Story and the Lasallian Reflection Framework Our insights about stories gathered from the McKenna

questions need to be incorporated into a larger process of

Theologizing Process and Skills theologizing, of seeking understanding from the lens o
● For us to be able to discern the presence of the faith. In DLSU, students are encouraged to learn and use
WORD-made-flesh’s in the world, it is very vital to learn this Lasallian Reflection Framework (LRF).
how to discern God’s presence by means of some
theological tools. “Anchored to the core values of Faith, Zeal of Service and
● In this class you will learn about 3 tools that will be Communion in Mission, the Lasallian Reflection
employed throughout the term: Framework (LRF) is a guide to all formation and
1. McKenna Story-telling Questions – for the stories engagement activities. This framework was developed by
discussed from current context and from the Bible the Lasallian Mission Office in 2011. ”
2. Lasallian Reflection Framework (LRF, and the
enhanced version, eLRF) It is composed of 3 steps that are continuously done in an
3. Characterization as a way to interpret the biblical spiral manner. An older version of this is traceable to
passages SEE-JUDGE-ACT process is recognized to have been
We will study the first two in this session and the third on developed by Belgian Cardinal Joseph Cardijn. This is also
the coming sessions. found in the document of the Roman Catholic Church
Mater et Magistra.
Megan McKenna Questions for a Story
When we hear stories, McKenna says that it is very Others call this the Pastoral Cycle/Spiral. This method and
important to be aware of the following: the enrichment will be repeatedly used in class
1. How do you feel about it?
● Our feelings give us the immediate reaction and See-experience or Conscious Experience (“Masid-Danas”)
response to a story and can influence the actions The Tagalog terms “masid” or “to observe closely” and
that we will do as a response to the story “danas” or “to experience”, when combined
2. How do you feel about it? (“masid-danas”) means “conscious experiencing”. The first
● Our ability to pick out what is generally true in life stage of “seeexperience” does not only invite us to see the
as depicted in the story is important in gaining the situation (that can easily be acquired in reading books,
general cognitive and moral lesson of the story watching documentary films or hearing reports), but to
3. What is disturbing about it? experience it firsthand– especially the reality of the poor,
● The ability to think critically and recognize through exposure (e.g. an experience with an urban poor
disconcerting and disturbing facets of the story family in a resettlement area in Quezon City) and
also train our mind to be wary of what is not life immersion (e.g. a week stay with an Aeta community in
giving in the story, our own lives and the context in Tarlac).”
which we e and empower us to correct what is
wrong. “This stage leads us from conscious sense-experience
(see, hear, touch, smell and taste) to a purposive encounter
Lasallian Reflection Framework of knowing and feeling oneself and others (in our
differences, similarities and oneness). The first stage ends
with a feeling of realizations, mixed emotions, nagging
questions, disorienting dilemmas and/or longings for
answers and clarity.

Analysis-Reflection or Critical Reflection (“Suri-Nilay”)

“Suri” is Tagalog term for “analysis” while “nilay” is
“reflection”, when combined(“suri-nilay”) means
“critical reflection”. The second stage which is the heart of
LRF leads us to go further and deeper in the process, from
sense-experience to a second level seeing– that of analysis.
Analysis-Reflection: Social Analysis
“[SOCIAL ANALYSIS] We begin to ask the why of the
situation: looking for interconnections of personal and
social structures (economic, political and socio-cultural);
and going beyond looking at surface problems to the
identification of root causes of issues, problems and
crises.”
One of the ways to analyze the societal aspect is to drawn up (context-sensitive, life-affirming, mutually
consider the experiences in light of the respect given to empowering and capacitating). Implementation of the plan
human dignity and rights and the level of achieving the can be done individually or by collective (by association in
various goals of the United Nations Sustainable communion); on the local level to the global level. The
Development Goals and the status in the country. stage ends with an evaluation of the act, program or
intervention, giving much emphasis on the quality of
Analysis-Reflection: Social Analysis output and consistency of process, then another LRF cycle
[THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS]: “However, one does not stop on starts.
analysis, “critical reflection” subjects us to the
questioning: looking at one’s own meaning formation, Enrichment of See-Judge-Act (SJA) + Evaluate
perspectives, mindsets and biases. Then, the second ● While the use of SJA (adapted as Lasallian Reflection
stage guides us to the final questions of Christian Faith Framework) has been successful in discerning God’s
and Lasallian Values/Principles (What is the situation presence in the world, Latin American Catholics have
in the light of the Gospel and the Church Social Teaching?… seen that this method lacks the step of ”revisar”
In the context of the Lasallian Guiding Principles? (revise, review), a period of revising if needed to attain
What about its relation to DLSU VisionMission?). The the results desired. Thus, a step that EVALUATES
second stage ends with the challenge of faith and a (=pagpapahalaga). After an action is done, one needs to
challenge of being Christian and Lasallian.” assess critically the outcome of the actions or
interventions made.
● This is a very important step to include in order to find
the strengths and weaknesses of the outcome (direct
and indirect) of the process of the SJA. In the shorter
LRF, the seeing in the succeeding level of the spiral
serves this function. However, evaluate seems to be
more appropriate for the scrutiny of the effects of the
actions done.

