1. Welcome to our Bible Study
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time C
September 5, 2010
In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy
In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st 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.

3. The focus is on God’s counsel.
1st 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.

4. 1st reading: Wisdom 9,13-18a The question
A simple outline!
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?
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.

5. 1st reading: Wisdom 9,13-18a Commentary
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).
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 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.
1st 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.

6. 1st 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 indicates that Counsel is or similar to or concretized by Wisdom and Holy Spirit.
V.18 explains the result of God’s Counsel: paths made straight.

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

8. Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14.17
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.
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!
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!

9. Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14.17 Commentary
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.
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!
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
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.

10. 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 happy? Are you happy?
Do you think you are accomplishing something?

11. 2nd reading: Philemon 9-10,13-17
9 I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, 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.

12. 2nd reading: Philemon 9-10,13-17
9 I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, 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.

13. 2nd reading: Philemon 9-10,13-17
Commentary
The Letter to Philemon is the shortest letter of Paul, if not the shortest in the NT.
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.
Paul urges Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave, now not as a slave, but, as a brother. V.16
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.
When he comes back, he is no longer 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
9 I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, 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.

14. Reflections on the 2nd reading
When we become Christians, we become free. We should not be slaves of anyone.
Christians are called to reconciliation, to be equal, to be free, to be a brother, to be fraternal.
You cannot be a Christian if you consider your brother a slave, and, if you are not willing to be reconciled with him.

15. Gospel reading: Luke 14,25-33
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. 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.

16. Gospel reading: Luke 14,25-33
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. 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.

17. Gospel reading: Luke 14,25-33 Context of journey to Jerusalem:
A simple outline!
Context of journey to Jerusalem:
1st 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.
2nd teaching on discipleship
27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

18. 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.
3rd teaching on discipleship
33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

19. Gospel reading: Luke 14,25-33
Context of journey to Jerusalem: 1st 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.
2nd 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

20. Three, to renounce all his possessions. V.33
The three rules are necessary to follow Jesus.
Christian discipleship asks you to give up your legitimate relationships, your convenience, and your properties.
The first of two parables on discipleship teaches the recruits to calculate how much they are giving up in order to finish the job.
The second parable also teaches recruits to calculate and be wise and be diplomatic.
Both parables teach the would-be disciples to be intelligent disciples.
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 have your inner resources.
You do not give up in the middle of the struggle.
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.
3rd teaching on discipleship
33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

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

22. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm
The first reading talks about God’s counsel (mind, wisdom).
The psalm reminds us that life is short, so we have to be wise.
The second reading talks about the freedom of a brother.
The gospel reading talks about the cost of discipleship.
The focus of our sharings 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.

23. How to develop your sharing / homily
Share a person whom you consider a great teacher / master.
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 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, etc.)

24. Jesus is a great teacher and master
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.
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.

25. Discipleship is not just learning some of Jesus’ teachings, but all of his teachings.
Discipleship is a life-time process and commitment.
Discipleship is journeying with Jesus up to the finish.
It finishes by undergoing the passion, death and resurrection with him.
Christ demands a total conversion and overhaul of our value system.
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.

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

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

28. 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 must be humble enough to admit our limitations.

29. What kind of disciples are you?
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 charisma 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.
What kind of disciples are you?
Do you agree with Jesus’ radicalism?
Your discipleship depends how much you know and love Jesus.

30. The eucharist is a sacrament of perfect discipleship.
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.

31. 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
Making wise decisions
Good judgment
Prudent
Mature
Has word of honor
Ability to sacrifice
Radical discipleship
Makes calculated risks
Does not go away when the going gets rough
Finishes what he/she begins
The End

32. Suggested Songs Follow Christ Come Build My Church You are so Good
You are so Good