsSummary Learnings Israelite “Israelite “creedcreed” celebrated ” celebrated great saving great saving

events, great saving deeds of Godevents, great saving deeds of God. . They celebrated They celebrated historyhistory.. SalvationSalvation consisted of the concrete life- consisted of the concrete life-

blessings for the Israelite and the blessings for the Israelite and the communitycommunity

ExodusExodus, a justice-liberation event, the , a justice-liberation event, the most important event in the historymost important event in the history

Israelite “creed” - history of salvation in Israelite “creed” - history of salvation in which justice was central.which justice was central.

Summary LearningsSummary Learnings Prophets and inter-testamental writersProphets and inter-testamental writers, they , they

pointed to a pointed to a future saving events, a future future saving events, a future saving act of Godsaving act of God

Spoke ofSpoke of final and definitive salvationfinal and definitive salvation at at the the culmination and climax of salvation culmination and climax of salvation historyhistory..

Inter-testamental writers called it:Inter-testamental writers called it:- - the age-to-comethe age-to-come

- the kingdom of God- the kingdom of God- the new heaven and the new earth- the new heaven and the new earth

Jesus and the Jesus and the First ChristiansFirst Christians

What about JESUS?What about JESUS? Continued the tradition in its broad Continued the tradition in its broad

perspectivesperspectives

He also differed from the tradition:He also differed from the tradition:- no attitude of vengeance against - no attitude of vengeance against

Israel’s Israel’s enemiesenemies- had different assessment of the laws of - had different assessment of the laws of

purification in relation to the purification in relation to the coming kingdom of Godcoming kingdom of God

SalvationSalvation in terms of: in terms of:

- as kingdom (of justice) for the poor - as kingdom (of justice) for the poor - laughter for those who mourn - laughter for those who mourn - food for the hungry - food for the hungry - the human person (not soul) - the human person (not soul) - seeing God, - seeing God, - being called sons and daughters of God. - being called sons and daughters of God.

(Lk 6:20; Mt 5:3-10)(Lk 6:20; Mt 5:3-10)

Justice was at the heart of his teaching (Mt Justice was at the heart of his teaching (Mt 23:23)23:23)

He announced --not “heaven” but the He announced --not “heaven” but the ““kingdom of God/heaven.” (Mk 1:14-15)kingdom of God/heaven.” (Mk 1:14-15)

Q. What was different from the Q. What was different from the message of Jesus?message of Jesus?

For the tradition - the kingdom of For the tradition - the kingdom of God was God was still to come in the futurestill to come in the future

For Jesus - it For Jesus - it had already begunhad already begun

Message and Mission of JesusMessage and Mission of Jesus

Starting point - Jesus proclaimed the the Starting point - Jesus proclaimed the the good news of the reign-kingdom of God:good news of the reign-kingdom of God:

Jesus came into Galilee, Jesus came into Galilee, announcing announcing the good news of Godthe good news of God, and saying, , and saying, ‘‘The time is fulfilled, and the reign-The time is fulfilled, and the reign-

kingdom of Godkingdom of God is at hand.’ is at hand.’ Mk 1:14-15Mk 1:14-15

And he we nt a bo ut a ll G a lile e , And he we nt a bo ut a ll G a lile e , te a ching te a ching in the ir s yna g o g ue s a ndin the ir s yna g o g ue s a nd announcingannouncing the the g o o d ne ws o f the g o o d ne ws o f the reign-kingdomreign-kingdom o f G o d . o f G o d . (Mt 4:17)(Mt 4:17)

So o n a fte rwa rd he we nt o n thro ug h So o n a fte rwa rd he we nt o n thro ug h c itie s a nd villa g e s , c itie s a nd villa g e s , announcing announcing a nd a nd bring ing the bring ing the good news of the reign-good news of the reign-kingdom of Godkingdom of God. . (Lk 8:1)(Lk 8:1)

Jesus’ first followers has the Jesus’ first followers has the same message to declare:same message to declare:

And he c a lle d the twe lve And he c a lle d the twe lve to g e the r . . . a nd he he s e nt to g e the r . . . a nd he he s e nt the m o ut to the m o ut to announce the reign-announce the reign-kingdom of Godkingdom of God. .

