28th sunday in ordinary time - c

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28th Sunday in Ordinary Time C

October 13, 2013

In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: 2 Kings 5,14-17 14 Naaman went down and plunged into the

Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 5 He returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant." 16 "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it," Elisha replied; and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. 17 Naaman said: "If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.

The focus is on gratitude.

1st reading: 2 Kings 5,14-17Naaman, the leper, obeys the prophet 14 Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven

times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Thanksgiving of Naaman 15 He returned with his whole retinue to the man of God.

On his arrival he stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant." 16 "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it," Elisha replied; and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. 17 Naaman said: "If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of 2 Kings 5,14-17Outline of the Book of Kings (Boadt)1 Kings 1-2 The end of the “Successive Narrative” with Solomon winning the kingship1 Kings 3-11 The reign of Solomon1 Kings 12-16 The early days of the Divided Monarchy1 Kings 17—2 Kings 8 The prophetic stories of Elijah and Elisha during the days of the Aramean Wars2 Kings 9-17 The History of the Divided Monarchy up to the fall of Samaria in 722-721 BC.2 Kings 18-25 The history of Judah from the end of the

Northern Kingdom to the Exile in Babylon and the Fall of Jerusalem in 586. The last incident occurs in 562.

1st reading: 2 Kings 5,14-17

Naaman, the leper, obeys the prophet

14 Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Thanksgiving of Naaman 15 He returned with his

whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant."

Commentary V.14: Naaman, a Syrian king, a

leper, asks help from Elisha. He obeys Elisha, the man of God,

who commands him to plunge into the River Jordan 7x.

The result: He is cleansed / healed. V.15: Naaman returns to Elisha. Naaman articulates his realization.

There is no God on earth except in Israel.

He acknowledges the God of Israel, not his god or other gods.

Naaman also offers a gift (as a thanksgiving) to Elisha.

Naaman shows humility. He considers himself “your servant” to the prophet.

He becomes a humble king.

1st reading: 2 Kings 5,14-1716 "As the LORD lives whom I serve,

I will not take it," Elisha replied; and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. 17 Naaman said: "If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.

In v.16, Elisha does not accept Naaman’s gift.

He is adamant in rejecting the gift. Why?

The text does not say. But the refusal of Elisha

moves Naaman to have two-mule loads of earth with a promise not to offer any more holocaust (burnt sacrifice) except to the God of Israel, the God of Elisha. V.17

Out of this Israelite earth, he will erect in Aram an altar of the God of Israel.

What a conversion!

Reflections on the 1st reading We are all in need of healing. We each have a bout of our own diseases

(physical, psychological or spiritual). We need God to heal us through his instruments

(doctors, counselors, psychiatrists, spiritual directors, good friends, etc.).

Have we experienced healing? In many ways, we sure have been healed. Are we thankful to God for having intervened in

our lives? How do we show our gratitude to him?

Resp. Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving

power.1 Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

2 The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.

3 All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands:break into song; sing praise.

Resp. Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4 R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to

the nations his saving power.1 Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

2 The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.

3 All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands:break into song; sing praise.

CommentaryV.1 exhorts us to render new songs to the Lord, as a response to all his wonderful deeds.V.1 also acknowledges God as victorious (over his/our enemies).In v.2, the psalmist declares that God makes known his salvation and justice to all. He displays his power to the nations.In v.3, the psalmist believes that God is a remembering God. God remembers his kindness and faithfulness to his people Israel.The psalmist also speaks for all the people, saying all have experienced God’s salvation.

Reflections on the Psalm

God is for all peoples. He cannot be monopolized by a small group of people. If God is for all and he shows his power to all, all must

render him due recognition and thanksgiving. We, Christians, must be at the forefront in

acknowledging, praising and thanking God. Can you show your gratitude to God with your

community?

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 2,8-13 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,

a descendant of David: such is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

The focus is on remembering Jesus Christ.

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 2,8-13The imperative to Timothy 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a

descendant of David: such is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a

criminal. But the word of God is not chained.

10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.

