1. 1. Welcome to our Bible Study 21st Sunday in the Ordinary Time B 23 August 2015 In preparation for this Sundays liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM
2. 2. 1st reading: Josh 24:1-2.15-18 1 Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, 2 Joshua addressed all the people: "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: In times past your fathers, down to Terah, father of Abraham and Nahor, dwelt beyond the River and served other gods. 15 If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." 16 But the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD for the service of other gods. 17 For it was the LORD, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 At our approach the LORD drove out (all the peoples, including) the Amorites who dwelt in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God." The focus is on serving the Lord.
3. 3. Textual Context of Josh 24:1-2.15-18 The Conquest of the Land of Canaan (Jos 1,112,24) 1,1-18 Introduction 2,1-25 Joshua send spies to Jericho 3,1--5,1 The Israelites Cross the Jordan 5,2-15 Final Preparations for the Conquest 6,1-27 The Conquest of Jericho 7,18,35 The Sin of Achan and the Conquest of Ai 9,1-27 The Covenant with the Gibeonites 10,1-27 The Battle at Gibeon 10,2811,23 The Conquest of the Entire Land 12,1-24 List of Conquered Kings Distribution of the Land (Jos 13,121,45) 13,119,51 Tribal Allotments 13,1-33 Introduction and distribution of the land to the Eastern tribes: Reuben, Gad, half-tribe of Manasseh 14,117,18 Distribution of the land to Caleb, Judah, and the Joseph tribes 18,119,51 Distribution of the land to Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulon, Issachar Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and the personal territory of Joshua 20,1-19 Cities of Refuge 21,1-45 The Levitical Cities Conclusion (Jos 22,124,33) 22,1-34 Dismissal of the Transjordan tribes and their altar 23,1-16 Joshuas farewell speech 24,1-28 The Shechem Assembly Our text is found towards the end of the Book of Joshua.
4. 4. Shechem
5. 5. 1st reading: Josh 24:1-2.15-18 1 Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, 2 Joshua addressed all the people: "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: In times past your fathers, down to Terah, father of Abraham and Nahor, dwelt beyond the River and served other gods. 15 If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Commentary In v.1, Joshua, the leader of the conquest of Canaan, meets all the people of Israel and their leaders. They meet at Shechem, a shrine in the North. In v.2, Joshua speaks on behalf of God, reminding the Israelites of their past ancestors, who dwelt in Mesopotamia worshipping idols. In v.15, Joshua asks the people to make an important decision. If they do not want to serve the Lord, they have to decide to serve any of the gods of their forefathers or the gods of the Canaanites (=Amorites) Joshua articulates his loyalty to the Lord (the God of their history).
6. 6. 1st reading: Josh 24:1-2.15-18 16 But the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD for the service of other gods. 17 For it was the LORD, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed. 18 At our approach the LORD drove out (all the peoples, including) the Amorites who dwelt in the land. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God." In v.16, the people do the same. They want to serve the Lord. In vv.17-18, they recognize the God who liberated them from the slavery in Egypt, with signs and wonders. In v.18b, they confirm their intention to serve the Lord, their God, not any other god.
7. 7. Reflections on the 1st reading Like Joshua, we should not be ashamed to display our loyalty to the Lord. We do this in order to influence the loyalty of others to the same Lord. We must worship God, who accompanies us in our history, not the inherited gods of our unenlightened forefathers. True religion recognizes God, who is active in our history, not those gods which are long archived. Likewise, the practice of true religion is not resurrecting the old and abandoned practices, discarded in the present-day rituals, but approaching God in spirit and truth.
8. 8. Responsorial Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21 R. (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. 2 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 3 Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. 16 The LORD has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry. 17 The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 18 When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. 19 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 20 Many are the troubles of the just one, but out of them all the LORD delivers him; 21 he watches over all his bones; not one of them shall be broken.
9. 9. Responsorial Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21 R. (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. 2 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 3 Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. 16 The LORD has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry. 17 The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 18 When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. 19 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 20 Many are the troubles of the just one, but out of them all the LORD delivers him; 21 he watches over all his bones; not one of them shall be broken. Commentary In vv.2-3, the psalmist promises to bless and praise God always. V.16 indicates that the just are Gods favorites. He listens to them. In contrast, v.17 indicates that God hates all evildoers. Vv.18-21 go back to how God treats the just. He hears their cry, v.18 He rescues them from distress, v.18 He is close to them, he saves them, v.19 He delivers them out of trouble, v.20 He stands guard over them, so that no damage will be done to them, v.21
10. 10. Reflections on the Psalm The psalm encourages us to be just. The just has a special place in the heart of God. God listens to their cries and to their prayers. They may be persecuted and oppressed, but God takes side with them. The psalm warns evildoers, those who are unjust. They have no place in the heart of God. Their memory will be erased from the face of the earth.
