Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time CJanuary 31, 2016

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st Reading: Jeremiah 1,4-5.17-19 4 The word of the LORD came to me thus: 5 Before

I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

17 But do you gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; 18 For it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, A pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: Against Judah's kings and princes, against its priests and people. 19 They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

The focus is on the prophet Jeremiah.

Textual Context of Jeremiah 1,4-5.17-19 Part I Chapters 1-25 Type A and C Part II Chapters 26-36 Type B Part III Chapters 37-45 Type B Part IV Chapters 46-51 Type A Part V Chapter 52 Type C

Type A = original oracles of Jeremiah Type B = biographical accounts about Jeremiah's works and personal sufferings, by his scribe Baruch Type C = materials handed down and edited by school of Dt.

Historical Context of Jeremiah

605 Babylon defeats Egypt

JEREMIAH (627-585) 45 YRS   in Carchemish

+Jehoiachin? 598 600

Zedekiah 597   597 Jehoiakin taken to Babylon

(bro. of Jehoiachin) 595 1st deportation

592  

590

  589 Neb. besieges Jer.

+Gedaliah 586 585 587 Babylonian Exile

EZEKIEL/ JER 29 582   2nd deportation / some fled to Egypt

580 3rd deportation

Judah

1st Reading: Jeremiah 1,4-5.17-19 4 The word of the LORD came to

me thus: 5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

17 But do you gird your loins; stand up and tell them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as though I would leave you crushed before them; 18 For it is I this day who have made you a fortified city, a pillar of iron, a wall of brass, against the whole land: Against Judah's kings and princes, against its priests and people. 19 They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

Commentary The reading is about the

vocation and mission of the prophet Jeremiah.

V.4 is a typical formulation of God’s word coming to a prophet.

God addresses himself to Jeremiah in the second person (you).

V.5 indicates that God has predestined Jeremiah to be a prophet.

Vv.17-19 express words of encouragement for the success of Jeremiah’s mission.

Jeremiah will meet many opponents: kings, princes, priests and peoples (big shots and common tao).

Reflections on the 1st reading To be a prophet, one must be called by God. Prophetic work is not so much to predict the future,

as to speak in behalf of God, to proclaim his message now, to warn people, especially leaders, political and religious, to change, or else… (The Israelites did not change, so they were exiled to Babylon.)

To be a prophet is to become unpopular. The prophet speaks what people don’t want to hear. But,

there is no backing out. To be a prophet, one must: know the will of God, be

courageous, speak out the message, be prepared to be rejected or eliminated, and trust in the power of the Lord.

In our baptism, we, Christians, share in the prophetic mission of Christ.

Resp. Psalm Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17 R. (cf. 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.

1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge;let me never be put to shame.2 In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;incline your ear to me, and save me.

3 Be my rock of refuge,a stronghold to give me safety,for you are my rock and my fortress.4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.

5 For you are my hope, O Lord;my trust, O God, from my youth.6 On you I depend from birth;from my mother’s womb you are my strength.

15 My mouth shall declare your justice,day by day your salvation.16 O God, you have taught me from my youth,and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.

Resp. Psalm Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17 R. (cf. 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.1 In you, O LORD, I take refuge;let me never be put to shame.2 In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;incline your ear to me, and save me.

3 Be my rock of refuge,a stronghold to give me safety,for you are my rock and my fortress.4 O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.

5 For you are my hope, O Lord;my trust, O God, from my youth.6 On you I depend from birth;from my mother’s womb you are my strength.

15 My mouth shall declare your justice,day by day your salvation.16 O God, you have taught me from my youth,and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.

Commentary The psalm is classified as an

individual lament. In vv.1-2, the psalmist takes refuge in

God and asks God to save him. In v.3, the psalmist uses metaphors

for God: rock of refuge, stronghold, rock, fortress.

V.4 specifies what troubles the psalmist: the hand of the wicked.

Vv.5-6 express well the feelings of Jeremiah.

In v.15, the psalmist promises to proclaim God’s justice and salvation, non-stop.

In v.16, the psalmist acknowledges God as a teacher since he reached the age of reason. Also, the psalmist after all has unceasingly been proclaiming God’s wondrous deeds.

Reflections on the Psalm Like the psalmist, we may experience trouble.

Something or someone threatens our lives. When we have such feelings, like the psalmist, we

have to take refuge in the Lord. We pray hard for deliverance.

As we experience God’s power, we must not forget to proclaim God’s goodness to us.

When God grants us favors, we must not be quiet about it. Without hesitation, we must make it known to others.

Are you a good petitioner? Do you have a thankful heart?

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12,31—13,13 31 Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still

more excellent way. 13:1 If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5 it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6 it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. 9 For we know partially and we prophesy partially, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.

