Poetic Reflection by Kazimierz Wójtowicz on the Biblical Pericope Lk (24:13–55): On the Series Emaus — werset po wersecie (Emmaus — Verse by Verse)

This article deals with Kazimierz Wójtowicz's series Emaus – werset po wersecie (Emmaus - verse by verse), unique in Polish poetry and included in the volume Po prostu Emaus. Wybór wierszy z lat 1978–2016 (Just Emaus. A selection of poems from 1978–2016) (Kraków 2016). The discussed reflection is divided into four segments. The first is an introduction. It shows the priest-poet's fascination with the biblical theme of Emmaus, as evidenced by his numerous ekphrastic and non- ekphrastic poems, classified by the author as Emaus w słowie (Emmaus in the word) and Emaus w obrazie (Emmaus in the image). The second part is an attempt to systematize biblical commentaries on the pericope of St. Luke (24, 13–35). Three main directions of interpretation are discussed, namely, liturgical, symbolic, and the contrapuntal nature of the pericope on Emmaus in relation to the passage about the meeting of the Risen Jesus with Mary Magdalene. The third most extensive segment includes the analysis of 15 poems within the series of our interest that paraphrases most of the verses from the pericope of St. Luke. The description of the following poems is not extensive due to the modest size of this article. In the last segment, it is emphasized that Wójtowicz's poetic reflection on the pericope of St. Luke has artistic values and is also kerygmatic in nature. Commenting on biblical verses using the language of poetry, we primarily refer to the symbolism of the pericope. We use liturgical interpretation to a lesser extent. In the end, our attempt is made to juxtapose the series with other poems by Wójtowicz about Emmaus.

Key Features and Hermeneutical Procedures

This chapter makes use of all the data gathered over the six previous chapters by lexical-biblical-theological analyses of selected hymns. The final chapter is a compilation of key features and hermeneutical procedures of the “liturgical exegesis,” prefaced by a discussion on “liturgized Bible” and several Bible collections used by liturgists (Prophetologion, lectionaries, Psalter, etc.). For a better understanding of the notion of liturgized Bible and its correlative, liturgical exegesis, the chapter proposes an analogy between liturgical exegesis and the early-twentieth-century art style of cubism. Among the key features of liturgical exegesis are aural (hymnography) and visual (iconography) media, integration, collaboration, and actualization. Among hermeneutical procedures are hermeneutical pointers, intertextualities, and typologies. The typologies used by Byzantine hymnographers may be chiastic, reciprocal, embedded, converted, and meta-typologies. The chapter concludes with a list of dissimilarities between patristic biblical commentaries and liturgical exegesis.

Hearing the Scriptures

This book explores a specific area of “reception history”: Byzantine hymnography’s use and interpretation of Scriptures, primarily the Old Testament (Septuagint), as part of Orthodox tradition. Lexical-biblical-theological analyses of selected Holy Week hymns show the distinctiveness of “liturgical exegesis” (hymnographic biblical interpretation) and its complementarity to “patristic exegesis.” Even though patristic exegesis and liturgical exegesis are closely interrelated in terms of authorship and basic methodology, this volume seeks to show the main dissimilarities between patristic (i.e., discursive) and liturgical (i.e., imagistic or intuitive) modes of biblical interpretation. The book aims to demonstrate the creativeness of “pre-critical” interpreters of the Bible, i.e., the Byzantine hymnographers. The volume’s introduction sums up the most important moments in the emergence of Byzantine Orthodox Holy Week, as well as the current structure of this liturgical cycle, with an emphasis on Byzantine hymnography. Part I of the book is a collection of lexical-biblical-theological analyses of selected Holy Week hymns spread over six days (and six chapters). The Holy Week hymnography was chosen as a case study for the rich and vast Byzantine hymnography. The analyses show different ways the Byzantine liturgists (i.e., hymnographers) incorporated and interpreted scriptural material, primarily Old Testament, in their hymns. Part II deals with liturgical exegesis and its key features and hermeneutical procedures. It also seeks to underline the differences between patristic biblical commentaries and Byzantine hymns, while advancing an analogy between liturgical exegesis and cubist art.

Rhetorical Conclusions in Nahmanides’ Torah Commentary

This paper examine Nahmanides’ rhetorical style in his Torah commentary, addressing his convention of concluding his biblical commentaries with a flourish, both in form and content. The origins of this rhetorical device in the literature preceding Nahmanides is presented, followed by a demonstration of its embodiment and development in Nahmanides own Torah commentary.

Ansiedade e Medo: Um estudo exegético-psicológico de Marcos 4,35-41

This book seeks to read the narrative in Mark 4.35-41, focusing on the character of the individuals in order to understand their behavior when facing a dangerous situation in the storm at sea they ask Jesus, “Master, do you not care that we are perishing?” When facing danger, the prevalent emotions are fear, despair and anxiety. Therefore, the exegetical study will be conducted using psychology, a science that studies human behavior and mental processes. Based on the theoretical principles of Bible study as literature, the goal of the present study is to perform an exegetical analysis of the biblical narrative in Mark. The miracle description includes all issues related found in manuals and biblical commentaries with their multivisions. It also includes a parenetic, coeval analysis of the text based on the sciences of human behavior aimed at updating and application in modern life. Therefore, the text exegesis sheds light on the history, the validity of the pericope and update for modern life based on psychology. It applies to the study in question the historical-critical method over the structuralist and fundamentalist.

‘This Mystical Blessing’: The Patristic Roots of John Calvin’s Eucharistic Theology

Though committed to the final authority of Scripture in all matters, John Calvin’s Institutes and biblical commentaries show him to be a remarkable student of patristics. His doctrine of the Lord’s Supper was no exception, as Calvin calls upon the likes of Augustine, Chrysostom, Tertullian and others to support his position. This article, therefore, contends that Calvin’s engagement with the Fathers – though imperfect – demonstrates that his view, in essence, may be clearly traced to the patristic period. It also suggests that his reverence for tradition, which he considered consistent with his commitment to sola scriptura, makes Calvin a prime example for contemporary evangelicals as they reflect on their own doctrine of the Supper. Not only would paying close attention to the Fathers enrich their own understanding, but given that such figures are esteemed by the wider church, it may well contribute to a more robust ecumenical conversation around the sacraments.