Welcome to our Bible Welcome to our Bible StudyStudy

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time C13 November 2016

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst reading: Malachi 3,19-20 reading: Malachi 3,19-20 19 Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an

oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. 20 But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.

The focus is on the coming day of the Lord.

11stst reading: Malachi 3,19-20 reading: Malachi 3,19-20 19 Lo, the day is

coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. 20 But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.

Commentary The book of Malachi is the last

prophetic book of the Hebrew Bible. It was written after the Exile. V.19 talks about the coming of the

Lord. It is described as a very hot day (blazing like an oven).

It eliminates all the proud and evildoers.

It sets them on fire, leaving them no root or branch. They are totally eliminated.

V. 20 talks about the future of those who fear God:

The sun of justice will arise; They will be healed with its rays.

Textual Context of Malachi 3,19-20Malachi 3,19-201,2-5 God's love for Israel over Edom1,6-2,9 The sins of the priests in unworthy sacrifice2,10-16 The people's sins through divorce2,17-3,5 The coming of God's messenger in judgment3,6-12 Call to repent and pay the tithes owed3,13-4,6 The day of judgment will bless the just

Reflection on the 1Reflection on the 1stst reading reading We are about to end the liturgical year C and the

readings are about the end of the world, which is associated with the coming of the Messiah.

Terrible is the day of the Lord for evildoers. Consoling is the day of the Lord for those who

fear God. God will come to judge. No one will be spared. God will reward the just and punish the wicked. Are you just or an evildoer? If you have been a crook, reform now.

Resp. Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9Resp. Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9 R. (cf. 9) R. (cf. 9) The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.

5 Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,5 Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,with the harp and melodious song.with the harp and melodious song.6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn6 With trumpets and the sound of the hornsing joyfully before the King, the LORD.sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.

7 Let the sea and what fills it resound,7 Let the sea and what fills it resound,the world and those who dwell in it;the world and those who dwell in it;8 let the rivers clap their hands,8 let the rivers clap their hands,the mountains shout with them for joy.the mountains shout with them for joy.

9 Before the LORD, for he comes,9 Before the LORD, for he comes,for he comes to rule the earth,for he comes to rule the earth,He will rule the world with justiceHe will rule the world with justiceand the peoples with equity.and the peoples with equity.

Resp. Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9Resp. Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9 R. (cf. 9) R. (cf. 9) The Lord comes to rule the The Lord comes to rule the

earth with justice.earth with justice.

5 Sing praise to the LORD with the 5 Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious harp, with the harp and melodious song.song.6 With trumpets and the sound of the 6 With trumpets and the sound of the hornhornsing joyfully before the King, the sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.LORD.

7 Let the sea and what fills it resound,7 Let the sea and what fills it resound,the world and those who dwell in it;the world and those who dwell in it;8 let the rivers clap their hands,8 let the rivers clap their hands,the mountains shout with them for joy.the mountains shout with them for joy.

9 Before the LORD, for he comes,9 Before the LORD, for he comes,for he comes to rule the earth,for he comes to rule the earth,He will rule the world with justiceHe will rule the world with justiceand the peoples with equity.and the peoples with equity.

CommentaryVv.5-6 exhort us to sing praise to the Lord with musical instruments (harp, trumpets and horn).Our singing must be joyful.Vv.7-8 also exhort all creation, not only human beings, to praise God.V.9 gives the reason for praising God.

God is coming to rule us with justice and equity.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm God’s coming must trigger our rejoicing if we are

righteous. As we await the day, we must sing joyfully with

musical instruments. As Christians, we do this best in our liturgies. We anticipate God’s vindication. When he comes, he will make us right and our

enemies wrong.

22ndnd reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12 reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12 7 You know how one must imitate us. For we did not

act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. 11 We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. 12 Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food. The focus is on imitation of Paul (work with hands).

22ndnd reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12 reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12Need to imitate Paul 7 You know how one must imitate us.

For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone.

On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the right.

Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.

10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.

Paul’s observations 11 We hear that some are conducting themselves among you

in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.

