Welcome to our Bible Study 14 th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B July 5, 2009 In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1 st 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.

1 st 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.

1 st 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 prophecy during the Babylonian Exile ( BC). The Jews were forcibly exiled to Babylon. Their exile has been interpreted as punishment for their sin. Their sin was abandoning Yahweh and violating 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). The prophet testifies how God has taken hold of his life” His spirit (vital power to make him talk) enters 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 are the Israelites 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 1 st reading God is a loving God. His love is not conditioned by what we do. His love is not affected by our bad attitudes and sin. God makes his presence felt, by sending prophets to us. If we are in our right mind, we would voluntarily change ourselves, never again to be hard-headed, but will conform to his will. We can never be right before God, if we insist our own.

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 eyes who are enthroned in heaven — 2 As the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters. 2 As the eyes of a maid are 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.

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 eyes who are enthroned in heaven — 2 As the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters. 2 As the eyes of a maid are 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 expresses one’s conformity to God. It expresses well the desired response to the loving God who does not abandon us, in spite of our sinfulness. In v.1, the psalmist seeks God in heaven. In v.2, the psalmist employs similes to express how he relates himself to God. The psalmist is always on the look out for his master until he is given mercy. In v.3, the psalmist asks for mercy because of contempt, arrogance and pride that have overcome him.

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 a Christian heart. Actually those are just cover ups of inferiority complex.

2 nd 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.

2 nd 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.”

2 nd reading: 2 Corinthians 12, 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. Commentary: Paul also received revelations from God. Revelations are not the monopoly of the eyewitnesses. 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. 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 weaken him… but at this point, he is made more strong.

Reflections on the 2 nd reading In our lives, we must recognize that we too have a “thorn in the flesh”. 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 keep us humble always. These, indeed, weaken our spirits and drain our energies and resources. How we wish we could always be surrounded by positive people, to make our work easier! 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.

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.

Gospel Reading: Mark 6,1-6 Setting (teaching) 1 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place Nazareth), 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. Commentary: In v.1, Jesus leaves the house of Jairus and goes home, with his disciples. In v.2, Jesus goes to the synagogue to teach. 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. V.4 seems to say “Familiarity breeds contempt.” The people cannot see beyond Jesus’ humble family background. People of faith 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 (in stead of rejoicing and thanking) demolishes potential 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 with 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 three readings and the Psalm God sends a prophet to make his people feel he is there (1 st reading) God sends a “thorn in the flesh” to keep the prophet from boasting. (2 nd 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 entails his mission.

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 assigned 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 assigned 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 people who might be more talented / intelligent/ knowledgeable / more experienced than they. We have lost many of our local / homegrown talents because of non-acceptance.

What happens if we reject the talented ones? 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 (1 st reading). We will be strengthened in our weaknesses (2 nd 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. 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 have a very important message to tell. 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 Hard headedness Arrogance Inability to accept the talent of others No faith Grandstanding Unaware of their ignorance Pain in the neck Docility Openness Equipped missionary

Suggested songs It’s Time to Prepare (offertory) Give Thanks by Don Moen (based on second reading)