Welcome to our Bible Study

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time C7 August 2016

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Wisdom 18,6-9 6 The night of the passover was known beforehand to

our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage. 7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. 8 For when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned. 9 For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution, that your holy ones should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers.

1st reading: Wisdom 18,6-9 6 The night of the passover was known beforehand to

our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage. 7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. 8 For when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned. 9 For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution, that your holy ones should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers.

The focus is on salvation/liberation.

1st reading: Wisdom 18,6-9 6 The night of the

passover was known beforehand to our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage. 7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. 8 For when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned. 9 For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution, that your holy ones should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers.

Commentary The reading is about the salvation or

liberation of Israel. The context from which we can

understand the text is the passover night, v.6, an exodus event.

It is even anticipated by the patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and 12 tribes).

The Israelites are poised to leave / escape from Egypt.

Leaving Egypt means the salvation of Israel and the destruction of her enemies. v.7

Leaving Egypt is punishment for Israel’s enemies, glorification of the Israelites. v.8

V.9 indicates that the Israelites have been offering sacrifices and doing the will of God in secret.

Reflections on the 1st reading

God is concerned about our salvation and liberation. He will do everything to save and free us from anything

that enslaves us . The story of the Israelites going out of Egypt must also

be our story. Our journey should also be a story of our own salvation

and liberation. Think of the instances when you definitely said no to

immoral relationships, addictions, and questionable transactions.

When you have not done it yet, you are still far from heaven.

Resp. Ps 33:1,12, 18-19, 20,22 R. (12b) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

1 Exult, you just, in the LORD;praise from the upright is fitting.12 Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

18 See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,upon those who hope for his kindness,19 To deliver them from deathand preserve them in spite of famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD,who is our help and our shield.22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon uswho have put our hope in you.

Resp. Ps 33:1,12, 18-19, 20,22 R. (12b) Blessed the people the

Lord has chosen to be his own.

1 Exult, you just, in the LORD;praise from the upright is fitting.12 Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.

18 See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,upon those who hope for his kindness,19 To deliver them from deathand preserve them in spite of famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD,who is our help and our shield.22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.

Commentary The response definitely and originally

refers to the Israelites, the chosen people of God.

In v.1, the psalmist exhorts us, if we are just and righteous, to praise God.

V.12 repeats the idea of the response (v.12b)

V.18 affirms God’s gracious gaze on those who fear and hope in him.

V.19 talks about God saving them from death, even if there is famine.

V.20 shows the just people’s attitude towards God.

V.22 is the prayer for God’s graciousness of those who hope in him.

Reflections on the Psalm If we want that God will graciously deal with us, we

have to be just and righteous. We also have to put our confidence in him. In this way, we can properly render him praise and

glory.

Like the psalmist who recognizes himself as part of the lucky chosen people, we, Christians, must believe that we are also chosen by God through our baptism.

God will also have mercy on us. Are we also just and righteous? Do we trust in the Lord?

2nd reading: Hebrews 11,1-2.8-191 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence

of things not seen. V.1 gives a simple definition of what faith is. It is more of

an end-product (a realization, actualization of hope). It also proves true the things that are intangible (those of heaven).

2 Because of it the ancients were well attested. The ancients here are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the

forefathers / ancestors of the Israelites. They are made famous / remembered because of their faith.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go.

This refers to Gen 12 when God asks him to leave his home in Haran (Mesopotamia) to go to Canaan (now Palestine). A display of total trust in God.

9 By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God.

Abraham did not have a permanent place. He lived like a semi-nomad (in tents, near the cities) with his child Isaac and grandchild Jacob. Isaac and Jacob are sons of promise. Abraham was looking forward to a most stable place (Jerusalem).

11 By faith he received power to generate, even though he was past the normal age-- and Sarah herself was sterile-- for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.

Abraham, 100 and Sarah, 90, became parents of Isaac. God cured the sterility of Sarah. God overcame human limitations. He made even old people give birth.

