Welcome to our Bible Study

May 25, 2014May 25, 201466thth Sunday of Easter A Sunday of Easter A

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: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 5 Philip went down to (the) city of Samaria and proclaimed

the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city.

14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, 16 for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit.

The focus is on the activities of the apostles.

11stst reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17Philip in Samaria 5 Philip went down to (the) city of Samaria and proclaimed

the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city.

Apostles in Jerusalem / SamariaApostles in Jerusalem / Samaria 14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that

Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, 16 for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit.

A simple outline!

11stst reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17Philip in Samaria 5 Philip went down to (the)

city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city.

Commentary: Philip is one of the 7 deacons,

supposedly to take charge of the Hellenist widows.

But here in v.5, he also preaches in Samaria.

Previously, he was with the Ethiopian eunuch.

V.6 portrays Philip as powerful in words and deeds.

V.7 explicitates his deeds: exorcisms, healings

V.8 describes the feeling of the Samaritans over Philip’s accomplishments. great joy!

Apostles in Jerusalem 14 Now when the

apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, 16 for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit.

In v.14, the apostles welcome In v.14, the apostles welcome the news that the gospel is the news that the gospel is accepted in Samaria. accepted in Samaria.

Jesus was not accepted when Jesus was not accepted when he passed by there. he passed by there. (Lk 9,51ff)(Lk 9,51ff)

They send Peter and John to They send Peter and John to pray for them that they may pray for them that they may receive the Holy Spirit. receive the Holy Spirit. V.15V.15

V.16 indicates the baptism of V.16 indicates the baptism of the Samaritans (by Philip), just the Samaritans (by Philip), just like what he had done to the like what he had done to the Ethiopian eunuch.Ethiopian eunuch.

In v.17, the 2 apostles lay their In v.17, the 2 apostles lay their hands on the baptized hands on the baptized Samaritans and the Holy Spirit Samaritans and the Holy Spirit descends on them.descends on them.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading

To be an apostle, or, a church worker, one must busy himself/herself with God’s work.

God’s work is none other than proclaiming the good news, exorcism and curing the sick.

We must serve and strengthen our fellow believers. We pave the way for the Holy Spirit to work in them. What are you doing in your life? Wasting time and

energy? No mission? Better engage now.

Resp. Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 R.  (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

1 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,2 sing praise to the glory of his name;   proclaim his glorious praise.3 Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”

4 “Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,sing praise to your name!”5 Come and see the works of God,his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.

6 He has changed the sea into dry land;through the river they passed on foot;7 therefore let us rejoice in him.He rules by his might forever.

16 Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declarewhat he has done for me.20 Blessed be God who refused me notmy prayer or his kindness!

Resp. Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 R.  (1) Let all the earth cry out to God

with joy.

1 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,2 Sing praise to the glory of his name;   proclaim his glorious praise.3 Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”

4 “Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,sing praise to your name!”5 Come and see the works of God,his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.

6 He has changed the sea into dry land;through the river they passed on foot;7 therefore let us rejoice in him.He rules by his might forever.

16 Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me.20 Blessed be God who refused me notmy prayer or his kindness!

Commentary Vv.1-3 invite us worshippers to

express our joy and appreciation to the Lord.

In v.4, the psalmist talks to God to allow people to worship and praise him.

V.5 invites people to witness God’s impressive deeds.

V.6 remembers the dividing of the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds) in the Exodus.

V.7 invites people to rejoice because of his might.

In v.16, the psalmist asks the attention of God-fearing people, to listen to him as he recounts his experience of God’s powerful deeds.

V.20 says benediction (blessings) to God for listening always to his prayers.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm As God’s people, we must always praise God

for his wonderful deeds. We must remember the powerful deeds he has

done for his people and for us. We cannot show our appreciation to God if we

do not remember anything about him. We should sharpen our memories and attribute

all good things to him. Let us celebrate our faith always, to keep it

alive.

22ndnd reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always

be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

The focus is on the good Christian behavior.

22ndnd reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18Imperatives 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready

to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.

Sayings 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the

will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

A simple outline!

22ndnd reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18Imperatives 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your

hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.

Sayings 17 For it is better to suffer for

doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

Commentary In v.15, to sanctify means to make

holy, to treat Christ with respect and reverence.

V.15 also asks that Christians should be able to explain the faith if asked.

V.16 commends that Christians do it with gentleness and reverence, not bastos or mataray. (not to embarrass the one asking questions)

The author gives his piece of mind here, when maligned (defamed): Those who malign / defame are

put to shame. There is no wisdom if issues are

handled without respect. There is no justification for raising

our voices to silence those who are seeking the truth.

Imperatives 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in

your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.

Sayings 17 For it is better to suffer for

doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

Vv.17-18 are sayings about suffering for doing good, which is God’s will.

It is much more acceptable to suffer for goodness’ sake, than for doing evil.

Christ’s suffering is enough reason for us to accept our own sufferings. Jesus suffers for our sins to lead

us to God. In v.18b, Jesus suffers up to

bodily death. His reward: resurrection, life in

the spirit.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading

When teaching, we should be careful not only with our words but also with our actions.

