Certain issues have emerged in the Synod on the Word of God currently underway in Rome. These are: (a) the relationship between the historico-critical exegesis learned in the seminaries and (b) the art of preaching. Related to this latter is the intervention of Bishop Tagle of Imus, Cavite regarding the need for listening. The idea behind the need for listening is quite obvious given the requirements of preaching. Let me discuss all three in reverse order...
The Art of Listening. The topic is not really new, it has been in the air since as far back as I can remember. The Word of God addresses itself to us in the Scriptures, in historical events and through the community of faith. I have called this Listening to the Word of God in the text (Scriptures), pre-text (historical events) and con-text (the community of faith)