The Loyola School of Theology invites you to the oral defense of the S.T.L. Tesina entitled “GOD’S MERCIFUL LOVE TOWARDS THE VULNERABLE: A Narrative Critical Study of John 7:53 – 8:11” by Fr. TRAN MINH MAN, C.R.M. on 18 April 2024, Thursday, 2:00 p.m. at Tipanan ni San Ignacio, DLC 201, 2/F Dela Costa Bldg., LST. The Board of Examiners is composed of Fr. Renato Repole, S.J., S.T.D. (Adviser), Fr. Herbert Schneider, S.J., S.T.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), and Markus Locker, Ph.D. The defense is being held in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Licentiate in Sacred Theology with Biblical Theology as the field of concentration. It is open to the public.
Abstract: This work examines the pericope of John 7:53-8:11 using the narrative critical method espoused by Fr. Jean-Louis Ska, S.J. By applying this method, the attitudes, gestures, and words of the different characters – Jesus, the woman, the accusers, and the crowd – are analyzed, bringing to light deeper meanings within the narrative. Consequently, the study identifies various portraits of Jesus: as the promised Messiah, as a Teacher and Prophet, providing the fullest meaning of God’s word, as a Giver of grace and forgiveness, and as a truly human being imbued with the virtues of humility, gentleness, wisdom, patience, mercy, and forgiveness. Taking on these roles, Jesus embodies God’s merciful love while also upholding and defending human dignity, especially that of the vulnerable.
The study then explores how the Catholic Church in Vietnam expresses its merciful-loving response to family life issues. The Vietnamese Catholic Church is actively engaged in protecting vulnerable women within families, supporting young immigrant families, and providing guidance on family education through flexible and practical orientations. Through these actions, the Church in Vietnam makes God’s love and mercy tangible and credible to people, thus upholding human dignity.
