Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

5th Sunday of Lent B

March 22, 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 31 The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will

make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt; for they broke my covenant and I had to show myself their master, says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer will they have need to teach their friends and kinsmen how to know the LORD. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

The focus is on God’s covenant.

1st reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34The new covenant announced 31 The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new

covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt; for they broke my covenant and I had to show myself their master, says the LORD.

The new covenant explained 33 But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel

after those days, says the LORD. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer will they have need to teach their friends and kinsmen how to know the LORD. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Jer 31:31-34

Part I Chapters 1-25 Evils of Judah under 3 kings

Part II Chapters 26-36 Stories about the prophets and oracles from the times of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah

Part III Chapters 37-45 Stories about Judah Part IV Chapters 46-51 Oracles against foreign nations

Part V Chapter 52 Describes fall of Jerusalem

1st reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34The new covenant

announced 31 The days are

coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers the day I took them by the hand to lead them forth from the land of Egypt; for they broke my covenant and I had to show myself their master, says the LORD.

Commentary In v.31, God announces the

making of a new covenant (alliance, agreement) with the whole Israelite people (Judah and Israel).

V.32 states that the new covenant will not be like the old one, given at Mt. Sinai, which their ancestors broke.

V.32 also indicates that God has to show that he is in-charge, not they.

1st reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34

The new covenant explained 33 But this is the covenant

which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer will they have need to teach their friends and kinsmen how to know the LORD. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

V.33 describes what the new covenant is all about. It will be written in their hearts,

(not on stone tablet). What remains the same is the

relationship between God and the people. “I will be their God and they

shall be my people.” In v.34, there will be no need

to teach others (for the law of God will be engraved in their hearts).

V.34 also announces God’s forgiveness.

Reflections on the 1st reading God intends to have a good relationship with us. When we enter into a relationship (covenant) with

him, we must not break it. We must diligently and conscientiously maintain

it. We are all covenanted with God through baptism. As God’s covenanted people, we must not have

strange gods and behavior. Our stance is always that of listening to him and

never compromise our relationship with him in pursuit of wealth, power and prestige.

Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15 R. (12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.

3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.4 Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.

12 A clean heart create for me, O God,and a steadfast spirit renew within me.13 Cast me not out from your presence,and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

14 Give me back the joy of your salvation,and a willing spirit sustain in me.15 I will teach transgressors your ways,and sinners shall return to you.

Resp. Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15R. (12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.

3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.

12 A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.13 Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

14 Give me back the joy of your salvation,and a willing spirit sustain in me. 15 I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you.

Commentary The psalm, classified as individual lament, is a

prayer of a contrite person. It is believed to be the prayer of King David.

In vv.3-4, the psalmist prays for the forgiveness (cleansing, washing), of his sins (offense, guilt), in parallel form.

In vv.12-13, the psalmist makes the following petitions: To create a clean heart To renew a steadfast spirit Not to ostracize him Not to take away the Holy Spirit from him.

Vv.14-15 continue the petitions: To give back joy To sustain willing spirit.

V.15 contains the promise of the penitent man: To teach transgressors, fellow sinners to return to

God

Reflections on the Psalm Like David, we must humbly acknowledge our

sin and guilt, and pray like him. When we remain in sin (not cleansed and

forgiven), we cannot have joy in our hearts; God is absent in our affairs.

As penitents, we also have a mission: To induce other sinners to return to God.

Salvation is not just for ourselves, but also for others, who are groping in the dark.

2nd reading: Hebrews 5:7-9 7 In the days when Christ Jesus was in the

flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; 9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

The focus is on obedience.

Textual Context of Hebrews 5:7-9

I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology)II. 3: 1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology)III. 5: 11--10:39 The central exposition (Sacrifice)IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological paraenesis)V. 12: 14--13:19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology).

2nd reading: Hebrews 5:7-97 In the days when Christ Jesus was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; 9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

Commentary V.7 describes what happened to Jesus,

when he was still alive on earth (in the flesh). Jesus really prayed. He experienced brokenness so much so

that he prayed with loud cries and tears. Jesus really believed in his Father.

V.7 intimates that Jesus was heard by the Father because of his reverence (obedience).

V.8 gives the wisdom of suffering. Jesus learned obedience from his

suffering. In v.9, Jesus became perfect (through

obedience). Obedience is also expected of us in order

to attain salvation.

Reflections on the 2nd reading Obedience is the name of the game. Without obedience, we cannot be saved. Obedience can be learned by undergoing

suffering (tedious learning of the right things).

When we avoid suffering and death (self-denials, death to oneself), we will never learn how to be obedient.

Gospel reading: John 12:20-33 20 Some Greeks among those who had come up to worship at the

feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus.“ 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. 27 "I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again.“ 29 The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him.“ 30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. 31 Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.“ 33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

The focus is on dying.

Gospel reading: John 12:20-33Wanting to see Jesus: The Hour 20 Some Greeks among those who had come up to worship at the feast. 21 They came

to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus.“ 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Dying 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it

remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.

Being a Servant 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.

