Rev. Charles Von Euw Lecture Welcomes Dr. Scott Hahn to Saint John’s Seminary

On Friday, November 21, Saint John’s Seminary hosted a remarkable evening of theological exploration as Dr. Scott Hahn delivered this year’s Rev. Charles Von Euw Lecture, John’s Temple Christology. The Refectory was filled to capacity—seminarians, college students, lay faithful, priests, and religious all gathered with notebooks in hand, ready to dive into the depths of the Gospel of John.

The event began with prayer led by Dr. Paul Metilly, Academic Dean, who entrusted the gathering to the Blessed Mother. In his warm introduction, Dr. Metilly reflected on the impact Dr. Hahn had on his own academic and spiritual formation—a sentiment shared by many in the room.

Exploring Christ the Temple in John’s Gospel

Throughout the lecture, Dr. Hahn guided the audience through an investigation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Temple—a theme woven throughout the Gospel of John. He highlighted how John’s narrative, spanning three years of Jesus’ ministry, connects key signs and miracles to the feasts and liturgical life of Ancient Israel.

Dr. Hahn unpacked:

• The significance of the Temple in Israel’s identity and worship

• The relationship between the First Passover and the cleansing of the Temple

• The importance of terminology used to describe Jesus’ signs and their role in Baptismal Mystagogy

• The continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments

• The elements of Temple worship—sanctuary, priesthood, sacrifice, divine presence—and their fulfillment and transcendence in Christ

A Vibrant Exchange of Ideas

The Q&A session offered further richness. Questions came from across the Seminary community: Br. Jonathan, a Carmelite religious; seminarian Alex Charrow; and Dr. Metilly. Each question drew Dr. Hahn into deeper discussion on themes from his essay, further illuminating the connections between Scripture, tradition, and the life of faith.

After the formal program ended, Dr. Hahn remained, warmly greeting attendees, answering additional questions, and signing books. As people made their way out of the Seminary that evening, many could be heard animatedly sharing reflections—connecting what they had learned to their studies, ministries, and personal prayer.

The Rev. Charles Von Euw Lecture once again proved to be a moment of intellectual enrichment and spiritual renewal, inviting all who attended to rediscover Christ as the true and everlasting Temple at the heart of the Church’s worship and life.