Welcome to our Bible Study27th Sunday in the Ordinary Time C

2 October 2016In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Habakkuk 1,2-3; 2,2-4 2 How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not

listen! I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene. 3 Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord.

2,2 Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. 3 For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. 4 The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.

The focus is on the vision (of violence) of Habakkuk.

1st reading: Habakkuk 1,2-3; 2,2-4Unsettling Vision2 How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene. 3 Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. Inevitable Vision2,2 Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. 3 For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. 4 The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.

A simple outline!

Textual Context Habakkuk 1,2-3; 2,2-4Outline

1,2-2,5a Cross-questioning God2,5b-20 Oracles of Woe3,1-19 Canticle

1st reading: Habakkuk 1,2-3; 2,2-4 2 How long, O LORD? I cry for

help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene. 3 Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord.

2,2 Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. 3 For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. 4 The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.

Commentary Habakkuk (means to embrace)

prophesies sometime before King Josiah’s death (around 600 BC).

The prophet laments, cries out because he cannot take what he sees. Very appalling! Terrible!

Vv.2-3 enumerate what Habakkuk sees: Violence, ruin, misery, destruction, strife,

discord. V.2 expresses the prophet’s

helplessness. He is disappointed at God’s silence. He accuses God of not listening, of indifference.

1st reading: Habakkuk 1,2-3; 2,2-4 2 How long, O LORD? I cry

for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene. 3 Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord.

2,2 Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. 3 For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. 4 The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live.

In 2,2 God finally answers the prophet and gives instruction. To write the vision clearly…

V.3 describes the nature of the vision: Still has its time. It will surely come to pass. Will not disappoint. If late (wait for it)

Surely the destruction will come. V.4 contrasts the rash man and

the just man. The rash man has no integrity. The just man has faith and will live

(survive the calamities).

Reflections on the 1st reading Visions are part of biblical tradition. They are scary and horrific at times. The prophetic vision is a warning to those who live a

disintegrated life (‘schizophrenic’ life, double life, double standard, inconsistent and insincere).

They should mend their ways. There is no future for the rash man (padalos-dalos,

can’t wait, tactless). But, if one is just, he will survive amidst destruction.

Resp. Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

1 Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship;let us kneel before the LORD who made us.7 For he is our God,and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

8 Oh, that today you would hear his voice:"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,as in the day of Massah in the desert,9 Where your fathers tempted me;they tested me though they had seen my works."

Resp. Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 R. (8) If today you hear his voice,

harden not your hearts.1 Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship;let us kneel before the LORD who made us.7 For he is our God,and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

8 Oh, that today you would hear his voice: "Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert,9 Where your fathers tempted me;they tested me though they had seen my works."

CommentaryThe psalm is an invitation to worship God.The psalm invites us, worshippers,

to sing joyfully, to acclaim God. V.1 to approach God and sing psalms to

him. V.2 to show gestures of worship (bowing

down, kneeling down). V.6V.7 states the reason why we should worship him: he is our God and we are his flock.Vv.8-9 ask us to be different from the Israelites in the desert, who hardened their hearts, and tested God’s patience in the desert.

Reflections on the Psalm We are a people called to pray. In the liturgy, we publicly and festively acknowledge our

relationship with God. God is our shepherd; we are his flock. We are on a

journey. We should be different from our forefathers during the

desert experience. They were hard headed. In this way, we will not prolong our journey (agony). Are you docile?

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 1,6-8.13-14 6 I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God

that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

13 Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard this rich trust with the help of the holy Spirit that dwells within us.

The focus is on the giftgift(s)(s) of God.

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 1,6-8.13-14 6 I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God

that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

13 Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard this rich trust with the help of the holy Spirit that dwells within us.

The underlined words are the gifts of God.

Textual Context of 2 Timothy 1,6-8.13-14

Salutation, 1,1-2Exhortation to courageous witness on the basis of Paul’s example, 1,3—2,13Behavior toward heretics, 2,14—4,8Paul’s personal situation, 4,9-18Greetings, 4,19-22

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 1,6-8.13-14 6 I remind you to stir

into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

13 Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard this rich trust with the help of the holy Spirit that dwells within us.

Commentary Paul, the apostle, encourages Timothy to make

the gift of God work. (stir into the flame,v.6) The gift of God is communicated to him through

the imposition of his hands (confirmation). The gift of God is the spirit of power, love and

self-control, not spirit of cowardice. V.7 V.8 is the consequence if Timothy allows the

gift of God to work: Not ashamed to testify to the Lord, to Paul Able to bear hardships, like Paul, because

of the gospel. V.13 talks about norm (standard, measuring

stick for holiness) = the sound words of Paul, his teachings.

“In faith and love…” qualifies the imperative “take.”

V.14 talks about “rich trust” (full trust and confidence)

Reflections on the 2nd reading Paul reminds us to make the gift of God alive. Through this gift, we are empowered to give witness to

God and to speak out for him (to be his prophets). Fear, timidity and withdrawal have no place in the

church. We, like Timothy, must do our obligation to preach and

testify with courage. How many priests, bishops or church people who are

more engaged in money making for their “pet projects” than in the evangelization?

The clerics must know their priorities; the lay must be more responsible for the temporal concerns of the church.

Gospel reading: Luke 17,5-10 5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." 6

The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. 7 "Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and take your place at table'? 8 Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

The focus is on faith and being servants.