12 At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. 13 So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

The focus is on love.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12,31—13,13The best gift

31 Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way.

What happens to my gifts if I have no love? 13:1 If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding

gong or a clashing cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is ever enduring 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5

it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6 it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.

Other gifts are transitory If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if

knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. 9 For we know partially and we prophesy partially, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

Paul’s testimony of his growth 11 When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when

I became a man, I put aside childish things. 12 At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.

Conclusion 13 So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

A simple outline!

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12,31—13,13 31 Strive eagerly for the greatest

spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way.

What happens to my gifts if I have no love?

13:1 If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is ever enduring 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It is not

jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5 it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6 it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.

Commentary: The reading reminds us of a very

important ingredient in sharing our talents with others: love

V.31 introduces Paul’s primary concern on being gifted by God.

Ch13, vv.1-3 paint a very bad picture of someone who is gifted but does not have love: she/he is a gong, a clashing cymbal (pangit pakinggan), she/he is nothing (walang kuwenta), nothing (not meritorious, walang silbi, sayang)

Vv.4-8 enumerate the characteristics of love: patient, kind, not jealous (sport lang), not pretentious, not rude (not bastos), respectful, other-centered, cool (lagi), does not blow small issues out of proportion, persevering, can take things even if they are difficult, etc.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12,31—13,13Other gifts are transitory

If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. 9 For we know partially and we prophesy partially, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

Paul’s testimony of his growth 11 When I was a child, I used to

talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. 12 At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.

Conclusion 13 So faith, hope, love remain,

these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Vv.8-10 say that prophesies and knowledge will come to nothing. They are not complete in themselves (partial). These will disappear with the coming of the perfect one (God).

Vv.11-12 talk about Paul’s becoming mature. He has changed his outlook of life, not from the point of view of a small child, but from a seasoned adult missionary.

In v.13, once more, Paul affirms the importance of LOVE.

Reflections on the 2nd reading Love should pervade in all our activities. Without love, our mission and gifts become

meaningless. Love is non-negotiable. Love is manifested in many ways: patience,

kindness, humility, proper reaction to injury, not overreacting, etc.

Love is the basic ingredient to our Christian and community life.

Without love, our apostolate, preaching, prophecies, singing, healings, speaking in tongues, etc., do not have value in the eyes of God.

Take note, kayong makarisma!

Gospel Reading: Luke 4, 21-30 21 Jesus said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in

your hearing." 22 And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?" 23 He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'" 24 And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. 25 Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 26 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." 28 When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. 29 They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. 30 But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

The focus is on the rejection of Jesus, the prophet.

Gospel Reading: Luke 4,21-30Prophetic claim of Jesus and initial good reaction 21 Jesus said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in

your hearing." 22 And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?“

Jesus anticipates the demands of his townmates as a prophet, good preacher, (because they know him, they want him to work there)

23 He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'"

Jesus states what is not acceptable to God 24 And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted (by

God, who works) in his own native place.

A simple outline!

Examples of acceptable prophets, Elijah and Elisha (who did not work in their own land during a crisis)

25 Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 26 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."

His townmates cannot swallow his argument (Jesus did not give in to their expectations)

28 When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. 29 They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.

Not a escape, but standing by his belief as prophet (in order to be acceptable to God)

30 But he passed through the midst of them and went away (he went on his way to other places).

Zareptha

Syria

Nazareth

Capernaum

Used with permission from PBS/UBS

Textual Context of Luke 4,21-30 Literary Preface & Infancy Narrative:  1:1—2:52 

          Preparation for Ministry:  3:1—4:13                 Galilean Ministry:  4:14—9:50                      Journey to Jerusalem:  9:51—19:27                Jerusalem Ministry:  19:28—21:38            Passion Narrative:  22:1—23:56 

 Resurrection Appearances & Ascension:  24:1-53 

Gospel Reading: Luke 4,21-30Prophetic claim of Jesus and initial good reaction

21 Jesus said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, "Isn't this the son of Joseph?“

Jesus anticipates the demands of his townmates as a prophet, good preacher, (because they know him, they want him to work there)

23 He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb, 'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'"

Jesus states what is not acceptable to God

24 And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted (by God, who works) in his own native place.

Commentary The setting is still in the synagogue

in Nazareth. Jesus has just read from the prophet Isaiah.

In v.21, Jesus claims that the prophecy in Isaiah has been fulfilled in their hearing.

In v.22, Jesus gets a favorable response. The people are amazed at his words.

In vv.23-24, Jesus clarifies his prophetic mission.

His ministry will not be confined to his friends and relatives in order to be acceptable to the Lord.

The meaning of acceptability should be based on Luke’s “to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

Examples of acceptable prophets, Elijah and Elisha (who did not work in their own land during a crisis)

25 Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 26 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27 Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."

