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Vol. LX - Issue No. 183 : September-December 2025

Foreword  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3015pslx183foreword    
 Author/s : 
Clarence C. Marquez, OP

Abstract : 


Keywords :

What Can Modern Exegetes Learn from Ancient Masters? Genesis 23, the Jewish Sages, and John Chrysostom  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3001pslx183a1    
 Author/s : 
Kris Sonek, OP

Abstract : 
Ancient biblical commentaries by rabbinic sages and church fathers are often perceived as enigmatic and arbitrary in contrast with modern interpretative methodology, particularly the historical-critical method. However, while ancient and modern hermeneutical approaches are distinct and largely irreconcilable, modern exegetes can benefit from the rabbinic and patristic works. Using the narrative of Sarah’s death and burial found in Genesis 23, I present the fundamental principles of historical criticism and then contrast them with the assumptions of ancient masters such as the anonymous contributors to Genesis Rabbah and John Chrysostom. Modern exegetes can gain valuable insights from these ancient commentaries. Not only do these works prompt critical examination of contemporary assumptions and exegetical techniques, but they also reveal ways of reviving the great traditions of the ancient synagogue and church.


Keywords : Biblical Interpretation, Biblical Criticism, Genesis, Late Antiquity, Rabbinic Exegesis, Patristic Exegesis, Judaism, John Chrysostom

Jesus’ Action in the Temple vis-à-vis the Church’s Involvement in Social Transformation  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3002pslx183a2    
 Author/s : 
Rex F. Fortes, CM

Abstract : 
Jesus’ action in the temple (Mk 11:15-19 // Mt 21:10-17 // Lk 19:45-48// Jn 2:13-23) features his radical words and actions against the corrupt temple system, suggesting that rage is permissible to stress moral truth and fight anti-poor measures. However, Christian teaching advocates nonviolence in responding to communal conflicts (cf. Pope Francis’ Message for the 50th World Day of Peace, 2017). Given this dilemma, this paper explores the four Gospel episodes of Jesus’ action in the temple through Narrative Criticism (cf. Culpepper 1983; Ska 1990; Powell 1990, 2020), examining the evangelists’ central messages in their purported common story instead of investigating their contexts with a purely historical critical approach. It argues that the narrative focus is not on Jesus’ vehement activity, but on the hostile response of the Jewish authorities that led to his arrest and crucifixion (cf. NJBC 1990: 954; Freyne 2004:163). Subsequently, it examines the repercussions of the constructed dichotomy of the sacred and the profane in political theology, which is the discussion point for the current Church involvement in social transformation. It draws insights from modern thinkers like William Cavanaugh (2024) and Pope Francis (2025) in seeking the narrative’s relevance to today’s societal issues.


Keywords : Action in the Temple, Narrative Criticism, Church Involvement, Sacred and Profane, Nonviolence, Political Theology, Temple Commerce

Exorcism in the Gospel of Mark: Fulfillment of God’s Promise  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997//3003pslx183a3    
 Author/s : 
Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP

Abstract : 
In Genesis 3:15, God cursed the serpent and promised that the “woman’s offspring” would crush its head. While a long-standing exegetical debate centers on whether this “offspring” is singular or plural, this study attempts to see beyond that binary choice to offer an alternative perspective. It posits that the promise is uniquely fulfilled within the Gospel tradition, specifically in the Gospel of Mark, and that the process of its fulfillment creatively accommodates both a singular and a collective understanding of the “offspring.” This study argues that through Jesus’ ministry of exorcism, God’s promise to crush the serpent’s head is realized, and Jesus’ authority over impure spirits is clearly demonstrated. Moreover, Jesus delegates this authority to His disciples, and through this divine power, the apostles can cast out demons. In the second Gospel, God’s promise is fulfilled both through one and through many. Therefore, this study aims to explore how Jesus’ ministry of exorcism relates to God’s promise in Genesis 3:15. To achieve this goal, the study will primarily employ synchronic methods as passages where exorcisms appear will be syntactically examined and their patterns compared. Particular attention will be given to the four exorcism episodes (Mk 1:21-28; 5:1-20; 7:24-30; and 9:14-29) to uncover the pattern of interactions between Jesus and impure spirits, how Jesus performs exorcisms, and the effects of these exorcisms on the malevolent spirits, the possessed individuals, and those around them. Relevant Second Temple Jewish literature may also be used to shed light on the issue of exorcism during this period. Additionally, how these writings understood God’s promise in Genesis 3:15 will be briefly examined and compared to Jesus’ exorcisms. Lastly, some episodes of exorcism involving the disciples (Mark 3:13-16; 9:14-29) will be briefly explored, and their roles will be clarified.


Keywords : gospel of mark, exorcism, protoevangelium, impure spirits, discipleship, apocalyptic literature, demonology

Ἀντιλήμψεις as “Spiritual Gift of Helps” (1 Cor 12:28): Hope for the ‘Pananábangan’ of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3004pslx183a4    
 Author/s : 
Jeffrey S. Segovia

Abstract : 
This work explores Paul’s hapax use of ἀντιλήμψεις (antilempseis) as “helps” in a list of spiritual gifts in 1 Cor 12:28, by analyzing its theological and scriptural impacts and reframing it to the Pananábangan spirituality and pastoral thrust of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, Pangasinan, Philippines. Using the methods of Reception History and Recontextualization, this study investigates the renewed relevance of the spiritual gift of helps in a local Church program of stewardship in communion by the sharing of time, talent, and treasure. It highlights thematic parallels between 1 Cor 12 and Pananábangan, particularly stressing assistance, justice, mutual aid, gratitude, and empowerment. The work also reaffirms the enduring value of ἀντιλήμψεις in the hope of deepening Pananábangan’s living out through the Spirit’s enabling gift of helps.


