Welcome to our Bible Study

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time C12 June 2016

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

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: 2 Sam 12:7-10.13 7 Nathan said to David: "You are the man! Thus says the

LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you king of Israel. I rescued you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your lord's house and your lord's wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more. 9 Why have you spurned the LORD and done evil in his sight? You have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.'

13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan answered David: "The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.

The focus is on God’s forgiveness.

1st reading: 2 Sam 12,7-10.13David is supposed to die (death sentence from his own mouth) 7 Nathan said to David: "You are the man! God’s generosity to David Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you king of Israel. I

rescued you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your lord's house and your lord's wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more.

David’s ingratitude (sin) to God 9 Why have you spurned the LORD and done evil in his sight? You

have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites.

Punishment 10 Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house,

because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.'

David’s repentance 13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."

Nathan answered David: "The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.

Take a look at the outline before clicking mouse.

1st reading: 2 Sam 12,7-10.13David is supposed to die (death sentence from his

own mouth) 7 Nathan said to David: "You are the man! God’s generosity to David Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you

king of Israel. I rescued you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your lord's house and your lord's wives for your own. I gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if this were not enough, I could count up for you still more.

David’s ingratitude (sin) to God 9 Why have you spurned the LORD and done evil

in his sight? You have cut down Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you took his wife as your own, and him you killed with the sword of the Ammonites.

Punishment 10 Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart

from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.'

David’s repentance 13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned

against the LORD." Nathan answered David: "The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.

V.10 speaks of the punishment of David: the sword shall not depart… (bad omen)

Commentary

The reading comes after the parable told by Nathan to David, after he committed a grievous sin.

In vv.7b-8, God expresses his disappointment over David. He has lavished him with everything:

Kingship, protection, palace, wives, kingdoms of Israel/Judah

God is still willing to give more.

V.9 enumerates the sins of David1) Cut down Uriah (murder)2) Took his wife (adultery)

V.13 indicates the readiness of David to repent from his sins and the readiness of God to forgive.

Reflections on the 1st reading Like David, we can commit sin because of arrogance.

When we have too much power, we think we can do whatever we want.

Sin begins when we forget what God has done for us. Sin is not being contented with the gifts God has lavished

upon us. It is ungratefulness. If we commit sin, punishment, like a sword, hangs upon

our head. There are consequences. But if we repent and return to God, we will be forgiven. God is a forgiving God to the repentant sinner.

Resp. Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11 R. (cf. 5c) Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.

1 Blessed is the one whose fault is taken away,whose sin is covered.2 Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,in whose spirit there is no guile.

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,my guilt I covered not.I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”and you took away the guilt of my sin.

7 You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.

11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just;exult, all you upright of heart.

Resp. Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11 R. (cf. 5c) Lord, forgive the wrong I

have done.

1 Blessed is the one whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered.2 Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,in whose spirit there is no guile.

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,my guilt I covered not.I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”and you took away the guilt of my sin.

7 You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.

11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart.

Commentary The psalm is classified as didactic

psalm or thanksgiving hymn. In vv.1-2, the psalmist articulates

a wisdom saying on forgiveness which is his own experience.

In v.5, the psalmist tells us why he is forgiven: He acknowledged his sin He did not cover it up He confessed his fault

In v.7, the psalmist acknowledges God as his protector from harm and distress (due to sin).

In v.11, the psalmist encourages others who are righteous to exult in the Lord.

Reflections on the Psalm We must strive to be forgiven by God. We can be forgiven only when we

acknowledge our sins and failures. We should not cover them up or pretend

we have not committed any wrong at all. When we are forgiven, let us rejoice. We invite others to celebrate the joy of

being forgiven (that they too may seek for forgiveness) .

2nd reading: Galatians 2,16.19-21 16 We know that a person is not justified by works of

the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

19 For through the law I died to the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

The focus is on justification by faith in Christ.

2nd reading: Galatians 2:16.19-21Justification by faith not by law 16 We know that a person is not justified by works of

the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Living in Christ 19 For through the law I died to the law, that I might live

for God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

A simple outline!

2nd reading: Galatians 2,16.19-21Justification by faith not by law 16 We know that a person is not justified by works of the law

but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Living in Christ 19 For through the law I died to the law, that I might live for

God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Observe what Paul says about the law.