His townmates cannot swallow his argument (Jesus did not give in to their expectations)

28 When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. 29 They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.

Not a escape, but standing by his belief as prophet (in order to be acceptable to God)

30 But he passed through the midst of them and went away (he went on his way to other places).

In vv.25-27, Jesus recalls the examples of Elijah and Elisha, who responded to the needs of the people outside Israel.

These were acceptable to God. But in v.28, Jesus’ argument is

not acceptable to the people and they become furious.

In v.29, the people become violent. They attempt to kill him because he does not conform to their expectations.

In v.30, Jesus goes on his way. The Greek word (eporeueto) used by Luke does not mean, he escapes, in fact, he just moves on.

Later in Capernaum, the people would like to withhold him, but Jesus would insist he has to go (eporeueto) to other places also to evangelize.

Reflections on the gospel reading Christian mission is not doing one’s own agenda. Christian mission is conforming to the agenda of God. The Christian missionary must be able to transcend

his own desires and that of his loved ones in order to be acceptable to God.

God’s plan must be the priority. The mentality of the Christian missionary must be

patterned with that of Christ, Elijah and Elisha. You cannot be a missionary if you are just a pleaser to

your relatives or friends.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading talks about the prophet Jeremiah,

his call and mission. The psalm expresses the prayer of a prophet, who

feels threatened but saved by God. The second reading talks basically about love, but

we focus on prophecy in the context of love. The gospel reading talks about Jesus as an

acceptable prophet.

Our preaching must focus on being true and acceptable prophets.

How to develop your homily and sharing We are all called to share in the prophetic

mission of Christ, by virtue of our baptism. What is to be a prophet? The first reading tells us that it is God who

makes us prophets. We have to be bold to speak for God. We are sent not just for a few friends and

relatives, but for the whole nation. As prophets, we must be like Jeremiah.

The second reading tells us that to be a prophet, we must have love.

Without love, we cannot do anything according to God’s plan.

We must examine ourselves if we have love: if we are kind, if we are not rude (bastos), etc.

Only when we have love (good attitude and behavior, respect) that our efforts have value.

The gospel reading tells us that to be acceptable to God, we, as prophets, must not be confined to our comfort zones (our small circle of friends or familiar townmates).

We must not be attached to our families and relatives.

We must be ready to embark to an unknown place and people and suffer there, to be acceptable to the Lord.

In our times, where governance is characterized by deceit, cheating, corruption, and malpractices (just to get money or stay in power), we need to practice our vocation as prophets, even if we are afraid or feel threatened.

If we represent God, we expect opposition. It is God’s imperative that we, as a church, not

just as individuals, boldly speak on God’s behalf.

What happens if we do not exercise our prophetic ministry in our times?

Status quo. We become worse. We surrender to evil. Evil will proliferate. No one will repent of his/her evildoing. No justice and peace.

“All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” (Zimbardo’s Lucifer Effect)

In our times, we must also recognize the modern prophets, who might be disturbing us because of our complacency, or, for being identified with the oppressive rulers and powers-that-be.

Today the prophet may be an activist, an NGO in the streets crying out for justice, fairness, charity, gender sensitivity, Children’s Rights, respect for the IPs, land for the landless, peace and dialogue, environmental justice, work for the unemployed, love for the loveless.

The prophets of today’s globalized world may be the enlightened bishops, the oppositionists, the theologians, the ordinary parishioners, the social workers, conscientious soldiers, the catechists who are passionate in their struggles for social justice and clean environment.

In this Jubilee of Mercy, the prophets are those who defend the poor who are mercilessly oppressed by the system or by heartless individuals.

In the eucharist, we are nourished by the greatest prophet and Lord, Jesus Christ.

He comes to strengthen us in the forms of bread and wine.

In this eucharist, Jesus comes to us from his hometown (from Nazareth, from heaven), to serve us.

In this eucharist, we ask that in turn we become bold, loving, and acceptable (to the Father) prophets of our times especially in this Jubilee of Mercy. Amen.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Priests attached to their

families, friends and benefactors

Church-people beholden to politicians

Volunteer missionaries who are running away from home owing to some unpleasant responsibilities

Loveless prophets Tourist missionaries

Missionaries at the frontiers Biblically inspired

missionaries Committed missionaries,

prophets Analytical, critical and bold

church people Full of love and passion for

the Church and the Gospel Engaged in the New

Evangelization Compassionate

Suggested Songs

Sumasampalataya Ako http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmnwRQHzYqI

Only in God, by John Foley, SJ (similar to Ps 71) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Cw-NH9lYU

Go Tell Everyone (with some mistakes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmnwRQHzYqI