ALAB-KOH Talk: Exodus, Jesus, and Martial Law

The Theology Department of Ateneo de Manila University once again demonstrates its international range with a small but enriching encounter with a biblical expert sponsored by Ateneo’s Lakbay-Aral Biblia-Kwan Laurel Opportunity for Humanities (ALAB-KOH).

On the morning of 18 September 2024, nine faculty members of the Theology Department were privileged to listen to Fr Peter Dubovsky SJ, at Leong Hall 404 on the topic of Exodus, with a talk entitled “EXODUS:  A Conversation on the Faith of Jesus, Its Vision & Theology, and Its Mission Today.” Fr Dubovsky, who hails from Slovakia, is an Old Testament scholar specializing in the history of Israel, its archaeology, and theology. He teaches at the Pontifical Biblical Institute (Biblicum) in Rome, where he serves as its current president.

The encounter began with a warm greeting by Mr Lolek Pugeda, who noted the timeliness of the event in light of the Synod on Synodality in October and the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Afterward, Dr Maricel Ibita led the opening prayer with a contemplative reflection on several martial law victims. Dr. Edwin Odulio, acting as Officer-in-Charge of the Theology Department, then offered his welcoming remarks to everyone. Lastly, Dr Lance Bolano introduced Fr Dubovsky, to the attendees.

In his talk, Fr Dubovsky, presented the historical prelude and archaeological evidence underlying the Exodus events and the implications of Exodus for the Jewish faith in the time of Jesus. He insightfully pointed out that an attentive reading of the Old and New Testaments reveals several references to Exodus, signifying a lasting impact on the collective memory of the Jewish people.

Two faculty members from the Theo 12: A Theology of the Catholic Social Vision cluster responded by sharing their insights on the relevance of the Exodus events in the Ateneo and ecclesial contexts. Mr Aaron Reyes reflected on the struggle of the Hebrew community to survive. Through their struggle, they came to know a God who listened and showed them mercy. In turn, Ateneo challenges students to reflect God in these ways by listening to and acting on the cry of the poor today. Meanwhile, Mr Mark Garcia highlighted that the Israelite community was in regular movement long before the Exodus events. In a way, this communal motion reflects on the ecclesiology of the Church today. Believers can understand themselves as prompted by God to journey together.

The encounter ended with an early lunch.  It was truly an enlightening morning with Fr Dubovsky and our colleagues who were able to connect the Exodus event to our local context, especially the commemoration of 52 years since Martial Law was declared.

All photos are courtesy of the Ateneo de Manila University Theology Department.