Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections 3 RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME C JANUARY 24, 2016 IN PREPARATION FOR THIS SUNDAY’S LITURGY AS AID IN FOCUSING OUR HOMILIES AND SHARING Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM National Bible Week (Jan 25-31, 2016) “God’s Word: Hope for the Family, Strength of the Nation” (ECBA))

1 st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10  2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. 3 Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion.  5 Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose. 6 Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!" Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground.  8 Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. 9 Then (Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and) Ezra the priest-scribe (and the Levites who were instructing the people) said to all the people: "Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep“ - for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!" The focus is on the reading of the law (Torah)

1 st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10  2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. 3 Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. Commentary  The book of Nehemiah was written after the Exile.  After the Exile, the law (Torah) was already completed.  In v.2, Ezra brings the law to the assembly.  The assembly is composed of men, women and children old enough to understand (7 years old up).  In v.3, Ezra reads the law for more than 6 hours, to the same crowd with the same description.  V.3 describes the disposition of the people when Ezra was reading the law.  They listen attentively.  V.4 describes how Ezra reads (he stands), as in v.3.

1 st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10  5 Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose. 6 Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!" Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground.  In v.5, Ezra opens the scroll (made of papyrus, not yet in book form or codex at that time) for the people to see.  It must be a big event to see such scroll.  In v.6, Ezra says the typical Jewish blessing. The people respond by bowing down to the ground.  The reading is written in the context of an established liturgy.

1 st Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10  8 Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. 9 Then (Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and) Ezra the priest-scribe (and the Levites who were instructing the people) said to all the people: "Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep"-for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"  V.8 describes how Ezra reads:  Plainly (simply, casually)  Interpreting (trying to explain)  V.9 mentions names:  Nehemiah, the book is named after him  Ezra, the priest-scribe  Levites, instructing (catechizing) the people.  They console the people who cry because they hear the words of the law. The reason:  Today is holy to the Lord your God. (maybe Sabbath)  V.10 repeats the exhortation in v.9, to rejoice, by eating and drinking. The reason in v.9 is repeated.  The last line repeats the exhortation in vv  V.10 mentions an important line to live by:  “For rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength.”

Textual Context of Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6,8-10  Neh 1-7Memoirs of Nehemiah about rebuilding  Jerusalem walls  Neh 8-10 Ezra’s covenant renewal ceremony  Neh Continuation of Nehemiah’s Reform

Historical Context NehemiahEzra

Reflections on the 1 st reading  Like the Israelites, we must listen attentively to what is being read to us from the sacred scriptures, even if unfamiliar or for the first time.  We must rejoice when we hear the written Word of God proclaimed to us.  The readers (lectors, priests and deacons) must read with dignity.  We must also be attentive to its interpretation by the ordained ministers.  Through the Word of God, we connect ourselves to God and to ourselves with feelings.

Resp. Psalm: 19:8, 9, 10, 15  (cf John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.  8 The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.  9 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.  10The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.  15 Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Resp. Psalm: 19:8, 9, 10, 15 Commentary  The psalm is classified as a wisdom psalm. It follows up the message of the 1 st reading.  In v.8, the wise man (psalmist) affirms God’s law // decree as perfect // trustworthy.  Its effect: refreshes the soul // gives wisdom.  V.9 continues the wisdom saying about the law.  The precepts are right // command clear.  Their effect: gives joy // enlightens  V.10 also continues the wisdom saying about the law.  The fear of the Lord pure // ordinances true.  They are described as for ever and just.  V.15 is the prayer of the psalmist, that his wisdom finds favor with God. (cf John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. 8 The law (torah) of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. 9 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. 10The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. 15 Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Reflections on the Psalm  Each Christian should be appreciative of God’s laws.  Observance of God’s laws makes us wise.  In God’s laws (decrees, ordinances, precepts, words, instructions), there is truth, enlightenment, justice and happiness.  How attracted are you to God’s Words?  Do you join Bible Study groups?  What delights you more? Why?  Do you have a different attitude towards God’s laws or any law?