Gospel reading: Luke 17,5-10Faith 5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." 6

The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

Being servants 7 "Who among you would say to your servant who has just

come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and take your place at table'? 8 Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Luke 17,5-10 16,14-18 A Saying Against the Pharisees 16, 19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus 17,1-10 Some sayings of Jesus 17,11-19 Jesus Cleanses the Ten Lepers 17,20-37 The Coming of the Kingdom 18,1-8 The Parable of the Widow and the Unjust

Judge

Gospel reading: Luke 17,5-10Faith 5 The apostles said to the Lord,

"Increase our faith." 6 The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

Being servants 7 "Who among you would say to

your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and take your place at table'? 8 Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Commentary The gospel reading is about 2

things: faith and being servants. There seems to be no connection

between the two.On faith In v.5, the apostles themselves

ask the Lord to increase their faith. Why? Is their faith small and weak?

Jesus employs a short parable, or imagery, to portray what faith can do no matter how small it can be.

The size of a mustard seed is very small, while the mulberry tree is very big.

When you have faith even if it is small, you can do the impossible.

Gospel reading: Luke 17,5-10Faith 5 The apostles said to the Lord,

"Increase our faith." 6 The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to (this) mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

Being servants 7 "Who among you would say to

your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here immediately and take your place at table'? 8 Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? 9 Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

In a question form, v.7 hypothetically puts the apostles as masters, “who among you would say to your servant… farmer or shepherd?

The expected answer: no one. In another question, in v.8, the master

will not allow his servant to eat with him, but commands to prepare food and to serve at table. The servant will eat later.

The expected answer: I agree. In v.9, another question is formulated on

being grateful on the part of the master. The expected answer: No. The master

has no “utang na loob” (not indebted) to his servant.

V.10 provides the conclusion to the 3 questions. Meaning, the apostles likewise, as servants, will not expect special treatment from the master (Jesus).

On being servants

Reflections on the gospel reading

The gospel reading talks about the power of faith.

Though it may be small, it has the power to do the impossible.

If we feel we don’t have enough faith, we pray that it may increase (become stronger).

Strong faith can sustain us in times of trial and in our thankless jobs as missionaries and servants of the kingdom.

All Christians are servants of the Lord. Even if we may be tired of doing our duties like

“farming and shepherding flocks,” we do not have the luxury to relax, because many more work still await us.

We can only relax (eat and drink) when the master says so.

Christians should not expect anything in return. We are just useless servants, not really useless in the strict sense, but unworthy to demand recognition. Jesus does not owe us anything.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading talks about visions of violence, but it

has an important note to those who have faith. They will survive.

The psalm exhorts us to be docile to the voice of God. The second reading talks about making the gift of God

work. We must listen to God in faith and love in Christ Jesus.

The gospel reading talks about faith and servanthood.

The focus of our homilies and sharing should be on servanthood.

How to develop your sharing/homily Who are the servants in our midst?

Domestic helpers Employees who have big bosses and

superiors No matter who you are, do you consider

yourself a servant of God? What is to be a servant of God? We must base our answers on the

readings.

Based on the gospel reading, the servant must learn how to pray and pray “Lord, increase our faith.”

The servant must have faith, even if it is small, because he is tasked to do the impossible.

Better still, the servant must have strong faith that keeps him going / struggling in the midst of controversies, contradictions, betrayals and persecutions.

We are non-stop servants of the Lord. As servants, we should not expect thanksgiving from

our master or from any fellow servants for the “favors” we do.

The Year of Faith means something to them.

The second reading reminds us, God’s servants, to make use of our gifts.

Gifted with the Holy Spirit and God’s grace, we must take the courage to communicate the Word of God to other people.

To be quiet about our faith, failure to articulate our reflections and faith-experiences, is unbecoming of a servant.

You fail as a servant, if until now, after all the years of formation and going to church, you still cannot teach other people to love God and to receive the sacraments and be just.

In the first reading, the servant of God must have integrity (wholesome personality, self-respect, respect for others, sees the connection between life and faith).

Because of his faith, he is not carried away by fear.

He survives graciously in times of frustrations, contradictions, catastrophes, crises and the like.

God’s servants reject what is disintegrative, destructive, divisive and any act that can aggravate or worsen a situation.

Our churches and communities must be run by true servants of God.

Faithful servants do not easily give up. They are indefatigable. They are focused.

They know what is in the mind of their pastors, shepherds and fellow servants. They coordinate, they communicate, they don’t guess, they don’t mislead, they don’t misinform and misrepresent.

They keep on serving even if nobody takes notice of them.

Some pass themselves as active in the church, but when it comes to work, they disappear.

They don’t attend meetings and planning (they don’t get integrated into the whole ministry and sow confusion when it is time for action).

A faithless (false, fake) servant cannot serve the Church. It is contradiction in terms.

Faithless servants only demand recognition, praise and thanksgiving for the little things they do.

They easily get tired. They prefer to work in the limelight (once a year,

during the fiesta). They berate (talk against) the priest or fellow

ministers when they do not get what they want, like the desired positions, preferred time to serve,

when no priest is available to cater to their “spiritual” needs.

The eucharist is the food of the humble and faithful servants of the Lord.

We can best celebrate our true servanthood in the eucharist.

The eucharist is a sacrament that strengthens God’s servants in times of difficulties.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Rash, tactless Weak faith No sense of

appreciation for God’s gifts (always quiet, does not talk about it)

No time to pray Self-serving servant Lazy servant Hungry for recognition Makes troubles in the

community

Faithful servants nurtured by the sacraments

Spirituality of Servanthood Focused on work Does not give up when

confronted with difficulties Communicates God’s

message of love Cooperates, coordinates,

facilitates Has strong faith Serves the poorest of the poor Servus servorum Dei.

Suggested Songs Make Me a Channel of Your Peace Peace Prayer of St. Francis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCV5THfsH7g Peace Prayer of St. Francis (Bro. Ariel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ8TGBB385c

Make me a Servant Ikaw Ngayon Bukas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLXGRycu6ko

Dear sisters and brothers,

Let us be hardworking servants of the Lord.

Fr. Cielo