(Lk 9:1-2; Mt 10:7)(Lk 9:1-2; Mt 10:7)

Reign-Kingdom of God: Concrete and Reign-Kingdom of God: Concrete and TangibleTangible

““As my father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I As my father appointed a kingdom for me, so do I appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my appoint for you that you may eat and drink at my tale in my kingdom, and sit on twelve thrones tale in my kingdom, and sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Lk (Lk 22:29-30)22:29-30)

new world with new history in which new world with new history in which GodGod

God will exercise his definitive ruleGod will exercise his definitive rule people will experience the definitive people will experience the definitive

blessings of: blessings of: resurrection , life, justice, joy, feasting, resurrection , life, justice, joy, feasting, seeing God, beings sons and daughters seeing God, beings sons and daughters of Godof God

Background for Understanding Jesus’ Background for Understanding Jesus’ MinistryMinistry

1. The reign of Satan be destroyed by 1. The reign of Satan be destroyed by the reign of Godthe reign of God

““If it is by the Spirit of God that I If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demonscast out demons, then the , then the kingdom of God has come upon kingdom of God has come upon youyou.”.” (Mt 12:28) (Mt 12:28)

2. One Isaianic image of the Time of 2. One Isaianic image of the Time of SalvationSalvation

Ho w be a utiful up o n the m o unta ins a re the fe e t Ho w be a utiful up o n the m o unta ins a re the fe e t o f himo f him

who bring who bring glad tidingsglad tidings

Anno unc ing the p e a c e , be a ring Anno unc ing the p e a c e , be a ring good newsgood news,,a nno unc ing a nno unc ing salvation,salvation,

a nd s a y ing to Je rus a le m , “Yo ur a nd s a y ing to Je rus a le m , “Yo ur God reigns!” God reigns!” (Isa 52:7)(Isa 52:7)

The The ruah Spiritruah Spirit of the Lord God is of the Lord God is upon me,upon me,

because the Lord has because the Lord has anointed anointed me to me to bring bring good tidingsgood tidings to the poor to the poor

‘‘anawimanawim’ (Isa 61:1)’ (Isa 61:1)

An Important Note on “Poor”An Important Note on “Poor”

The Hebrew word ‘anawim’ or The Hebrew word ‘anawim’ or ‘aniyyim’ ordinarily meant “poor ‘aniyyim’ ordinarily meant “poor and oppressed, victims of the and oppressed, victims of the powerful and/or wealthy.”powerful and/or wealthy.”

The bottom-line meaning of The bottom-line meaning of ‘Anawim’ is “oppressed.”‘Anawim’ is “oppressed.”

In many Biblical texts, the In many Biblical texts, the “oppressed” are in fact the “oppressed” are in fact the economically poor.economically poor.

““Poor and oppressed” is ordinarily Poor and oppressed” is ordinarily the best equivalent of ‘anawim’.the best equivalent of ‘anawim’.

Complete listing of the ‘anawim-Complete listing of the ‘anawim-aniyyim’ in the Book of Isaiahaniyyim’ in the Book of Isaiah

Isa 3:14, 15Isa 3:14, 15 Isa 10:2; 11:4Isa 10:2; 11:4 Isa 14:32; 22:16Isa 14:32; 22:16 Isa 16:6; 19:19Isa 16:6; 19:19 Isa 32:7; 41:17Isa 32:7; 41:17 Isa 51:21; 54:11Isa 51:21; 54:11 Isa 58:7; 61:1; 62:2Isa 58:7; 61:1; 62:2

Evidently, ‘poor and oppressed’ is the most appropriate translation in such passages.