2 nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-24,27  12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 14 Now the body is not a single part, but many.  27 Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it. The focus is on belongingness to one body.

2 nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-24,27  12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 14 Now the body is not a single part, but many.  27 Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it. Commentary  Christ is compared to a body, though it has many parts, he is one body. V.12  All baptized Christians form one body. V.13  People were classified into two:  Jews and Greeks (Gentiles); slaves and free.  We are one body because we are baptized into one Spirit and we drink of one Spirit. V.13  V.14 rephrases v.12.  In v.27, St. Paul, the author, makes a direct statement about our identity as Christians:  We are Christ’s body and its parts.

Textual Context of 1 Cor 12:12-24,27 Brief Outline (Adapted From Dextor Sammons) Introduction (1:1-9) I. Problems Reported By The House Of Chloe (1:10-6:20) A. Factions In The Church (1:1-4:21) B. Sexual Immorality (5:1-13) C. Lawsuits Among Brethren (6:1-11) D. Moral Defilements (6:12-20) II. Problems Mentioned In The Letter From Corinth (7:1-16:9) A. Marriage & Celibacy (7:1-40) B. Eating Meats Sacrificed To Idols (8:1-11:1) C. Women Praying And Prophesying With Heads Uncovered (11:2-16) D. The Lord's Supper (11:17-34) E. Spiritual Gifts (12:1-14:40) F. Resurrection From The Dead (15:1-58) G. Collection For The Saints (16:1-4) Concluding Remarks, Instructions, And Benediction (16:5-24)

Historical Context Corinth

Reflections on the 2 nd reading  We, baptized Christians, should recognize ourselves as one body.  Individualism must be weeded out in our spiritual / church life.  Many people don’t find meaning in organized worship anymore nor a sense of belongingness to the Church.  They are afraid of being swallowed by a bigger entity or self.  Though we are different individuals, we are still mystically (or mysteriously) united in the Spirit.  We should not be afraid of unity (someone / some people getting into our time and space; we getting into theirs).  This is Christian mysticism.

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Prologue  1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. Inaugural Sermon in Nazareth  14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 16 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 17 and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.“ 20 Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 21 He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." A simple outline!

Textual Context of 1:1-4; 4:14-21 Intro (Giblin)  1,1-4 Prologue  1,5—2,52 Infancy Narrative Part One 3,1—9,50 Galilean Ministry Part Two 9,51—19,27 Travel Narrative Part Three 19,28—24,52 Jerusalem Narrative

Historical Context Nazareth

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21  1 Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, 3 I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received. Commentary  Some commentators say that this prologue has put a Christian writing (Luke’s gospel) into the category of a world class literature in those days, because of its elegant Greek formulation.  V.1 indicates that Luke is not the only gospel writer.  V.2 indicates how he came to know Jesus: from the eyewitnesses (earwitnesses), who became ministers of the Word.  V.3 indicates Luke’s own attempt to present his own version on the story of Jesus (Christ-events) for his friend Theophilus.  V.4 states the purpose of his gospel: to confirm Theophilus’ or the readers’ faith.

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21  14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 16 He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 17 and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.“ 20 Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 21 He said to them, "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."  After the prologue, the liturgist dovetails this passage. In-between are the infancy narratives (chs 1-2), genealogy, baptism and temptations of Jesus.  In v.14, Jesus returns from the desert to his region Galilee.  In v.15, Jesus teaches in the synagogues. He is accepted.  In v.16, now he comes to preach in his own hometown Nazareth.  But first he reads from the scroll of Isaiah. V.17  Vv are quotes from Isaiah.  V.20 is a rewind of v.17.  In v.21, Jesus appropriates the words of Isaiah.  It is Jesus’ opening salvo (inaugural address), his vision mission statement as he now begins his ministry.  Jesus is like Ezra who reads the Scriptures “for the first time” to the people.

Reflections on the gospel reading  The written Word of God is not just for Theophilus, but for us.  Our faith is confirmed when we read the gospel.  The Word of God tells us of the life of Jesus and his mission.  We must become ministers of the Word, like the eyewitnesses/earwitnesses of Jesus.  As ministers of the Word, we must be engaged in mission.  Are you familiar with the Word of God?  Are you engaged in mission/evangelization?

