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33rdrd Sunday in Ordinary Time C Sunday in Ordinary Time C24 January 201624 January 2016

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Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

National Bible Sunday

1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted

of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. 3 Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion.

5 Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose. 6 Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!" Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground.

8 Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. 9 Then (Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and) Ezra the priest-scribe (and the Levites who were instructing the people) said to all the people: "Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep“ - for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"

The focus is on the reading of the law (Torah)

1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 2 Ezra the priest brought the law

before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. 3 Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion.

5 Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose. 6 Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!" Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground.

Commentary The book of Nehemiah was written after the

Exile. After the Exile, the law (Torah) was already

completed. In v.2, Ezra brings the law to the assembly. The assembly is composed of men, women and

children old enough to understand (7 years old up). In v.3, Ezra reads the law for more than 6

hours, to the same crowd with the same description.

V.3 describes the disposition of the people when Ezra was reading the law. They listen attentively.

V.4 describes how Ezra reads (he stands), as in v.3. In v.5, Ezra opens the scroll (not yet in book form

at that time) for the people to see. It must be a big event to see such scroll. In v.6, Ezra says the typical Jewish blessing.

The people respond by bowing down to the ground.

The reading is in the context of an established liturgy.

Textual Context of Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Neh 1-7Neh 1-7 Memoirs of Nehemiah about rebuilding Memoirs of Nehemiah about rebuilding Jerusalem wallsJerusalem walls Neh 8-10 Ezra’s covenant renewal ceremonyNeh 8-10 Ezra’s covenant renewal ceremony Neh 11-13 Continuation of Nehemiah’s ReformNeh 11-13 Continuation of Nehemiah’s Reform

Historical ContextHistorical Context

Nehemiah Ezra

1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 8 Ezra read plainly from the

book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. 9 Then (Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and) Ezra the priest-scribe (and the Levites who were instructing the people) said to all the people: "Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep"-for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"

V.8 describes how Ezra reads: Plainly (simply, casually) Interpreting (trying to explain)

V.9 mentions names: Nehemiah, the book is named after him Ezra, the priest-scribe Levites, instructing (catechizing) the

people. They console the people who cry because

they hear the words of the law. The reason: Today is holy to the Lord your God. (maybe

Sabbath) V.10 repeats the exhortation in v.9, to

rejoice, by eating and drinking. The reason in v.9 is repeated.

The last line repeats the exhortation in vv.9-10.

V.10 mentions an important line to live by: “For rejoicing in the Lord must be your

strength.”

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading Like the Israelites, we must listen attentively to Like the Israelites, we must listen attentively to

what is being read to us from the sacred what is being read to us from the sacred scriptures.scriptures.

We must rejoice when we hear the written word We must rejoice when we hear the written word of God proclaimed to us.of God proclaimed to us.

We must also be attentive to its interpretation by We must also be attentive to its interpretation by the ordained ministers.the ordained ministers.

Through the Word of God, we connect ourselves Through the Word of God, we connect ourselves to God and to ourselves with feelings.to God and to ourselves with feelings.

Resp. Psalm: 19:8, 9, 10, 15 (cf John 6:63c) (cf John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

8 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul;The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

9 The precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart;The command of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eye.

10The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever;The ordinances of the LORD are true,all of them just.

15 Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heartfind favor before you,O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Resp. Psalm: 19:8, 9, 10, 15CommentaryCommentary The psalm is classified as the wisdom The psalm is classified as the wisdom

psalm. It follows up the message of the psalm. It follows up the message of the 11stst reading. reading.

In v.8, the wise man (psalmist) affirms In v.8, the wise man (psalmist) affirms God’s law // decree as perfect // God’s law // decree as perfect // trustworthy.trustworthy. Its effect: refreshes the soul // gives Its effect: refreshes the soul // gives

wisdom.wisdom. V.9 continues the wisdom saying about V.9 continues the wisdom saying about

the law.the law. The precepts are right // command clear.The precepts are right // command clear.

Their effect: gives joy // enlightensTheir effect: gives joy // enlightens V.10 also continues the wisdom saying V.10 also continues the wisdom saying

about the law.about the law. The fear of the Lord pure // ordinances The fear of the Lord pure // ordinances

true.true. They are described as for ever and just.They are described as for ever and just.

V.15 is the prayer of the psalmist, that V.15 is the prayer of the psalmist, that his wisdom finds favor with God. his wisdom finds favor with God.

(cf John 6:63c) (cf John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.Spirit and life.

8 The law (torah) of the LORD is perfect,

refreshing the soul;The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

9 The precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart;The command of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eye.