11. 11. 2nd reading: Ephesians 5:21-32 21 Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. 24 As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her 26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, 27 that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. The focus is on being subordinate. Aha!!!
12. 12. 2nd reading: Ephesians 5:21-32 Wives to husbands 21 Be subordinate (hypotassomenoi, submit) to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. 24 As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands to wives 25 Husbands, love (agapate) your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her 26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, 27 that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. Just a simple outline. Please dont react yet.
13. 13. Textual Context of the Text (Eph 5:21-32) Outline of Ephesians (Perkins) 1. Greeting (1,1-2) 2. Thanksgiving for redemption and knowledge of heavenly mysteries in Christ (1:3-14) 3. Through the apostle God has made the Gentiles alive in Christ (1:15-3:21) 1. Prayer for the faith, love and hope of those whom God has made part of the body of the heavenly Christ (1:15-23) 2. Contrast between their old "death" in sin and life in Christ (2:1-10) 3. Reconciliation of the Gentiles to God in the one body of Christ(2:11-22) 4. Paul's suffering and ministry to bring the Gentiles into the body of Christ (3:1-13) 5. Prayer for faith and love among Paul's converts (3:14-21) 4. Christian life in the world (4:1-6:20) 5. Unity in the body of Christ, which is built up by different ministries (4:1-16) 6. Old life in "darkness" contrasted with new life as "children of light" (4:17- 5:21) 7. Household code: Marriage in Christ; children and parents; slaves and masters (5:22-6:9) The reading belongs to the 7th part of the book, which is about the household relationships.
14. 14. 2nd reading: Ephesians 5:21-32 Wives to husbands 21 Be subordinate (hypotassomenoi, submit) to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. 24 As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands to wives 25 Husbands, love (agapate) your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her 26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, 27 that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. Commentary Our text has two sections: Vv.21-24 Wives subordinating to husbands Vv.25-32 Husbands loving wives Now the question of subordination Why subordination? Nowadays, it is no longer pleasant to hear this word, especially when we talk about womens rights and dignity. This text (and similar texts in the Bible) has been considered by feminists as patriarchal and, therefore, oppressive, if not offensive to women.
15. 15. 2nd reading: Ephesians 5:21-32 Wives to husbands 21 Be subordinate (hypotassomenoi, submit) to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. 24 As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands to wives 25 Husbands, love (agapate) your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her 26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, 27 that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. The preacher should be careful to clarify and not to condone the macho or the patriarchal attitude or system. Nowhere in the whole text was it said that women (wives) should be oppressed.
16. 16. 2nd reading: Ephesians 5:21-32 Wives to husbands 21 Be subordinate (hypotassomenoi, submit) to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. 24 As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands to wives 25 Husbands, love (agapate) your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her 26 to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, 27 that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. The word (submit) can be misunderstood, but the whole reading can clarify. Just taking a look at v.21, the opening verse, it is clear that subordination (whatever that means) is reciprocal. The author did not use the same word in reference to men only. Instead of using husbands submit to your wives, he uses husbands love. It is consistent with the motivation or analogy given by the author himself: See inner bullets There should be no complaint whatsoever when we pattern our dealings with other people to how Christ deals with us, his church.
17. 17. Reflections on the 2nd reading In our relationships, we have no right to oppress anyone. Subordination does not mean surrendering to oppression and injustices. Subordination or submission here must be taken in the light of obeying one another, catering to the needs of the other, doing favors to the other. We model our relationship to how Christ relates to us and to his Church. Christs dealing with us is always liberating, not enslaving.
18. 18. Gospel: John 6:60-69 60 Then many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" 61 Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father." 66 As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. 67 Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." The focus is on believing in Jesus.
19. 19. Gospel: John 6:60-69 Disciples not believing 60 Many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it? Jesus proclaiming / reiterating 61 Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Disciples not believing 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus reiterating Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father." Disciples not believing 66 As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus to the 12 67 Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Apostles believing 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." A simple outline!
20. 20. Textual Context of John 6:60-69 (Dodd) Part One Book of Signs (Jn 2-12) Part Two Book of Glory (Jn 13-20) Our passage is within the Discourse of the Bread of Life (6,22-58). It ends the topic of the Bread from Heaven. It is entitled the Words of Eternal Life. The gospel was written between 90-100 AD for the Johannine community.
21. 21. Gospel: John 6:60-69 Disciples not believing 60 Many of his disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it? Jesus proclaiming / reiterating 61 Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Commentary The text belongs to the end of the The Bread of Life Discourse in John 6,1-69. In v.60, even Jesus disciples find it hard to accept Jesus claims (that he is the bread of life, from heaven). In v.61, Jesus picks up the incredulity of his disciples. In v.62, Jesus expresses his worry over his disciples. What more if they see him ascending to heaven?
