Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

January 25, 2015

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time BIn preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo. R. Almazan, OFM

1st Reading: Jonah 3,1-5.10 1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second

time: 2 "Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you." 3 So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD'S bidding. Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day's walk announcing, "Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed," 5 when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. 10 When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

The focus is on repentance.

1st Reading: Jonah 3,1-5.10Local Setting: “take two” 1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: (In chapter 1, Jonah did

not report for duty. He did not obey God, unbecoming of a prophet. Now God commands again)Command 2 "Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will

tell you." Execution 3 So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD'S bidding.

(This time Jonah obeys.)Setting: expanse of Nineveh Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it.

4 Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day's walk announcing, Proclamation "Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed," Response of the people: Repentance 5 When the people of Nineveh believed God, they proclaimed a fast and all of them,

great and small, put on sackcloth. (fasting and sackcloth = signs of repentance)God’s response: changes his mind 10 When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he

repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out. (This is problematic to many: Can God change his mind? We must understand that the biblical authors sometimes present God behaving like a human being. Can we not allow them to do it? In the creation story, we call this anthropomorphism.)

The reading is re-indented for easier analysis.

1st Reading: Jonah 3,1-5.10Local Setting: take two 1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah a

second time: Command 2 "Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and

announce to it the message that I will tell you."

Execution 3 So Jonah made ready and went to

Nineveh, according to the LORD'S bidding. Setting: expanse of Nineveh Now Nineveh was an enormously large city;

it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day's walk announcing, Proclamation "Forty days more and Nineveh shall be

destroyed," Response of the people: Repentance 5 When the people of Nineveh believed

God, they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. (fasting and sackcloth = signs of repentance)

God’s response: changes his mind 10 When God saw by their actions how

they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

Commentary In chapter 1, Jonah did not report for

duty. He did not obey God… unbecoming of a prophet. Now, God commands again.

In v.1, God attempts again to send Jonah to Nineveh. God does not take NO for an answer.

V.2 articulates what God said to Jonah.

In v.3, Jonah prepares and goes. This time Jonah obeys.

V.3b describes the city: very large, impressive (in those days).

In v.4, upon arrival, Jonah begins to preach right away.

In v.5, the people repent. They respond to the foreigner, Jonah. They fast and put on a sackcloth.

In v.10, God interprets their actions as signs of repentance.

He also changes his mind.

Reflections on the 1st reading Repentance is turning away from evil. We stop violating the rights of others, etc.,

and the rights of God. We need prophets (teacher, priest, activist) to

shake us, to move our conscience, to touch our heart.

Have you changed because a prophet came to correct you?

Resp. Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (4a) Teach me your ways, O Lord.4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;teach me your paths,5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my savior.

6 Remember that your compassion, O LORD,and your love are from of old.7 In your kindness remember me,because of your goodness, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;thus he shows sinners the way.9 He guides the humble to justiceand teaches the humble his way.

Resp. Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (4a) Teach me your ways, O

Lord.4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;teach me your paths,5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my savior.

6 Remember that your compassion, O LORD,and your love are from of old.7 In your kindness remember me,because of your goodness, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;thus he shows sinners the way.9 He guides the humble to justiceand teaches the humble his way.

Commentary In vv.4-5, the psalmist prays

that he may learn God’s ways. God’s ways lead to the truth. In vv.6-7, the psalmist prays

for God’s compassion, love, and kindness.

He recognizes himself as a sinner.

In vv.8-9, the psalmist affirms the Lord, who is responsive.

God is good. He shows sinners the right

paths. V.8 He guides the humble (lowly,

poor) to attain justice. V.9

Reflections on the Psalm

Like the Psalmist, we should pray to find the right paths.

We must recognize that we have many questionable decisions, moves, etc. that put us and others to danger, with costly consequences.

Humbly, we ask for guidance. In prayer, we discern where God is leading us to

justice. Do you pray? Is God part of your agenda? Is your behavior improving?

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 7,29-31

29 I tell you, brothers, the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, 30 those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, 31 those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.

The theme is the temporariness of this world.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 7,29-31

29 I tell you, brothers, the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, 30 those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, 31 those using the world as not using it fully.

For the world in its present form is passing away.

The reading is re-indented for easier reading and analysis.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 7,29-31 29 I tell you, brothers,

the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act

as not having them, 30 those weeping as not

weeping, those rejoicing as not

rejoicing, those buying as not

owning, 31 those using the world

as not using it fully. For the world in its

present form is passing away.

Commentary: In the reading, we get a taste of

Paul’s eschatology (theology of end times).

Belief in the end times is translated into 5 behaviors.

Is there anything wrong with having a wife, weeping, rejoicing, buying, etc?

Nothing really, but the challenge of Paul is that Christians should pay attention to what is coming, not to what we are preoccupied with right now.

Reflections on the second reading Many of us are engaged in many activities. Though legitimate, like loving a wife or one’s family,

being in solidarity with the disaffected and celebrating with those who receive God’s blessings, treating ourselves with a new dress or pair of shoes, we must not forget that we are living in a passing world.

We must participate in the birthing of the new world, designed by God.

We must know God’s design to be able to engage properly.

Who will help you know God’s design? The tele-evangelist, your favorite religious website, etc?

