\u201cA tradition of the Meeting, but not one to be taken for granted, Joseph Weiler\u2019s presentation at the Meeting: a lecture on the Bible as a living and decisive reality.\u201d With these words Stefano Alberto, Professor of Theology at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, introduced Joseph H.H. Weiler, President of the European University Institute, to the public of the eni Caff\u00e8 Letterario at 11:15 a.m.
\nWeiler began with the consideration of only three cases, among many laws and rules of conduct indicated in the Bible, when even life is subject to the ethical principle: apostasy, murder and incest. The reading proposed and interpretation of texts (at public\u2019s disposal) illustrates an example of incest.
\nThe Professor examined the episode of Lot\u2019s two daughters (Gen. 19, 1-38). \u201cIt is about marginal people and stories, and you can see that also from the text: it is sparse with little information. It leaves space for the reader\u2019s speculation.\u201d The professor opened an audience discussion about the deepest meaning of the text, coming to a more humane and reasonable interpretation: though the two daughters have apparently deceived the father, involving him in the act of incest, there is \u201canother component, mysterious, but reasonable which moves the protagonists\u2019 behavior. Worse than incest is the evil of not having descendants.\u201d So, in the plan of salvation, there is no condemnation, but justice.
\nWeiler also proposes the figure of Tamir, Judas\u2019 daughter-in-law (Gen. 38, 1-30) and, from different passages of the same book, the figure of Ruth, up to the encounter with Boaz. Weiler proposes the synthesis of the dialogue among the people participating: \u201cMarginal characters, like Lot\u2019s daughters, of whom we don\u2019t even know the names, are also Ruth and Tamar, Peres\u2019 mother. But both of them are quoted in King David\u2019s genealogy and therefore are in Jesus\u2019s ancestry. For the God of the Bible there is not a \u201cforever,\u201d but there is always forgiveness, and the possibility of restitution.\u201d The professor talked about the Pope\u2019s message at the Meeting, exactly where he mentioned \u201cthe peripheries of the mystery of sin, pain, injustice, ignorance.\u201d
\nWeiler, at the end, answered publicity the numerous questions which emerged from the lecture \u201cEurope: ideal or idol worship?\u201d which was held on Sunday 24th at Sala Neri: \u201cThe issue of rights is only a battle, but it is not war. I tell you what is my fight: the hope of being every day in front of God without embarrassment or hypocrisy. When I die, I hope I can say that I lived like that for at least ten days.\u201d
\nWhile concluding, Stefano Alberto said: \u201cThis is the flesh of the Mystery. There is a test. Do these words shock, bother, frighten us? Destiny has not left man alone: it is not a measure, but implicates the obligation of becoming aware of the action of God in our lives. God knows all, even contradiction and evil. Condemnation is not for us. It is necessary that fear is conquered in order to notice that the Lord is the Lord, and He is Mercy.\u201d
\n(G.L.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cA tradition of the Meeting, but not one to be taken for granted, Joseph Weiler\u2019s presentation at the Meeting: a lecture on the Bible as a living and decisive reality.\u201d … <\/p>\n