Welcome to our Bible Study

14th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B5 July 2015

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

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5

2 As Lord spoke to me, spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking 3 say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have revolted against me to this very day. 4 Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD! 5 And whether they heed or resist-- for they are a rebellious house-- they shall know that a prophet has been among them.

The focus is on sending the prophet by God.

1st Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5 2 As Lord spoke to me,

spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking 3 say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have revolted against me to this very day. 4 Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD! 5 And whether they heed or resist-- for they are a rebellious house-- they shall know that a prophet has been among them.

Commentary: Historical Background: Ezekiel

was called to prophesy during the Babylonian Exile (586-539 BC). The Jews were forcibly exiled to Babylon.

Their exile was interpreted as a punishment for their sin. They abandoned Yahweh and violated his laws.

The reading belongs to the first part of the book of Ezekiel. It is entitled “Call of the Prophet” (1,1—3,27).

1st Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5 2 As Lord spoke to

me, spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking 3 say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their fathers have revolted against me to this very day. 4 Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD! 5 And whether they heed or resist-- for they are a rebellious house-- they shall know that a prophet has been among them.

The prophet testifies how God has taken hold of his life. His spirit (vital power to make him talk) enters

me. He sets me on my feet. God speaks. (v.2)

God sends the prophet to the Israelites. (v.3)

Vv.3-5 describe what kind of people the Israelites are: Rebels, rebellious Hard of face Obstinate of heart

V.5 states the purpose of sending: To know that a prophet has been among

them. The people must know the meaning of

the presence of a prophet among them.

Reflections on the 1st reading

The presence of a prophet is God’s strong statement to us.

God sends the prophet, someone to remind us to stop our foolishness.

God does not condone sin and transgression. When we are reprimanded, it is a sign of the

presence of God’s prophet. The prophet may be our friend, teacher,

relative, or, church worker, or priest.

Responsorial Ps 123:1-2. 2. 3-4 R. (2cd)  Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his

mercy.

1 To you I lift up my eyeswho are enthroned in heaven —2 As the eyes of servantsare on the hands of their masters.

2 As the eyes of a maidare on the hands of her mistress,So are our eyes on the LORD, our God,till he have pity on us.

3 Have pity on us, O LORD, have pity on us,for we are more than sated with contempt;4 our souls are more than satedwith the mockery of the arrogant,with the contempt of the proud.

Responsorial Ps 123:1-2. 2. 3-4 R. (2cd)  Our eyes are fixed

on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.

1 To you I lift up my eyeswho are enthroned in heaven —2 As the eyes of servantsare on the hands of their masters.

2 As the eyes of a maidare on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the LORD, our God, till he have pity on us.

3 Have pity on us, O LORD, have pity on us,for we are more than sated with contempt;4 our souls are more than sated with the mockery of the arrogant, with the contempt of the proud.

Commentary

The responsorial psalm is classified as a community lament.

The attention is focused on God. In v.1, the psalmist seeks mercy

from God, who is in heaven. In v.2, the psalmist employs

similes to express how he seeks God.

The psalmist waits for the Lord until he is given mercy.

In v.3, the psalmist prays for mercy because of contempt, arrogance and pride that have overcome him and the community.

Reflections on the Psalm The psalm teaches us, Christians, how to respond to

God’s love and mercy in prayer. First, in prayer, we should set our hearts and minds

to God. We give him our full attention. We will not stop paying attention to God until we are

relieved of our burdens and mercy is given us. Second, the psalm encourages us to recognize our

poverty and powerlessness. Contempt, arrogance and pride have no place in the

Christian heart. Actually, those sins are just cover-ups of inferiority

complex.

2nd reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

That I, Paul, might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, 9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

The focus is on “a thorn in the flesh.”

2nd reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 7 That I, Paul,

might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,

Commentary: The text belongs to 2 Cor 12-13, dubbed as

“Against the Super-Apostles”(Perkins). Paul also received revelations from God. Revelations are not a monopoly of the eyewitnesses (apostles).

In v.7, Paul realizes that God gives him “a thorn in the flesh” (something that causes

him to suffer), so that he may not be proud (elated) of the revelations he has received from God.

In v.8, Paul intimates that, thrice, he has asked God to remove the thorn from him.

2nd reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 9 but he said to me,

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

V.9 contains the response of God. It says, “You can take it. You have the grace…” When you are weakened, your

power will become more perfect (complete).

For Paul, the cause for boasting are his weaknesses, not the revelations.

In his weaknesses, the power of Christ comes upon him.

In v.10, as a result, Paul can take all other forms of sufferings.

Sufferings for Christ’s sake weaken him… but at this point, he is made more strong.

Reflections on the 2nd reading

In our lives, we must recognize that we, too, have a “thorn in the flesh”, or, many thorns for that matter.

We may be successful in our careers, but someone or something may be there to put us down.

All insults, slanders, persecutions, misunderstandings, failures and sufferings must be seen as “thorns in the flesh” to humble us always.

These, indeed, weaken our spirits and drain our energies and resources.

Reflections, con’t

How we wish we could always be surrounded by positive people, to make our work easier!

When they come, we must be consoled by the words of St. Paul, that when we are weak, then we become strong in the Lord.

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6

1 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

The focus is on the rejection of the prophet.

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6

Setting (teaching) 1 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied

by his disciples. 2 When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,

Reaction and many who heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this

man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.

Jesus’ response 4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his

native place and among his own kin and in his own house." No miracle performed 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from

curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

A simple outline!

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6Setting (teaching) 1 Jesus departed from there

and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,

Reaction and many who heard him

were astonished. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.

