1. Welcome to our Bible Study
15th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B
July 15, 2012
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. The focus is on the rejection of the prophet.
1st reading: Amos 7,12-15
12 Amaziah, priest of Bethel said to Amos: "Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple." 14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
The focus is on the rejection of the prophet.

3. 1st reading: Amos 7,12-15 Commentary:
12 Amaziah, priest of Bethel said to Amos: "Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple." 14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.
Commentary:
In v.12, Amaziah drives away Amos from Bethel (an ancient shrine in Israel, northern kingdom).
Amaziah wants him to go back to Judah (where he comes from, southern kingdom).
Amaziah instructs him to earn his bread by prophesying there.
In those days, prophecy could be a paid job.

4. 1st reading: Amos 7,12-15
12 Amaziah, priest of Bethel said to Amos: "Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and a royal temple." 14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.
In v.13, Amaziah reiterates that Amos should never prophesy in Bethel.
Why? Amaziah explains: it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.
In v.14, Amos defends himself.
He was not a prophet (in Hebrew nabi).
He did not belong to a guild of prophets (as in the times of Samuel).
He earned his living by being a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees.
In v.15, Amos explains, God has stopped him from tending his flocks, in order to prophesy to them (Israelites, people of the northern kingdom).

5. Reflections on the 1st reading
When God calls you, be prepared to lose your job and to handle a more difficult job.
Like Amos, we can be asked to prophesy, to warn people of the impending punishment from God, for their sins and offenses, if there is no repentance.
Like Amos, we must be prepared to be rejected and be driven away.
On the superficial level, the reason for being rejected may be because we don’t belong to their territory, to their race, to their clan and to their circle.
But deep inside, it is because we carry a very disturbing and unsettling message.
Prophets tell your mistakes in front of your face.
They speak on behalf of God.

6. Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
9 I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD —for he proclaims peace. 10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
11 Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 12 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.
13 The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 14 Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.

7. Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14 Commentary
R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
9 I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD —for he proclaims peace. 10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
11 Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 12 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.
13 The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 14 Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.
Commentary
The responsorial psalm is classified as a community lament.
It helps us accept the message of the prophet.
The response (v.8) is a prayer to God for light and salvation.
In v.9, the psalmist promises to be open to God’s word, which he believes will bring peace.
In v.10, the psalmist affirms that salvation is near to those who fear God.

8. Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
9 I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD —for he proclaims peace. 10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.
11 Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 12 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.
13 The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 14 Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.
Vv enumerate the usual vision of a prophet: kindness, truth, justice and peace.
V.13 indicates the fruits of justice, peace, etc.: abundance of food
In v.14, justice is personified as walking before the Lord, preparing his path.
Here, justice facilitates the coming of the Lord (who brings about salvation).

9. Reflections on the Psalm
This psalm invites us to listen to the voice of the prophets (the voice of God).
It invites us to open our hearts and minds to God’s message, which asks us to exercise justice and righteousness.
We can only feel his abundant blessings (food and security) if we are kind and just.
This time, our psalm does not invite us to a noisy celebration, but to a full acceptance of his words, to gain salvation.

10. 2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. 7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. 11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
The focus is on Jesus Christ himself, through whom God showers his blessings upon us.

11. 2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
Doxology to the Father
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.
Jesus Christ
7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight,
9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
Notice the underlined words. Those are the spiritual blessings through Christ.

12. 2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
Doxology to the Father
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.
Commentary:
In v.3, the author (Paul!) praises God and the Father of Jesus
for blessing us with all kinds of blessings from heaven.
V.4 adds another reason for praising God:
He chooses us in him, before creation, to be holy and without impurity
V.5 also gives one more reason for praising God:
He destines us for adoption.
V.6 gives us the ultimate reason for blessing the Father:
For the praise of the glory…

13. 2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
Jesus Christ
7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
Vv enumerate what Christ does for us:
He redeems by his blood and forgiveness (v.7)
He reveals mystery of his will (v.9)
He has chosen, destined us to conform to his design (v.11)
He has sealed us with the promise of the holy Spirit (v.13)
2 times mentioned: the praise of his glory (vv. 12,14)

14. Reflections on the 2nd reading
God is really a good Father.
He sends his Son to shower his blessings upon us.
The Son accomplishes in us God’s plan, through his blood (sufferings on the cross).
Christ pays a great price (blood) to win us to God. He lavishes us also with his grace, wisdom and insight.
All God wants us is for us to live according to what we are destined to be and to do:
To bless God
To praise Him
To do everything for his greater glory.

15. The focus is on the mission of the 12.
Gospel reading: Mark 6,7-13
7 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick-- no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. 11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." 12 So they went off and preached repentance. 13 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
The focus is on the mission of the 12.

16. Gospel reading: Mark 6,7-13
Commentary:
In v.7, Jesus calls the 12 and sends them 2 by 2.
He also gives them authority over unclean spirits (evil spirits).
Vv.8-11 contain his instructions:
In their mission, they should travel light. They should bring with them only the basic (walking staff and sandals). They should carry no extra belongings.
In v.10, the apostles should not transfer from one house to another.
In v.11, they must be prepared to be rejected.
In v.12, the apostles obey and they do the following:
They preach repentance.
They drive out demons. V.13
They anoint and cure the sick. V.13
7 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick-- no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. 11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." 12 So they went off and preached repentance. 13 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

17. Reflections on the gospel
We, Christians, must be prepared to be sent also, like the apostles.
After all those trainings, conferences, sermons, and on-going formation, now we must share our faith with others.
In doing our mission, we should not turn people off by our fancy looks and appearances.
We are not there to show off the little we have, but to work… to lead people to repentance, to heal their woundedness and to free them from the evil that consumes them.
We should also be prepared to face rejection.

18. Tying the 3 readings and Psalm
The prophet is sent by God to deliver his message. (1st reading)
The psalm helps us to accept the message of the prophet (of God).
God the Father is praised for sending Jesus Christ to bring us salvation. (2nd reading)
Like the apostles, we, Christians, must be focused on our mission work. (gospel)
Or you may just develop the importance of mission work and what it entails.