https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9132 2026-06-04T20:26:32Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/92795 Title: The imagery of friendship in the Gospel of John Abstract: Friendship is described by Augustine as 'enjoyment of God, and of each other in God.' The Fourth Gospel articulates this Augustinian thought by illustrating the theme of friendship within the Gospel framework, a theme which is not isolated but related to other central themes like love and discipleship. It is a theme expressed not only through the structure of the gospel but also through the symbolic language employed by the Fourth Gospel. Throughout this dissertation, one will delve into the narrative of the gospel to illustrate how the fourth evangelist presents the imagery of friendship not through a theological treatise but by the plot of the narrative which ultimately aims to lead the reader to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and to enter into an intimate relation with him. The imagery of friendship in John carries also a pastoral dimension in the life of the believer. It helps him understand that Jesus is not a abstract theological notion but a friend, eager to offer his love to all those who believe in him. Description: S.TH.L. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91061 Title: Elements of Marian mysticism from the Magisterium of John Paul II Abstract: Since Vatican II both Pope Paul VI and John Paul II have sought to implement a renewal of understanding of the Marian principle in the Church. Pope John Paul II is often referred to as the Marian Pope, because he has given a certain prominence to the Blessed Virgin Mary in his Magisterium. This dissertation seeks to understand some elements of Marian Mysticism from the Magisterium of John Paul II. This work explores briefly the Mariological milieu of the twentieth century, particularly that of Vatican Council II. The Polish Marian Way has contributed to the Church of this period and has left its influence on the formation of John Paul II. In the pontificate of this same Pope the twentieth century Marian phenomenon of Fatima came into the fore front due to the interpretation that he gave to certain events and writings. The core of this work deals with two important Marian sources from which John Paul II draw his Marian mysticism. The rich Carmelite tradition is the main focus because of its great influence on John Paul II's formation. Particular attention is given to some important Marian mystical authors of the Order. The following source is the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary of St. Louis De Montfort because of the special reference made to it by the John Paul II. This work closes with some aspects of the Marian heritage that John Paul II has left to the Church. Particular attention is given to the Encyclical Redemptoris Mater being a document of major significance. The Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, is dealt with too, because of the profound mystical significance the Pope gave to this prayer. Finally a brief overview of the Marian Catechesis sheds some light on the Mariological method of the Pope. Description: B.A.(HONS)THEOLOGY 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9146 Title: The kingdom of God : already and not yet Abstract: The purpose of this dissertation is to seek and explore the impact of the present and future aspects of the kingdom of God, in the contemporary age. The shift from the Jewish concept of the kingdom of God, to the concept presented by Jesus Christ will be explored. Another feature of this paper will be a brief historical analysis of Christianity's treatment of the tension between the already-and-not-yet concepts of the kingdom, focusing on the Church's developing teaching regarding the kingdom in light of Lumen Gentium chapter 7. Drawing conclusions from this research, the paper will then attempt to approach the implications of the already-and-not-yet in a contemporary situation. Description: B.A.(HONS)THEOLOGY 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/8959 Title: The biblical perspective of suffering in John Paul II Salvifici Doloris Abstract: This dissertation is introduced by trying to understand the origin of suffering in the content of Sacred Scripture. This serves as a background for the subsequent study on the biblical perspective of suffering as treated by Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic letter Salvifici Doloris. The book of Job and the Hymns of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah are highlighted as well as the Christ-event that gives redemptive value to human suffering and Paul’s understanding of this value in his own life. Other Old and New Testament figures are also highlighted in order to further develop an understanding to suffering. The conclusion is set out to incorporate all the elements brought out through the dissertation and bring them to a complete argument in order to help the reader gain a better understanding of suffering just as Pope John Paul II intended when writing the letter. Description: B.A.(HONS)THEOLOGY 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z