Welcome to our Bible StudyWelcome to our Bible Study

2222ndnd Sunday in the Ordinary Time B Sunday in the Ordinary Time B30 August 201530 August 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharingAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst reading: Deut 4:1-2.6-8 reading: Deut 4:1-2.6-81 Moses said to the people, “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. 6 Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.' 7 For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? 8 Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today? The focus is on hearing and observing the commandments.

Textual Context of Deut 4:1-2.6-8Textual Context of Deut 4:1-2.6-8

OutlineOutlinePart IPart I Historical Review and Exhortation Historical Review and Exhortation

(1,1—4,43)(1,1—4,43)

Part IIPart IIGod and His Covenant (4,44—11,32)God and His Covenant (4,44—11,32)

Part IIIPart III Exposition of the Law (12,6—26,19)Exposition of the Law (12,6—26,19)

Part IVPart IV Final Words of Moses (27,1—34,12)Final Words of Moses (27,1—34,12)

Moses delivered his exhortation here.

11stst reading: Deut 4:1-2.6-8 reading: Deut 4:1-2.6-81 Moses said to the people, “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. 6 Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.' 7 For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? 8 Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

CommentaryCommentaryThe book of Deuteronomy The book of Deuteronomy repeats the commandments repeats the commandments found in Exodus, Leviticus found in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, that is why, it and Numbers, that is why, it is called “second law” or a is called “second law” or a “copy of the Law.”“copy of the Law.”Now the commandments Now the commandments are placed into the mouth of are placed into the mouth of Moses.Moses.In vv.1-2, Moses reminds the In vv.1-2, Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s laws Israelites of God’s laws before they enter the before they enter the promised Land.promised Land.The reminder is in the form The reminder is in the form of a homily and exhortation of a homily and exhortation (parenesis).(parenesis).

11stst reading: Deut 4:1-2.6-8 reading: Deut 4:1-2.6-81 Moses said to the people, “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. 6 Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.' 7 For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? 8 Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

The reading gives us the reasons The reading gives us the reasons why Israel should hear (keep the why Israel should hear (keep the law) the statutes and decrees:law) the statutes and decrees:– That you may live, v.1That you may live, v.1– That you may enter and take That you may enter and take

possession of the Promised possession of the Promised Land, v.1Land, v.1

Another reason:Another reason:– To show evidence of their To show evidence of their

wisdom and intelligence to other wisdom and intelligence to other nations, v.6nations, v.6

Vv.7-8 indicate that Israel is great Vv.7-8 indicate that Israel is great because of its association with God, because of its association with God, not to the gods; Israel is great not to the gods; Israel is great because it has laws coming from because it has laws coming from God.God.

RReefleflecctions on ttions on thhe 1e 1stst rea readdinging

People must be reminded of their obligation to People must be reminded of their obligation to obey God’s laws.obey God’s laws.

There are devastating effects of not keeping them.There are devastating effects of not keeping them.

Like the ancient Israelites, we, too, can lose what Like the ancient Israelites, we, too, can lose what we have, lose God’s blessings, if we don’t follow we have, lose God’s blessings, if we don’t follow God’s commands.God’s commands.

We should base our actions not on the world, but We should base our actions not on the world, but on God’s words.on God’s words.

If we are disconnected from God, if we are living on If we are disconnected from God, if we are living on our own, we are courting our own destruction and our own, we are courting our own destruction and death.death.

Responsorial Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5Responsorial Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5

  (1a)(1a)One who does justice will live in the presence of One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.the Lord.

2 Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice;2 Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart who thinks the truth in his heart3 and slanders not with his tongue.3 and slanders not with his tongue.

3Who harms not his fellow man,3Who harms not his fellow man,nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;4 by whom the reprobate is despised,4 by whom the reprobate is despised,while he honors those who fear the LORD.while he honors those who fear the LORD.

5 Who lends not his money at usury5 Who lends not his money at usuryand accepts no bribe against the innocent.and accepts no bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these thingsWhoever does these thingsshall never be disturbed.shall never be disturbed.

Responsorial Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5Responsorial Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5  (1a)(1a)One who does justice One who does justice will live in the presence of will live in the presence of the Lord.the Lord.

2 Whoever walks blamelessly 2 Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice;and does justice;who thinks the truth in his who thinks the truth in his heartheart3 and slanders not with his 3 and slanders not with his tongue.tongue.

3 Who harms not his fellow 3 Who harms not his fellow man,man,nor takes up a reproach nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;against his neighbor;4 by whom the reprobate is 4 by whom the reprobate is despised,despised,while he honors those who while he honors those who fear the LORD.fear the LORD.

5 Who lends not his money at 5 Who lends not his money at usuryusuryand accepts no bribe against and accepts no bribe against the innocent.the innocent. Whoever does these thingsWhoever does these thingsshall never be disturbed.shall never be disturbed.