Instruction of Paul 12 Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ

to work quietly and to eat their own food.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of 2 Thess 3,7-122 Thess 3,7-12 I Opening Formula 1,1-2II Test of Persecution Leading to the Lord’s Glory in Judgment 1,3-12 A. Thanksgiving 1,3-10 B. Prayer 1,11-12III Proper Understanding of the Parousia 2,1-17 A. The Lord’s Triumph over Deception 2,1-15 B. Prayer for Strengthening 2,16-17IV Two Sets of Closing Exhortations and Prayers 3,1—5,6-16V Final Greetings 3,17-18

22ndnd reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12 reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12Need to imitate Paul 7 You know how one must imitate us.

For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone.

On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the right.

Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.

10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.

Paul’s observations 11 We hear that some are conducting

themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.

Instruction of Paul 12 Such people we instruct and urge in

the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.

Commentary The context of the reading is the imminent

coming of the Lord. The Thessalonians believe that Jesus is

coming soon and they find it impractical to start to work (in the field) or to continue working.

But since his coming is delayed, not as soon as expected, those who do not have resources rely on the efforts of others and live like parasites.

Here Paul, putting modesty aside, is in a way self-conceited. He says “imitate us.” We are a model to you.

Paul has all the right to demand to be imitated, invoking his efforts when he was with them.

He was not a visitor, not a burden. He took care of his own needs. Vv.7-9

V.10 recalls a past instruction not to allow anyone to eat if he/she does not work with his hands.

Strong words! (parang bastos)

22ndnd reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12 reading: 2 Thess 3,7-12Need to imitate Paul 7 You know how one must imitate us.

For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone.

On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the right.

Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.

10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.

Paul’s observations 11 We hear that some are conducting

themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others.

Instruction of Paul 12 Such people we instruct and urge in

the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.

In v.11, Paul concretizes the In v.11, Paul concretizes the problem of the community. problem of the community. Some are (not all):Some are (not all): conducting in a disorderly way conducting in a disorderly way

((nagkakalatnagkakalat)) Not keeping busy (Not keeping busy (tamadtamad)) But minding others’ business But minding others’ business

((nakikialam, mironnakikialam, miron), fouling up, ), fouling up, messing up, distracting others.messing up, distracting others.

In v.12, Paul focuses on these In v.12, Paul focuses on these few troublemakers. He enjoins few troublemakers. He enjoins them now to work and to earn them now to work and to earn their own bread.their own bread.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading We, who are still energetic, have no excuse for not We, who are still energetic, have no excuse for not

working.working. The reading is clearly against parasitism The reading is clearly against parasitism (too dependent on (too dependent on

others).others). He reminds the lazy ones to change their ways.He reminds the lazy ones to change their ways. There is truth in the old saying, “Idleness is the workshop There is truth in the old saying, “Idleness is the workshop

of the devil.”of the devil.” Some people are troublemakers because they have Some people are troublemakers because they have

nothing else to do.nothing else to do. But if they are given a task, if they find a job, they become But if they are given a task, if they find a job, they become

more serious in life, they focus on how to be productive more serious in life, they focus on how to be productive with their money, time and resources, they stop with their money, time and resources, they stop destructive criticisms, fault-findings and making destructive criticisms, fault-findings and making unnecessary remarks.unnecessary remarks.

If Jesus comes again, will he find you working?If Jesus comes again, will he find you working?

Gospel reading: Luke 21,5-19Gospel reading: Luke 21,5-19 5 While some people were speaking about how

the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, 6 "All that you see here-- the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." 7 Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" 8 He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! 9 When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end."

10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. 12 "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. 13 It will lead to your giving testimony. 14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, 15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. 16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name, 18 but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. 19 By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

Textual Context of Luke 21,5-19Luke 21,5-19Jerusalem Ministry of Jesus 21,1-4 The Poor Widow’s Contribution 21,5-11 The Destruction of the Temple Foretold 21,12-19 The Coming Persecution 21,20-24 The Great Tribulation 21,25-28 The Coming of the Son of Man 21,29-23 The Lesson of the Fig Tree 21,24-26 Exhortation to be Vigilant 21,27-28 Ministry in JerusalemPassion Narrative 22,1-6 The Conspiracy against Jesus

The Temple: well built, but will be destroyed

5 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, 6 "All that you see here-- the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Questions7 Then they asked him, "Teacher,

when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?"