Isaiah 35: 5-7Isaiah 35: 5-7

The n the The n the eyes of the blind shall be eyes of the blind shall be openedopened

a nd the a nd the ears of the deaf unstoppedears of the deaf unstopped

a nd the a nd the tongue of the dumb singtongue of the dumb sing fo r jo y . fo r jo y .Fo r wa te rs s ha ll bre a k fo rth in the Fo r wa te rs s ha ll bre a k fo rth in the

wild e rne s s ,wild e rne s s ,a nd s tre a m s in the d e s e rt;a nd s tre a m s in the d e s e rt;the burning s a nd s ha ll be c o m e a p o o l,the burning s a nd s ha ll be c o m e a p o o l,a nd the thirs ty g ro und s p ring s o f wa te r . a nd the thirs ty g ro und s p ring s o f wa te r .

. .. .

Isaiah 29:18-21Isaiah 29:18-21In tha t da y the In tha t da y the deaf shall heardeaf shall hear in the wo rds o f a bo o k;in the wo rds o f a bo o k;And o ut o f the ir g lo o m a nd da rkne s sAnd o ut o f the ir g lo o m a nd da rkne s sthe the eyes of the blind shall see.eyes of the blind shall see.

The ‘The ‘anawim’ will ever find joyanawim’ will ever find joy in the Lo rd in the Lo rda nd the a nd the poor rejoicepoor rejoice in the Ho ly O ne o f Is ra e l. in the Ho ly O ne o f Is ra e l.Fo r the tyra nt will be no m o reFo r the tyra nt will be no m o rea nd the a rro g a nt will ha ve g o ne .a nd the a rro g a nt will ha ve g o ne .All who a re a le rt to d o e v il will be c ut o ff,All who a re a le rt to d o e v il will be c ut o ff,tho s e who s e m e re wo rd c o nd e m ns a m antho s e who s e m e re wo rd c o nd e m ns a m anWho e ns na re his d e fe nd e r a t the g a te ,Who e ns na re his d e fe nd e r a t the g a te ,a nd le a ve the jus t m an with a n e m p ty c la im .a nd le a ve the jus t m an with a n e m p ty c la im .

Isaiah 40:9Isaiah 40:9Go up unto a high mountain,Go up unto a high mountain,Zion, herald of glad tidings;Zion, herald of glad tidings;Cry out at the top of your voice.Cry out at the top of your voice.Jerusalem, herald of good news!Jerusalem, herald of good news!Fear not to cry outFear not to cry outand say to the cities of Judah:and say to the cities of Judah:Here is your GodHere is your God

Isaiah 42: 1-4Isaiah 42: 1-4Here is my servant whom I upholdHere is my servant whom I upholdmy chosen one with whom I am pleased,my chosen one with whom I am pleased,Upon whom I have put my Spirit;Upon whom I have put my Spirit;he shall bring forth justice to the nations,he shall bring forth justice to the nations,Not crying out, not shouting,Not crying out, not shouting,not making his voice heard in the street.not making his voice heard in the street.A bruised reed shall not break A bruised reed shall not break and a smoldering wick he shall not quenchand a smoldering wick he shall not quenchUntil he establishes justice on the earth;Until he establishes justice on the earth;the coastlands will wait for his teaching.the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

Isaiah 25: 8Isaiah 25: 8

They dead will live, their bodies shall rise.They dead will live, their bodies shall rise.O dweller in the dust, awake and sing for O dweller in the dust, awake and sing for

joy!joy!

Picture of the Time of Final SalvationPicture of the Time of Final Salvation

1. Good news1. Good news2. Coming of God’s reign2. Coming of God’s reign3. The blind seeing, deaf hearing, lame 3. The blind seeing, deaf hearing, lame walking, dead returning to lifewalking, dead returning to life4. Poor and oppressed receiving good news 4. Poor and oppressed receiving good news

of liberationof liberation5. Justice to the earth and the nations5. Justice to the earth and the nations6. The figure of a prophet anointed by the 6. The figure of a prophet anointed by the ruahruah (spirit) of God(spirit) of God

OT passages as “background” for OT passages as “background” for key Gospel statementskey Gospel statements

… … Jesus came into Galilee, announcing the Jesus came into Galilee, announcing the good newsgood news of of God, saying, “The time is fulfilled and the God, saying, “The time is fulfilled and the reign of Godreign of God is at is at hand; repent, and believe in the hand; repent, and believe in the good newsgood news.”.”

