Welcome to our Bible Study33rd Sunday in the Ordinary Time B

15 November 2015In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Daniel 12:1-3 1 In those days, I, Daniel, heard this word of the Lord:

"At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. 3 But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.

The focus is on the end-time.

Textual Context of Daniel 12:1-3General Outline (NAB) First Section: Stories of Daniel and his 3 companions as

heroes (chapters 1-6) Second Section: Revelation told by Daniel in the first person

(chapters 7-12) Third Section: Short stories which are not found in the Hebrew

/ Aramaic text of Daniel, but only in the Greek and Latin.

Second Section:

Vision of the Hellenistic Wars (chs.10-12)

Susanna’s Virtue (ch.13)

Bel and Dragon (ch.14)

Book of Daniel

1st reading: Daniel 12:1-3 1 In those days, I, Daniel,

heard this word of the Lord: "At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. 3 But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.

Commentary The reading talks about the end time. It is very

appropriate as we are moving towards the end of the liturgical year.

Time = kairos in Greek, ‘et in Hebrew V.1 stresses the contrast between the time of

the coming of a great prince and the time of the great (unsurpassed) distress / oppression.

V.1 gives hope to righteous people (written in the book)

V.2 shows another contrast: Some who are asleep shall awake and shall

live for ever, but others shall live in everlasting horror and disgrace (damnation)

V.3 adds some more elements. The wise shall shine Those who lead to justice shall multiply

Further, commentary The book of Daniel is the last book of the OT to be

written (167 BC). It was written to encourage the Jewish people who struggle against the Hellenist Seleucids (for they imposed / forced their culture and beliefs into the Jewish people, which were anathema / abomination to them).

This apocalyptic type of literature usually arises when the people at large are in pain. In cryptic words and symbolisms, not in plain language, the apocalypticists write to evade detection by their enemies.

This reading has been chosen by the liturgists to highlight the meaning of end-times.

Part of Christian theology is eschatology.

Reflections on the 1st reading We should not be afraid to think, to face, or, to

pray for the end-times. Christian time is not just about the present or

past or future but also end-times. Instead of being afraid of it, we, Christians,

must anticipate it. We live as if it is already happening. This is

living in hope. In the end-times, the just will prosper and the

unjust will be eliminated.

Responsorial Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 R. (1) You are my inheritance, O Lord!

5 O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot.8 I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;10 because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

11 You will show me the path to life,fullness of joys in your presence,the delights at your right hand forever.

Responsorial Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11 R. (1) You are my inheritance, O

Lord!

5 O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot.8 I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;10 because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

11 You will show me the path to life,fullness of joys in your presence,the delights at your right hand forever.

Commentary Psalm 16 is classified as a Psalm of

Trust. It expresses a deep trust in God that

someday we will inherit heaven. In v.5, the psalmist recognizes God as

controlling his destiny. In v.8, the psalmist feels secure at God’s

right hand. (no disturbance) In vv.9-10, the psalmist expresses the

belief that God will save him from abandonment and destruction.

V.10 is believed to refer to Jesus, who resurrected because God does not allow his faithful one to undergo corruption.

In v.11, the psalmist looks forward to God’s guidance, complete joy in his presence (right hand) for ever.

Reflections on the Psalm Christians must learn how to hope in God. Hope has something to do with our attitude

towards the future. For those who have faith in God, they put their

future into the hands of God. For those who do not have faith in God, they

put their future into their own hands or they become fatalistic (bahala na).

Christians’ stance regarding the future (end-time included) is looking forward to God’s gracious acts.

2nd reading: Heb 10:11-14.18 11 Every priest stands daily at his ministry,

offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; 13 now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.

The focus is on the ministry of Christ as high priest.

I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology)II. 3:1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology)III. 5: 11--10:39 The central exposition (Sacrifice)IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological paraenesis)V. 12: 14--13:19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology).