2nd reading: Galatians 2,16.19-21Justification by faith not by law 16 We know that a person is not

justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Living in Christ 19 For through the law I died to

the law, that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ; 20 yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Commentary St. Paul is emphatic about his belief that we

are justified (made right) by the faith in Jesus Christ (Christian position), not in the works of the law (Jewish position). V.16

In v.19, Paul relates his experience when he rejects the law as a means to salvation: Now he lives for God; he is crucified with

Christ. In v.20, Paul relates his mystical experience

with Christ. It is Christ who lives in him, not he (Paul).

Christ takes over the life of Paul. Paul affirms Christ as the Son of God who

has shown love for him and subjected to death for him.

In v.21, for Paul, faith in Christ is non-negotiable otherwise, the death of Christ loses its meaning.

Reflections on the 2nd reading We, Christians, are taught that we are saved

through faith in Jesus, not through the prescriptions of the Mosaic law.

We depart from the Jewish belief that we are saved through the law (Torah).

We, Christians, are called to establish deep relationship with Christ.

The sign that we have attained this is when Christ is now calling the shots, not others.

Christ is totally embedded (living) in us and vice versa.

Gospel reading: Luke 7:36—8:3Setting 36 A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he

entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. Luke presents Jesus eating with the righteous (not only

with sinners). The Pharisees were one of the religious groups that had a great influence on the spiritual life of the Jews. They were trained to interpret the law and were accepted as teachers of the people in the synagogues, countryside and in the Temple area.

One may wonder why a Pharisee invites Jesus and Jesus accepts his invitation. Either one or the other is courting some trouble. But here the Pharisee had no qualms about Jesus entering his house and eating with him; Jesus, too.

The reading with outline and commentary.

The sinful woman 37 Now there was a sinful woman in the city who

learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

The sinful woman is unnamed. The text does not say she is Mary Magdalene. V.37 repeats the location of the dinner (house of the Pharisee, v.36). Luke is good in connecting his sentences.

The woman quickly acts on Jesus: stood behind, weeping, began to bathe with tears, wiped with her hair, kissed, anointed them with ointment.

Wow, the woman accomplished everything so quickly.

The Pharisee casts doubt on Jesus 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he

said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner."

In v.39, Luke picks up again his vocabulary in v.36, “The Pharisee invited him..” To the mind of the Pharisee, Jesus must not be a prophet. (Should a prophet know everything? No.)

The Pharisee speaks out of his ignorance (as if Jesus does not know the woman).

Luke presents a little later that he knows the woman. Seemingly, they have had a previous encounter as can be seen from the next lines.

Jesus’ parable and the question 40 Jesus said to him in reply, "Simon, I have something to say to

you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 41 "Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five

hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty. 42 Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?“

In v.40, the Pharisee is identified as Simon. The Pharisee addresses him as teacher.

Jesus presents a very short parable that tells something about him and the woman.

The two people refers to the Pharisee and the woman (the latter perceived as the worse sinner, more indebted).

Jesus forgives them both. The question, “Which of them will love him more?” can

also be understood as which of them will be more thankful (loving) to him?

Simon’s correct answer 43 Simon said in reply, "The one, I suppose, whose

larger debt was forgiven." He said to him, "You have judged rightly."

The Pharisee answers correctly. And Jesus affirms him. This affirmation paves the way to understand the

predicament of the woman sinner (who came to Jesus, already long forgiven).

She is just there to show her love, affection and thanksgiving to Jesus.

Jesus’ evaluation (he contrasts the Pharisee and the woman) 44 Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do

you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.

On three counts, the Pharisee has fallen short in his responses in contrast to the woman. Look at the underlined words.

Jesus appreciates so much the gestures of the woman (long freed from sins). For Jesus, it is not enough to give him a party. What Jesus wants is recognition that he forgives sins.

Here the Pharisees find difficulty as can be seen in v.49.

47 So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.“

In v.47, Luke picks up again his idea of forgiveness which he expressed in the parable (vv.41-42).

Jesus has forgiven her many sins (not just a few). For this reason, she has spontaneously shown great love (not just a little gesture of love).