We do our work of evangelization and catechism with gentleness and compassion, not with tirades (katarayan) and belittlings (panlalait) esp. to the slow learners.

We should not complain when we suffer for doing good. When we are maligned and we endure it, we put to shame

those who malign us. Do you know how to hold your fire? How do you react to acts of provocation?

Gospel reading: John 14:15-21Gospel reading: John 14:15-21 Love and commandments 15 Jesus said to his disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my

commandments. Holy Spirit 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to

be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.

Departure 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while

the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

Commandments and love 21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one

who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

A simple outline!

The focus is on loving Jesus.

Gospel reading: John 14:15-21Gospel reading: John 14:15-21 Love and commandments 15 Jesus said to his

disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Holy Spirit 16 And I will ask the Father,

and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.

Departure 18 I will not leave you

orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

Commentary In v.15, loving Jesus is keeping his

commandments. As a result of keeping the commandments,

Jesus will send the Holy Spirit. The advocate, the encourager, paraclete,

defender, consoler The spirit of truth (that is, Jesus, is salvation)

v.17 This, the world cannot accept. The world is materialistic, empirical, lives on

senses. It entertains only what can be quantified. V.17

The disciples know the Spirit (by baptism). Nature of the Spirit: it remains, it is with the

disciples. In v.18, Jesus promises to come back to his

disciples. His absence is temporary.

Departure 18 I will not leave you

orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

Commandments and love

21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

In v.19, his coming back will bring life to his disciples.

In v.19, Jesus contrasts between the disciples and the world. The world will not see him. His disciples will see him, because of

faith. Not only that, because he lives and

because the disciples also live. V.20 indicates the ultimate purpose of

going away and the coming back of Jesus. To realize (to know, discover) that Jesus has a relationship with the Father;

his disciples with Jesus; Jesus with his disciples. There is bonding.

Jesus states his indwelling with the Father, his indwelling with him (Jesus) and his indwelling in his disciples.

Commandments and love 21 Whoever has my

commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

In v.21, Jesus inverts the order of In v.21, Jesus inverts the order of love and commandments. This time love and commandments. This time he begins with commandments and he begins with commandments and then love.then love.

Loving Jesus Christ will gain favor Loving Jesus Christ will gain favor from God. The Father will love him from God. The Father will love him also, Jesus will also love him.also, Jesus will also love him.

And will reveal himself to him.And will reveal himself to him. V.21 goes to the theme of love and V.21 goes to the theme of love and

keeping the commandments. These keeping the commandments. These two are also intertwined.two are also intertwined.

V.21 also picks the pattern in v.20, V.21 also picks the pattern in v.20, but this time the common but this time the common denominator is love and revelation.denominator is love and revelation.

Love and commandments 15 Jesus said to his disciples, "If you

love me, you will keep my commandments.

Holy Spirit 16 And I will ask the Father, and he

will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.

Departure 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will

come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.

Commandments and love 21 Whoever has my commandments

and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

Take note of the pattern in vv. 17, 20 Take note of the pattern in vv. 17, 20 and 21, and 21, highlightedhighlighted in yellow.in yellow.

V.17 is about the Holy Spirit remaining V.17 is about the Holy Spirit remaining and dwelling with the disciples.and dwelling with the disciples.

V.20 is about Jesus dwelling in the V.20 is about Jesus dwelling in the Father, disciples dwelling with the Son Father, disciples dwelling with the Son and the Son with the disciples.and the Son with the disciples.

V.21 is about the disciples loving Jesus, V.21 is about the disciples loving Jesus, the disciples being loved by the Father, the disciples being loved by the Father, the disciples being loved by Jesus the disciples being loved by Jesus revealing himself to him.revealing himself to him.

The text does not teach explicitly about The text does not teach explicitly about the Holy Trinity. It is enough for us to the Holy Trinity. It is enough for us to observe that the names of the three observe that the names of the three divine persons of the Holy Trinity are divine persons of the Holy Trinity are mentioned here. mentioned here.

The Christian believers are integrated The Christian believers are integrated into the life of God (Trinity) as long as into the life of God (Trinity) as long as they love and keep his commandments.they love and keep his commandments.

Jesus is really the way towards the Jesus is really the way towards the fullness of life.fullness of life.

Fullness of life is living in God’s mystery.Fullness of life is living in God’s mystery.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading

Loving God is not emotionalism. Loving God is doing concretely his commandments

(teachings). You cannot love God if you do not know his

commandments. Hence, the need for catechism (instructions).

Loving God is a communal effort and process. We need others to instruct us and interpret the Word of God for us, according to our times.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us if we love him, the spirit of truth.

Love integrates us into the mysterious life of God.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The The first readingfirst reading portrays a missionary who portrays a missionary who lovesloves his his work.work.

The The psalmpsalm teaches us to express our teaches us to express our lovelove to God by to God by praising and blessing him.praising and blessing him.

