Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

15th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B

July 12, 2015In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Amos 7,12-15

Rejection 12 Amaziah, priest of Bethel said to Amos: "Off with

you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple."

Response / God’s Call 14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor

have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”

The focus is on the rejection of the prophet.

1st reading: Amos 7,12-15 12 Amaziah, priest of

Bethel said to Amos: "Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple."

14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.

Commentary: In v.12, Amaziah, a priest, drives

away Amos (seer, hozeh) from Bethel (an ancient shrine in Israel, northern kingdom).

Amaziah wants him to go back to Judah (where he comes from, southern kingdom).

Amaziah instructs him to earn his bread by prophesying there.

In those days, prophecy could be a paid job.

1st reading: Amos 7,12-15 12 Amaziah, priest of

Bethel said to Amos: "Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple." 14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.

In v.13, Amaziah reiterates that Amos should never prophesy in Bethel.

Why? Amaziah explains: it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.

In v.14, Amos defends himself. He was not a prophet (in Hebrew nabi). He did not belong to a guild of

prophets (as in the times of Samuel) or a prophet’s son.

He earned his living by being a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees.

In v.15, Amos explains, God has stopped him from tending his flocks, in order to prophesy to them (Israelites, people of the northern kingdom).

Reflections on the 1st reading

When God calls you, be prepared to lose your job and to handle a more difficult job.

Like Amos, we can be asked to prophesy, to warn people of the impending punishment from God, for their sins and offenses, if there is no repentance.

Like Amos, we must be prepared to be rejected and be driven away.

On the superficial level, the reason for being rejected may be because we don’t belong to their territory, to their race, to their clan and to their circle.

But deep inside, it is because we carry a very disturbing and unsettling message.

Prophets tell your mistakes in front of your face. They speak on behalf of God. Have you met a prophet like this in your life? Did you change?

Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14 R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

9 I will hear what God proclaims;the LORD —for he proclaims peace.10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,glory dwelling in our land.

11 Kindness and truth shall meet;justice and peace shall kiss.12 Truth shall spring out of the earth,and justice shall look down from heaven.

13 The LORD himself will give his benefits;our land shall yield its increase.14 Justice shall walk before him,and prepare the way of his steps.

Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14 R. (8) Lord, let us see your

kindness, and grant us your salvation.

9 I will hear what God proclaims;the LORD —for he proclaims peace.10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,glory dwelling in our land.

11 Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.12 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.

13 The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.14 Justice shall walk before him,and prepare the way of his steps.

Commentary The responsorial psalm is

classified as a community lament.

It helps us accept the message of the prophet.

The response (v.8) is a prayer to God for light and salvation.

In v.9, the psalmist promises to be open to God’s word, which he believes will bring peace.

In v.10, the psalmist affirms that salvation is near to those who fear God.

Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14 R. (8) Lord, let us see your

kindness, and grant us your salvation.

9 I will hear what God proclaims;the LORD —for he proclaims peace.10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,glory dwelling in our land.

11 Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.12 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.

13 The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.14 Justice shall walk before him,and prepare the way of his steps.

Vv.11-12 enumerate the usual vision of a prophet: kindness, truth, justice and peace.

V.13 indicates the fruits of justice, peace, etc.: abundance of food

In v.14, justice is personified as walking before the Lord, preparing his path.

Here, justice facilitates the coming of the Lord (who brings about salvation).

Reflections on the Psalm

This psalm invites us to listen to the voice of the prophets (the voice of God).

It invites us to open our hearts and minds to God’s message, which asks us to exercise justice and righteousness.

We can only feel his abundant blessings (food and

security) if we are kind and just. This time, our psalm does not invite us to a noisy

celebration, but to a full acceptance of his words, to gain salvation.

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has

blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. 7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. 11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.

The focus is on Jesus Christ himself, through whom God showers his blessings upon us.

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14Doxology to the Father Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has

blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

Jesus Christ 7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of

transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight,

9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.

Notice the underlined words. Those are the spiritual blessings through Christ.

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14Doxology to the Father 3 Blessed be the God and

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

Commentary: In v.3, the author (Paul!)

praises God and the Father of Jesus for blessing us with all kinds of

blessings from heaven. V.4 adds another reason for

praising God: He chooses us in him, before

creation, to be holy and without impurity

V.5 also gives one more reason for praising God: He destines us for adoption.

V.6 gives us the ultimate reason for blessing the Father: For the praise of the glory…

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14

Jesus Christ 7 In him we have redemption by his

blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.