Commentary In vv.5-6, Jesus is

somewhat kill joy. Imagine that while people

are appreciating the beautiful architecture and ornaments of the Temple, Jesus predicts of its destruction. Terrible!

In v.7, surprisingly, people seem to be resigned.

They ask when and what the signs are.

Gospel reading: Luke 21,5-19Gospel reading: Luke 21,5-19

In v. 8, Christians should be discerning whom to listen to.

Many will falsely claim they are the Messiah. They should be rejected.

In v.9, terrible are the signs on earth, but Jesus says “Don’t be terrified.”

But who cannot be terrified by wars and insurrections (revolutions)? What did Jesus mean?

Shall we be scared only by the end, not by the signs?

Warning: Don’t be misled.

8 He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!

Terrestial signs: Wars 9 When you hear of wars

and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.“10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Terrestial signs: catastrophes

11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place;

Heavenly signsand awesome sights and

mighty signs will come from the sky.

In v. 11, again this is scary. Who can live normally under this situation?

It can drive you to go nuts. We have seen samples of

these in the movies. How much more when we are personally involved?

Learn from the survivors of volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes and tsunami.

Terrestial signs: catastrophes

11 There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place;

Heavenly signsand awesome sights and

mighty signs will come from the sky.

In v. 11, again this is scary. Who can live normally under this situation?

It can drive you to go nuts. We have seen samples of

these in the movies. How much more when we are personally involved and our lives threatened?

Learn from the survivors of volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes and tsunami.

Persecutions by people, relatives and friends

12 "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. 13 It will lead to your giving testimony. 14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, 15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name,

In v.12, Christians will be persecuted. They will be counted as criminals.

They will be investigated in the courts (what an inconvenience! Disruption of normal life.)

Vv. 13-14 contain a challenge: not to lose focus.

We are bound to speak clearly about Jesus (to give testimony).

In v.16, even our loved ones will betray us. Nothing seems to be right on the last day.

In v.17, Jesus gives the reason, like in v.12

In v.12, Christians will be persecuted. They will be counted as criminals.

They will be investigated in the courts (what an inconvenience! Disruption of normal life.)

Vv. 13-14 contain a challenge: not to lose focus.

We are bound to speak clearly about Jesus (to give testimony).

In v.16, even our loved ones will betray us. Nothing seems to be right on the last day.

In v.17, Jesus gives the reason, like in v.12

Persecutions by people, relatives and friends

12 "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. 13 It will lead to your giving testimony. 14 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, 15 for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

16 You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all because of my name,

Jesus’ promise18 but not a hair on your

head will be destroyed.

Need to persevere19 By your perseverance

you will secure your lives.

In v.18, Jesus assures us of our salvation. No harm will be done unto us if we do good. Really?

The gospel writer has to exaggerate to drive to a point.

In v.19, Yes, perseverance spells salvation according to this verse.

What perseverance? Perseverance in doing good,

in giving witness, perseverance in faith.

The focus is on perseverance at end times.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading If we are faithful to Christ, we will have strength to go on no If we are faithful to Christ, we will have strength to go on no

matter what.matter what. Disasters may threaten our lives. They disrupt our activities.Disasters may threaten our lives. They disrupt our activities. As Christians, we should interpret these portentous events As Christians, we should interpret these portentous events

(crises) as opportunities to show our best, who we really are (crises) as opportunities to show our best, who we really are (persevering, charitable, just, sport, happy to share God’s pain).(persevering, charitable, just, sport, happy to share God’s pain).

It is in these difficult moments that we can best witness to It is in these difficult moments that we can best witness to our faith.our faith.

When falsely accused, let it be. It is better to die a martyr’s When falsely accused, let it be. It is better to die a martyr’s death than to pass death unto others death than to pass death unto others (putting the blame on (putting the blame on others).others).

Anyway God will punish the evildoer.Anyway God will punish the evildoer.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm The day of the Lord will bring about the sun of justice

(healing) to those who fear the name of the Lord. (1st reading)

The psalm encourages us to celebrate for God is coming to administer justice.

Even with the imminent coming of the Lord, let us keep working. (2nd reading)

The gospel reading portrays what will happen before the second coming of the Lord. Christians should persevere doing God’s work.

