Welcome to our Bible Study 29th Sunday in the Ordinary Time October 20, 2013 In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

The focus is on getting tired. 1st Reading: Exodus 17,8-13 8 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. 9 Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, "Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. 11 As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. 12 Moses' hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. The focus is on getting tired.

A simple outline! Pay attention to the bold letters. 1st Reading: Exodus 17,8-13 A simple outline! Pay attention to the bold letters. Amalek vs. Israel 8 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Command of Moses to Joshua 9 Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, "Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." Execution of command 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. Hands raised, hands down spell victory or defeat 11 As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. 12 Moses' hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Victory of the Israelites over Amalek 13 And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Textual Context of Ex 17,8-13 1. Exodus: Deliverance Traditions (1-18) A. Israel in Egypt (1) B. Early Moses (2-4) C. Plagues (5-11) D. Passover (12:1-13:16) E. Exodus from Egypt (13:17-15:21) F. Wilderness Journey (15:22-18:27) 2. Sinai: Covenant Traditions (19-40) A. Theophany on the Mountain (19) B. Law and Covenant (20-24) 1. Ethical Decalogue (20:1-17) 2. Book of the Covenant (20:18-23:33) 3. Law Collections from Mesopotamia C. Covenant Confirmation (24) D. Covenant Breaking and Remaking (32-34) 1. Golden Calf (32-33) 2. Covenant Remaking (34) E. Tabernacle (25-31, 35-40)

1st Reading: Exodus 17,8-13 Commentary Amalek vs. Israel 8 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Command of Moses to Joshua 9 Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, "Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." Execution of command 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. Hands raised, hands down spell victory or defeat 11 As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. 12 Moses' hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Victory of the Israelites over Amalek 13 And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Commentary En route to Mt. Sinai, the Israelites encounter the Amalekites. These are fierce fighters in the desert who try to destroy Israel, an intruder from their point of view. Here in v.9, Moses and Joshua become warriors. Moses makes the strategy. Joshua will directly fight with the Amalekites and Moses will serve as an inspiration (standing on hilltop). V.10 fulfills what is said in v.9. V.11 tells us something unusual (funny). Hands raised = victory of Israel, defeat of Amalek. Hands down = victory of Amalek, defeat of Israel. What is the connection between the position of the hands and the result of the war? We just accept what is described in the text.

1st Reading: Exodus 17,8-13 Amalek vs. Israel 8 In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Command of Moses to Joshua 9 Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, "Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." Execution of command 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. Hands raised, hands down spell victory or defeat 11 As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. 12 Moses' hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Victory of the Israelites over Amalek 13 And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. One important observation in v.12: Moses’ hands “grew tired.” (nangawit) There should be a remedy to this. Aaron and Hur support his hands till sunset. The result: Israel is victorious over Amalekites. V.13

Reflections on the 1st reading When we are facing a big trouble, we must first of all overcome fatigue. To overcome fatigue, we need others to bear with us (to help carry our burden). We must keep up our fighting spirit. Hands outstretched, hands up are symbols of prayer. We must not give up our struggles. If we declare ourselves tired, we spell defeat. We cannot go on anywhere if we easily give up or get tired. (This is attitudinal.)

Resp. Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 R. (cf. 2) Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 1 I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? 2 My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you: 4 indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps, the guardian of Israel. 5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life. 8 The LORD will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever.

Resp. Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Commentary R. (cf. 2) Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 1 I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? 2 My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you: 4 indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps, the guardian of Israel. 5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life. 8 The LORD will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever. Commentary In vv.1-2, the psalmist waits for help. He is in trouble. He expects help from God, the creator of heaven and earth. Vv.3-4 affirm God’s power to preserve us. God protects us day and night. Vv.5-6 continue to say that God is a good guard (shade). Not even the sun or the moon may do us harm. Vv.7-8 say God guards us from evil, from harm. God protects us in and out of our homes.

Reflections on the Psalm We who experience threats, intimidation and danger must not forget to call on the name of the Lord for help. The psalmist helps us formulate our prayers. We must be able to console ourselves by affirming that God is our guard, shield and protector from all harm and evil. We must pray for safety.

The focus is on remaining faithful. 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 3,14—4,2 14 Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, 15 and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: 2 proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. The focus is on remaining faithful.

2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 3,14—4,2 1st command A simple outline! 1st command 14 Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, 15 and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2nd command(s) 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: 2 proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

Textual Context of 2 Tim 3,14—4,2 Salutation, 1,1-2 Exhortation to courageous witness on the basis of Paul’s example, 1,3—2,13 Behavior toward heretics, 2,14—4,8 Paul’s personal situation, 4,9-18 Greetings, 4,19-22

2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 3,14—4,2 1st command 14 Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, 15 and that from infancy you have known (the) sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2nd command 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: 2 proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. Commentary V.14 expresses the first command of Paul to Timothy. “Remain faithful” To what? What you have learned and believed What you have known from infancy, v.15 The sacred scriptures (OT): Gives wisdom for salvation V.16 tells what sacred scriptures is all about: Inspired Useful for teaching, refutation, correction, training for righteousness To make competent / equipped in every good work, v.17 4,1-2 express the second set of commands: Proclaim the word be persistent Convince Reprimand Encourage

Reflections on the 2nd reading As Christians, we should cultivate obedience to God’s commands. One of God’s commands is to remain faithful to the teachings of the sacred scriptures (Bible). We must be relentless in learning more about the God’s Word written in the Bible. Another God’s command is to proclaim it. We use the scriptures to correct and reprimand. We use the Bible in our mission to build up people. Bible-less apostolate and mission contradicts Christian obedience. Pastoral activities must be inspired by the Word of God. (Verbum Domini)

Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8 1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, 2 "There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.' 4 For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, 5 because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'" 6 The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" The focus is on persistent prayer.

Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8 A simple outline! The teaching on praying always 1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. The wicked judge He said, 2 "There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.' The persistent judge 4 For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, The persistent widow 5 because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'" The judge who gives in 6 The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. The God who gives what is due to his chosen people 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. The persistent faith But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Textual Context of Luke 18:1-8 Travel Narrative: Luke 9,51-19,27 Luke 16,1-8a The Parable of the Dishonest Steward Luke 16,8b-13 Application of the Parable Luke 16,14-18 A Saying Against the Pharisees Luke 16, 19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 17,1-10 Some sayings of Jesus Luke 17,11-19 Jesus Cleanses the Ten Lepers Luke 17,20-37 The Coming of the Kingdom Luke 18,1-8 The Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge Luke 18,9-14 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18,15-17 Jesus Blesses the Little Children Luke 18,18-30 The Rich Ruler Luke 18,31-34 A Third Time Jesus Predicts his death and resurrection

Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8 The teaching on praying always 1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. The wicked judge and the persistent widow He said, 2 "There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. 3 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.' The persistent judge 4 For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, Commentary In v.1, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray always (to be persistent in prayer, walang kapaguran) The parable of the wicked judge or the persistent widow backs up the teaching of Jesus on persistent prayer. The parable presents two characters: judge and widow. The judge does not fear God and is not respecter of people.v.2 The widow is persistent in coming to the judge to give her justice. V.3 In v.4, the persistently wicked judge gives in. His reasoning picks up his own description given by the narrator in v.2.

V.5 expresses in a negative way the idea of persistence. The persistent widow 5 because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'" The judge who gives in 6 The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. The God who gives what is due to his chosen people 7 Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? 8 I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. The persistent faith But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" V.5 expresses in a negative way the idea of persistence. Persistence can force the wicked judge to make a just decision (in favor of the widow). In v.6, the Lord speaks on what the judge says (logic). In similar vein, God will not be slow to listen to the prayer of those who pray always, day and night. V.7 V.8 assures us the swiftness of God’s response. V.8b poses a question which has an eschatological dimension (end-time). When Christ comes again, will he find us praying?

Reflections on the gospel reading We Christians must pray always. We must develop the habit and discipline of praying. We must not stop praying even if God does not seem to be listening. When we pray, it should be emotion laden, with feelings, with passion. We don’t senselessly murmur our prayers, as if we have no need of them at all. It is a big disaster if we give up praying. Reminder: Christ is coming again, any time. He should find us praying.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading encourages us to defy fatigue (to be persistent) to finish our mission. The psalm teaches us to call on God in times of need. The second reading encourages us to remain faithful (to be persistent) to the Christian teachings. The gospel reading encourages to pray persistently.

How to develop your sharing / homily Describe your prayerlife. How long do you pray? Where? What do you pray for? Have you stopped praying? The readings teach us not to stop, but persevere in praying.

The first reading teaches us to overcome fatigue in our struggles, in our prayers. In our prayers, we need support from one another. It is not good to be praying all alone, all the time. We need to pray with other people. We must pray as a family or as a community. When we persistently pray together, we build our own family and community. And we shall overcome…

The second reading mentions about being persistent, in obeying God’s commands. We should persistently use the sacred scriptures to teach, chastise, correct, etc., other people. We use the Bible as the basis of our teachings. To be persistent is to remain faithful to the teachings of the sacred scriptures as a way to holiness. The psalm helps us express our persistent prayer to God.

The gospel reading through a parable teaches us to be persistent in prayer. Why should we not? Even a wicked judge can change his mind if we are persistent. God is swift to answer persistent prayers. When we are persistent, we give importance to our petitions. When we pray just once, maybe we are not serious with our petitions. We persistently pray because we love ourselves and other people.

It is not the Christian way to pray without persistence. Praying persistently is keeping our lines always open to God. To give up easily is a bad sign. It does not help anyone, even yourself. You are doing a great disservice to the people you want to help.

The holy mass is the highest form of persistent prayer The holy mass is the highest form of persistent prayer. We celebrate it no matter what happens. In the eucharist, Jesus comes down to us to acknowledge our persistent prayers. The eucharist is the answer to most of our prayers. What more can we ask if Jesus is with us? He may not answer our little petitions right away, but he assures us that he will soon answer us, in his time, provided that we are persistent in our prayers.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Defeatist No stamina No fighting spirit No time to pray Avoids prayer Not in control of noisy situations Prayerful, contemplative Praying always Hoping against hope Knows how to pray with the community Reflection, meditation Prayerful lifestyle The End!

Suggested Songs When We Eat It’s Time to Prepare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qg_-wvSm7M It’s Time to Prepare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIandBaBMck Lord, I Know (communion) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOns&feature=related