The The second readingsecond reading enjoins us to enjoins us to lovelove Christ Christ (to sanctify)(to sanctify) and to become and to become lovingloving persons persons (ready to give explanations (ready to give explanations and to suffer).and to suffer).

The The gospel readinggospel reading talks about talks about lovingloving Jesus and doing Jesus and doing his commandments.his commandments.

How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing

Are you a Are you a lovingloving person? person? Is your heart wide open to newcomers and to people Is your heart wide open to newcomers and to people

unknown to you?unknown to you? The The first readingfirst reading portrays Philip showing his portrays Philip showing his lovelove for the for the

Samaritans Samaritans (who once rejected Jesus)(who once rejected Jesus) by preaching to them by preaching to them and baptizing them, by incorporating them into the family and baptizing them, by incorporating them into the family of believers of believers (into the church).(into the church).

It also portrays the It also portrays the lovelove of the apostles for Philip. of the apostles for Philip. Peter and John went to affirm Philip’s effort, by laying their Peter and John went to affirm Philip’s effort, by laying their

hands on his converts, to receive the Holy Spirit.hands on his converts, to receive the Holy Spirit. A person who is not open to the new and the unknown, A person who is not open to the new and the unknown,

who cannot accommodate “new converts,” who is not able who cannot accommodate “new converts,” who is not able to affirm the effort of fellow ministers is not a to affirm the effort of fellow ministers is not a lovingloving person.person.

The second reading also teaches us how to be a loving person.

When we do our mission (like teaching and catechizing), we must treat the beginners (inquirers) with delicadeza, with patience and respect, with gentleness.

We do not insult them, or make fun of them, if they ask questions. We don’t turn them off by shouting at them. They have also sensitivities and dignity.

We must be willing to undergo suffering for doing what is good.

We are not loving persons if we have no patience with the neophytes and are not able to bear inconveniences and sufferings as part of our mission.

The The gospel readinggospel reading teaches us to keep God’s teaches us to keep God’s word, if truly we are word, if truly we are lovingloving persons. persons.

If we truly If we truly lovelove Jesus, then we have to keep his Jesus, then we have to keep his commandments (commandments (obedienceobedience).).

In the gospel, Jesus promises great rewards to In the gospel, Jesus promises great rewards to the the lovingloving persons. persons. The Spirit of truthThe Spirit of truth God’s indwelling in usGod’s indwelling in us Our indwelling with God.Our indwelling with God.

We are not We are not lovingloving persons if we don’t obey God’s persons if we don’t obey God’s rules rules (of charity and patience).(of charity and patience).

No matter how many times we go to church, or No matter how many times we go to church, or attend ongoing formation, yet, people find us a attend ongoing formation, yet, people find us a pain in the neck, we are not a pain in the neck, we are not a lovingloving person if we person if we have no respect for the other. have no respect for the other.

Our family is the first school of love. Our community or church is the second school

of love. We must strengthen the bonds of our families

and our communities. We cannot afford to have so many unloving

and unloved persons around. They can be negativistic, violent and

destructive.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, Jesus shows himself to be a , Jesus shows himself to be a lovingloving person. He encourages us with his person. He encourages us with his lovingloving words and words and sacrament.sacrament.

The The eucharisteucharist is the sacrament of is the sacrament of lovelove, the sacrament of , the sacrament of good relationships and communion.good relationships and communion.

The The eucharisteucharist is for people who is for people who lovelove Jesus and keep his Jesus and keep his commandments, who are able to teach and suffer commandments, who are able to teach and suffer patiently, to gain more souls to Christ.patiently, to gain more souls to Christ.

The The eucharisteucharist is the communion of all is the communion of all lovingloving Christians, Christians, who affirm and strengthen one another in their mission who affirm and strengthen one another in their mission work.work.

The The eucharisteucharist transforms us into transforms us into lovingloving persons. persons.

Our Context of Sin and Our Context of Sin and GraceGrace

DelinquentDelinquent Misbehaviour unbecoming of Misbehaviour unbecoming of

a Christiana Christian No No finessefinesse (unrefined) (unrefined) Regressive Regressive No love, No love, walang kaamor walang kaamor

amoramor No good memoryNo good memory No good relationships, can’t No good relationships, can’t

teachteach Tends to be familiar Tends to be familiar

(contemptuous)(contemptuous)

CulturedCultured Loving personsLoving persons Patient teacherPatient teacher ReverentReverent RespectfulRespectful Missionary with loveMissionary with love Overcomes fear and Overcomes fear and

timidity timidity

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

God is Dwelling in My HeartGod is Dwelling in My Heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVaoomR6wUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVaoomR6wU

Ang Mabuhay Sa Pag-ibigAng Mabuhay Sa Pag-ibig https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g27pTRHscjghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g27pTRHscjg

Yesteryears’ CurseYesteryears’ Curse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlKeY-Ikk2Uhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlKeY-Ikk2U

Come To MeCome To Me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID90ryPYU00http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID90ryPYU00