1. Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections Solemnity of the Blessed Trinity C May 22, 2016 In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1 st reading: Proverbs 8:22-31  22 "The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 From of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 Before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 While as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. 27 "When he established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 When he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 When he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; 30 Then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, Playing before him all the while, 31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the sons of men. The focus is on the eternity of the Father and Son. The bold red letters refer to God the Father. The rest of the red letters refer to the “son.” – A Christian reading

3. 1 st reading: Proverbs 8:22-31 The son (wisdom) speaking in first person, when brought forth  22 "The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 From of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 Before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 While as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. The son (wisdom) speaking in the first person, his eternal presence  27 "When he established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 When he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 When he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; 30 Then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, Playing before him all the while, 31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the sons of men. A simple outline!

4. Textual Context of Prov 8,22-31 Structure of the Book of Proverbs (NAB) 1. Introduction: The Value of Wisdom (1,1—9,18) 2. First Collection of the Proverbs of Solomon (10,1—22,16) 3. Sayings of the Wise (22,17—24,22) 4. Other Sayings of the Wise (24,23-34) 5. Second Collections of the Proverbs of Solomon (25,1—29,27) 6. The Words of Agur (30,1-6) 7. Numerical Proverbs (30,7-33) 8. The Words of Lemuel (31,1-9) 9. The Ideal Wife (31,10-31)

5. 1 st reading: Proverbs 8:22-31 The son (wisdom) speaking in first person, when brought forth  22 "The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 From of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 Before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 While as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. Commentary  In v.22, wisdom (personified as son) describes God like a woman who begets him.  He also describes his pre-existence as being the 1st born of the Lord’s ways and the forerunner of all prodigies (sons).  V.23 repeats the idea of begetting in a different manner (I was poured forth).  The element of time is expressed in parallel form (from of old // before the earth).  V.24 repeats again the idea of begetting (I was brought forth).  The time is expressed again in parallel form (there were no depths // no fountains or springs).  V.25 makes another repetition (I was brought forth).  The time is expressed again in parallel form (before the mountains // before the hills).  V.26 continues the time element (no earth and fields yet // no first clod of the world).

6. 1 st reading: Proverbs 8:22-31 The son (wisdom) speaking in the first person, his eternal presence  27 "When he established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 When he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 When he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; 30 Then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, Playing before him all the while, 31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the sons of men.  In v.27, wisdom (son) describes his pre-existence in parallel form when God was creating the skies // marking out the vault... Making firm the skies // fixing fast the foundations of the earth. V.28 Setting the limit of the sea // not to invade the dry land. V.29  Before these pre-historical (primeval, primordial) times, the pre-existent son describes himself as a craftsman (artisan, engineer, skilled worker) involved in the creation. V.30  He is also a musician entertaining God and finding joy in the company of humanity. Vv.30-31.

7. Reflections on the 1 st reading  The reading from the book of Proverbs represents well the two important descriptions of the son of God: 1) pre-existent and present and 2) active during the creation.  God (Lord, Father) is acknowledged as the begetter, like a woman, of the son (wisdom) and creator of all things.  The wisdom (son) was with the Father since the beginning of time and of creation.  The first reading speaks of the eternity of God, an important aspect of God to be God.  In the reading we can focus on the creative Father and the ever present cooperative and talented Son.  Let us strengthen our faith in the Father and the Son in this Jubilee of Mercy, according to this reading.

8. Resp. Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9  (2a) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!  When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?  You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet:  All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

9. Resp. Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9  (2a) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!  4 When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — 5 What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?  6 You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. 7 You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet:  8 All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, 9 and whatever swims the paths of the seas. Commentary  The psalm is a psalm of praise.  We must start with the response (2a).  V.2a exclaims the majesty of God.  The reasons are rapidly enumerated in the following verses: Heavens, moon and stars set in place, v.4. Man, son of man, v.5 Man, less than a god, but crowned him… v.6 Man, ruler/in-charge of all creatures, v.7 Like the animals on the ground, in the air and sea. Vv.8-9.

10. Reflections on the Psalm  We are God’s special creatures, among the created beings.  We are almost like God.  We are given responsibility to take care of other creatures (to show mercy to them).  We give glory to God if we do our job as humans, and not act as if we were Gods or even little gods.  Let us profess our faith in this Jubilee of Mercy, by acclaiming the mercy, majesty and supremacy of God.

11. 2 nd reading: Romans 5,1-5  1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. The focus is on the benefits of having faith.

12. 2 nd reading: Romans 5,1-5  1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. The focus is on the benefits of having faith.

13. 2 nd reading: Romans 5,1-5 The fruit of faith in general terms (peace, grace, glory)  1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. The fruit of faith in more specific, concrete terms (in the believers)  3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. A simple outline!

14. Textual Context of Rom 5,1-5 Outline by NJBC  I. Introduction 1,1-15  II. Part I:Doctrinal section - Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord 1,16—11,36 Through the gospel the uprightness of God is revealed as justifying the person of faith. 1,16—4,25 The love of God assures salvation to those justified by faith. 5,1—8,39 This justification/salvation does not contradict God's prom­ise to Israel of Old. 9,1—11,36  III. Part II: Hortatory section - The demands of upright life in Christ. 12,1—15,13  IV. Conclusion 15,14-33  V. Letter of recommendation for Phoebe (the deaconess) 16,1-23  VI. Doxology 16,25-27

16. 2 nd reading: Romans 5,1-5 The fruit of faith in general terms (peace, grace, glory)  1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access (by faith) to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. The fruit of faith in more specific, concrete terms (in the believers)  3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. Commentary  The text speaks of what happens when we are justified by faith.  We have peace with God. (v.1)  We have access to grace. (v.2)  We boast of our afflictions. (v.3) In vv.3-5, notice the sequence of the following: Affliction (suffering) produces endurance. Endurance produces character. Character produces hope. Hope does not disappoint us. V.5 continues mentioning the reward of having been justified by faith: The love of God has been poured out. The Holy Spirit has been given to us.