Keywords : ἀντιλήμψεις, spiritual gift of helps, Pananábangan, recontextualization, reception

When “Hope” is a Verb: A Study of the Communal Hope in Isaiah 59  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3005pslx183a5    
 Author/s : 
Peter Tran Xuan Vu, SVD

Abstract : 
The Book of the Prophet Isaiah does not use the noun “hope” ( תִִּקְוְָהָ , tiqwāh), but rather various verbal roots, such as וקה (qwh), יחל (yḥl), חכה (ḥkh), to formulate the action “to hope.” Moreover, Isaiah’s vision of hope is expressed with a particular target in a concrete situation-in-life (Sitz im Leben). This study explores the centrality of communal hope amid the woundedness in Isaiah 59, arguing that the specific content of hoping action, “We hope for the justice” ( נְקְַוֶַּהֶ לַמִַּשְְִׁפָּטָ , nəqaweh lammišpāṭ, v. 11), in the Isaian community, emerges from the “postexilic exile” context, in which both the Lord and people felt the absence of justice אֵיֵן מִשְְִׁפָּטָ) ,ʾên mišpāṭ) The desperate state of justice in the Isaian community is considered the reasonable background of the violent depiction of God and the preferential employment of verbs over nouns to express the communal hope in Isaiah 59. The relevance of Isaiah’s way of describing the communal hope for justice is convincingly presented in the communities and societies where justice is absent due to the wickedness of tyrannical government. The paper appeals to its readers’ sympathy with the victims of injustice brought about by the “Extrajudicial Killings” (EJKs) or “Extralegal Killings” (ELKs). Isaiah 59, indeed, is the prophetic message of hope for justice at the intervention of the Lord.


Keywords : hope, justice, violence, innocent blood, postexilic exile, YHWH

The Church of Santa Maria Magdalena de Pata in Nagsimbaanan, Namuac, Sánchez-Mira, Cagayan (PHILIPPINIANA RECORDS)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3006pslx183pr1    
 Author/s : 
Regalado Trota José

Abstract : 


Keywords :

El Católico Filipino (1861-1862), the First Religious Newspaper in the Philippines (PHILIPPINIANA RECORDS)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3007pslx183pr2    
 Author/s : 
Carlos Isabel

Abstract : 
El Católico Filipino [The Catholic Filipino] was a journalistic publication that appeared in 1861 thanks to the initiative of Pedro Peláez, capitular vicar of Manila, and the Dominican priest Francisco Gaínza. Until its disappearance in December 1862, it contributed to the development of the nascent Filipino press. It was also the first newspaper of a religious nature. The aim of this paper is to introduce this publication to today’s reader, offering a descriptive presentation of its main characteristics, and serving as an introduction to the journalism of that era and to this newspaper in particular, for those researchers who may wish to study it further.


Keywords : 19th century Philippine journalism, Dominican history, Fr. Pedro Peláez, Fr. Francisco Gaínza, OP, Religious newspapers

Molina, Pablo Eduardo Lamata. Descentralización y comunión jerárquica: Relación entre el ministerio petrino y el ministerio episcopal. Ediciones Universidad San Dámaso: Studia Canonica Matritensia, núm. 9, 2025. pp 506. ISBN: 9788410270107. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3008pslx183br1    
 Author/s : 
Isaias Antonio D. Tiongco, OP

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Bello, Angela Ales. Edith Stein and Edmund Husserl Philosophical Exchanges. Trans. by Antonio Calcagno. Maryland: Lexington Books, 2025. pp. 213. ISBN: 9781666957013. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3009pslx183br2    
 Author/s : 
Jose Adriand Emmanuel L. Layug

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Magboo, Cecilio Vladimir E., OP. Being A Church of the Poor: The Philippine Catholic Church and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Towards Growth in Unity and Mission. Manila: University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, 2023. pp. 440. ISBN 978-971-506-923-6. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3010pslx183br3    
 Author/s : 
Eugene Dominic Aboy, OP

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Thompson, Augustine, O.P. Dominican Brothers: Conversi, Lay and Cooperator Friars. Chicago: New Priory Press, 2017. pp 342. ISBN: 978-1623110567. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3011pslx183br4    
 Author/s : 
Dennis Amarante, OP

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Ticozzi, Sergio. China and the Catholic Church through Mutual Eyes. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan, 2023. pp. 166. ISBN 978-981-99-3172-9 (hardcover). ISBN 978-981-99-3173-6 (e-Book). (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3012pslx183br5    
 Author/s : 
Leonard Chen, OFM

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Index of Philippiniana Sacra Vol. LX, nos. 181-182-183 (2025)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3013pslx183index    
 Author/s : 

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Authors’ Biographies Vol. LX, nos. 181-182-183 (2025)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/3014pslx183bio    
 Author/s : 

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DOI https://doi.org/10.55997/ps