CommentaryCommentaryThe psalm affirms the message of the The psalm affirms the message of the first reading.first reading.First of all, it is a liturgical psalm. It First of all, it is a liturgical psalm. It answers the question: Who shall be answers the question: Who shall be admitted to your tent (Temple), O admitted to your tent (Temple), O Lord?, v.1Lord?, v.1Vv.2-5 enumerate the requirements to Vv.2-5 enumerate the requirements to be worthy of entering God’s Temple.be worthy of entering God’s Temple.– Blameless and does justice, v.2Blameless and does justice, v.2– Truthful, trustworthy. V.2Truthful, trustworthy. V.2– Does not slander nor speak ill of others, Does not slander nor speak ill of others,

v.3v.3– Not violent, does not file cases against Not violent, does not file cases against

anyone, v.3anyone, v.3– Rejects evildoers, admires God-fearers, Rejects evildoers, admires God-fearers,

v.4v.4– Does not practice usury, v.5Does not practice usury, v.5– Cannot be bribed (not buy justice), v.5Cannot be bribed (not buy justice), v.5

V.5b states the reward for the actions V.5b states the reward for the actions of the just: of the just: – He shall never be disturbed.He shall never be disturbed.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm

To live close to God is to be just.We watch our mouths and our steps so as not to offend others.Since the righteous do not disturb anyone (i.e., violate rights, commit injustice), they will not also be disturbed, God says.If we do not want to be disturbed, then we should be just all the days of our lives.We must practice true religion, to enjoy life.

22ndnd reading: reading: James 1:17-18.21-22.27James 1:17-18.21-22.27Exposition

17 All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. 18 He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.

Exhortation21 Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. 22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

The focus is on clean living.

Textual Context of Textual Context of James 1:17-18.21-James 1:17-18.21-22.2722.27

DIVISION ACCORDING TO CONTENTS (TOPICS): (R. Brown)DIVISION ACCORDING TO CONTENTS (TOPICS): (R. Brown)

1:1: 1:1: Greetings (Opening Formula)Greetings (Opening Formula)1:2-18: 1:2-18: The role of trials and temptationsThe role of trials and temptations1:19-27: 1:19-27: Words and deedsWords and deeds2:1-9: 2:1-9: Partiality toward the richPartiality toward the rich2:10-13: 2:10-13: Keeping the whole LawKeeping the whole Law2:14-26: 2:14-26: Faith and worksFaith and works3:1-12: 3:1-12: Power of the tonguePower of the tongue3:13-18: 3:13-18: Wisdom from aboveWisdom from above4:1-10: 4:1-10: Desires as the cause of divisionDesires as the cause of division4: 11-12: 4: 11-12: Judging one another as judging the LawJudging one another as judging the Law4:13-17: 4:13-17: Further arrogant behaviorFurther arrogant behavior5:1-6: 5:1-6: Warning to the richWarning to the rich5:7-11: 5:7-11: Patience till the coming of the LordPatience till the coming of the Lord5:12-20: 5:12-20: Admonitions on behavior within the Admonitions on behavior within the community community

22ndnd reading: reading: James 1:17-18.21-22.27James 1:17-18.21-22.27

Exposition17 All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. 18 He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.

CommentaryCommentaryThe Letter of James is one of the The Letter of James is one of the Catholic Letters addressed to no Catholic Letters addressed to no specific audience.specific audience.Its message is for every Christian.Its message is for every Christian.There are two literary genres in There are two literary genres in this text: exposition and this text: exposition and exhortation.exhortation.V.17 acknowledges that all good V.17 acknowledges that all good things and perfect gifts come things and perfect gifts come from God (from the Father).from God (from the Father).V.18 gives a reason why we are V.18 gives a reason why we are born by the word of truth (in born by the word of truth (in baptism): baptism): – To be a kind of first-fruits of To be a kind of first-fruits of

his creatureshis creatures

22ndnd reading: reading: James 1:17-18.21-22.27James 1:17-18.21-22.27Exhortation

21 Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. 22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

The logical response of those who The logical response of those who are born by the word of truth is:are born by the word of truth is:– To put away dirt and evil excess To put away dirt and evil excess

(-)(v.21)(-)(v.21)– Humbly welcome the word (+)Humbly welcome the word (+)– To be doers of the word, to do To be doers of the word, to do

more than just being hearers (+) more than just being hearers (+) (v.22)(v.22)

The concrete applications of The concrete applications of the word of God:the word of God:– To care for the poor (orphans and To care for the poor (orphans and

widows)widows)– To preserve purity (not To preserve purity (not

influenced or swayed by worldly influenced or swayed by worldly values) (v.27)values) (v.27)

Christianity is not a wishy-Christianity is not a wishy-washy religion.washy religion.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading readingGod has given us good and perfect gifts.God has given us good and perfect gifts.What more can we ask?What more can we ask?The realization of this grace should be enough The realization of this grace should be enough to make us to make us thankfulthankful to him. to him.As a sign of As a sign of gratefulnessgratefulness, we must do what is , we must do what is expected of us.expected of us.ThankfulnessThankfulness is obedience to the Word, caring is obedience to the Word, caring for the poor and avoidance of sin.for the poor and avoidance of sin.We do not play games with God. It is a sign of We do not play games with God. It is a sign of ungratefulnessungratefulness..