We, Catholics, discern God’s great plan through our Church.

Gospel Reading: Mk 1,14-20

14 After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 15 "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." 16 As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." 18 Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. 19 He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. 20 Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

The focus is the kingdom of God.

Gospel Reading: Mk 1,14-20

Proclamation of God’s kingdom 14 After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming

the gospel of God: 15 "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent,

and believe in the gospel." Calling of disciples 16 As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;

they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of

men." 18 Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.

19 He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were

in a boat mending their nets. 20 Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and

followed him.

The reading is re-indented for easier analysis.

Gospel Reading: Mk 1,14-20

Proclamation of God’s kingdom

14 After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:

Commentary: V.14 indicates the time when Jesus begins

his ministry. After the arrest of John the Baptist. Also, after spending a 40-day retreat in the

desert, overcoming temptations. His ministry consists in proclaiming the

gospel (good news) of God. What is it? V.15 spells it out. God talks about

establishing his kingdom here on earth. The proper response of the prepared listener is repentance and faith.

V.15 is not just one of the verses in Mark, but a very important one. It provides the general theme

All the succeeding activities, preaching and the healings of Jesus, including his suffering and death and resurrection, must be understood in this context.

We must imagine Jesus carrying this banner or placard wherever he goes. It contains his battlecry, manifesto, platform.

15 "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Gospel Reading: Mk 1,14-20Calling of disciples 16 As he passed by the Sea

of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother

Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them,

"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."

18 Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.

19 He walked along a little farther and

saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. 20 Then he called them. So they left their father

Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

Commentary, con’t In v.16, Jesus sees the first

disciples. They are identified as Simon and

Andrew. They are brothers. They are fishermen, working, casting their nets.

In v.17, Jesus calls them to follow him for a new and different job.

In v.18, without questions, they follow him.

In v.19, Jesus sees James and John, sons of Zebedee, working, mending their nets.

In v.20, Jesus calls them. Like the first two, they, too, follow

Jesus. They leave their father and the crew.

Reflections on the gospel

Like the first disciples, we, Christians, are called to participate in the mission of Christ.

Our mission is to proclaim the good news and establish God’s kingdom.

We, Christians, are not bystanders. To engage fully, we must leave our loved ones and

belongings behind. Be detach from them. Are you an evangelizer with a lot of freedom to follow

Christ? Are you willing to be the standard bearer of Christ?

Tying the three readings and PsalmsTying the three readings and Psalms

The first reading tells of the need to repent from evil deeds or else…destruction. (very negative, threatening)

The psalm prays for guidance to right paths. The second reading tells of the need to change

priorities (repent) because of the coming end. (negative also, threatening)

The gospel reading asks us to repent because of the kingdom of God. (positive, encouraging)

How to develop your homily / sharing

Have you been invited to enter the seminary or the convent?

Or, have you been tempted to join a congregation?

Whether you are a priest, religious or lay, you are called to participate in the mission of Christ, by virtue of your baptism.

The Church, in which you are a member, serves the interests of the kingdom of God.

According to the readings, what is our mission?

In the first reading, we are called to preach repentance.

Like Jonah, we have to follow God’s instructions. We have to report to work no matter how hard, distant and time consuming it is.

Our mission is to induce sincere repentance and make people go back to God.

We cannot dispel God’s threat for the unrepentant. (Destruction).

Sin leads to perdition. Can you tell your kids, friends and neighbors, that if

they don’t make up, they will break up? There are consequences if you don’t.

In the gospel reading, we must realize that missionary work is not voluntary.

It is an invitation. It is a calling. It is Christ who calls, “Come, follow me.” We respond right away without if’s and but’s,

without dillydallying. We don’t delay because Christ is always on

the go, holding his banner, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent…”

In the second reading, to be effective evangelizers, we must know our priorities. We must have higher values.

We must not be bogged down by lesser concerns. We must see a greater good than just the good of our

family, wife and friends, club or parish. Our horizon must encompass community and global

concerns. We must go beyond our old world, which is passing

now, and contribute to the completion of the new world.

How are you as a Christian? Are you involved in the Church? Can you work with your fellow evangelizers? Are you proud to join in the mission of Christ in

the context of your Church? How much time do you dedicate for your

formation? How much time do you do community service? How many people have you brought back to

the Church, to God?

The eucharist is the reward of our missionary work.

We can pretty well say our mission is successful, when the people we touch, now receive the eucharist properly disposed and with sincere hearts.

No one should be allowed to pose as a missionary if he does not receive, show respect to the holy eucharist.

Our Context of Sin and Grace

Drowned with non-essentials Does not know his/her priorities Always late, does not realize

tardiness is being uncharitable No vision All time, money and resources

for oneself (selfish) Runs away from responsibility Lazy churchgoer

Dedicated missionary Generous with time and energy Prompt, punctual Kingdom of God Understands his/her faith Understands New

Evangelization Actively involved in parish

activities esp. formation Education ministry Evangelii Gaudium Living out the prophetic

ministry, not just kingly and priestly

Suggested Songs

Lord, I Lift up my Soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4alK0eWGCA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1USiNfhKtA

Lord, here I am http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH54ZHHR84k

Pescador de Hombres Come To Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID90ryPYU00

Bayang Tinawag Follow Christ