1. Welcome to our Bible Study 3rd Sunday of Advent A Gaudete Sunday December 16, 2013 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: Isaiah 35,1-6.10 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you. 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. The focus is on the coming of the Lord and the rejoicing.

3. 1 st reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10 The Land 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. The weak, the frightened / God’s coming 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you. The blind, the deaf, the lame, the dumb 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Water in the desert Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. Happiness 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. A simple outline!

4. Textual Context of Isaiah 35,1-6.10 Outline of Isaiah 1-39 1-12 Oracles against Judah most from Isaiah's early years (740-732) 13-23 Oracles against foreign nations, many from his middle years (724-705) 24-27 A "Little Apocalypse" added at a much later date, perhaps in the sixth century 28-33 Oracles from Isaiah's later ministry (705-700) 34-35 A vision of Zion, perhaps a later addition 36-39 Stories of Isaiah's life, some from the Book of Kings (see 2 Kgs 18-19) 34 Judgment against Edom 35 Israel’s Deliverance 36-37 Invasion of Sennacherib

5. 1 st reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10 The Land 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. The weak, the frightened 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication. With divine recompense he comes to save you. Commentary The prophet Isaiah prophesies the changes that will occur when the Messiah comes. Let us take note of the joyful feelings mentioned: –Exult –Rejoice and bloom, v.1 –Rejoice with joyful song –Glory, splendor, v.2 Vv.3-4 speak of strengthening and taking courage. The reason: God comes with vindication, reward and salvation.

6. The blind, the deaf, the lame, the dumb 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Water in the desert Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. Happiness 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee. Vv.5-6 speaks of healing the privations (deprivations) and the handicapped. V.6b goes back to the theme in v.1 about the land. But this time, there will be water where there was none. V.10 picks up the joyful mood of the first verses: –Singing, with joy and gladness –No more mourning

7. Reflections on the 1 st reading The reading portrays the joyful effect of the coming of the Lord. It is not only humans who benefit from the coming of the Lord, but also the land. The coming of the Lord brings rejoicing, healing, strengthening, returning to the Temple, and glorifying God. It eliminates sorrow and mourning. The attentive and believing reader must know how to react to this prophesy. For the incredulous, nothing will happen. It will all be the same. –All these prophesies are meaningless.

8. For the hopeful, all these things will happen. –They will joyfully look forward to these events throughout their lives. –They will pray and hope that these will soon happen to them. –Even if they are sick, deprived and poor, they will now rejoice. They are listening to the voice of the prophet (the voice of God). Do you know how to hope? Are you happy with your life in the midst of deprivations? Does the reading mean anything to you?

9. Resp. Ps. 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and save us. 6 The LORD God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, 7 gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. 8 The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. 9 The LORD loves the just; the LORD protects strangers. 9 The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. 10 The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations.

10. Resp. Ps. 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and save us. 6 The LORD God keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, 7 gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. 8 The LORD gives sight to the blind; the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. 9 The LORD loves the just; the LORD protects strangers. 9 The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. 10 The LORD shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Commentary In the psalm, God clearly favors the poor. In vv.6-7, God secures justice, food and freedom for them. In v.8, God restores their sight and dignity. In v.9, God loves and protects the innocent. In v.9b, God sustains the orphans and widows, those who cannot earn a living. He fouls up the plan of the wicked. V.10 acclaims God as king for ever.

11. Reflections on the Psalm God loves the poor, the oppressed and the vulnerable. God pays attention to the poor majority. God is the number one activist and advocate for the PDOE (poor, deprived, oppressed and exploited). God is not on our side, if we are oppressive and unjust.

12. 2 nd reading: James 5,7-10 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

13. 2 nd reading: James 5,7-10 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. The focus is on patience.

14. 2 nd reading: James 5,7-10 Be patient like the farmer 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient. Be firm Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Be patient like the prophets 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. A simple outline!

15. Textual Context of James 5,7-10 4,1-12 Causes of Division 4,13-17 Warning against Presumption 5,1-6 Warning to the Rich 5,7-12 Patience and Oaths 5,13-15 Anointing of the Sick 5,16-18 Confession and Intercession 5,19-20 Conversion of Sinners

16. 2 nd reading: James 5,7-10 Be patient like the farmer 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient. Be firm Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Be patient like the prophets 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Commentary What is to be patient? The reading solicits our patience in the context of the coming of the Lord. We must follow the example of the farmer. Vv.7-8 Patience is the ability to wait. It rules out undue expectations of fast results. Patience is firmness of heart and keeps the integrity of the community. V.8b Impatience destroys the community. It manifests itself in complaining (bickering, asking questions from those who don’t know the answer). Judgment is the punishment for the impatient (the reklamador) V.9 We must also follow the example of the prophets, who boldly speak in the name of the Lord, but wonder when their prophesies will actually happen.

