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 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1000pslxi184    

Index 1966 - 2016

Vol. LXI - Issue No. 184 : January-April 2026

Foreword  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1000pslxi184foreword    
 Author/s : 
Clarence C. Marquez, OP

Abstract : 


Keywords :

A Synodal Journey with Biblical Women as Pilgrims of Hope for the Kingdom of God: Case of Deborah, Ruth, Samaritan Woman, and Mary Magdalene  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1001pslxi184a1    
 Author/s : 
Miriam Alejandrino, OSB

Abstract : 
Using historical-critical method, literary analysis and characterization, the paper examines the biblical texts on Deborah, Ruth, Samaritan woman, and Mary Magdalene to draw out some insights on how to embark into a synodal journey as pilgrims of hope in a world full of confusion, fake news, and artificial intelligence. In spite of modern technology, advance studies on historical, philosophical, political, and socio-economic sciences, the inspired word of God, particularly on women, remains indispensable and relevant in our present synodal journey towards the kingdom of God, the ultimate goal of humanity.


Keywords : Historical-critical method, Literary analysis, Characterization, Word of God, Synodal journey, Pilgrims of hope, Kingdom of God

‘Visions In The Night:’ A Narrative Exposition of Dreams in the Old Testament as Divine and Human Expressions of Hope  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1002pslxi184a2    
 Author/s : 
Ted Patrick N. Tuvera

Abstract : 
Dreams (חלום (are visions or oracles (חזון (expressed or communicated by God in the dark or while its receiver is sleeping. (See Job 33:15 and Isaiah 29:7) In popular language, “dreams” are used to describe individual and collective aspirations amid difficulties and struggles. Darkness, difficulties, and struggles are characteristic modifiers that speak of hope. As a theological virtue, hope, following Thomas Aquinas, can be described as both a Divine and a human expression that pursues a good “that is difficult but possible to obtain.” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, q. 17, a. 1) This essay will argue that “dreams” are expressions of Divine and human aspirations that fit well and, in fact, enrich the traditional understanding of hope as a theological virtue.


Keywords : Dreams, Hope, Visions, Old Testament, Biblical Theology

“Behold, Here I Am!” (Gen 22:1) as Verbalization of Trust and Hope: Insights from Transformative Learning Theory  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1003pslxi184a3    
 Author/s : 
Javier Miguel A. Galvez

Abstract : 
What is the significance of Abraham’s declaration of “Behold, here I am!” in Gen 22:1? It can be taken as a statement of presence before God as he responds in readiness to God’s command. Taking insights from Transformative Learning Theory, a theory from the field of adult education that frames learning as paradigm shift, this study finds that Abraham’s declaration is also an important sign of Abraham’s trust in God—which Abraham learns through a series of transformations in Gen 12-21.


Keywords : Keywords: Genesis 22, Abraham, hineni, “Here I am!”, Transformative Learning, paradigm shift

Unexpected Grace and Hope to the Outsiders: Enter the Foreigners and the Eunuchs  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1004pslxi184a4    
 Author/s : 
Arthur Fojas

Abstract : 
The opening of Trito Isaiah inaugurates the entrance of eunuchs and foreigners, new members in the restored Temple of Zion. These former outsiders by law (Dt 23, 2-9) are granted admittance among the joyful congregants in YHWH’s Temple, now henceforth called to be the house of prayer for all peoples (Is 56,7). What holds this new multi-national congregation in unity? How have been the former barriers delineated by the former law abrogated or hurdled? Membership is no longer by bloodline with the Patriarchs, but fidelity to the covenant with YHWH. The intermingling of these multi-nationals with the exiled people of YHWH in a melting pot must have created a positive bond and understanding among them. The nations through the witness of the exiles must have learned about the faithful and holy character of YHWH. These are the pre-portal conditions that have given birth to the desire to be numbered among the faithful of YHWH. The returning exiles have neither reason to fear nor to be jealous of these members. On the contrary all, the newly returned exiles and the newly admitted members, are invited to joy by YHWH who has gathered them together in his temple.