12 So it was that there came forth from one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sands on the seashore.

As a result of the miraculous birth of Isaac, Abraham’s descendants became numerous / countless.

13 All these died in faith. The patriarchs died in faith. The explanation is in the next

line. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it

and greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth,

In their lifetime, they did not see God fulfill his promise of many descendants and land. The children of Israel became numerous only after about 400 years. They possessed the land only after the Exodus and the desert experience in Sinai.

14 for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return.

“for those who speak thus” may refer to those still in exile, not in the promised land. This is totally a different story. Now, we talk about the exiled people who want to return to their land. Maybe, it refers better to the exodus people who are aware of their roots in Canaan.

16 But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

The author interprets the longing of Abraham’s children. They desire a heavenly homeland, not the earthly one. Again the “city” appears. This could refer to Jerusalem, the heavenly Jerusalem.

17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, 18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name."

This refers to Gen 22 when God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, the son of promise, on Mt. Moriah (Jerusalem). God seems to contradict himself. How can his promise for descendants be fulfilled if he kills his only son?

19 He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a symbol.

This is the interpretation of the author. Sounds anachronistic. Raising from the dead is a Christian concept injected into the story of Abraham.

Reflections on the 2nd reading Faith makes everything possible. If we have faith like that of Abraham and the patriarchs,

we can move to a better place called the promised land. We can sojourn / live in any place. We can reproduce

better. We can be prolific. Our sterilities / barrenness / sickness can be cured.

Faith has long lasting effects. Its effects can be felt century after century.

Gospel reading: Luke 12,32-4832 Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is

pleased to give you the kingdom. Jesus talks to his disciples. He assures them of God’s

kingdom. God is happy to hand them his kingdom.33 Sell your belongings and give alms. In consequence, the disciples should give up their

belongings and be more charitable to the poor.Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an

inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy.

Since the disciples belong to the kingdom of God, they must now change their value system. They should set their minds on treasures, which cannot be lost or destroyed.

34 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. The Christian must have proper values, those values that

are taught by Jesus Christ. If the Christian has learned to be spiritual, his/her heart will be the same.

The focus is on servanthood.Somebody will read the text in black; the facilitator reads the text in blue.

35 "Gird your loins and light your lamps 36 and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.

Christians should be like smart servants, alert, always ready to welcome and serve their master, whose time of coming no one knows.

37 Blessed are those servants whom the master (kyrios) finds vigilant on his arrival.

Jesus praises the servants, who are vigilant.Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline

at table, and proceed to wait on them. Jesus will serve them, not vice versa.38 And should he come in the second or third watch and

find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.

It repeats what Jesus says in v.37.

39 Be sure of this: if the master of the house (oikodespotes) had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

As the master of the house (householder) is always vigilant, does not take chances, would not allow any lapses over the security of his house, so the disciples must be vigilant.

41 Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?"

The parable refers to vv.39-40. Peter asks for clarification.

42 And the Lord replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward (oikonomos, manager of the household) whom the master (kyrios) will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food allowance at the proper time?

Jesus indirectly answers Peter with a counter question. Here Jesus talks about faithful and prudent steward. He is the one who does his duty, delivering and distributing the food in due time.

43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.

Jesus repeats his commendation to the servants in vv.37-38. In fact, he will be given more responsibility. The ideal servant is the one who earns total trust from his master.

45 But if that servant says to himself, 'My master (kyrios) is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 then that servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

V.45 portrays an irresponsible servant, who does not take vigil and becomes violent with his fellow servants and abuses food and drink.

V. 46 spells out his punishment, by the master who comes unexpectedly.

47 That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely;

V.47 continues to enumerate the guilt of the unfaithful servant (no preparations, actions do not conform to his master’s will, did not represent him) in spite of knowing or being informed of his duties. His punishment is also spelled out here: to be beaten severely.

48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly.

This verse indicates another servant who does not know anything about the master’s will. There will be a little consideration for him in terms of punishment.