10The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever;The ordinances of the LORD are true,all of them just.

15 Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heartfind favor before you,O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm Each Christian should be appreciative of God’s Each Christian should be appreciative of God’s

laws.laws. Observance of God’s laws makes us wise.Observance of God’s laws makes us wise. In God’s laws In God’s laws (decrees, ordinances, precepts, words),(decrees, ordinances, precepts, words),

there is truth, enlightenment, justice and there is truth, enlightenment, justice and happiness.happiness.

How attracted are you to God’s Words?How attracted are you to God’s Words? Do you join Bible Study groups?Do you join Bible Study groups? What delights you more? Why?What delights you more? Why?

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27

12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 14 Now the body is not a single part, but many.

27 Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it.

The focus is on belongingness to one body.

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-24,27

12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 14 Now the body is not a single part, but many.

27 Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it.

CommentaryCommentary Christ is compared to a body, though it Christ is compared to a body, though it

has many parts, he is one body. V.12has many parts, he is one body. V.12 All baptized Christians form one body. All baptized Christians form one body.

V.13V.13 People were classified into two: People were classified into two:

Jews and Greeks (Gentiles); slaves and free.Jews and Greeks (Gentiles); slaves and free. We are one body because we are We are one body because we are

baptized into baptized into oneone Spirit and we drink of Spirit and we drink of one Spirit. V.13one Spirit. V.13

V.14 rephrases v.12.V.14 rephrases v.12. In v.27, St. Paul, the author, makes a In v.27, St. Paul, the author, makes a

direct statement about our identity as direct statement about our identity as Christians:Christians: We are Christ’s body and its parts.We are Christ’s body and its parts.

Textual Context of 1 Corinthians 12:12-24,27

Historical ContextHistorical Context

Corinth

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading We, baptized Christians, should recognize ourselves We, baptized Christians, should recognize ourselves

as one body.as one body. Individualism must be weeded out in our spiritual / Individualism must be weeded out in our spiritual /

church life.church life. Many people don’t find meaning in organized worship Many people don’t find meaning in organized worship

anymore nor a sense of belongingness to the Church.anymore nor a sense of belongingness to the Church. They are afraid of being swallowed by a bigger entity or They are afraid of being swallowed by a bigger entity or

self.self.

Though we are different individuals, we are still Though we are different individuals, we are still mystically (or mysteriously) united in the Spirit.mystically (or mysteriously) united in the Spirit.

We should not be afraid of unity We should not be afraid of unity (someone / some people (someone / some people getting into our time and space; we getting into theirs).getting into our time and space; we getting into theirs).

This is Christian mysticism. This is Christian mysticism.

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21Prologue 1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that

have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.

Inaugural Sermon in Nazareth 14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him

spread throughout the whole region. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 16 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 17 and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.“ 20 Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 21 He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Textual Context of 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Intro Intro (Giblin)(Giblin) 1,1-4 Prologue1,1-4 Prologue 1,5—2,52 Infancy Narrative1,5—2,52 Infancy Narrative

Part One 3,1—9,50 Galilean MinistryPart One 3,1—9,50 Galilean MinistryPart Two 9,51—19,27 Travel NarrativePart Two 9,51—19,27 Travel NarrativePart Three 19,28—24,52 Jerusalem NarrativePart Three 19,28—24,52 Jerusalem Narrative

Nazareth

Historical ContextHistorical Context

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 1 Since many have

undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.

CommentaryCommentary Some commentators say that this prologue Some commentators say that this prologue

has put a Christian writing (Luke’s gospel) has put a Christian writing (Luke’s gospel) into the map of a world class literature in into the map of a world class literature in those days, because of its elegant Greek those days, because of its elegant Greek formulation.formulation.

V.1 indicates that Luke is not the only gospel V.1 indicates that Luke is not the only gospel writer.writer.

V.2 indicates how he came to know Jesus: V.2 indicates how he came to know Jesus: from the eyewitnesses, who became from the eyewitnesses, who became ministers of the Word.ministers of the Word.

V.3 indicates Luke’s own attempt to present V.3 indicates Luke’s own attempt to present his own version on the story of Jesus his own version on the story of Jesus (Christ-events) for his friend Theophilus.(Christ-events) for his friend Theophilus.

V.4 states the purpose of his gospel: to V.4 states the purpose of his gospel: to confirm Theophilus’ or the readers’ faith.confirm Theophilus’ or the readers’ faith.

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the

power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 16 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 17 and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.“ 20 Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 21 He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."

