Welcome to our Bible StudyWelcome to our Bible Study

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time ASeptember 28, 2014

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

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst Reading: Ezekiel 18,25-28 Reading: Ezekiel 18,25-28 25 You say, "The LORD'S way is not fair!" Hear

now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? 26 When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. 27 But if a wicked man, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; 28 since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall

surely live, he shall not die. The focus is on God’s way.

11stst Reading: Ezekiel 18,25-28 Reading: Ezekiel 18,25-28The Lord’s way 25 You say, "The LORD'S way is not fair!" Hear now, house of

Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?

Man’s way 26 When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity,

and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.

Man’s conversion 27 But if a wicked man, turning from the wickedness he has

committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life;

Life 28 since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed,

he shall surely live, he shall not die.

A simple outline!

11stst Reading: Ezekiel 18,25-28 Reading: Ezekiel 18,25-28The Lord’s way 25 You say, "The LORD'S way is

not fair!" Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?

Man’s way26 When a virtuous man turns away

from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.

Man’s conversion 27 But if a wicked man, turning

from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life;

Life 28 since he has turned away from all

the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

CommentaryCommentary In v.25, God is accused of In v.25, God is accused of

being unfair in his being unfair in his wayway.. Answer: It is man’s way that Answer: It is man’s way that

is unfair. Put in direct is unfair. Put in direct manner, it is your way that is manner, it is your way that is unfair.unfair.

Vv.26-28 talks about “turning away” and its consequences From virtue to iniquity = From virtue to iniquity =

deathdeath From wickedness to right From wickedness to right

and just = lifeand just = life From all sins = life, not From all sins = life, not

deathdeath

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading

Our destiny depends on our “turning away.”Our destiny depends on our “turning away.” If we turn away from evil (If we turn away from evil (metanoiametanoia), we have ), we have

life. (God’s way)life. (God’s way) If we turn away from good (sin), we die. If we turn away from good (sin), we die.

(man’s way)(man’s way) We must adopt God’s way.We must adopt God’s way. Do you know God’s way?Do you know God’s way? Seek the sacred scriptures and the teachings Seek the sacred scriptures and the teachings

of the Church!of the Church!

Resp. Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14.Resp. Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14. R. (6a) R. (6a) Remember your mercies, O Lord.Remember your mercies, O Lord.

4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;teach me your paths,teach me your paths,5 guide me in your truth and teach me,5 guide me in your truth and teach me,for you are God my savior.for you are God my savior.

8 Remember that your compassion, O LORD,8 Remember that your compassion, O LORD,and your love are from of old.and your love are from of old.9 The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;9 The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;in your kindness remember me,in your kindness remember me,because of your goodness, O LORD.because of your goodness, O LORD.

10 Good and upright is the LORD;10 Good and upright is the LORD;thus he shows sinners the way.thus he shows sinners the way.14 He guides the humble to justice, 14 He guides the humble to justice, and teaches the humble his way.and teaches the humble his way.

Resp. Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14.Resp. Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14. R. (6a) R. (6a) Remember your mercies, O Remember your mercies, O

Lord.Lord.

4 Your ways, O LORD, make known 4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;to me;teach me your paths,teach me your paths,5 guide me in your truth and teach 5 guide me in your truth and teach me,me,for you are God my savior.for you are God my savior.

8 Remember that your compassion, 8 Remember that your compassion, O LORD,O LORD,and your love are from of old.and your love are from of old.9 The sins of my youth and my 9 The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;frailties remember not;in your kindness remember me,in your kindness remember me,because of your goodness, O because of your goodness, O LORD.LORD.

10 Good and upright is the LORD;10 Good and upright is the LORD;thus he shows sinners the way.thus he shows sinners the way.14 He guides the humble to justice, 14 He guides the humble to justice, and teaches the humble his way.and teaches the humble his way.