Enrichment of See-Judge-Act (SJA) + Evaluate + Celebrate

In Latin American Christian communities, they also
realized the need for a further step after
See-Judge-Act-Evaluate. When the result of the SJAE is
successful, then some sort of CELEBRATION (=pagsasaya)
seems to be a logical course of action. This is an
In LCENWRD, we will mostly try to theologize, that is, reflect important phase to give chance to the human need to give
on the events and experiences using the lens of faith, thanks to those who participated and made the SJAE a
particularly from the stories of the Bible, the Old and New success.
Testaments, especially the core stories and what they can
offer us as we cope and respond to the challenges. We will In the theological level, this step is also vital in order to
also include the Church Social Teaching or the Lasallian have a space for gratitude as well as for praising and
Guiding Principles as necessary. glorifying God.

Commitment-Action or Committed Action (“Taya-Kilos”) In this phase, simple and elaborate

“Taya” typically means “to bet” but it can also mean “to celebrations may be done. It can take many form such as a
offer” (e.g. “Taya ako sa pamasahe…” or “I offer to pay the simple word of thanks, a singing of thanksgiving song, a
transportation fare…”); and depending on the value of the dance, a full-blown party, as well as thanksgiving prayers
offer, it may mean in some occasion “to commit” that and eucharistic celebration and other.
connotes a certain sacrifice (e.g. “Tinataya ko aking
pangalan…” or “I commit in my name…”). “Kilos” on the With increased energy, the predominant feeling and
other hand means, “to act”. Combining the two terms sentiment include joy, happiness, and hope to name a few.
(“taya-kilos”) means “committed action”.
Enrichment of SJAE: + Ritualize
This stage starts with a commitment flowing from the ● The Latin American Christian communities’
preceding stage of “surinilay” anchored on clear contribution in the addition of the steps of evaluate
values/principles and standards (Gospel, CST, LGP, and celebrate in the process are significant
DLSUVMG, etc.). From this, a concrete plan of action will be recognition of the usual process that humans undergo.
● Nonetheless, the increasing awareness of the fact that in frustration. (Oh, no! Diyos ko naman! Hay, buhay!
despite a thorough preparation using See-Judge-Act Huhu! )
Evaluate, there are times when the result does not lead ● CELEBRATE : You express delight (Yay! Buti nag-load
to the desired result and no celebration can be done. ako! Salamat sa Diyos!)
Moreover, it is possible that the SJAE result in a direct ● EVALUATE: You are happy that your data was enough to
or indirect negative consequences, or inadequate, or participate in the Live Chat. (Yes!)
(long) deferred results. This situation calls for a ● ACT: You decided to load more mobile data for 2GB. You
recognition of another, at times alternative step. I call were able to participate online. (Go, 2GB!)
this step RITUALIZATION (=pagriritwalisa). ● JUDGE: You judge that your mobile data is not enough
● This steps gives space for the participants in the to connect you to the Live Chat. (Which load promo?)
process to pause, grieve for loss, delay or inadequacy ● SEE: You have questions about the class and want to
to achieve the longed for favorable result(s) such as participate in the Live Chat next time. (Oh, no! No more
those enumerated by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross’ Stages of load!
Grieving
● In the theological level, this level is also vital in order to Bible Basics
have a space for complaint and lamentation to God as “Bible”: via Old French (le bible) from ecclesiastical
the psalmists, Job, Jeremiah and Jesus have done in Latin biblia