22. 22. Gospel: John 6:60-69 Disciples not believing 64 But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus reiterating Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father." In v.64, Jesus is aware of the presence of some disciples, who do not believe (contradiction in terms) and the one who will betray him. In v.65, Jesus goes back to v.44. The Father causes them to go to Jesus.
23. 23. Gospel: John 6:60-69 Disciples not believing 66 As a result of this, many (of) his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus to the 12 67 Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Apostles believing 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." V.66 gives a sad information that many of his disciples turn around and leave Jesus. They stop following him and go back to their old way (life without communion). This triggers Jesus to ask the Twelve Apostles (his core group and inner circle), if they will do the same. Vv.68-69 give us the very inspiring response of Peter, speaking in behalf of the group. Peter expresses his unswerving loyalty to Jesus. He articulates their total faith and conviction that Jesus has the words of eternal life and that He is the Holy One of God.
24. 24. Reflections on the gospel reading Faith is a gift from God. With faith, we can take Jesus words, no matter how difficult it is to understand (mysterious). We cannot remain with Jesus, if we try to rationalize everything. Faith goes beyond reason, but it is not unreasonable. Faith is sticking to Jesus, not leaving him when there are doubts and disputes. Faith is affirming our trust and confidence in him.
25. 25. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading is about the pledge of loyalty (faith) of the Israelites to Yahweh. (We will serve the Lord.) The psalm exhorts us to be just. (practice of faith) The second reading talks about being subordinates to one another and to Jesus. (practice of faith) The gospel reading talks about faith in Jesus words and claims.
26. 26. How to develop your homily / sharing We talk about faith. Faith in Jesus is the starting point of all our Christian commitment. There is no such thing as a committed Christian without assenting to Christs teachings. Faith in Jesus is externalized in continuously following him and receiving him in the sacrament. Faith is submission to God, not the other way around.
27. 27. The first reading teaches us to submit ourselves to God, not to idols (those gods of the un- enlightened ancestors). We choose this God, the Lord God, who exact righteousness and justice from us and liberates us from oppression due to our false gods. Our true God cannot be manipulated. He is the God of Israel, God of the people, not just of a few.
28. 28. The responsorial psalm encourages us to be just. If we fear the Lord, he will listen to our cries, to our prayers, even if we are oppressed. He comes and rescues us. The psalm warns evildoers. If they dont stop committing crime and violating Gods laws and human rights, they will be punished.
29. 29. The second reading is about subordination. This word may be open to misinterpretation, but it is an important Christian concept in building relationships. We can build our families only if there is subordination, i.e., submission and obedience to one another. It is an expression of total availability and trust to the other person in the family or community. It is tempered by the teachings of Jesus, who submitted himself to the Father. We should not be afraid of giving ourselves to others. This is how we practice faith in God and in others.
30. 30. In the gospel reading, we find a good example of how to respond in faith. Let us appropriate what Peter says to Jesus, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. You are the Holy One of God. Faith is continuously following Jesus, even if many fall away from him. Faith is sticking it out with Jesus as the way to salvation and to God. Peter is like Joshua who said to the people, As for me and my family, we choose to serve the Lord.
31. 31. What happens if we follow the wrong person, teaching the wrong values? (if we follow our own selves?) We will be disconnected with our history, with the God who has been active in our concrete lives, past, present and future. What happens when we dont submit (serve) to one another and live as rugged individualists? We will disintegrate as a family and community. We will not be able to give justice to our faith. We will violate human rights, womens rights and childrens rights. We will not find what we are looking for (freedom, salvation, protection, love, nurturance, etc.). These are experienced best when we are interconnected, and practicing justice to one another.
32. 32. What happens if we leave Jesus and do our own thing? We will become apostates. We cease to be Christians. We cant be in communion with Jesus and with our Christian brothers and sisters, in prayer and liturgy. We are all alone by ourselves, living a lonely and unhappy life.
33. 33. In the eucharist, God invites us to be with him. In the eucharist, we submit ourselves (show our loyalty) to him and to one another. In the eucharist, we choose to serve the Lord. In the eucharist, we celebrate Gods gift of faith, communion, community and fraternity. The eucharist nurtures our faith.
34. 34. Our Context of Sin and Grace Apostasy Betrayal Un-committed Confused faith Not knowing whom to listen to Watching all kinds of religious shows on TV (no focus) Courageous witness Infectious faith Faithful, just Loyal
35. 35. Suggested Songs Its Time to Prepare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIandBaBMck Lord, to whom shall be we go? By Michael Joncas