Textual Context of Hebrews Textual Context of Hebrews 10:11-10:11-14.1814.18 (Vanhoye)(Vanhoye)

First Section: 5,1-4 position: newness (made perfect) 5,5-10 Jesus’ appointed as high priest, exposition Part III 5,11—6,20 Preamble, Change in tone and vocabulary, exhortation 7,1 Melchizedek’s Priesthood, exposition 7,13-28 Jesus’ PriesthoodCentral Section: 8,1—9,28Third Section: 10,1-18

Heb 10:11-14.18 11 Every priest stands daily

at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; 13 now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.

Commentary Vv.11-12 contrast the priestly

ministry of the OT to that of Christ.

V.12 Christ offered just one sacrifice He has removed sins Now he sits at the right hand of

God V.13 indicates victory over the

enemies of Christ at the end of time.

V.14 states that his offering is efficacious (effective) Makes perfect the consecrated

V.18 implies that in forgiveness, there is perfection.

Forgiveness ends repetitious offerings for sins.

Reflections on the 2nd reading Christ’s priesthood is truly God’s instrument for

reconciliation. As his priestly ministry, he forgives us as he has

offered sacrifice for us. He makes perfect those he has consecrated. We have been consecrated in our baptism. Truly, we are made perfect when we are true to our

baptismal vows (signs of consecration).

Gospel Reading: Mk 13:24-32Description of end times (sun, moon stars/the Son of

Man’s coming) 24 "But in those days after that tribulation the sun will be

darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, 27 and then he will send out the angels and gather (his) elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

The Fig Tree and the Son of Man’s nearness 28 "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch

becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates.

The focus is on the second coming of Jesus, at the end time.

A simple outline!

Con’tEverything passes away, except his words 30 Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all

these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Nobody knows when 32 "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in

heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Exhortation to be alert 33 Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.

34 It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.

The focus is on the second coming of Jesus, at the end time.

Textual Context of Mark 13:24-32

Part I The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30)Three sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and a narrative

concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an attitude in regard to Jesus.

A. Jesus and the Crowds 1,14--3,6 (1,14f, 16-20; 3,60)B. Jesus and his Own 3,7--6,6a (3,7-12.13-19; 6,1-6a)C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30)

Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33 Confession of Peter First Prophecy of the Passion Correction of Peter

Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,8A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52 Indicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3 instructions on the lot

of the disciples.B. Jesus in Jerusalem (and out) 11,1--13,37C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8 The Later Ending 16,9-20

Jesus in Jerusalem11,1 Entry into Jerusalem Jesus curses the Fig TreeCleansing of the TempleFig Tree dried upFaith in GodJesus’ Authority questioned by the Chief priests in the Temple12,1 Parable of the VineyardSome Pharisees and Herodians question on taxesSome Sadducees question on the resurrectionOne of the scribes asks which is the great commandmentsJesus teaches about the Messiah as Son of DavidWarning about hypocrisyWidow’s Mite13,1 Going out of the Temple, big stonesIntroductionInstructions and WarningComing of the Son of ManInstructions and WarningConclusion

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Commentary on the gospelThe passage belongs to the apocalyptic part of the gospel of

Mark (ch.13). It is divided into 5 sections. Vv.24-27: heavenly signs: sun, moon, stars and the Son

of Man Can there be disturbances in the universe? Science can figure

out their end, but it will take millions of years more before the energy of the sun and stars is spent.

Will the Son of Man be seen by all as he will descend from heaven?

Christians must be able to interpret the coming of the end, by looking up.

Vv.28-29: earthly signs: The fig tree and its application Christians must be able to interpret the end, by looking and interpreting what’s happening on the ground.

Ideas to ponder upon (words of wisdom) Vv.30-31: Everything is transitory, except God’s words

A good reminder, to take seriously what is valuable in the eyes of God (God’s words).

V.32: No one knows the end One cannot really predict the exact end. Beware of people

claiming knowledge of it. (Beware of the millenniarists and charismatic groups that claim they know the exact time of Christ’s coming.)