(Mk 1:14-15)(Mk 1:14-15)

And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind and see: the blind receive their sightreceive their sight and the and the lame walk, lame walk, lepers are cleansedlepers are cleansed and the and the deaf heardeaf hear, and the , and the dead are dead are raised upraised up, and the poor have , and the poor have good news announcedgood news announced to to them.” them.” (Mt(Mt 11: 4-5) 11: 4-5)

Luke 6:20; Mt 11:5Luke 6:20; Mt 11:5

““BlessedBlessed are you are you poorpoor, for yours is the , for yours is the kingdom of God.”kingdom of God.”

Significant work of Jesus:Significant work of Jesus:PROCLAMING GOOD PROCLAMING GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR, NEWS TO THE POOR,

‘ANAWIM’‘ANAWIM’Lk 4:18; Lk 6:20Lk 4:18; Lk 6:20

Whose poor? Really poor and Whose poor? Really poor and oppressedoppressed

““Poor” - Poor” - ptochosptochos or or ptochoiptochoi in Greek in Greek

Mt 11: 5 = Lk 7:22; Mt 11: 5 = Lk 7:22; Mk 14:5-7 = Mt 26: 9-11;Mk 14:5-7 = Mt 26: 9-11; Mk 10: 21 = Mt 19: 21 = Lk 18: 22;Mk 10: 21 = Mt 19: 21 = Lk 18: 22; Lk 14: 13, 21; 16:20; 19:8; 21:3 = Lk 14: 13, 21; 16:20; 19:8; 21:3 =

Mk 12:42; Mk 12:42; Lk 6:20 = Mt 5:3Lk 6:20 = Mt 5:3

An example:An example:

““Go, sell what you have, and give to Go, sell what you have, and give to the the poorpoor . . .come follow me.” . . .come follow me.” (Mk 10:21)(Mk 10:21)

This ointment might have been sold This ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the and given to the poorpoor. .

(Mk 14:5)(Mk 14:5)

Good news ‘gospel’ to the poor Good news ‘gospel’ to the poor consists . . . consists . . .

Good news of their Good news of their liberation from liberation from poverty and oppression.poverty and oppression.

It is the It is the gospel of justice.gospel of justice.

Isaiah 61:1Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,because the Lord has anointed mebecause the Lord has anointed meto to bring good tidings to the ‘anawim’bring good tidings to the ‘anawim’::he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim liberty to the captives,to proclaim liberty to the captives,and the opening of the prison to those who and the opening of the prison to those who

are bound;are bound;to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Luke 4: 18-19Luke 4: 18-19

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed me to because he has anointed me to preach preach

good news to the poor.good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the He has sent me to proclaim release to the captivescaptives

and recovering of sight to the blind,and recovering of sight to the blind,to set at liberty those who are oppressed,to set at liberty those who are oppressed,to proclaim the acceptable year of the to proclaim the acceptable year of the

Lord.Lord.

Matthew 11: 4-5Matthew 11: 4-5

““Go and tell John what you Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are deaf hear, and the dead are raised, and the raised, and the poor have good poor have good news preachednews preached to them.” to them.”

Death of Jesus: Historical CauseDeath of Jesus: Historical CauseThe Pharisees went out, and immediately held The Pharisees went out, and immediately held

counsel with the Herodians against him, how to counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.destroy him. Mk 3:6Mk 3:6

And they (the chief priests, scribes, and elders)And they (the chief priests, scribes, and elders)tried to arrest him, but feared the multitude. tried to arrest him, but feared the multitude.

