Sunday Readings Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections 23 rd Sunday in Ordinary Time C September 4, 2016 In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1 st reading: Wisdom 9,13-18a 13 Who can know God's counsel, or who can conceive what our LORD intends? 14 For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. 15 For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. 16 And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? 17 Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? 18 And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight. The focus is on God’s counsel.

1 st reading: Wisdom 9,13-18a The question 13 Who can know God's counsel, or who can conceive what our LORD intends? The answer – –14 For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. – –15 For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. – –16 And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? The question 17 Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? 18 And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight. A simple outline!

Textual Context of Wisdom 9,13-18a Wis 9,1-18 Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom Wis 10,1-14 The Work of Wisdom from Adam to Moses Wis 10,15 Wisdom Led the Israelites out of Egypt Wis 11,1-14 Wisdom Led the Israelites through the Desert Wis 11,15-20 Punishment of the Wicked Wis 11,21 God is Powerful and Merciful Wis 12,3-11 The Sins of the Canaanites Wis 12,12-18 God is Sovereign Wis 12,19-22 God’s Lessons for Israel Wis 12,23 The Punishment of the Egyptians Wis 13,1-9 The Foolishness of Nature Worship

1 st reading: Wisdom 9,13-18a 13 Who can know God's counsel, or who can conceive what our LORD intends? – –14 For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. – –15 For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. – –16 And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? 17 Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? 18 And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight. Commentary The book of Wisdom is a deuterocanonical book. It is not included in the Hebrew Canon. The book of Wisdom is a deuterocanonical book. It is not included in the Hebrew Canon. We, Catholics, recognize it as canonical, based on the Septuagint (LXX, Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible). We, Catholics, recognize it as canonical, based on the Septuagint (LXX, Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible). V.13 contains two questions in parallel form: who can know God’s counsel // who can conceive God’s intent? V.13 contains two questions in parallel form: who can know God’s counsel // who can conceive God’s intent? The expected answer is no one. The expected answer is no one. The reasons are in vv.15-16: The reasons are in vv.15-16: –We humans are timid (fearful), unsure –Our corruptible body burdens the soul // earthen dwelling weighs down the mind (We are distracted by many concerns. We are not focused. Our minds can never soar to the highest heavens.) V.17 is another question similar to v.13. V.17 is another question similar to v.13.

1 st reading: Wisdom 9,13-18a 13 Who can know God's counsel, or who can conceive what our LORD intends? – –14 For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. – –15 For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. – –16 And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? 17 Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? 18 And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight. V.17 V.17 indicates that Counsel Counsel is or is similar to or concretized by Wisdom and Holy Spirit. V.18 V.18 explains the result of God’s Counsel: Counsel: paths made straight.

Reflections on the 1 st reading No No human being can read the mind (intent, (intent, wisdom) wisdom) of God. Our Our intellect is very limited. By By nature, we are not equipped to comprehend God’s mystery. The The reasons: we are timid, unsure, mortals, have material concerns, we are distracted. We cannot even understand what is on earth, nor, those within our grasp. But, But, if we capture the mind of God (his counsel, counsel, wisdom and spirit), spirit), we will walk along the right paths. Therefore, Therefore, pray.

Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. 3 You turn man back to dust, saying, "Return, O children of men." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. 3 You turn man back to dust, saying, "Return, O children of men." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands!

Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. 3 You turn man back to dust, saying, "Return, O children of men." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. 3 You turn man back to dust, saying, "Return, O children of men." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! Commentary The psalm is classified as community lament. In v.3, the psalmist recognizes God as the author of life. He can take it back at his command. V.4 indicates that God has a different reckoning of time. In v.5, God can take back our life when we are asleep. Vv.5-6 affirm that life is temporary. In v.12, the psalmist prays for wisdom, by making him realize the shortness of life. In v.13, the psalmist prays for God’s return to his people. In v.14, again the psalmist prays that God may show his kindness –That we may be happy. In v.17, the psalmist wishes that we may experience God’s goodness. –He prays that we may progress in our work.

Reflections on the Psalm We, Christians, must know how to acknowledge God’s goodness to us. We must also be reminded that we are not here on earth for ever. We must make the most of our short existence. With wisdom, we must know how to be happy here and now. Do you know how to be happy? Are you happy? Do you think you are accomplishing something? Time is running out.

2 nd reading: Philemon 9-10, I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, 10 I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment; I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. 15 Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. 17 So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. The focus is on Onesimus, a slave / brother-to-be.