Commentary The psalm is classified as

individual lament. In vv.4-5, the psalmist prays

for guidance (God’s ways, paths, and truth)

In vv.8-9, the psalmist uses the word “remember” 3 times. Remember your compassion

and love Remember not my sins Remember me in your

kindnes Vv.10 and 14 affirm God as

a good guide.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm

Like the psalmist, we must pray for God’s Like the psalmist, we must pray for God’s guidance.guidance.

God guides us to walk in his way.God guides us to walk in his way. Like the psalmist, we should pray for God’s Like the psalmist, we should pray for God’s

compassion, to forgive our infractions.compassion, to forgive our infractions. In our lives, we pray for two things: guidance In our lives, we pray for two things: guidance

and forgiveness.and forgiveness.

22ndnd Reading: Philippians 2,1-11 Reading: Philippians 2,1-11Part I 1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any

participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others. 5 Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,

Part II 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with

God something to be grasped. 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A simple outline!

22ndnd Reading: Philippians 2,1-11 Reading: Philippians 2,1-11Part I 1 If there is any

encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others. 5 Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,

In v.2, Paul expresses his challenge In v.2, Paul expresses his challenge to the Philippians, to complete his to the Philippians, to complete his joy, in this manner:joy, in this manner: By having same mind (one vision,

common vision) By having same love (the love of

Christ) By being united in heart (living in

fraternity, fraternal love, in community)

By thinking one thing (focused) In v.3, Paul gives two imperatives:In v.3, Paul gives two imperatives:

1) To be pure in motivations 2) Not to put down others (do not put

yourself on a pedestal) Vv.4-5 continues Paul’s imperativesVv.4-5 continues Paul’s imperatives

3) not to be selfish 4) to look for the interest of others 5) to have the same attitude

(affection for one another) in Christ

22ndnd Reading: Philippians 2,1-11 Reading: Philippians 2,1-11Part Two 6 who, though he was in the

form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.

9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Part Two describes Christ’s divinity and Part Two describes Christ’s divinity and humanity, God’s way.humanity, God’s way.

V.6 begins with Christ’s category as God, V.6 begins with Christ’s category as God, but not taking advantage of his divine but not taking advantage of his divine nature.nature.

V.7 indicates Christ’s coming down to V.7 indicates Christ’s coming down to become human.become human.

V.8 indicates two sublime qualities of V.8 indicates two sublime qualities of Christ: humble and obedient. They make Christ: humble and obedient. They make full incarnation possible.full incarnation possible.

In v.9, God reverses the fate of Jesus on In v.9, God reverses the fate of Jesus on two counts:two counts: God exalted himGod exalted him God bestowed on him the name…God bestowed on him the name…

In v.10 the great name of Jesus exacts In v.10 the great name of Jesus exacts reverence and holy fear and also reverence and holy fear and also acknowledgment of his Lordship. V.11acknowledgment of his Lordship. V.11

We can classify Paul’s thoughts:We can classify Paul’s thoughts:

God’s wayGod’s way:: same mind, same love, united same mind, same love, united

in heart, thinking one thing, in heart, thinking one thing, regard others as more regard others as more important; found in Christ important; found in Christ

God’s way in ChristGod’s way in Christ: emptied : emptied himself, took form of slave, himself, took form of slave, become human being become human being (incarnation), humbled himself, (incarnation), humbled himself, obedient, to death on a cross.obedient, to death on a cross.

God’s way to Christ: God’s way to Christ: exalted exalted him, bestowed name, which him, bestowed name, which make everyone bend and make everyone bend and tongue confess tongue confess

Man’s way: Man’s way: Selfish motives, vainglory, Selfish motives, vainglory,

seeking own interestsseeking own interests Minds can’t meet.Minds can’t meet. Hearts are divided.Hearts are divided. One tries to outdo the other.One tries to outdo the other. Self-importanceSelf-importance AppropriationAppropriation DominationDomination PridePride Autonomy Autonomy

Reflections on the second readingReflections on the second reading

Jesus is the model of total selflessness expressed in

humility and total obedience to God.