Commentary: The passage is the last part of Mk 3,7—6,6

when Jesus was teaching and healing around Lake Galilee (Perkins).

In v.1, Jesus leaves the house of Jairus and goes home (Nazareth), with his disciples.

In v.2, Jesus goes to the synagogue to teach.

The day of teaching is specified as Sabbath (7th day of the week). The Jews did not name the days of the week after the pagan / planet gods. They called them 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Only the 7th has a name, Sabbath.

People are amazed at his teachings and wisdom.

In v.3, the people are aware of the humble origins of Jesus.

The people realize the big contrast of his wisdom and origins, which stuns them.

“To take offense” is to be scandalized. Rejection is its consequence.

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6Jesus’ response 4 Jesus said to them, "A

prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house."

No miracle performed 5 So he was not able to

perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.

V.4 seems to say “Familiarity breeds contempt.”

The people cannot see beyond Jesus’ humble family background.

People of faith should see him as coming from God.

In v.5, we see the result of their disbelief. He is not able to do miracles.

In v.6, Jesus is also amazed at their blatant lack of faith.

Reflections on the gospel reading

Taking offense at someone who does great things (instead of rejoicing and thanking) demolishes potential healthy relationships.

Taking offense is a kind of “professional jealousy” (of course, anything that is of this nature is not professional at all). It is a kind of superiority/inferiority complex that does not acknowledge the giftedness of the other, but tries to destroy it.

A good parish worker can be demolished if some influential people (or, who has authority) take offense with him or her.

Taking offense is manifested through the following: Ignoring his/her presence Talking against him/her Questioning his/her motives Investigating his/her insignificant humble past

We cannot be helped by a talented person if we take offense at him/her, if we feel offended without reason, or, if we are scandalized.

A wholesome person does not feel threatened by someone better.

Tying the 3 Readings and the Psalm

God sends a prophet to make his people feel he is there (1st reading)

God sends a “thorn in the flesh” to keep the prophet from boasting. (2nd reading)

God sends Jesus Christ as a teacher, healer and a prophet. (gospel reading)

The psalm helps us to accept whom God sends to us.

How to develop your homilies / sharing

Begin by relating your story of rejection. Who rejected you? What kind of people were they? Why did they reject you? What did you do?

The readings help the missionary stay put in his mission.

In the first reading, Ezekiel the prophet is conditioned by God that he is being sent to a people who are hard headed.

Even if they reject him, he should still proceed. It is not an exercise in futility. His presence to this people is a sign of God’s love for

them, hoping that they will respond later.

In the second reading, Paul relates his experience of having “a thorn in the flesh.”

As an apostle, he feels his mission is almost perfect, since he has received revelations from God.

Yet, he acknowledges that God has sent him this thorn, to keep him from boasting of his successes.

Paul does not take offense at this, instead, he sees his weakening as a form of strengthening in the Lord.

Paul has really understood what his mission entails.

In the gospel reading, we see Jesus as a prepared missionary.

Jesus is sent to preach in his own home town, where he faces people of no faith.

He has lots of wisdom and teachings (from God).

At the same time, he is equipped to handle rejection. Jesus tries to understand, but people miss his miracles

because of their unbelief.

We, people of God, must be keen on accepting those who are sent to preach to us.

As Catholics, we refer this to the ordained ministers, meaning the priests and the deacons.

They may have their own personal shortcomings because they are also human, but they are the only authorized people in the church to deliver sermons after the gospel reading.

We must take their message seriously. Through our honest feedbacks, we can help them

improve their homilies.

In our communities, we must also learn how to accept people who are sent to teach us, esp. those in the education ministry, or, the catechists.

Church leaders should be keen on who should really work in the parish and in our communities.

The parishioners or community members must accept the fact that there are sent-people who might be more talented / intelligent/ knowledgeable / more experienced than they.

We should not argue by the number of years we have been there.

We have lost many of our local / homegrown talents because of non-acceptance.

What happens if we reject the talented ones who are sent? Our community will be led and controlled by mediocre and old people, who cannot offer anything new and refreshing, for they will be telling the same old recycled story of their old successes, etc. The community stagnates.

What happens if we accept whom God sends? We will be closer to God. We will feel God’s

presence (1st reading). We will be strengthened in our weaknesses (2nd

reading) We will have a lot of teachings, formations, healings

and building up of one another. The quality of our faith will improve. (gospel)

The psalm helps set the mood to become good disciples.

We should be like a servant who is always attentive, all eyes, all ears, to his master, and receptive to his teachings.

The psalm helps us recognize our sins of pride and arrogance (not needing anyone to teach us) and to be changed.

Reception of the eucharist means accepting Jesus in our hearts and minds. We accept his teachings.

In the eucharist, we are asked to accept other people especially those who are sent to bring a very important message.

If we believe we are sent, the eucharist will strengthen us in our sufferings (having thorn in the flesh).

In the eucharist, Jesus assures us, “My grace is enough for you.”

Our Context of Sin And Grace

Hard headedness Arrogance Inability to accept the talents

of others Contempt No faith Grandstanding Unaware of their ignorance Pain in the neck Jealousy

Docility Openness Strong faith Can embrace pain and

sufferings Equipped missionary Focused on mission Can overcome difficulties Does not easily give up Resiliency Perverance

Suggested Songs

It’s Time to Prepare (offertory) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIandBaBMck

Ama Namin by Calvin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0NiFJnCpI

Sino ba ang Diyos? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKA

Give Thanks by Don Moen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_VNsSj3fLQ (based on second

reading)