The Father will honor whoever serves me. The Hour 27 "I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it

was for this purpose that I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again.“ 29 The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him.“ 30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours.

The Time 31 Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven

out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.“ 33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

A simple outline!

Gospel reading: John 12:20-33Wanting to see Jesus: The Hour 20 Some Greeks among those

who had come up to worship at the feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus.“ 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

Dying 24 Amen, amen, I say to you,

unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.

Being a Servant 26 Whoever serves me must

follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.

Commentary In v.20, the Greeks can also refer to Hellenized

Jews (Greek-speaking Jews). They approach Philip. v.21 Philip shows them the way to Jesus. v.22

V.23 indicates Jesus’ time for his glorification. Glorification is the passion, death and

resurrection of Jesus and his ascension. V.24 is the famous wisdom saying of Jesus on

dying. It speaks well of his experience. It also suggests what will happen to us, if we die

like him. V.25 states another saying of Jesus on dying.

Jesus really encourages us to lose our life (to die) in order to gain life for ever.

V.26 talks about being a servant. The servant must follow the footsteps of his

master. The servant must also learn how to die. God the Father recognizes anyone who serves

Jesus.

Gospel reading: John 12:20-33The Hour 27 "I am troubled now.

Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again.“ 29 The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him.“ 30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours.

The Time 31 Now is the time of

judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.“ 33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

V.27 indicates the feelings of Jesus who is about to die. He experiences fear. As a human being, he wants to avoid pain. Yet, he realizes he has to do God’s plan.

In v.28, the Father glorifies his name through the suffering and death of his son. The Father speaks. He affirms his son in the

hearing of the crowd. In v.29, the crowd reacts. In v.30, Jesus reacts, clarifying that the voice

is for their sake. V.31 repeats the element of time indicated in

vv.23 and 27: Now… For Jesus, now is the time for him to be

glorified, at the same time, to drive out the ruler of this world (Satan).

V.32 talks about his ascension. But v.33 clarifies that his lifting up is his

crucifixion.

Reflections on the gospel reading

Death is inevitable. It is part of our existence. It is part of being

human. For Jesus, it is part of his ascent into heaven. It is a step toward his glorification. For us, death brings a lot of uncertainties. We never know what will happen if we die now.

Christian death should be viewed as giving life to others.

We die so that others may live. We should embrace Sister Death (St. Francis’

vocabulary), if it is time to die. We should forget our self-importance. We are

not indispensable.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading teaches that the new

covenant is written in our hearts. The old covenant is dead.

The psalm is a prayer of a penitent, who dies to sin.

The second reading teaches obedience through suffering and death.

The gospel teaches that by dying we give life.

How to develop your homily / sharing

We are close to celebrating the paschal triduum (the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus), on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday / Easter Vigil.

This Sunday we put emphasis on the meaning of Jesus’ death.

We cannot deny that Jesus as a human being died. The gospels testify to his death.

Some Christian groups do not want to celebrate his death because they say, “God is alive, he is not dead.”

Christians should be reminded that we can have a more meaningful proclamation on Jesus’ resurrection only if we consider his death.

The disciples and apostles of Jesus did not say “Jesus is alive” when he was still alive and did not teach that he never died.

The readings invite us to focus on the mystery of death.

The first reading talks about the establishment of the new covenant. It implies the death of the old covenant.

The new covenant is written in the hearts of men and women, not on stone or stony hearts.

We, Christians, live in the new covenant which is ratified by Jesus with his own blood.

We must take care of our new relationship with God, as specified by Jesus.

The second reading tells us that there is wisdom in suffering and death.

By willingly embracing suffering and death, we learn obedience, like Jesus.

This obedience is our ticket to heaven. Refusal to suffer, to sacrifice and to die runs

counter to Christ’s teachings. As human beings, we cannot be perfected

without being re-touched by hardships.

The gospel reading affirms the importance of dying.

Dying is giving life to others. Dying is total self-giving. We don’t have to be literal always when we talk

of dying. Actually, true Christians die many times before

they actually die. The more they die (they hold their fire when angry or

provoked, they have patience with those who are slow to understand and commit mistakes, they fast and abstain from gossip,

forbidden food, cravings), the more they give life to others, even those who are hopeless.

We Christians must learn how to die to ourselves.

Many of us do not know much about dying to oneself.

We talk more about survival. Many times survival means living at the

expense of others. In the process, we commit injustices and crimes

against humanity and our planet earth. To live like Christ is living on a higher level,

although our feet stay flat on the ground.

In the eucharist, we celebrate Jesus’ death to give us life.

In the eucharist, we express our willingness to give ourselves to others.

In the eucharist, we experience the mystery of death and life.

In the eucharist, we become alive with others and with God.

Our Context of Sin and Death Living like cancer cells = cells

that refuse to die State of denial Pride Forced deaths Abortion Euthanasia Suicide Genocide Murder Armed conflicts Extrajudicial killings Violence Breach of contract

Dying to self Obedience Humility Resignation Submission Acceptance

Suggested Songs Holy Pilgrim Song Into your Hands