the Bible, to name a few.
● While celebration also includes some form of ritual from Koinē Greek: τὰ βιβλία (ta) biblia ‘(the) books’,
actions, the big difference in ritualization, whether from biblion ‘book’, originally a diminutive of biblos
done in simple (silence or silent tears) or more ‘papyrus, scroll’, of Semitic origin.
elaborate manner (a coordinated protest action, a
eucharistic celebration that incorporates lament and More importantly: for Jews and Christians: The Bible
other ritual actions may be done). is the inspired words of peoples that speak of the words
● The predominant feeling and sentiment may include and actions of God their history, seen in the
one or combination of sadness, despair, grief, light of faith (SALVATION HISTORY) and continues to
frustration, exasperation with a possibility of be regarded as revelatory Word of God
decreasing energy, tiredness or weakness. Giving
space for this step can pave the way for a new way of Bible Basic: Inspiration and the Bible
approaching the challenge whether in the soonest 1. God is actively present in a unique manner in the
possible time or with some/great delay. composition of the biblical books – divine activity
approached in faith
SUMMARY:Enriched LRF or eLRF (personal and 2. The freedom of the human authors in making use of
communal: SJAEC/R) = their own talents & resources, in cooperation with the
See → Judge → Act → Evaluate → Celebrate Ritualize spirit of God, in composing the sacred books – use of
The enriched LRF spiral continues… all possible sciences to understand the intended
● How can we give thanks to God for, through & with the meaning of authors
creation, peoples, events, places, objects that reveal
God’s self; or how can we lament to God… Bible Basic: The Bible as Written Text
● Did I/we succeed? Why? (use 5 senses, experience, ● It is very vital that we realize that despite the long
data, feedback) process of being handed over from one generation to
● How shall I/we respond effectively? the next (experience, oral phase, written phase), the
● Why is it happening? (Social Analysis); one we have access to is the WRITTEN TEXT OF THE
● What does it mean for me/us as Christians (other BIBLE in its various versions and translations. It is a
religions, nones)? (Theological/Philosophical product of the continued interpretation and thus an
Reflection) evolving process of tradition.
● What is happening? How? (5 senses, experience, data
[+ Megan McKenna Questions: What do you feel? What Bible Basics: How the Writing of the Bible came about
is true? What is disturbing?]

Practical Application of SJAEC/R

The eLRF process that we are using is a conscious way of
going responding to our needs. But we also use this in
daily life problem-solving, almost automatically.
● RITUALIZE: Your 2GB mobile data was not enough to
handle the huge file shared in the Live Chat. You groan
 Bible Basics: The Old Testament in Hebred (Printed) Bible Basics: Old and New Testaments in Digital Edition
In the following slides, you will see examples of the
different original languages of the Bible (but not
original handwritings of the biblical authors), mainly in
Hebrew and Greek. These printed and digital versions are
products of stringent scholarly methodologies to ascertain
the text and manuscripts closest to the original since the
originals are not extant.

The examples in slides 26-34 are for illustration purposes

only.

Bible Basics: The Old Testament in Greek = Septuagint Bible Basics: Bible online versions and translations
(LXX) (Printed Version)
“Codex Sinaiticus, a 4thcentury manuscript of the
Septuagint, written between 330 and 350.”
Note the neat columns of Greek words (all capital
letters=uncials). There are no chapter nor verse
numbers in the ancient manuscripts.