What happens if we remember Jesus Christ? 11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we

shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him.

But if we deny him he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of 2 Timothy 2,8-13 Salutation, 1,1-2

Exhortation to courageous witness on the basis of Paul’s example, 1,3—2,13

Behavior toward heretics, 2,14—4,8

Paul’s personal situation, 4,9-18

Greetings, 4,19-22

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 2,8-13The imperative to Timothy 8 Remember Jesus Christ,

raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even

to the point of chains, like a criminal.

But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore, I bear with

everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.

What happens if we remember Jesus Christ?

11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him.


Commentary In v.8, Paul exhorts Timothy, the

church leader, (bishop of Ephesus) to remember Jesus Christ. Why? Did Timothy forget him?

In reminding Timothy, his “disciple,” Paul also says who Jesus is: Raised from the dead A descendant of David His gospel Cause of his sufferings, chains, being

treated like a criminal. V.9 (now in prison)

Paul says the Word of God is not chained.

In v.10, Paul continues to bear sufferings so that the chosen ones will be saved too.

Salvation is brought about by Jesus.

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 2,8-13The imperative to Timothy 8 Remember Jesus Christ,

raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, even

to the point of chains, like a criminal.

But the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore, I bear with

everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.

What happens if we remember Jesus Christ?

11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him.


In vv.11-13, we find a series of conditional clauses (introduced by if’s) which highlight Christian destiny.

V.11 talks about dying and living with Jesus (in baptism).

V.12 talks about the reward of persevering in our baptismal vows. We will reign with him.

The opposite of perseverance here is denial, to renege on our baptismal commitments. V.12

In v.13, we may be unfaithful but Jesus remains faithful. He does not change.

Reflections on the 2nd reading If you are a church leader (bishop), it does not

mean you don’t need reminding anymore. The church leader must always think of Jesus

Christ, must center her/his life on him. Remembering Jesus means re-living his

passion, death and resurrection. Remembering Jesus is the main point of our

leadership. Leadership does not end with our successful plans and programs.

Remembering leads to thanksgiving.

Gospel reading: Luke 17,11-19 11 As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled

through Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was entering a village, ten lepers met (him). They stood at a distance from him 13 and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" 14 And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; 16 and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" 19 Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

The focus is on gratefulness.

Gospel reading: Luke 17,11-19Setting: Journey to Jerusalem 11 As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled

through Samaria and Galilee. The 10 lepers 12 As he was entering a village, ten lepers met (him). They

stood at a distance from him 13 and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" 14 And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed.

The 1 leper, a Samaritan 15 And one of them, realizing he had been healed,

returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; 16 and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" 19 Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Luke 17,11-19 16,1-8a The Parable of the Dishonest Steward 16,8b-13 Application of the Parable 16,14-18 A Saying Against the Pharisees 16, 19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus 17,1-10 Some sayings of Jesus 17,11-19 Jesus Cleanses the Ten Lepers 17,20-37 The Coming of the Kingdom 18,1-8 The Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge

The reading belongs to the long travel narrative of Jesus starting from Galilea through Samaria to Jerusalem.

Gospel reading: Luke 17,11-19Setting: Journey to Jerusalem 11 As he continued his journey to

Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.

The 10 lepers 12 As he was entering a village, ten

lepers met (him). They stood at a distance from him 13 and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" 14 And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed.

The 1 leper, a Samaritan 15 And one of them, realizing he had

been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; 16 and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" 19 Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

Commentary In v.11 Jesus continues his journey to

Jerusalem. He traverses through Galilee and

Samaria (the text inverts the order). V.12 introduces the 10 lepers. They

seem to be organized and know their limitations.

Together they stand at a distance. In v.13, together they raise their voice in

chorus. V.14 presents the response of Jesus.

Instead of saying, “Come here,” he says “Go to the priests…”

Jesus asks them to present themselves to the priests in Jerusalem (probably as a sign that something is happening. The priests must be able to interpret correctly their healing).

They obey and are cleansed. The kingdom of God is at hand.