After the prologue, the liturgist dovetails this After the prologue, the liturgist dovetails this passage. In-between are the infancy passage. In-between are the infancy narratives (chs 1-2), genealogy, baptism and narratives (chs 1-2), genealogy, baptism and temptations of Jesus.temptations of Jesus.

In v.14, Jesus returns from the desert to his In v.14, Jesus returns from the desert to his region Galilee.region Galilee.

In v.15, Jesus teaches in the synagogues. He In v.15, Jesus teaches in the synagogues. He is accepted.is accepted.

In v.16, now he comes to preach in his own In v.16, now he comes to preach in his own hometown Nazareth.hometown Nazareth.

But first he reads from the scroll of Isaiah. But first he reads from the scroll of Isaiah. V.17V.17

Vv.18-19 are quotes from Isaiah.Vv.18-19 are quotes from Isaiah. V.20 is a rewind of v.17.V.20 is a rewind of v.17. In v.21, Jesus appropriates the words of In v.21, Jesus appropriates the words of

Isaiah.Isaiah. It is Jesus’ opening salvo (inaugural address), It is Jesus’ opening salvo (inaugural address),

his vision mission statement as he now his vision mission statement as he now begins his ministry.begins his ministry.

Jesus is like Ezra who reads the Scriptures Jesus is like Ezra who reads the Scriptures “for the first time” to the people.“for the first time” to the people.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading The written Word of God is not just for The written Word of God is not just for

Theophilus, but for us.Theophilus, but for us. Our faith is confirmed when we read the gospel.Our faith is confirmed when we read the gospel. The Word of God tells us of the life of Jesus and The Word of God tells us of the life of Jesus and

his mission.his mission. We must become ministers of the Word, like the We must become ministers of the Word, like the

eyewitnesses of Jesus.eyewitnesses of Jesus. As ministers of the Word, we must be engaged As ministers of the Word, we must be engaged

in mission.in mission. Are you familiar with the Word of God?Are you familiar with the Word of God? Are you engaged in mission?Are you engaged in mission?

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The The first readingfirst reading talks about the reading of the talks about the reading of the Torah for the first time.Torah for the first time.

The The psalmpsalm rejoices over the Torah (law). rejoices over the Torah (law). The The second readingsecond reading talks about unity of talks about unity of

Christians (keeping the law of the spirit).Christians (keeping the law of the spirit). The The gospel readinggospel reading talks about Jesus’ talks about Jesus’

proclamation of the Word of God from the proclamation of the Word of God from the prophets and his sermon for the first time.prophets and his sermon for the first time.

How to develop your How to develop your homily/sharinghomily/sharing

First of all, the preacher must be conscious of First of all, the preacher must be conscious of his daunting task as an evangelizer.his daunting task as an evangelizer.

He is at the pulpit to proclaim the He is at the pulpit to proclaim the Word of God.Word of God. The preacher must be prepared to develop his The preacher must be prepared to develop his

homily. homily. (He must organize his thoughts, follow a (He must organize his thoughts, follow a certain outline.)certain outline.)

The The first readingfirst reading narrates to us about the narrates to us about the reading of the reading of the TorahTorah, for the first time in the life , for the first time in the life of the Israelites.of the Israelites.

There was preparation There was preparation (platform for all people to (platform for all people to see the reader).see the reader).

The people listened attentively and The people listened attentively and enthusiastically from early morning to midday.enthusiastically from early morning to midday.

The people cried as a result of the reading of The people cried as a result of the reading of the the TorahTorah. They became emotional. . They became emotional.

They responded with thanksgiving and hope.They responded with thanksgiving and hope.

The psalm indicates a responsive writer who The psalm indicates a responsive writer who has long meditated upon the has long meditated upon the law of Godlaw of God..

He finds He finds itit helpful. helpful. ItIt makes him wise and makes him wise and happy.happy.

The The second readingsecond reading presents the outcome of presents the outcome of being baptized into the one Spirit.being baptized into the one Spirit.

We become incorporated into the body of Christ.We become incorporated into the body of Christ. We become one, though many different We become one, though many different

individuals.individuals. It is not according to It is not according to lawlaw (or to the (or to the spiritspirit), if we ), if we

live in isolation, trying to preserve our “purity” by live in isolation, trying to preserve our “purity” by not associating with anyone, with the other not associating with anyone, with the other members of the Church.members of the Church.

Listening to the Listening to the Word of GodWord of God must keep us must keep us united in faith and action, with Jesus and with the united in faith and action, with Jesus and with the Church.Church.

The The gospel readinggospel reading, like the 1, like the 1stst reading, talks reading, talks about Jesus’ reading of the about Jesus’ reading of the sacred scripturessacred scriptures..