Vv.33-34 Exhortation to be prepared: Be vigilant. This is the proper behavior of the Christian vis a vis the end.

Reflections on the gospel reading Christians should live bearing in mind that life has an end. Christians must be able to interpret very well the signs of

Jesus’ coming. He comes in unexpected ways and time. The Christian idea of time includes, not only the past,

present and future, but also the end. Awareness of the end (end of the world or our death)

makes us behave / anticipate our final destiny. Then, we become disabled to commit sin (oppression, abuses, crimes, etc.)

A Christian who has no idea about the end lacks sound theology, has incomplete theology, is not in line with the whole Christian and NT tradition, can barely live Christian morality.

The end is not something to be dreaded, but something to welcome, to awaken in us the sense of right behavior, justice and respect for the authority of God and the rights of others.

Tying the three readings and the Psalm The first reading warns the oppressors of their end; it

encourages the oppressed to stay put in their faith and struggles, because their enemy is about to collapse.

The psalm teaches us to look forward to our inheritance (end).

The second reading reflects on the end / victory of Christ over sin and death. In heaven, Christ is waiting for the end of his enemies.

The gospel reading reminds that even the universe has an end. Nothing is permanent. Therefore, everyman must be prepared for it. Vigilance is the behavior of the man who believes in the coming end.

How to develop your homilies and sharing Begin by telling a story how people talk / act as if

they don’t die. (arrogant, unafraid of the consequences, abusive)

The readings contradict the mentality that does not believe in an end.

The first reading announces the time when the good reigns and evil is eliminated.

We must wait and anticipate this time. There is no better time than this time when the

just (we) will finally shine.

The psalm celebrates the hope that one day God will prevail over evil forces.

The righteous ones will have a bright future. They will receive their reward at the end. With the psalm, we celebrate God’s gracious acts,

present and future.

The second reading announces the victory of Christ over sin.

After Christ has offered his one sacrifice, now he waits for the defeat of his enemies.

Sin is eliminated by Christ’s forgiving act. Who cannot be thankful to Christ for his power over our

enemies?

The gospel reading reminds us of our impending end, but which we don’t exactly know when.

Christians should know how to interpret Jesus’ second coming.

The moral of this prediction is that we, Christians, must be vigilant.

Vigilance consists in living an orderly life. Vigilance means to continue doing good. It is a preparation for the coming end.

Belief in the end dictates moral conduct. Without the thought of the end, human beings

tend not to be fearful of the consequences of their wrongdoings.

They do evil as if evil will not befall upon them too, as in crime does not pay.

Belief in the end encourages the oppressed to persevere in their sufferings. Their good works will be recognized.

Many people live as if they will not die at all. That’s why, unrelentlessly, they pursue anything and everything they want. They oppress / abuse people. They accumulate wealth and property at all cost. They do harm to the society and to themselves.

We, human beings, Christian or not, must be reminded that there is an end to everything, even an established system, empire, government, political party, business establishment especially those that seem to thrive in injustice and wanton

destruction of people and environment. Mamamatay din sila. Dapat lang.

Participation in the eucharist is an acceptance of our end.

Jesus instituted the eucharist at the Last Supper, towards the end of his life. It was a farewell party for his disciples. It was an acceptance of

his own end. In the context of a meal, Jesus shows how to face death (the

inevitable end). The eucharist strengthens us to meet our end.

Our Context of Sin and Grace No sense of the future No sense of limit Insensitivity Callousness Does not know how to

end (talk, homily, or war) Proliferation of evil Myopic view of time Waste of time,

negligence, too much recreation

Terminally ill patients, who accept their end

Knows oneself Futuristic Understands the

meaning of eschatology Kingdom of God Vigilant Has vision

Suggested Songs Glory To God, new

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV9SIPLUDFM The King’s Highway Pilgrim’s Song