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

This saying is the logic of Jesus. More responsibility to those who are responsible. God will entrust them with more responsibilities..

Reflections on the gospel reading To be a servant, one needs to be responsible. He/she should represent the thinking and the ideas of

his master. The servant works hard even if the master is not

around. His/her behavior is the same as when the master is

present. (Hindi pakitang tao, not dishonest) Sign of being a faithful and prudent servant is: more

responsibilities are given to him/her. A sign of being unfaithful and imprudent servant:

responsibilities are taken away from him/her. Are you entrusted with bigger responsibilities?

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading reflects on the salvation / liberation of

the Israelite people (God’s servants). The psalm recognizes God’s gracious dealing with his

people, who are just and righteous. The second reading talks about the faith of Abraham

(God’s servant). The gospel reading talks about faithful and prudent

servants.

Our preachings and sharing must be focused on servanthood.

How to develop your sharing/homily Begin by talking about servants, katulong, domestic

helpers. Filipinos are famous for being domestic helpers here

and abroad. Experiences are both positive and negative: high salary,

better working conditions, if the DH has a good employer. If not, salary withheld, passport taken away, sexually abused, humiliated. Others come home inside a box.

Two kinds of domestic helpers: one is responsible and is trusted, the other is irresponsible and distrusted.

Similarly situated are the employees or workers.

The gospel reading speaks of a true servanthood. We, Christians, are all servants. Our master is God. We

serve in his vineyard, in his kingdom. God asks us to be responsible servants. We must keep

busy, fulfilling our duties and obligations. There should be no time to fool around.

As trusted servants, we must do the will of our Master: to give food on time. We don’t allow hunger to step into our house.

As servants, we must have the following characteristics: faithful, prudent, hard working, focused on the affairs of God, vigilant, pro-active (does not allow thieves to come in).

The first reading does not talk about servanthood, but the liberation and salvation to his people (his servants).

God wants that his servants are liberated and free from oppression.

The servants of God serve God even in secret, when there is persecution.

Our service to God must be non-stop. We must see to it that we ourselves are

liberated from sin.

The second reading describes how Abraham responded to God in faith.

In faith, Abraham obeyed God who ordered him to go somewhere.

Because of faith, God’s promises to Abraham became a reality.

To be a servant of God, we must have faith. We cannot go anywhere if we have no faith. We cannot even find meaning in whatever

happens to us.

In the government and private offices, many workers / employees work only when the boss is around.

When the boss is absent, they play solitaire or computer games. They open their Facebook account, chat, etc.

They engage in ‘tsismis’ and long coffee breaks. Sometimes, even when the boss is around, they

flagrantly / shamelessly continue doing their own thing, violating work ethics.

They also use the resources of their master (of the company) for the benefit of their relatives, organizations or for their own churches. They steal / pilfer office supplies. (Graft and corruption!)

They spend much time and energy with a little output.

The church is not spared of irresponsible leaders, servant-leaders or ministers.

They spend much time within the church premises or in the convent chatting and sour graping.

They come late for meetings and for formation conferences.

Do they have qualities demanded / implied by the readings? Liberated / saved / with faith / trusting in the Lord / responsible

and prudent. Far be it from the parishes and churches, leaders who

squander their positions doing nothing for the poor, for the church and for God’s kingdom.

The eucharist is a meal of honest, true and responsible servants.

In the eucharist, Jesus is our servant and host. He waits us to graciously respond to his invitation.

Jesus consoles us, strengthens us in our difficulties and shortcomings as servants.

In the eucharist, he supports us to become good and faithful servants.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Dishonest servants Works only when the

employer is around (shameless worker)

15/30 quincena, ghost employees

Abusive supervisors / caretakers

Sexual harrassment

Loyal and faithful servant

Responsible Disponible Serviceable Available Just and righteous

(matino)

Suggested Song We are made for Service Follow Christ Make Me a Servant Theme of Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NiqOkXYY0A