Vv. 7-14 enumerate what Christ does for us: He redeems by his blood

and forgiveness (v.7)

He reveals mystery of his will (v.9)

He has chosen, destined us to conform to his design (v.11)

He has sealed us with the promise of the holy Spirit (v.13)

2 times mentioned: the praise of his glory (vv. 12,14)

Reflections on the 2nd reading God is really a good Father. He sends his Son to shower his blessings upon us. The Son accomplishes in us God’s plan, through his

blood (sufferings on the cross). Christ pays a great price (blood) to win us to God. He

lavishes us also with his grace, wisdom and insight. All God wants us is for us to live according to what we

are destined to be and to do: To bless God To praise Him To do everything for his greater glory.

Gospel reading: Mark 6,7-13 7 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send

them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick-- no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. 11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." 12 So they went off and preached repentance. 13 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

The focus is on the mission of the 12.

Gospel reading: Mark 6,7-13 7 Jesus summoned the Twelve

and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick-- no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. 11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." 12 So they went off and preached repentance. 13 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Commentary: In v.7, Jesus calls the 12 and

sends them 2 by 2. He also gives them authority over

unclean spirits (evil spirits). Vv.8-11 contain his instructions:

In their mission, they should travel light. They should bring with them only the basic (walking staff and sandals). They should carry no extra belongings.

In v.10, the apostles should not transfer from one house to another.

In v.11, they must be prepared to be rejected.

In v.12, the apostles obey and they do the following: They preach repentance. They drive out demons. V.13 They anoint and cure the sick. V.13

Reflections on the gospel We, Christians, must be prepared to be sent also,

like the apostles. After all those trainings, conferences, sermons,

and on-going formation, now we must share our faith with others.

In doing our mission, we should not turn people off by our fancy looks and appearances.

We are not there to show off the little we have, but to work… to lead people to repentance, to heal their woundedness and to free them from the evil that consumes them.

We should also be prepared to face rejection.

Tying the 3 readings and Psalm

The prophet is sent by God to deliver his message. (1st reading)

The psalm helps us to accept the message of the prophet (of God).

God the Father is praised for sending Jesus Christ to bring us salvation. (2nd reading)

Like the apostles, we, Christians, must be focused on our mission work. (gospel)

Or you may just develop the importance of mission work and what it entails.

How to develop your homily / sharing

Begin by sharing your difficulties as a priest or religious (people resisting to the new challenges, preferring the old way of being church and old catechism, old songs, old theology, inattentive to formation programs, people insisting their own even if it is already obsolete). Feeling rejected, money and energy wasted Criticized for introducing new things, ignored

because people prefer another priest.

Try to reason out: they may be part of the ministry, like in the days of old: Amos was rejected and was sent away by a

priest Amaziah because he communicated the disturbing message of God;

Christ was crucified because he disturbed the peace and quiet of the ruling class;

and the apostles themselves faced the same fate.

Now, try to share the meaning of mission according to your experience: Why are you not backing out or leaving the priesthood or religion?

Why are you still doing your mission in spite of resistance? What keeps you going? What’s your inspiration? It is God who calls me to do this, not myself. I believe, I carry God’s message, even if it disturbs. I know that if people believe in what I say about God

and Jesus, they will attain salvation. Their lives will be changed.

Mission is our life as Christians. We do not remain on the receiving end for ever. If we truly appreciate our faith, then we must be

ready to communicate and share it with others. In the family, each parent is obliged to teach

Christian faith to his/her kids. It is not just the work of the catechists. Our mission is to teach, to exorcise and to heal everyone.

The content of our teachings should be none other than repentance, which brings about forgiveness, healing and salvation = kingdom of God.

What happens if we do not do our mission? Refusal to do our mission is a betrayal of our

baptismal vows. It is a sign that we have not really understood

our faith. Our faith is not for our convenience. Faith is

lived in sacrifice. One must not emphasize so much the

inconvenience, but the souls gained when we diligently and conscientiously do our mission.

The crowning fruit of our missionary efforts is the reception of the eucharist.

The eucharist makes us remember that Christian life is a life of sharing and mission.

In the eucharist, Christ strengthens us in our mission.

Our Context of Sin and Grace No sense of mission Overly sensitive Becomes immobilized

when rejected and criticized

Phony homilies, lots of baloneys

Liturgy becoming an entertainment, without serious message from the preacher

Missionaries, local and foreign

Well formed and informed, prepared missionaries

Focused preachers Hardworking catechists Church workers

sensitive to culture and gender

Suggested songs Go tell everyone Maghandog ng Alay by Chito Ranoa, OFM, offertory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRWqJuXVAP0 Follow Christ

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