If we want to join him in heaven, we must empty

ourselves of pride, unbridled freedom, etc.

We must practice kenosis (emptying).

It is the peak of Christian discipleship.

Can you talk less about yourself, your

accomplishments, etc., and talk more about Christ,

especially if you are a preacher? Have mercy on your

listerners.

Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32 28 "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came

to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.

31 Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

The focus is on conversion.

Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32Question 1 28 "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first

and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.

Question 2 31 Which of the two did his father's will?" Correct answer They answered, "The first." The meaning of his question Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes

are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

A simple outline!

Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32 28 "What is your opinion? A man

had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.

31 Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

CommentaryCommentary The Parable of the Two Sons The Parable of the Two Sons

begins with a question. V.28begins with a question. V.28 Jesus tries to get his disciples’ Jesus tries to get his disciples’

attention and to judge for attention and to judge for themselves regarding the issue.themselves regarding the issue.

Vv.28a-30 can be summarized in Vv.28a-30 can be summarized in this way:this way:

11stst Son (From No to Yes = did Son (From No to Yes = did God’s will)God’s will) The first son represents the sinners, The first son represents the sinners,

tax collectors and prostitutes.tax collectors and prostitutes. 22ndnd son (From Yes to No = did not son (From Yes to No = did not

do God’s will)do God’s will) The second son represents the The second son represents the

chief priests and the elders of Israel chief priests and the elders of Israel (v.23.)(v.23.)

Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32Gospel: Matthew 21,28-32 28 "What is your opinion? A man

had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.

31 Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first."

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

V.31 affirms who does the will of V.31 affirms who does the will of God: the first son.God: the first son.

In v.31b, Jesus informs his In v.31b, Jesus informs his enemies that those they enemies that those they consider sinners are entering consider sinners are entering the kingdom of heaven ahead of the kingdom of heaven ahead of them.them.

V.32 explains why.V.32 explains why. They lost their opportunity to be They lost their opportunity to be

saved, when they did not believe in saved, when they did not believe in the baptism of John.the baptism of John.

They were not even moved by the They were not even moved by the conversion of sinners. V.32b.conversion of sinners. V.32b.

In other words, they are callous.In other words, they are callous. They do not interpret correctly.They do not interpret correctly.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading

In the eyes of God, we are all sinners.In the eyes of God, we are all sinners. We must go back to him.We must go back to him. Even if we have been active in the church for so long, we Even if we have been active in the church for so long, we

still need conversion.still need conversion. We cannot sit back and imagine we have been doing the We cannot sit back and imagine we have been doing the

right things all the time.right things all the time. We must learn how to discern the best way to follow We must learn how to discern the best way to follow

Christ in our context here and now.Christ in our context here and now. Our practices and theology might be correct but they can Our practices and theology might be correct but they can

be irrelevant (They do not bring us to true conversion be irrelevant (They do not bring us to true conversion and fullness of life).and fullness of life).

Tying the three readings and the PsalmTying the three readings and the Psalm

The first reading talks about adopting God’s ways, The first reading talks about adopting God’s ways, abandoning man’s ways. (abandoning man’s ways. (conversionconversion))

The psalm is a prayer for guidance and forgiveness.The psalm is a prayer for guidance and forgiveness. The second reading talks about being selfless. (The second reading talks about being selfless. (being being

convertedconverted)) The gospel reading talks about The gospel reading talks about conversion.conversion. (change of (change of

mind)mind)

How to develop your homily/sharingHow to develop your homily/sharing

God calls us to true God calls us to true conversionconversion.. We may be involved in religious activities but we We may be involved in religious activities but we

are not are not convertedconverted at all. at all. We may still be living in sin.We may still be living in sin. We may be just there in the church projecting We may be just there in the church projecting

ourselves as good, but actually gratifying our ourselves as good, but actually gratifying our desire for recognition, like the chief priests and desire for recognition, like the chief priests and Pharisees, enjoying our positions without doing Pharisees, enjoying our positions without doing anything for the church.anything for the church.