17. Reflections on the 2 nd reading Like the farmers and the prophets, we must be patient as we wait for the Lord (for help). It pays to be patient, because it does not further disturb the community or the individuals. Knowing that the Lord is coming (resolution of our tensions and problems), we cannot but be patient. There is no other way. Even in urgent matters, we are asked to exercise this virtue of patience.

18. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. The focus is on the works of Messiah.

19. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11 The Question of John about Jesus 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" The Answer about Jesus 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." The Question of Jesus about John 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. The answer about John 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. A simple outline!

20. Textual Context of Matthew 11,2-11 (NAB) I. The Infancy Narrative (1,1—2,23) II. The Proclamation of the Kingdom (3,1—7,29) III. Mission and Ministry in Galilee (8,1—11,1) IV. Opposition from Israel (11,2—13,53) V. Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church (13,54— 18,35) VI. Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem (19,1—25,46) VII. The Passion and Resurrection (26,1—28,20)

21. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11 The Question of John about Jesus 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" The Answer about Jesus 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." Commentary The reading is about the works of the Messiah. John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus to ask him: –Is he the Messiah or is he not? Vv.2-3 In v.4, Jesus indirectly answers. He enumerates his works, which they hear and see,v.5: –Blind, see –Lame, walk –Lepers, cleansed –Deaf, hear –Poor, good news proclaimed to them Yes, he is the Messiah. V.6 “to take no offense” is the same as not to be scandalized. Blessed is the one who is not offended by me, by what I do, by what I am, by what I say, by what I think.”

22. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11 The Question of Jesus about John 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. The answer about John 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Now is the turn of Jesus to shoot questions to the crowds: v.7 What did they expect to see in the desert? Not reed, not someone in fine clothing v.8 But a prophet, more than a prophet, the messenger to prepare the path, greatest among those born of women.vv.9-11 Greater than he is the least in the kingdom. V.11

23. Reflections on the gospel reading We must know how to interpret the “signs of the times.” The “signs of the times” point to God’s presence. They urgently call for a change. Christians should learn that –if there is healing, God is there. –If the good news is proclaimed, God is there. –if people listen to the Word of God, God is there.

24. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading talks about the joy at the coming of the Lord. The psalm celebrates God’s liberating presence (it brings joy). The second reading talks about patience. The gospel reading talks about the activities of the Messiah (that brings joy).

25. How to develop your homily / sharing The preacher must develop the theme of joy in this Sunday’s liturgy. Third Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice. It is clear from the readings why we should rejoice. All the readings tell us of the coming of the Lord, the Messiah. In different ways, the readings state the reasons why.

26. The first reading exhorts us, readers, to rejoice because the Lord who is coming will bring changes to our lives. All things, all peoples, will see the glory and splendor of the Lord. This means, God will be revealed totally to all of us. God’s revelation is his personal communication to us. Besides, God will vindicate and save us. It will be the end of oppression. The Lord is coming to us to fight our fights and to restore justice to us.

27. The second reading teaches patience until the coming of the Lord. Salvation, redemption, destruction of evil is always an urgent matter. But, if there is delay, what must a Christian do? The Christian must be patient. He / she has no other way but to be patient. God takes his time fulfilling his promises. That’s why, Christians must be patient always. If you have no patience, you cannot have joy, you cannot be God’s missionary.

28. In the gospel reading, Jesus is happy to report to John’s disciples that what has been prophesied in Isaiah is now being fulfilled. –The lame walk, the dumb hear, the blind see, etc. These people must be happy now, even their friends and relatives. These are all signs of the coming of God’s kingdom. The Lord is, indeed, come and his ministry has effected positive results. John the Baptist, who is now in prison, must be happy too. He is rejoicing at what is now happening around. He and his disciples will not look for another one. He is it. He is the Messiah. Jesus, identified as Messiah, vindicates the efforts of John the Baptist.

29. Are you a happy person? Do you have joy within you? If you don’t know how to be happy, you have a big problem. –You are emotionally handicapped. –You are sick. –Your eyes are clouded. You can’t see many good things happening around you. –Go to a counselor. It is God’s will that we enjoy life. Learn how to be happy. It is a matter of attitude and faith. Don’t waste your life living in misery and making others miserable.

30. The New Evangelization tells us that there is joy only in Jesus. Our lives cannot be meaningful without Jesus. We can’t engage in the New Evangelization if we have no joy.

31. The eucharist is a sacrament of joy. The eucharist should be enough to console us of our afflictions. In the eucharist, as we die with him, we also rise with him. He invites us to share in his glory.

32. Our Context of Sin and Grace Impatient Can’t wait Without joy Kill joy Does not know how to give joy Energy getter Miserable life Sees no meaning in sufferings Bias against the poor Patient Can wait Exudes joy Ability to rejoice with others Knows how to interpret “signs of the time”, sees God’s presence Sees God in the poor and the needy

33. Suggested Songs Halina Hesus Halina O Come Emmanuel