Jesus’ appropriation of the Jesus’ appropriation of the Word of GodWord of God from from Isaiah was well-received by the people.Isaiah was well-received by the people.

Through the Through the biblical textsbiblical texts, we come to know our , we come to know our mission.mission.

The prologue (1,1-4) indicates Luke’s passion The prologue (1,1-4) indicates Luke’s passion for the for the Word of GodWord of God. He is compelled to write an . He is compelled to write an account about Jesusaccount about Jesus for the sake of his reader. for the sake of his reader.

If we are truly touched by the life of Jesus, we If we are truly touched by the life of Jesus, we feel obliged to share feel obliged to share itit to others, by writing, story to others, by writing, story telling or other means.telling or other means.

Ordained ministers must take care to deliver Ordained ministers must take care to deliver good homilies. good homilies.

This is their primary task, to This is their primary task, to evangelizeevangelize, , according to canon law.according to canon law.

Now they can employ modern technology Now they can employ modern technology (computers and LCDs)(computers and LCDs) when preaching. when preaching.

However, academic preparation and gadgets However, academic preparation and gadgets are not enough.are not enough.

The preacher’s good example and holy life are The preacher’s good example and holy life are far more necessary.far more necessary.

Fr. Jim Ferry, MM, once said to the Franciscan Fr. Jim Ferry, MM, once said to the Franciscan priests: “Your preaching is determined by the priests: “Your preaching is determined by the way you live your priesthood.”way you live your priesthood.”

Likewise, the faithful must take seriously the Likewise, the faithful must take seriously the wordswords of the authentic preachers. of the authentic preachers.

Catholics should know whom to listen to Catholics should know whom to listen to (their (their pastors or some born-again tele-evangelists?).pastors or some born-again tele-evangelists?).

The lay seem to prefer demagogues and The lay seem to prefer demagogues and entertainers, rather than serious proclaimers of entertainers, rather than serious proclaimers of the the Word of GodWord of God, that challenge their old , that challenge their old beliefs, old system and bad habits.beliefs, old system and bad habits. That’s why, they are never evangelized. That’s why, they are never evangelized.

As a result, they can never be committed to As a result, they can never be committed to liberate people from sin liberate people from sin (oppression, blindness, (oppression, blindness, ignorance, etc.).ignorance, etc.).

They are just trained to say endlessly, “Amen, alleluia.”They are just trained to say endlessly, “Amen, alleluia.”

The The eucharisteucharist is the food of committed is the food of committed Christians, as a result of listening intently to the Christians, as a result of listening intently to the Word of GodWord of God and good preaching. and good preaching.

The holy The holy eucharist eucharist is for those who love the is for those who love the Word of GodWord of God and are engaged in the New and are engaged in the New Evangelization.Evangelization.

Our Context of Sin and Our Context of Sin and GraceGrace

Christians who don’t read the Christians who don’t read the BibleBible

Lousy homilistsLousy homilists Unprepared preachersUnprepared preachers Un-evangelized parish Un-evangelized parish

leaders (they should not lead)leaders (they should not lead) Intoxicated church (emphasis Intoxicated church (emphasis

only on receiving holy only on receiving holy communion, but does not communion, but does not care about the Word of God)care about the Word of God)

Decrepit seminaries and Decrepit seminaries and convents, no good scriptural convents, no good scriptural librarylibrary

Fundamentalism Fundamentalism

Good listeners of the WordGood listeners of the Word Lectio divinaLectio divina Bible studies, groupsBible studies, groups Bible ReflectionsBible Reflections Biblical apostolateBiblical apostolate Bible TranslatorsBible Translators PBS, ECBAPBS, ECBA National Bible SundayNational Bible Sunday National Bible WeekNational Bible Week Liberation theologyLiberation theology MissionMission BECBEC Interpretation of the Bible in the Interpretation of the Bible in the

ChurchChurch Dei VerbumDei Verbum Verbum DominiVerbum Domini Year of FaithYear of Faith

“Proclaim the Word, Profess the Faith” – 2 Tim 4,2

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs SharingSharing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1ij6D6EyeI

One Bread One BodyOne Bread One Body http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIl8CHLR4CQ

Go Tell EveryoneGo Tell Everyone All that the Lord has spoken, slide to 7,52All that the Lord has spoken, slide to 7,52

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7fhhE7xhzE Sumasaakin ang Espiritu Sumasaakin ang Espiritu by Vinteresby Vinteres

Dear brothers and sisters,

Let our faith grow mature by listening to God and obeying him.

Fr. Cielo