The The gospelgospel teaches us that teaches us that conversionconversion has has something to do with something to do with change of mindchange of mind..

It is a total overhaul of a belief system (from old It is a total overhaul of a belief system (from old to new) brought about through baptism.to new) brought about through baptism.

One cannot follow Christ without the initial One cannot follow Christ without the initial conversionconversion in baptism. in baptism.

Baptism of Baptism of repentancerepentance spells our ability to follow spells our ability to follow Jesus.Jesus.

There is no Christian discipleship without There is no Christian discipleship without repentancerepentance..

The The first readingfirst reading is emphatic on is emphatic on changingchanging one’s one’s ways, ways, turning awayturning away from wickedness. from wickedness.

It is not right to accuse God of injustice.It is not right to accuse God of injustice. We should realize that we are the ones who are We should realize that we are the ones who are

unjust.unjust. It is foolishness to turn from good to bad. It is It is foolishness to turn from good to bad. It is

courting death.courting death. The movement must be from bad to good.The movement must be from bad to good. God passionately desires our God passionately desires our conversionconversion..

The The second readingsecond reading gives us tips for gives us tips for conversionconversion.. It is a total obedience to God.It is a total obedience to God. We must follow God’s ways.We must follow God’s ways. We must have good personal relationships, not We must have good personal relationships, not

putting ourselves on top of others.putting ourselves on top of others. We must empty ourselves of all kinds of garbage We must empty ourselves of all kinds of garbage

(bloated ego).(bloated ego).

Instead, we should imitate Jesus who voluntarily and humbly empties himself of all his privileges, prestige, power and wealth as God.

If we want to be put on a pedestal, we should first undergo the Way of the Cross and die.

God himself will do it for us. That is more honorable and respectable.

Our involvement in the church can be a tricky business.Our involvement in the church can be a tricky business. We may volunteer as servant leaders, but deep inside We may volunteer as servant leaders, but deep inside

we long to be recognized. We bring our personal we long to be recognized. We bring our personal agenda.agenda.

Unconsciously, we may be using the liturgy, our position, Unconsciously, we may be using the liturgy, our position, our influence and the facilities of the church for our own our influence and the facilities of the church for our own ends.ends.

That’s why, there is always a need to examine our That’s why, there is always a need to examine our motivations.motivations.

We are helped much by attending ongoing formations.We are helped much by attending ongoing formations. Ongoing formations trigger realizations and Ongoing formations trigger realizations and conversionsconversions.. Mission work helps us realize our limitations.Mission work helps us realize our limitations.

The The eucharisteucharist is the sacrament of love and is the sacrament of love and devotion to others.devotion to others.

ItIt is a symbol of selflessness on the part of God, is a symbol of selflessness on the part of God, also a symbol of self-giving of Jesus.also a symbol of self-giving of Jesus.

The The eucharisteucharist is for those who adopt God’s way is for those who adopt God’s way and abandon man’s way.and abandon man’s way.

The The eucharisteucharist assures us of the future glory to assures us of the future glory to come.come.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace

Church workers/leaders Church workers/leaders who appropriate places of who appropriate places of honor in the churchhonor in the church

People who throw their People who throw their weight upon others.weight upon others.

Servant leaders who are Servant leaders who are more conscious of their more conscious of their positions and years of positions and years of serviceservice

Ministers who spend Ministers who spend more time chatting than more time chatting than helpinghelping

Selfless, humble servants Selfless, humble servants who are there when who are there when neededneeded

Ministers who are Ministers who are fraternal and fraternal and accommodatingaccommodating

Ministers who quietly Ministers who quietly endure insults and pains.endure insults and pains.

Ministers who are Ministers who are focused in their work, focused in their work, who do their homework who do their homework well, who report for duty.well, who report for duty.

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

Lord, I Lift Up My SoulLord, I Lift Up My Soul http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4alK0eWGCA

Time To Change Let’s Begin a New Life