Without fear of rejection, she has demonstrated her love.

Jesus to the woman 48 He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 The

others at table said to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50 But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.“

Jesus states the fact that her sins are forgiven (perfect passive in Greek), literally, “Your sins have been forgiven.”

V.49 gives us a little surprise. All the while, we were thinking there were only 3 of them in the dining hall. They are many. They begin to speak and express their awe (or unbelief).

The number of people inside highlights the tremendous courage of the forgiven woman who did not tiptoe / did not feel ashamed or embarrassed in demonstrating her love to Jesus.

V.50 brings a message to the Pharisees: faith in Jesus. The Pharisees in general are known not to have faith in Jesus.

The focus is on the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus’ journey 8:1 Afterward, he journeyed from one town and village to

another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.

We don’t know if it was right after dinner when Jesus journeyed from one town to another… Maybe he took off the next day…

Important here is his prophetic ministry of preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God.

We are thrown back to the general context of Jesus’ activities (the vision of the kingdom of God).

The 12 and the women disciples Accompanying him were the Twelve 2 and some

women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

Here we are told that with him are the 12 apostles and women disciples of Jesus. These women have benefited from Jesus out of their faith in him. They are named as Mary called Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna.

That “many others” in 8,3 indicates that women provided the logistics of Jesus (his benefactors).

Women also followed Jesus in his journey, not only men.

In his journey, there was no lack of the feminine touch.

Reflections on the gospel reading We should not hesitate to draw close to Jesus,

no matter what other people say about us. We should not be afraid to show our faith and

thanksgiving if we have experienced God’s loving forgiveness (through his SACRED HEART)

We follow him who has forgiven us. Discipleship is an effect of being forgiven

(loved, given another chance) by God.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading speaks of God’s forgiveness to

repentant David.

The second reading speaks of God’s justification (forgiveness) brought about by faith in Jesus, not by the law (espoused by the Pharisees).

The gospel reading demonstrates Jesus’ magnanimity to all sinners. He forgives everyone.

How to develop your sharing / homily You may relate when you had a good confession (when

you felt liberated because you admitted you were at fault and you were forgiven, restored, etc).

Acceptance of fault / wrongdoing (act of humility) is the first step to forgiveness.

Asking for forgiveness is the second step. There is no third step on our part; the third step is

God’s forgiveness. It is hard to be forgiven if we don’t see our faults, if we

justify the wrong we have done.

To know whether we are right or wrong, we must dialogue our values with the gospel values.

Whatever contradicts gospel values and values of the kingdom of God is wrong.

Our criteria for knowing what is right or wrong are the teachings of Christ.

As Catholics, we should accept the moral and doctrinal teachings of the Church.

The magisterium (official teaching of the church) and official pronouncements must give us guidance in our doctrine and behavior.

We cannot ask for forgiveness if we do not find ourselves wanting of those criteria (Christ and church’s teachings), if we have no conscience.

We need to form our conscience. We can experience God as a forgiving God only

when we ask for forgiveness, like David. (1st reading)

God is always there to forgive (to heal, to restore us, to free us from psychological burdens, from guilt and shame.)

When we repent and experience his forgiveness, we need to express our love for him. Against all odds, by all means, we have to demonstrate our gratefulness to him. (gospel reading)

We, sinners, should approach Jesus like the woman sinner.

God will forgive us no matter how grievously we have sinned. (1st reading)

We are justified / forgiven if we have faith in Jesus Christ. (2nd reading)

The eucharist is a sacrament of thanksgiving to those who believe in being forgiven by God.

The eucharist strengthens our relationship with God.

In the eucharist, we show our appreciation to our forgiving Father.

You may read my article in the missalette SAMBUHAY for this Sunday.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Abuse of power Unrepentant Unforgiving Unable to be reconciled Without conscience Self-righteous Ungrateful

Repentant Apologizes Formed conscience Expresses one’s faith

and thanksgiving in the open

Sacrament of reconciliation

Suggested Songs Paano Namin Masasabi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ICZUOf_jNo

Pardon Peace Lost and Found

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYy2M4dB1iw

Dear sisters and brothers,

Let us strive to be forgiven, to be liberated from heavy burdens.

Fr. Cielo