How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing If you know that Jesus is coming, would you stop If you know that Jesus is coming, would you stop

working?working? No, you should keep on working, according to No, you should keep on working, according to

St. Paul.St. Paul.

The The second readingsecond reading is against any form of is against any form of voluntary unemployment, any form of idleness, voluntary unemployment, any form of idleness, even for just a second. even for just a second.

Why? So that you will not become a parasite. Why? So that you will not become a parasite. You never know when Jesus is coming. It can be You never know when Jesus is coming. It can be delayed for a long time. delayed for a long time.

What a waste of time, talent and energy, if you What a waste of time, talent and energy, if you don’t work. don’t work.

You also prolong the agony of others.You also prolong the agony of others.

Another reason: to avoid gossip (Another reason: to avoid gossip (tsismistsismis), minding other ), minding other people’s business.people’s business.

If we are busy, we will not have time to destroy other If we are busy, we will not have time to destroy other people.people.

The little hurts that we have will have a little impact on The little hurts that we have will have a little impact on us.us.

We will always be looking forward to the next event. We will always be looking forward to the next event. Our energies will be spent for the more productive Our energies will be spent for the more productive

activities, than licking our wounds, like a defeated dog.activities, than licking our wounds, like a defeated dog.

The The gospel readinggospel reading teaches us that in the end of times, teaches us that in the end of times, as we will be tested by many frightening events, we as we will be tested by many frightening events, we should persevere in doing good works. should persevere in doing good works.

We continue our mission to testify to Jesus even if it We continue our mission to testify to Jesus even if it means persecution by those who are close to us.means persecution by those who are close to us.

The gospel reading encourages suffering Christians, those who are victimized by bigotry to persevere in faith.

It is an opportune time to prove our worth before the Lord and others.

Our patience will be tested, including our heroism, loyalty and commitment to him.

It prepares us, Christians, to face death, with honor and dignity (not cowardice).

The first reading speaks of the reward of the just and the punishment of the evildoers.

The evildoers will be uprooted. They will wither and die, while the just will see sunshine that will heal their wounds.

In the end of times, God exercises justice to all peoples depending on how well they have made use of their time, talents and energy.

Jewish people dedicate 6 days a week to serious work, to earn a living.

One day is reserved to have quality time with their families (recreation) and the Lord (worship).

Many catholics spend the whole day in the church (church premises) or going from one church to another, abandoning work.

Strange behavior and way of worshipping! No drive to find a job and be productive!

In the US and in some other countries, In the US and in some other countries, even the senior citizens still workeven the senior citizens still work in the in the shopping malls and fast food chains.shopping malls and fast food chains.

To earn our bread, we must sweat it out.To earn our bread, we must sweat it out.

The The eucharisteucharist assures us that on the last day we assures us that on the last day we will be saved.will be saved.

Participation in the Participation in the eucharisteucharist is the Christian way is the Christian way of preparing for the coming of the Lord.of preparing for the coming of the Lord.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, we offer our diligence, we offer , we offer our diligence, we offer the works of our hands, disappointments and the works of our hands, disappointments and fatigue.fatigue.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, we reap the fruits of our labor. , we reap the fruits of our labor. Happy are we when God finds us doing and Happy are we when God finds us doing and

celebrating our faith.celebrating our faith.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace Lazy, acting like busy

bodies, unruly Parasitism, overdependent Playing when the boss is

away Has no self-respect as a

worker Scrambling to do

something when the boss is coming (hypocrite and dishonest worker)

No sense of the end Irresponsible, does not

prepare for any eventuality Millenniarism

Hardworking Persevering Does not go away when

the going gets rough Faithful, loyal, focused Ability to take blames, the

brunt Hopes for God’s justice

and vindication at the end Accepts temporariness of

all

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs ServiceService Biyayang Mula Sa ‘Yo (offertory)Biyayang Mula Sa ‘Yo (offertory)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxbmC_LVJrQ Buhay Maging MaligayaBuhay Maging Maligaya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh0VyqcYK3I

Come, Build My ChurchCome, Build My Church http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZugkzkgjDk

Lord, Here I amLord, Here I am http://youtu.be/xHK7_Ng7K8k

Dear sisters and brothers,

Let us keep ourselves busy for the Lord, so that we may not have time to commit sin.

Fr. Cielo