2 nd reading: Philemon 9-10, I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, 10 I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment; I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. 15 Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. 17 So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. Commentary The Letter to Philemon is the shortest letter of Paul, if not the shortest in the NT (only 25 verses). The Letter to Philemon is the shortest letter of Paul, if not the shortest in the NT (only 25 verses). Paul is imprisoned (in Rome), not free, but speaks tenderly of the freedom of Onesimus (who came from Colossae) to his friend Philemon. Paul is imprisoned (in Rome), not free, but speaks tenderly of the freedom of Onesimus (who came from Colossae) to his friend Philemon. Paul considers himself old, and a father of Onesimus by virtue of his baptism. V.9 Paul considers himself old, and a father of Onesimus by virtue of his baptism. V.9 Paul urges Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave, now not as a slave, but, as a brother. V.16 Paul urges Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave, now not as a slave, but, as a brother. V.16 The reason: The reason: –Onesimus has become the child of Paul (by baptism). V.9. Onesimus ran away from Philemon (after defrauding him, v.18), that Philemon might have him back for ever. V.15. Onesimus ran away from Philemon (after defrauding him, v.18), that Philemon might have him back for ever. V.15. When he comes back, he will no longer be a slave but a brother, a man, in the Lord. When he comes back, he will no longer be a slave but a brother, a man, in the Lord. Paul appeals to Philemon’s Christian upbringing and partnership in the spread of Christian faith. V.17 Paul appeals to Philemon’s Christian upbringing and partnership in the spread of Christian faith. V.17 Can Philemon refuse? Can Philemon refuse?

Reflections on the 2 nd reading When When we become Christians, we become free. free. We should not be slaves of anyone anymore. Christians Christians are called to reconciliation, reconciliation, to be equal, equal, to be free, free, to be a brother, brother, to be fraternal. You You cannot be a Christian if you consider your brother a slave, and, if you are not willing to be reconciled with him. have a big problem if you are unable to be reconciled with your brother. You lose many opportunities, even to live truly your Christian faith. Have mercy on yourself and your brothers. (Year of Mercy)

Gospel reading: Luke 14, Great crowds were traveling with him, and he turned and addressed them, 26 "If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, 'This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.' 31 Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple. The focus is on the cost of discipleship.

Gospel reading: Luke 14,25-33 Context of journey to Jerusalem: 1 st teaching on discipleship 25 Great crowds were traveling with him, and he turned and addressed them, 26 "If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 2 nd teaching on discipleship 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. A simple outline!

Two parables on discipleship – –28 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, 'This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.' – –31 Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 3 rd teaching on discipleship 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

Gospel reading: Luke 14,25-33 Context of journey to Jerusalem: 1 st teaching on discipleship 25 Great crowds were traveling with him, and he turned and addressed them, 26 "If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 2 nd teaching on discipleship 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Commentary “Great crowds” in v.25 is very encouraging. It means many people are journeying with Jesus, listening to his inputs. Jesus has 3 teachings on quality discipleship: One, to hate (renounce) one’s loved ones. V.26 Two, to carry his own cross and follow him. V.27

Two parables on discipleship – –28 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, 'This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.' – –31 Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 3 rd teaching on discipleship 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple. Three, Three, to renounce all his possessions. V.33 The three rules are necessary to follow Jesus. Christian Christian discipleship asks you to give up your legitimate relationships, your convenience, and your properties. The The first of two parables on discipleship teaches the recruits to calculate how much they are giving up in order to finish the job. second parable also teaches recruits to recalculate and be wise and be diplomatic. Both Both parables teach the would-be disciples to be intelligent disciples. When When you follow Jesus, it must be all the way through. Before you take the challenge, you should know if you can do it. You should have your inner resources. You You do not give up in the middle of the road or struggle.

Reflections on the gospel reading Jesus Jesus is very demanding demanding to his disciples. disciples. He means business. He He wants us to renounce renounce everything (family, comfort, and properties). To To be a disciple disciple of Christ means choosing higher values (values of the kingdom). Discipleship Discipleship is radical following of the footsteps footsteps of Jesus. It It is not just learning something and then you go your own way. is total journeying with Jesus (up to Mt. Calvary). is total learning from Jesus, to death. Friends Friends and relatives and selfish interest mitigate discipleship. discipleship. They distract you from totally following Jesus.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The The first reading talks about God’s counsel counsel (mind, wisdom). The The psalm reminds us that life is short, so we have to be wise. second reading talks about the freedom freedom of a brother. The The gospel reading talks about the cost of discipleship. The focus of our sharing or homilies must be discipleship. We can become true disciples of Christ if we learn God’s wisdom (teachings, his intentions) and if we live in freedom, freedom from slavery and freedom from loved ones and material possessions.