17. Reflections on the 2 nd reading  Paul shares his reflections on being justified by faith (made right by believing in Jesus).  By faith in Jesus, we are entitled to live in peace with God and we have access to his graces and we can look forward to participate in his glory.  The text should console those who are suffering because of their faith.  In fact, it is an invitation to “boast” of our afflictions (other translations: “let us rejoice in our sufferings”).  Sufferings build our character and lead us to glory.  Forget hope (success) if you avoid making sacrifices.  In this Jubileee of Mercy, to engage in evangelization is to first experience God’s mercy and forgiveness and then endure trials and not run away.

18. Gospel reading: John 16,12-15  12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. The focus is on the work of the Holy Spirit.

19. Gospel reading: John 16,12-15  12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Take note of the names of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the text.

20. Gospel reading: John 16,12-15 The Son speaking  12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. The Holy Spirit representing  13 But when the comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. The Father sharing  15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. A simple outline!

21. Textual Context of John 16, 12-15  Farewell Discourse (13-17)  Opening Dramatic Scene: Washing of the Feet (13,1-30) Discourse on Christ’s Return and Departure (13,31—14,31) Discourse on Christ and his Church (15,1— 16,33) The Prayer of Christ (17,1-26)

22. Gospel reading: John 16,12-15 The Son speaking  12 "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. The Holy Spirit representing  13 But when the comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. The Father sharing  15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Commentary The text belongs to the farewell discourse at the Last Supper. V.12 indicates the immensity of Jesus’ materials he wants to share with us and our inability to take and process them all for now. Vv.13-14 indicate the role of the Holy Spirit: Guides to all truth Represents Jesus (speaks for Jesus) Declares (reveals) things coming in the future. Glorifies Jesus Takes / brings / declares whatever pertains to Jesus. V.15 indicates the source of Jesus’ richness.

23. Reflections on the gospel  Like in the second reading, if you noticed, the names of the persons of the Trinity appear.  The text does not really develop the mystery of the Trinity.  It is more on the Holy Spirit.  We can know more about the Trinity if we inquire from theologians.  Theologians try to systematize their readings on biblical texts and the reflections and teachings of apostles, their successors and the magisterium (teaching authority of the Church).

24.  Of course, from the short gospel reading, we can know the dynamism (activities) of each of the persons in the Holy Trinity.  The Father shares with the Son whatever belongs to him.  The Son acknowledges that whatever belongs to him belongs to the Father. He is willing to share with us all that he has / is.  The Holy Spirit does not speak for himself but for the Son and the Father. He comes to guide us to the truth.  The Father, Son and Holy Spirit act together as one God in us. They do not act separately or contradict one another.  What a perfect community!

25. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm  The first reading talks of the creative power of the ever- present God/Father, and the pre-existence of the Son/wisdom.  The psalm recognizes the greatness of God for creating man.  The second reading talks about the rewards of having faith in Christ.  The gospel reading talks about the role of the Holy Spirit. Here we are ready to expound the role of the Holy Trinity in our lives. Take note: The Old Testament authors were not aware of the Holy Trinity. God’s self-disclosure as Triune God came about with the New Testament. The official formulation comes from our theologians.

26. How to develop our sharing / homily  Describe (a) your family. How many members of your family do you have?  How does each member relate to the other members? very open, very close to one another; sometimes tense, there is conflict, there is favoritism, there is competition, etc.?

27.  The Holy Trinity is a perfect community / family.  The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all distinct from one another, yet, they are one God, one community.  They are related to one another in love.  They don’t contradict each other.

28.  The readings tell us that each of them is active in us and in our history.  The Father is the one who creates everything, puts all things in order with their built-in limitations. (1 st reading)  The Son, if we believe in him, brings us grace and assures us of our salvation. (2 nd reading)  The Holy Spirit leads us to the full truth, to understand the fullness of God’s revelation (self- disclosure to be more intimate with him, to share in his life). (gospel)

29.  This feast reminds us of what our families, parishes or communities should be: We recognize our differences and uniqueness but should live in unity.  We have been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity.  As Christians belonging to our Church, we recognize the talent of each one.  Each Christian must find his/her specific job to do, in order to share in God’s creativity, in Jesus’ salvific mission and in the Holy Spirit’s light and clarity.

30.  Divisiveness, fragmentation, and factionalism, are all hindrances towards community building.  Indolence (laziness, inactivity, no diligence) also has no place in our Church.  They are in no way reflective of the Trinitarian life of God.  We best worship our God by imitating the mercy, discipline and activity of the Triune God.  In this Jubilee of Mercy, we proclaim God’s unity by being united to one another.

31.  The eucharist is a sacrament of unity.  The eucharist energizes us to share in the creative deeds and words of the Triune God.  In the eucharist, we best celebrate the life of the mystery of the Holy Trinity.

32. Our Context of Sin and Grace  Racism  Regionalism  Sexism  Discrimination  Claims of past privileges  Exclusivism  Isolationism  Elitism  Ghettoism  Unable to establish good relationships  Unity  Harmony  Peacemaking  Building bridges  Dialogue  Communitarianism  Fraternal life

33. Suggested Songs  The Living God by Sebastian Temple http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MypsQ9qYYSw  Sumasampalataya by Fr. Marcelo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtR4LjnE1qw  Ama Namin, 1593 text http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g3XxLVkq30  God is Alive http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Y7L0NocBU