Welcome to our Bible Study

25 January 2015

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

In aid of 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 fatherZebedee 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 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

priorities

No vision

Dedicated missionary

Generous with time

and energy

Kingdom of God

Suggested Songs

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

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