These are days of renewed biblical learning. Once again, during the Easter Octave, the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum is hosting the 43rd "Biblical Theology Update", in the Immaculate Auditorium at St. Savior’s Convent.
Brother ROSARIO PIERRI, OFM
Dean of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum
"In this contribution of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, our objective is also pastoral. If the conferences have a scientific foundation, they are nevertheless for everyone, and it is easy for everyone who attends to understand the matters which are addressed by various speakers.
This year the theme is "Prophets and Prophesy". Within a Middle Eastern context, the Old Testament in analyzed in depth, explaining texts, such as the scrolls of Qumran and their link with the Gospels. It is possible to appreciate the dialogue between Moses and God; to deal with the prophetic character in the books of Samuel and Kings. Or again, the structure of the book of Isaiah (with different authors, but with theological unity) or that of Jeremiah, in which the theme of the New Covenant is highlighted, as the apex of the book’s theological message".
The speakers are Franciscan scholars and researchers from the Holy Land and Italy. And the content is varied, always offering a message for everyday life.
Prof. PAOLO GOODS
Pontifical Lateran University
"When reading the books of the Prophets, the main thing, in my opinion, is to take a step beyond our usual convictions. The prophetic word always leads us to review our way of thinking, prompting us to ask questions that differ from those which we habitually ask, and to change the way in which we formulate and phrase our usual answers to biblical questions. This always leads us to advance our spiritual journey: to go beyond our usual bounds, as it were, sometimes without anticipating a clear response. Such a continuation is certainly the most important thing to do, for it indicates an enlightened path for the future".
In reading Holy Scripture here, we can also see the very places described in the biblical texts, and every day there are related tours of the city of Jerusalem.
Among the places included is the Dominus Flevit Church, where, according to tradition, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Participants can visit tomb of the prophets, or the Pater Noster Church. They can touch, if you will, the Word of God. The course ends with a biblical-archaeological excursion to Samaria.
MEDNILLA ANGEL
Focolare Movement
"Such visits are important because our Christian origin is precisely here in Jerusalem, which can be said to encapsulate and support a faith with solid foundations, touching upon the reality of the first Christians and their Church".