Bible Basics: New Testament in Greek

ENGLISH TRANSLATION
● “33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in
the wall,[c] and escaped from his hands.
● It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, It is much easier and preferable to have a printed Bible in
but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I studying. If you want a digital version, this website is
know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was helpful.
caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or
out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know
that such a person—whether in the body or out of the
body I do not know; God knows— was caught up into
Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that
no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5On behalf of such a
one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast,
except of my weaknesses. But if I wish to boast, I will
not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I
refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me
than what is seen in me or heard from me, even
considering the exceptional character of the
revelations. Therefore, to keep[d] me from being too
elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger These days, many of the compiled and edited versions
of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too (printed and online) the Bible are mainly based to the
elated.[e] Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, scholarly most reliable manuscripts. They are translated
that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is in many languages of the world. In English, there are many
sufficient for you, for power[f] is made perfect in versions.
weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my
weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in Bible Basics: Tanak: Hebrew Bible
me.” The Hebrew (language) Bible of the Jewish people, is based
● Papyrus 46, one of the oldest New Testament papyri, on the Palestinian canon.
showing 2 Cor 11:33-12:9, It is composed of and arranged
as TNK (TaNaK):
T= Torah
N= Nevi’im (Prophets) And
K= Ketuvim (Writings).
As a Jew, Jesus most likely knew this language and
arrangement of their Sacred Scriptures.
This arrangement of the Bible is followed by the Protestant
churches which favored the inclusion of Hebrew language
OT books only in their accepted books (canon)

Bible Basics: Septuagint (LXX): Hebrew Bible Translated

Bible Basics: How to find and reference the bible
in Greek for the Diaspora
The biblical manuscripts were generally continuous scripts
For the Jewish people living outside of Palestine in the
with no chapters and verse numbers. These were added
Roman Empire (diaspora), they used the Greek translation
later to facilitate reading and references.
of the Bible (LXX).

It follows the Alexandrian Canon or arrangement of the

books translated from Hebrew and the extra books that
were written in Greek (so-called Deuterocanonicals).

The early followers of Jesus outside of Palestine most likely

used the LXX such as the communities associated with St.
Paul, the Gospels, and other NT communities. This
arrangement which ends with the compilation of prophetic
books is theologically preferred by Catholics because
it fits the perspective that the prophets foretold the
coming of Jesus. As the Old Testament ends with the
prophets, the book of Matthew which includes a number
of prophetic passages considered as fulfilled in Jesus.