In v.15, one of the lepers is on focus. He returns and glorifies God in a

loud voice (full volume). He sees the hand of God in his healing.

He worships Jesus and thanks him. V.16

This cleansed leper is specified as a Samaritan.

What’s so important about specifying this one as a Samaritan?

The Jews and the Samaritans do not like each other for religious and historical reasons.

The least expected person comes back to give thanks.







In v.17, Jesus accounts those who are cleansed. Where are the others?

What happened to them? Are they not healed?

V.18 picks up the important elements of vv.15-16 (returned, thanked).

In v.19, Jesus makes him stand and go. Jesus affirms his faith.

Reflections on the gospel reading

Gratefulness is an important characteristic of the Christian.

To be grateful is to go back to Jesus, the source of healing and blessing.

Gratefulness should come out spontaneously. We should not delay (postpone) giving thanks. There is no excuse for us not to be thankful.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading talks about thanksgiving, after the

healing/cleansing. The psalm acknowledges God’s salvation to all. The second reading talks about remembering Jesus to

whom we owe our salvation (paving the way to thanksgiving).

The gospel reading talks about thanksgiving, after healing.

How to develop your sharing / homily Are you a grateful person? We, Catholics, offer mass when we graduate from

college, when we pass board exams, and when we get a new job or when we have a successful operation.

Many mass offerings in our churches are thanksgiving masses.

However, many of us Catholics still have to cultivate the spirit of gratefulness as taught by the readings.

The first reading teaches us to be thankful to those who do us favors. We do not take them for granted.

They are God’s instruments in bestowing his graces to us.

Even if we are in authority (king, president, general, manager, etc.), we still have to give thanks to those who are able to help us.

In the reading, gratefulness is not simply saying “Thank you,” but making a firm promise to worship the true God.

Thanksgiving is not complete when we don’t acknowledge the power of God or when we don’t demonstrate our conversion.

The second reading helps us understand the theme of thanksgiving.

The important element here is to remember. To be thankful to God, we have to remember

Jesus Christ. It is he who brings us salvation. We remember the gospel. Like Paul, we too suffer for the gospel, that

others may be saved and that they may be thankful to God too.

The gospel reading explicitly teaches us to be grateful.

We have to be creative in order to be grateful. We don’t have to be instructed or commanded

in order to be grateful. Gratefulness is a spontaneous exercise of our

faith. After receiving a big favor from God and when

you return and give thanks to him, you are making a very strong statement to others that the kingdom of God is at hand.

Gratefulness builds relationships.

In the family, church and society, we cannot do much

with ungrateful people. These people expect you to do a lot of favor to them, as

if it is their right to be supported and you have no freedom to withhold whatever they want.

Doing a favor to others is not an obligation. It is a free gift. For this we must be thankful. Ungratefulness is a sign of being irreligious. To the ungrateful, remember that you are pitiful. You

are not at all on top of other people (those who are supporting you). You are just a pain in their neck.

Be humble and acknowledge your poverty, powerlessness, dependence, blunders and un-freedom.

Be thankful with a beautiful smile.

The eucharist is the food for the grateful people. The word eucharist comes from the Greek

, which means “I give thanks.” In the eucharist, we give thanks to God for the

gift of salvation. In the eucharist, we are showing to the world

that we are a grateful people.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Ungrateful Walang utang na loob Refusal to acknowledge the

goodness of the other Makes unnecessary remarks Forgets the goodness of the

other when there is a little misunderstanding

Easily breaks relationships Forgetful of the donor Does not have the drive to

attend mass

Gratefulness Thoughtfulness Appreciative Generous in giving

compliments Letter of thanks Gestures of thanksgiving A simple remembrance Goes to mass

Suggested Songs You are so good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spj_5sTiF5Y Thank You, Lord (Poy Galeon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHEMk4AqoMw Yours are the Praises (Canticle of Bro. Sun)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUEuzQjA7x8

28th sunday in ordinary time - c

Spiritual

god of elisha

god of israel

man of god

thanksgiving of naaman

lord lives

refusal of elisha

israelite earth

book of kings boadt