"This is my body broken for you": A hermeneutical inquiry on Jesus' soma — rethinking the Philippine socio-economic realities

Abstract

This study attempts to critically analyze the Matthean notion on Jesus’ soma in the light of determining the OFWs’ brokenness under the realm of globalizing transnationalizing capitalism as well as in Diaspora. The study seeks to identify a biblical framework on brokenness towards reconstructing collaborative works between hermeneutics and the community of faith in establishing ecclesiastical solidarity with the commodified body of migrant workers. An analysis of the socio-economic condition, and political structures prevalent in the Philippines as well as the accompanying ministry of the community of faith have played major roles in advocating the dignity and liberty of migrant workers in Diaspora.

To arrive at the focal purpose of this research, the study employs three methodological approaches namely: socio-analytical approach, hermeneutical approach, and pastoral approach, in which the findings resulted in a deeper understanding of the roots, causes and the larger dimension of the dehumanizing problem of migration among Filipino migrant workers.

The study sketches a hermeneutical criticism on the Matthean text to unveil the unconventional motifs of the Lord’s Supper. In identifying Christ’s brokenness in a larger context, blended perspective from different noted scholars implicitly and explicitly cited and employed to this study to develop a reflective “manifesto” as a thoughtful piece for future integration of theological construction and practical strategy. In articulating the context of OFWs’ brokenness, an interpretive work on the Matthean Christology has been framed to realign its hermeneutical implication to the present condition of migrant workers in order to provide theological interconnection between the OFWs’ body and the positionality of the body of Christ (the church) in a globalized village.

This study has identified at least two significant hermeneutical motifs, namely: a dynamic motif of brokenness, and a dynamic motif of inclusivity; which can be harnessed towards constructing and shaping inclusivistic theology and culture of hospitality within the community of faith. As implied in the study, the socio-economic and exclusionary political structures are dominant factors of forced migration of Filipino OFWs. Corresponding to the issues and concerns of forced migration wherein the body is commodified, it is reflected in the study that the prophetic role and ecclesiastical vision of the community of faith are summoned to facilitate the advocacy for direct service, initiate conversational interaction, and facilitate the process of healing and transformation.