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-231 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles (and beds).) 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" 6 He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.' 8 You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition." 14 He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile." 21 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23 All these evils come from within and they defile."

The focus is on practicing true religion.

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23

On hypocrisy (teachings of the Pharisees and Scribes)1 Now when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles (and beds).) 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?"

On giving true worship (teachings of Jesus)6 He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.' 8 You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition." 14 He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile." 21 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23 All these evils come from within and they defile."

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Mark 7Textual Context of Mark 7Part I Part I The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30)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 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 narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an attitude in regard to Jesus.attitude in regard to Jesus.

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

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

Part II Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,816,8

A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52A. 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 Indicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3

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

Jesus was teaching here in Gennesaret.

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23On hypocrisy (teachings of

the Pharisees and Scribes)1 Now when the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles (and beds).) 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?"

CommentaryCommentaryIn v.1, it is strange that the In v.1, it is strange that the Pharisees and scribes gather Pharisees and scribes gather around Jesus (in Gennesaret). around Jesus (in Gennesaret). They come from Jerusalem.They come from Jerusalem.In v.2, they observe the In v.2, they observe the disciples of Jesus violating some disciples of Jesus violating some simple rules, like washing of simple rules, like washing of hands before eating.hands before eating.Vv.3-4 describe their religious Vv.3-4 describe their religious traditions:traditions:– The Pharisees wash their hands The Pharisees wash their hands

before eating.before eating.– They purify themselves after They purify themselves after

marketing.marketing.– They purify cups and kitchen They purify cups and kitchen

wares, as traditionally observed.wares, as traditionally observed.In v.5, the Pharisees question In v.5, the Pharisees question Jesus: Why do his disciples not Jesus: Why do his disciples not keep the Jewish traditions?keep the Jewish traditions?

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23Gospel: Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23

On giving true worship (teachings of Jesus)6 He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.' 8 You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition." 14 He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile." 21 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23 All these evils come from within and they defile."

In v.6, Jesus responds by unmasking In v.6, Jesus responds by unmasking their hypocrisy.their hypocrisy.– Their observances of their customs Their observances of their customs

and traditions are all for show.and traditions are all for show.– They have nothing to do with God.They have nothing to do with God.

For this reason, their worship is vane For this reason, their worship is vane and useless. V.7and useless. V.7In v.8, Jesus accuses the Pharisees In v.8, Jesus accuses the Pharisees of making their teachings more of making their teachings more important than God’s commands.important than God’s commands.In v.14, Jesus turns and talks to the In v.14, Jesus turns and talks to the crowd.crowd.In v.15, Jesus clarifies what defiles a In v.15, Jesus clarifies what defiles a person: Not what enters into him but person: Not what enters into him but what comes out of him.what comes out of him.Vv.21-22 specify what defiles us:Vv.21-22 specify what defiles us:– Evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, Evil thoughts, unchastity, theft,

murder, etc.murder, etc.V.23 repeats v.15.V.23 repeats v.15.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading

Jesus hates hypocrisy.Jesus hates hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy is doing the right things with a wrong motive Hypocrisy is doing the right things with a wrong motive (self-serving).(self-serving).

Christians must be discerning.Christians must be discerning.

They must know what comes from God and what comes They must know what comes from God and what comes from man.from man.

Christians must also know that sin comes from within.Christians must also know that sin comes from within.

We are defiled, we can become impure because of our We are defiled, we can become impure because of our impure motivations.impure motivations.

We must be true, honest and sincere in practicing our We must be true, honest and sincere in practicing our religion.religion.

Tying the 3 readings and PsalmTying the 3 readings and PsalmThe The first readingfirst reading focuses on the importance of focuses on the importance of hearing and doing the commandments of God. hearing and doing the commandments of God.

The The psalmpsalm exhorts us to approach God with exhorts us to approach God with justice (keeping God’s law).justice (keeping God’s law).

The The second readingsecond reading focuses on not violating the focuses on not violating the laws of God, but doing justice to the poor.laws of God, but doing justice to the poor.

The The gospel readinggospel reading focuses on the correct focuses on the correct application of the commandments of God.application of the commandments of God.