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm  The first reading talks about the reading of the Torah for the first time.  The psalm rejoices over the Torah (law).  The second reading talks about unity of Christians (keeping the law of the spirit).  The gospel reading talks about Jesus’ proclamation of the Word of God from the prophets and his sermon for the first time.

How to develop your homily/sharing  First of all, the preacher must be conscious of his daunting task as an evangelizer.  He is at the pulpit to proclaim the Word of God.  The preacher must be prepared to develop his homily. (He must organize his thoughts, follow a certain outline.)

 The first reading narrates to us about the reading of the Torah, for the first time in the life of the Israelites.  There is preparation (platform for all people to see the reader).  The people listen attentively and enthusiastically from early morning to midday.  The people cry as a result of the reading of the Torah. They become emotional.  They respond with thanksgiving and hope.  The psalm indicates a responsive writer who has long meditated on the law of God.  He finds it helpful. It makes him wise and happy.

 The second reading presents the outcome of being baptized into the one Spirit.  We become incorporated into the body of Christ.  We become one, though many different individuals.  It is not according to law (or to the spirit), if we live in isolation, trying to preserve our “purity” by not associating with anyone, with the other members of the Church.  Listening to the Word of God must keep us united in faith and action, with Jesus and with the Church.

 The gospel reading, like the 1 st reading, talks about Jesus’ reading of the sacred scriptures.  Jesus’ appropriation of the Word of God from Isaiah was well-received by the people.  Through the biblical texts, we come to know our mission.  The prologue (1,1-4) indicates Luke’s passion for the Word of God. He is compelled to write an account about Jesus for the sake of his reader.  If we are truly touched by the life of Jesus, we feel obliged to share it to others, by writing, story telling or other means.

 Ordained ministers must take care to deliver good homilies.  This is their primary task, to evangelize, according to canon law.  Now they can employ modern technology (computers and LCDs) when preaching.  However, academic preparation and gadgets are not enough.  The preacher’s good example and holy life are far more necessary.  Fr. Jim Ferry, MM, once said to the Franciscan priests when asked to give a talk on delivering good homilies: “Your preaching is determined by the way you live your priesthood.”

 Likewise, the faithful must take seriously the words of the authentic preachers.  Catholics should know whom to listen to (their pastors or some born-again tele-evangelists?).  The lay seem to prefer demagogues and entertainers, rather than serious proclaimers of the Word of God, that challenge their old beliefs, old system and bad habits.  That’s why, they are never evangelized.  As a result, they can never be committed to liberate people from sin (oppression, blindness, ignorance, etc.).  They are just trained to say endlessly, “Amen, alleluia.”

 In this Jubilee of Mercy, we will hear from the sacred scriptures that God is merciful.  Pope Francis wrote a book entitled, “The Name of God is Mercy.”  Obedience to God’s law to love neighbor is showing mercy to others.

 The eucharist is the food of committed Christians, as a result of listening intently to the Word of God and good preaching.  The holy eucharist is for those who love the Word of God and are engaged in spreading it (in line of the New Evangelization).

Our Context of Sin and Grace  Christians who don’t read the Bible  Lousy homilists  Long, abusive homilies  Unprepared preachers  Un-evangelized parish leaders (they should not lead)  Intoxicated church (emphasis only on receiving holy communion, but does not care about the Word of God)  Decrepit seminaries and convents, no good scriptural library  Fundamentalism  Good listeners of the Word  Lectio divina  Bible studies, groups  Bible Reflections  Biblical apostolate  Bible Translators  PBS, ECBA  National Bible Sunday  National Bible Week  Liberation theology  Mission  BEC  Dei Verbum  Interpretation of the Bible in the Church  Verbum Domini

Suggested Songs  Sharing   One Bread One Body  Q Q Go Tell Everyone  All that the Lord has spoken, slide to 7,52  7xhzE 7xhzE  Sumasaakin ang Espiritu by Vinteres