Mk 12:12Mk 12:12It was now two days before the Passover and theIt was now two days before the Passover and thefeast of the Unleavened Bread. And the chief priestsfeast of the Unleavened Bread. And the chief priestsand the scribes were seeking how to arrest him byand the scribes were seeking how to arrest him bystealth, and kill him . . .stealth, and kill him . . . Mk 14: 1Mk 14: 1

ScribesScribes - learned teachers who had the expertise - learned teachers who had the expertise to interpret their religious and cultural to interpret their religious and cultural heritageheritage

PhariseesPharisees - considered paragons of faithful - considered paragons of faithful religious observancereligious observance

HerodiansHerodians - courtiers and followers of the - courtiers and followers of the native king of Galilee, Herod Antipasnative king of Galilee, Herod Antipas

EldersElders - heads of wealthy land-owning families - heads of wealthy land-owning families Chief PriestsChief Priests - came from the wealthy landed - came from the wealthy landed

familiesfamilies Sanhedrin Sanhedrin - highest Jewish political body, - highest Jewish political body,

composed of elders, chief priests and composed of elders, chief priests and scribesscribes

Who handed Jesus to be Who handed Jesus to be killed?killed?

It was It was people from this elitepeople from this elite -- -- intellectual, cultural, economic, intellectual, cultural, economic, political, religious -- that handed political, religious -- that handed Jesus over to the Jesus over to the RomansRomans to be to be killed.killed.

Lenski’s Model of Agrarian SocietyLenski’s Model of Agrarian Society

Upper Class Upper Class (10% of the population)(10% of the population) WealthWealth

- Ruler* (Roman) Ruler* (Roman) - not less than half- not less than half- Governing Class* Governing Class* (Nobility and members of courts, (Nobility and members of courts,

lesser officials)lesser officials)

- Retainer Class Retainer Class – (5% of the population composed of – (5% of the population composed of Scribes and bureaucrats, military personnel)Scribes and bureaucrats, military personnel)

- Merchant ClassMerchant Class- Priestly ClassPriestly Class*less than 1% of the population*less than 1% of the population Ranks of privileged, allied

with the governing class

Lower Class (90% of the population)Lower Class (90% of the population)- Peasant class Peasant class (majority of the population; the engine of (majority of the population; the engine of

production; deprived of all the basic necessities in life; production; deprived of all the basic necessities in life; approx -70% of the population) approx -70% of the population)

- Artisan class Artisan class (5% of the population; includes carpenter had (5% of the population; includes carpenter had low median income than the peasants; lacking land, low median income than the peasants; lacking land, could not rely on could not rely on steady supply of food)steady supply of food)

- Unclean and degraded class Unclean and degraded class (separated from (separated from the mass the mass of peasants and artisans by circumstances birth of peasants and artisans by circumstances birth or occupations such as or occupations such as prostitution; approx- 5%)prostitution; approx- 5%)

- Expendable class Expendable class (5-10% of the populations; petty (5-10% of the populations; petty criminals, criminals, outlaws, beggars, underemployed itinerant outlaws, beggars, underemployed itinerant workers ; forced to live solely by workers ; forced to live solely by their wits or by charity)their wits or by charity)

Why Jesus was killed?Why Jesus was killed? The historical cause for his death were in some The historical cause for his death were in some

way connected with his kingdom-proclamation way connected with his kingdom-proclamation and his kingdom-praxisand his kingdom-praxis

Praxis included the strong (counter) positions he Praxis included the strong (counter) positions he took with regard to the:took with regard to the:

- sabbath (Mk 3: 1-6)- sabbath (Mk 3: 1-6)- purification laws (Mk 7: 1-23)- purification laws (Mk 7: 1-23)- justice (Mt 23:23)- justice (Mt 23:23)- poverty-riches (Lk 6:24; Mt 6:24)- poverty-riches (Lk 6:24; Mt 6:24)- especially, the temple (Mk 13:1-2)- especially, the temple (Mk 13:1-2)

Intensity of conflict and struggleIntensity of conflict and struggle ““Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!because you shut the kingdom of heaven againstbecause you shut the kingdom of heaven againstme; for you neither enter yourselves, not allowme; for you neither enter yourselves, not allowthose who would enter to go in.” (Mt 23:14)those who would enter to go in.” (Mt 23:14)

““What will the owner of the vineyard (God) do? He What will the owner of the vineyard (God) do? He will come and destroy the tenants (the chief priests, will come and destroy the tenants (the chief priests, elders, scribes), and give the vineyard to others.”elders, scribes), and give the vineyard to others.”