How to develop your sharing / homily Share Share a person whom you consider a great teacher / master. Why Why do you consider him/her your idol? (has qualities I can’t find in myself, in my family, etc. Has a lot of good ideas to share; has a pleasing personality, etc.) How How do you respond to him / her? (I read his/her books. I compile his/her works. I attend his conferences and seminars. I take notes, I befriend him in the Facebook, I visit his Website, I follow his recommendations, etc.)

Jesus is a great teacher and master. He has a lot of great things (wisdom, food for thought) to share with us. Jesus is a great teacher and master. He has a lot of great things (wisdom, food for thought) to share with us. Many are attracted to him because of his consoling words. He touches a lot of people. He heals all their wounds. He gives hope to the hopeless. Many are attracted to him because of his consoling words. He touches a lot of people. He heals all their wounds. He gives hope to the hopeless. Now, to those who would like to follow him more, to get to know him more, he demands abandonment of families and friends and total dedication of themselves to him. Now, to those who would like to follow him more, to get to know him more, he demands abandonment of families and friends and total dedication of themselves to him.

Discipleship Discipleship is not just learning some of Jesus’ teachings, but all of his teachings. That is what it means to live the Gospel – the whole of story of Jesus. is a life-time process and commitment. is journeying with Jesus up to the finish. It It finishes by undergoing the passion, death and resurrection with him. Christ Christ demands a total conversion and overhaul of our value system. We We should not withhold anything from him. Jesus wants a total commitment to him. We must be 100% sold out to him, otherwise, our being disciples is half-baked our witnessing is being compromised. People, Christian or otherwise, deserve to interact with authentic disciples of Christ.

cannot be Christ’s disciples, disciples, if we do not know the will of God, if we are not learned in his ways. (1 st (1 st reading) We We cannot be Christ’s disciples, disciples, if we do not give freedom to our brothers and sisters. (2 nd (2 nd reading) We We cannot be Christ’s true disciples, –if –if we are not detached / free from our loved ones and material things, we are not willing to bear our cross (burdens), and we are not willing to take sacrifices. (gospel reading)

Christian Christian discipleship discipleship is identification with Christ –who –who walked around teaching, healing and forgiving people. went around without relatives and friends, who can bog him down in his mission. appeared to people without baggage and paraphernalia. was totally free to do God’s will and not follow his own itinerary.

If we are willing to follow Christ in his difficult mission, we have to determine if we can do it. We have to know ourselves and find out if we have the resources. We audit ourselves. We must be humble enough to admit our limitations. We don’t pretend everything is ok, if we want to engage. Otherwise stay home like others.

We translate the theme of discipleship in our parishes and communities We translate the theme of discipleship in our parishes and communities –by allowing ourselves to be put into our proper places. –by sharing our particular charism and God-given talents. –by willingly allowing ourselves to be hurt in the process. Christian discipleship is not dictating what others should do, but discerning what Jesus wants us to do in the community. Christian discipleship is not dictating what others should do, but discerning what Jesus wants us to do in the community. What kind of disciples are you? What kind of disciples are you? Do you agree with Jesus’ radicalism? Do you agree with Jesus’ radicalism? Your discipleship depends how much you know and love Jesus. Your discipleship depends how much you know and love Jesus. Have mercy on the Church which is supposed to be composed of true disciples of Christ, not actors. Have mercy on the Church which is supposed to be composed of true disciples of Christ, not actors.

The eucharist is a sacrament that helps us become committed disciples of Christ. The eucharist is a sacrament that helps us become committed disciples of Christ. In the eucharist, we acknowledge that Christ is our Lord and master. We are just his followers. In the eucharist, we acknowledge that Christ is our Lord and master. We are just his followers. In the eucharist, we affirm our commitment to journey with him, to share in his mission. In the eucharist, we affirm our commitment to journey with him, to share in his mission.

Our Context of Sin and Grace No commitment Lazy to study No wisdom (doesn’t learn from experience) Imbecile Faith without catechism Too attached to material things and loved ones Quits in the middle of work (or project) Always seeking for comfort Spoiled brat Can’t make important decisions Can’t follow anyone, anything Palaboy-laboy Making wise decisions Making wise decisions Good judgment Good judgment Prudent Prudent Mature Mature Has word of honor Has word of honor Ability to sacrifice Ability to sacrifice Radical discipleship Radical discipleship Makes calculated risks Makes calculated risks Does not go away when the going gets rough Does not go away when the going gets rough Not feeble minded Not feeble minded Finishes what he/she begins Finishes what he/she begins Merciful to himself and the Church Merciful to himself and the Church

Suggested Songs Follow Christ Follow Christ Come Build My Church Come Build My Church – Lord, here I am You are so Good You are so Good –