Keywords : Foreigner, Eunuch, Salvation, Temple, House of Prayer, All Peoples, Covenant, Sabbath, Servants, Blessed

“Ecce Homo” (John 19:5) Behold the (Wo)Man! A Johannine Proclamation of Hope in God’s Promises  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1005pslxi184a5    
 Author/s : 
Rodel D. Magin, OSA

Abstract : 
In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan brought three religious images to the Philippines, including the Ecce Homo, a half-relief wooden sculpture depicting the upper torso and head of Jesus Christ. Despite persistent efforts to promote its veneration, the Ecce Homo has not achieved the widespread popularity of the Sto. Niño de Cebu. This study undertakes a critical re-examination of the Ecce Homo, focusing on its scriptural context within the Passion narrative in John 18-19. Specifically, it analyzes Pilate’s pronouncement Ecce Homo in John 19:5 to elucidate its profound significance within the Johannine Christological narrative. Moreover, this article demonstrates a compelling connection between the phrase’s meaning and the Old Testament concept of a God who actively champions the marginalized and impoverished. Significantly, Pilate’s expression Ecce Homo transcends the immediate portrayal of the suffering Christ, encompassing the broader reality of suffering humanity – those afflicted by social injustice, ecological crisis, and moral degradation. The Ecce Homo, therefore, emerges not merely as a devotional icon, but as a potent symbol of hope in God’s promise of justice and righteousness.


Keywords : Ecce Homo, hope, Johannine Christology, justice, promise, righteousness

Spirituality, Hope, and the Care of the Self in the Book of Wisdom   
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1006pslxi184a6    
 Author/s : 
Randolf C. Flores, SVD

Abstract : 
This essay explores the spirituality of the Book of Wisdom in dialogue with Hellenistic philosophy, highlighting its relevance for the care of the self today. Written in Alexandria between 30 BCE and 41 CE, the Book of Wisdom presents itself not merely as a collection of sayings but as a protreptic discourse—a didactic exhortation urging its readers to adopt a way of life shaped by Wisdom. The study begins with a brief overview of the book’s threefold structure: eschatology and the hope of immortality (Wis 1–6), Solomon’s quest for Wisdom (Wis 6–9), and Wisdom’s role in salvation history (Wis 10–19). It then examines the interior life through the categories of psychē, nous, pneuma, and kardia, emphasizing that true spirituality entails cultivating the self in openness to divine Wisdom. Central to this spirituality is hope in immortality—not as unending physical existence but as communion with God. Inspired by Stoic and Platonic traditions, the Sage encourages spiritual exercises such as meditation, temperance, and prayer as means of self-care and moral formation. The essay concludes by noting the enduring influence of the Book of Wisdom on Christian theology and spirituality, where it continues to offer a resource for shaping life, virtue, and hope.


Keywords : Book of Wisdom, Hellenistic philosophy, Spiritual exercises, Interiority, Immortality, Hope, Virtue, Self-care

Missionary Linguistics in the Philippines (1571-1700): A State of the Art (PHILIPPINIANA RECORDS)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1007pslxi184pr1    
 Author/s : 
Jorge Mojarro

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Sobrak-Seaton, Michaela. Spirit, Expression and Community in the Philosophy of Edith Stein. Cham: Springer, 2024. pp . 171. ISBN: 0923-9545. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1008pslxi184br1    
 Author/s : 
Jose Adriand Emmanuel L. Layug

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Regoli, Roberto. Beyond the Crises in the Church. The Pontificate of Benedict XVI. Translated and edited by Daniel Gallangher. Indiana: St. Augustine’s Press, 2024. pp. 350. ISBN: 978-1587310713. (Original Italian edition - Oltre la crisi della Chiesa: Il Pontificato di Benedetto XVI. Torino, Lindau, 2016). (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1009pslxi184br2    
 Author/s : 
Hilario Sicat, Jr., OP

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Cole, Basil, OP. Angelic Virtues and Demonic Vices: Aquinas’s Practical Principles for Reaching Heaven and Avoiding Hell. Gastonia: TAN Books, 2023. pp. 288. ISBN: 978-1-5051-2921-2. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1010pslxi184br3    
 Author/s : 
Eugene Dominic V. Aboy, OP

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Alaurin, Edgardo D. O.P. Sports in the Philippines: History, Values, Spirituality. Manila: The University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, 2021. pp. 244. ISBN 987-971-506-877-2. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1011pslxi184br4    
 Author/s : 
Juan Miguel U. Palero

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Ranasinghe, Prashan. The Homelessness of Being: Heidegger and the Meaning of Existence. Alberta: University of Alberta Press, 2024. pp. 240. ISBN 9781772127768. (REVIEWS & NOTICES)  
 DOI : 
https://doi.org/10.55997/1012pslxi184br5    
 Author/s : 
Reynante Labao

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