(Mk 12:9)(Mk 12:9)

So they sought to destroy him, he So they sought to destroy him, he was executed!was executed!

Pontio PilatoPontio Pilato–““inflexible, merciless, obstinate”inflexible, merciless, obstinate”–““So, the manner of Jesus’ death, the So, the manner of Jesus’ death, the

legal system in force, the official legal system in force, the official charge against Jesus, the type of charge against Jesus, the type of persons crucified along with him, all persons crucified along with him, all point to the conclusion that the point to the conclusion that the ultimate legal and moral ultimate legal and moral responsibility for Jesus’ death lay with responsibility for Jesus’ death lay with the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate” the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate” (Daniel Harrington, SJ)(Daniel Harrington, SJ)

Death of JESUS, whose historical causes were:

- his kingdom praxis

- mortal conflict with tradition, religion and elite

was then understood and interpreted as an atoning death for sin:

NOT MADE BY JESUS HIMSELF

NOT MADE BY EARLY CHRISTIANS

who understood his death in the light of the suffering servant of Isaiah 53

THEOLOGY AND CATECHESIS- have long focused on the atoning aspect of Jesus’ death to the near exclusion of the historical reason of Jesus

death

Q. What is the effect of the “atoning aspect of Jesus death” to the Filipinos:

as individual,

as a community and

as a nation?

Typical Filipino thinking:

“Jesus came down to earth to die for me, to atone for my sins. His cross gained merits for me so that after death I may go to heaven.

TRUE:

The atoning death of Jesus is a sure tenet of our faith. And today, we rightly make the faith-inspired assertion: “JESUS DIED FOR ME AND MY SINS.”

DO NOT LIMIT OUR UNDERSTANDING OF JESUS’ DEATH:

For the HUMAN HISTORY of JESUS, HE DID NOT set out on a mission “to die for sins.”

He set out for mission “TO PROCLAIM THE KINGDOM AND ITS

JUSTICE.”It was this PROCLAMATION in WORD and

ACTION which drew Jesus into mortal conflict with the social, economic, political and religious elite of his

time and brought him to his cross.

Jesus’ death was a death because of the KINGDOM and its

JUSTICE, which was subsequently understood as an

atoning death for sin.

Actually, Jesus was “murdered,” a victim of political injustice of

his time.

In many cultures, people naturally speak of a man dying for others. Jewish culture, moreover, believed that a just man’s death could have an atoning values for sins.

Therefore, Jesus’ resurrection for the early Christians is in one way or another

connected with the ‘kingdom or the new world.’

•A new world has begun; we have the first-born; we have the first fruits of that new world.

•The risen Lord, as Spirit, is the seed and guarantee of our own resurrection in the kingdom.

JESUS’ RESURRECTION is GOD’S ‘YES’ TO JESUS AND HIS

(KINGDOM) WORK.

The great SALVIFIC EVENTS of FINAL SALVATION are therefore, not jut the death (and resurrection) of Jesus, as standard catechesis would seem to have it.

RATHER, THE GREAT SALVIFIC MOMENTS AND DEEDS ARE:

1. The MINISTRY

2. The DEATH

3. The RESURRECTION

4. The PAROUSIA

Each related to the FINAL KINGDOM OR THE NEW WORLD

ANG HAMON NG EBANGHELYO

Ang hamon ng ebanghelyo para sa atin

Mahalin ang kapatid at sila’y kilalanin

Ngunit kung taos sa puso ang pagserbisyo

Tatahakin na daan ay duon patungong kalbaryo

Koro: Di madali ang pagsunod kay Kristo

Maraming tinik ang daang lalakbayin mo

Mabigat ang krus, na papasanin mo

At kamatayan ang siyang haharap sa iyo.

Si Kristo mismo ang nagwika at nagpaalala

Mag-ingat baka hulihin kayo mga kasama

Hahantong kayo sa madilim na bilangguan

At duon sya hahatulan ng maykapangyarihan (Koro)

Thank you!