Bible Basic: Israel’s History & Bible Formation

ABRAHAMIC FAITHS:
1. Judaism
2. Christianity
3. Islam

Early Fragments
1125 BC: Song of Deborah – Judg 5
1280 BC: Song of Miriam – Exod 15
First Five Books
Here is one way to group the books of the Bible. Boast of Lamech – Gen 4:23
Blessing of Rebekah
● Patriarchs and Matriarchs (Abraham-SarahHagar;
Isaac-Rebekah; Jacob-Leah-Rachel-slaves)
● Egypt and Exodus (Moses, Aaron, Miriam)
● Conquest (of Canaan) (Joshua)
○ Occupation
● Judges (Ex: Deborah,Samson, Samuel)
● Kingdom (Saul, David & Solomon): Yahwist: Calls the ■ Yahwist : “Yahweh”/YHWH/JHWH
Divine “Yahweh” or “Adonai” ■ Elohist : God
■ Deuteronomic: need for reform, law
NOTE: Here and in the next slides the books with this ■ Priestly: religious ritual, law, genealogies
color highlight were formed around this time ○ PERIOD OF RESTORATION
■ Haggai, Zechariah
- ■ Ezra & Nehemiah
● Kingdoms divided )(9 BCE) ■ 1-2 Chronicles
○ Elohist writes from the northern kingdom: story of ■ Deuteronomy which introduces Joshua to
Abraham parallels Yahwist stories of Fathers & Kings became the last book of
Moses Pentateuch/Torah/Five Books
○ Elohist + Yahwist during Hezekiah’s reign while ■ Ruth
Deuteronomic + Priestly tradition ■ Jonah
○ Amos & Hosea: Northern Prophets (Israel/Northern ○ WISDOM LITERATURE
Kingdom of 10 Tribes with Samaria as capital) ■ Job
○ Isaiah & Micah: South (Judah/Southern Kingdom ■ Psalms
with Jerusalem as capital) ■ Proverbs
● Conquest (by Assyrians) & Exile ■ Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth)
○ Fall of Samaria: 722 BCE ■ Song of Songs
■ Northern priests & refugees to the ■ Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
South/Judah ■ Wisdom
■ They supported Hezekiah’s reforms ● Greeks
■ Their teachings became the core of ○ 1-2 Maccabees
Deuteronomic tradition (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 ○ Daniel –(*Apocalyptic)
Samuel, 1-2 Kings ○ A section of Ezra
■ Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, worst king; same ○ Esther
with son Amon ○ Tobit
■ BUT NOT Josiah, son of Amon, who followed the ○ Judith
reforms of Hezekiah ● Romans
○ Josiah’s Reform ● Revolt & Destruction
■ 621 BCE – priest Hilkiah found the Book of the ● Restitution/Restoration
Law in the Temple (Deuteronomic Code during ○ Books of the New Testament (chronological
the time of Hezekiah?) arrangement)
■ Josiah inaugurated full-scale religious reform ■ 1 Thessalonians
■ Prophets: Zephaniah, Nahum, Habbakuk, ■ • Paul: 1-2 Thess, Galatians, 1-2 Cor, Romans
Jeremiah ■ Paul in prison: Philippians, Philemon,
● Conquest (by Babylonians) Colossians, Ephesians
○ 587 BCE: Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ■ Pastoral Letters: 1-2 Tim, Titus
■ Some Psalms (ex: Ps 137) ■ Hebrews
■ Lamentations ■ Gospels: Mk, Mt, Lk-Ac, Jn
■ Ezekiel ■ Synoptics: Mark, Matthew & Luke (extant Mk;
■ Second Isaiah (Isa 40-55) non extant Quelle or Q source; special
○ Psalm 137 (NRSV) By the rivers of Babylon— there Matthean and special Lukan materials)
we sat down and there we wept when we ■ Catholic epistles: 1 Peter, Jude, 2 Peter
remembered Zion. On the willows[a] there we hung ■ Revelation
up our harps. For there our captors asked us for ○ NT Books Canonical arrangement (as they appear
songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, in the Bible)
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How could we ■ Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? If I forget ■ Acts of the Apostles
you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! (…) ■ Letters to: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2
● Exile Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians,
● Post-exilic Period: Persia 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians,
○ Five Books of Moses/ Torah/ Pentateuch was ■ 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus
completed ■ Philemon
○ 4 Different Sets of Authors/Editors: ■ Hebrew
 ■ James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John,
Jude
■ Revelation
*Underlined letters are largely acknowledged to be from St
Paul

Old Testament Canon

● 621 BCE: Finding of Deuteronomic code
● 400 BCE: five books of Moses/Hebrew: Torah/ LXX:
Pentateuch
● Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings
● 200 BCE: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, minor prophets (12)
(Hebrew:Nevi’im)
● Wisdom literature (Hebrew: Ketuvim) = Torah, Nevi’im,
Ketuvim = TNK (Tanakh)

The Roman Empire in Jesus’ time

First Jewish Revolt (66 – 74 C.E.)

● Fall of Masada (the last to fall to the Romans)
● Destruction of Jerusalem Temple (remainder and
reminder today: Western/Wailing Wall)
● 90 C.E. – Rabbis at Jamnia – ‘oral law’
● End of 1st C.E. – gradual separation between Jews and
‘Christians’ which took a very long time

Two Main Jewish Traditions of Collection of Books

1. Palestinian Canon
- Rabbis at Jamnia (70s)
- under Johanan ben Zakkai
- 39 books
- Jews and Protestants
2. Alexandrian Canon
- Gk speaking Jews
- Accepted 39 books + 7 (1-2 Maccabees, Tobit,
Judith, Sirach, Wisdom, Baruch and parts of Daniel
and Esther: the Deuterocanonicals)
- Catholics follow this list

CELEBRATE: THANKSGIVING SONG (LUKE 1:46-55)