How to develop your homily / How to develop your homily / sharingsharing

You can tell a story about disciplined You can tell a story about disciplined people people (like the Japanese or Germans).(like the Japanese or Germans). They do They do not cross the street if the traffic light is not cross the street if the traffic light is red. They follow instructions.red. They follow instructions.You can also tell a story about You can also tell a story about undisciplined people (like us, Filipinos). undisciplined people (like us, Filipinos). – Chaotic, anarchic. Chaotic, anarchic. – Happy to violate and evade the law. Since we do not follow Happy to violate and evade the law. Since we do not follow

laws (rules, instructions), our belongings easily get laws (rules, instructions), our belongings easily get destroyed. destroyed.

– Drivers drive slow at high gear. Drivers drive slow at high gear. – Our electrical outlets are overloaded causing fires. Our electrical outlets are overloaded causing fires. – People do not pay their dues on or before time, causing People do not pay their dues on or before time, causing

them to pay more for fines and arrears. them to pay more for fines and arrears.

Now, discuss the importance of hearing Now, discuss the importance of hearing and doing God’s laws:and doing God’s laws:– Doing God’s words assures us of his continued Doing God’s words assures us of his continued

help, protection and blessings. help, protection and blessings. (1(1stst reading) reading)– As grace-filled people, we live according to our As grace-filled people, we live according to our

dignity as children of God. We do not defile dignity as children of God. We do not defile ourselves with sin, but we do something good ourselves with sin, but we do something good like helping the poor. (like helping the poor. (22ndnd reading) reading)

– In practicing religion, we must avoid hypocrisy. In practicing religion, we must avoid hypocrisy. (gospel reading)(gospel reading)

Salvation cannot be attained without Salvation cannot be attained without following any rule (law).following any rule (law).More so, if we do not follow the teachings More so, if we do not follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, our Savior.of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Christians should be able to discern the Christians should be able to discern the difference between the established rules difference between the established rules of the land, of the church and of God.of the land, of the church and of God.We must avoid what contradicts the law of We must avoid what contradicts the law of God God (taught by Jesus or by the Church).(taught by Jesus or by the Church).

To be able to do this, we must be To be able to do this, we must be catechized very well. Our catechism books catechized very well. Our catechism books tell us what is lawful and what is not. tell us what is lawful and what is not. To have higher awareness, we must also To have higher awareness, we must also study ethics or moral theology or simply study ethics or moral theology or simply the church’s teachings the church’s teachings (on faith and morals).(on faith and morals). We must read the social encyclicals We must read the social encyclicals (the (the church’s best kept secrets).church’s best kept secrets).

God does not like hypocrisy. God does not like hypocrisy. Many Catholics like to serve in the mass while Many Catholics like to serve in the mass while they hate their in-laws, their priests and fellow they hate their in-laws, their priests and fellow church workers. church workers. They speak against them right after mass. They speak against them right after mass. They take the Mass as an entertainment (show They take the Mass as an entertainment (show time).time).Some are thieves; they steal from the collection Some are thieves; they steal from the collection box. They feast on government coffers.box. They feast on government coffers.Others indulge in gossip. Others indulge in gossip. Many big shot catholics are very generous to the Many big shot catholics are very generous to the priests, bishops, to the church, but not to their priests, bishops, to the church, but not to their maids, workers, etc. Hypocrites!maids, workers, etc. Hypocrites!They have not really understood their faith.They have not really understood their faith.

The ones entitled to participate in the The ones entitled to participate in the eucharisteucharist are those who sincerely keep the law of God and are those who sincerely keep the law of God and of the Church (those who practice love and of the Church (those who practice love and justice = true religion). justice = true religion).

The The eucharisteucharist is for those who diligently study is for those who diligently study the Word of God and are determined to observe the Word of God and are determined to observe it.it.

The The eucharisteucharist is the sacrament that strengthens is the sacrament that strengthens us to keep God’s commands.us to keep God’s commands.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and GracePasawayPasawayAutonomousAutonomousAnarchy Anarchy No sense of higher No sense of higher authorityauthorityAuthority hang upsAuthority hang upsContemptuous Contemptuous Making liturgy an Making liturgy an entertainment and entertainment and pageantrypageantry

ObedienceObedienceAbility to follow Ability to follow simple rulessimple rulesMindful of one’s Mindful of one’s obligations to God obligations to God and fellowsand fellowsAbility to integrate Ability to integrate faith and lifefaith and lifeWell-motivatedWell-motivated

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

Glory to God, newGlory to God, new– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spj_5sTiF5Y

When We Eat, newWhen We Eat, new– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qg_-wvSm7M

What More Can I ask?What More Can I ask?

You are so goodYou are so good– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spj_5sTiF5Y