Welcome to our Bible Study2nd Sunday of Lent C

21 February 2016In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st Reading: Genesis 15,5-12.17-18• 5 The Lord took Abram outside and said: "Look up at the sky

and count the stars, if you can. Just so," he added, "shall your descendants be." 6 Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. 7 He then said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession." 8 "O Lord GOD," he asked, "How am I to know that I shall possess it?" 9 He answered him, "Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon." 10 He brought him all these, split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other; but the birds he did not cut up. 11 Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram stayed with them. 12 As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.

• 17 When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking brazier and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces. 18 It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: "To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River (the Euphrates),

The focus is on the faith of Abram.

1st Reading: Genesis 15,5-12.17-18

The Childless Abram• 5 The Lord took Abram outside and said: "Look up at the sky and count the stars, if

you can. Just so," he added, "shall your descendants be." Abram’s response of faith• 6 Abram put his faith in the LORD, who credited it to him as an act of righteousness. God repeats promise• 7 He then said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to

give you this land as a possession." Abram’s question (skepticism)• 8 "O Lord GOD," he asked, "How am I to know that I shall possess it?" God’s assurances• 9 He answered him, "Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat, a

three-year-old ram, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon." 10 He brought him all these, split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other; but the birds he did not cut up. 11 Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram stayed with them. 12 As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.

• 17 When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking brazier and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces.

God’s covenant and promise (repeated)• 18 It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: "To

your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River (the Euphrates),

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Genesis 15,5-12.17-18

Outline by BruggemannPart One ‘Pre-History”: The Sovereign Call of God (1,1—11,29)Part Two The Abraham Narrative: The Embraced Call of God (11,30—

25,18)Part Three The Jacob Narrative: The Conflicted Call of God (25,19—

36,43)Part Four The Joseph Narrative: The Hidden Call of God (37,1—50,26)

Abraham went from Ur to Haran

From Egypt to Mesopotamia

1st Reading: Genesis 15,5-12.17-18The Childless Abram• 5 The Lord took Abram outside and said:

"Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so," he added, "shall your descendants be."

Abram’s response of faith• 6 Abram put his faith in the LORD, who

credited it to him as an act of righteousness.

God’s promise of land• 7 He then said to him, "I am the LORD who

brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as a possession."

Abram’s question (skepticism)• 8 "O Lord GOD," he asked, "How am I to

know that I shall possess it?" God’s assurances• 9 He answered him, "Bring me a three-

year-old heifer (young cow), a three-year-old she-goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon." 10 He brought him all these, split them in two, and placed each half opposite the other; but the birds he did not cut up. 11 Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram stayed with them. 12 As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him. 17 When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking brazier and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces.

Commentary• In v.5, God promises Abram that he will

have numerous descendants.• In v.6, Abram responds in faith. God

credits (considers) his faith as righteousness.

• To respond in faith is the right thing to do.• In v.7, God introduces himself to Abram

as the God, who led him to Canaan (the promised land), from Ur somewhere in Iraq.

• In v.8, Abram wants to know how he will possess it.

• Vv.9-17 describe how God assures Abram of his promise. Abram splits the animals, except the birds. In a trance, Abram sees a smoking brazier and torch passing in between the pieces.

• God is like a human being making a big promise. And if he fails to fulfill, he is split into two as punishment.

• God will certainly make good of his promise.

1st Reading: Genesis 15,5-12.17-18God’s covenant and promise

(repeated)• 18 It was on that occasion

that the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: "To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River (the Euphrates),

• V.18 recognizes what had just transpired. God makes a covenant with Abram.

• God promises to give the Land of Canaan to his descendants.

• The extent of the land is vast: From the Nile River to the Euphrates River (the whole of Ancient Near East), not just the present-day Israel.

Reflections on the 1st reading• God is a God who makes promises.• He promises us well-being.• Like Abram, we must respond in faith.• Faith is banking on something that is unbelievable.• Like Abram, we have to wait for the time when God

fulfills his promise.• It takes time, months, years, centuries and millennia.• Our response of faith should also extend (continued by

the generations after us) in time, not just in this Year of Faith.

Resp. Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14• Responsorial Psalm

(1a)  The Lord is my light and my salvation.

• 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom should I fear?The LORD is my life’s refuge;of whom should I be afraid?

• 7 Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;have pity on me, and answer me.8 Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.

• 8 Your presence, O LORD, I seek.Hide not your face from me;9 do not in anger repel your servant.You are my helper: cast me not off.

• 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORDin the land of the living.14 Wait for the LORD with courage;be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

Resp. Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14• Responsorial Psalm

(1a)  The Lord is my light and my salvation.

• 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?The LORD is my life’s refuge;of whom should I be afraid?

• 7 Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;have pity on me, and answer me.8 Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.

• 8 Your presence, O LORD, I seek.Hide not your face from me;9 do not in anger repel your servant.You are my helper: cast me not off.

• 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORDin the land of the living.14 Wait for the LORD with courage;be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

Commentary• V.1 teaches us that if the Lord

is our light, salvation and refuge, we should not fear anyone.

• In v.7, the psalmist pleas to God to hear his prayer.

• In v.8, the psalmist seeks the Lord. He prays that God will not reject him.

• In v.13, the psalmist expresses his belief that someday, he will experience abundance from the Lord.

• V.14 exhorts the pray-er to wait for the Lord.

• God is taking his time.

Reflections on the Psalm• Like the psalmist, we pray that God will listen to our

prayer.• It is a double request.• Like the psalmist and Abram, we too have to wait for

the Lord.• Let us not be discouraged if his help is not yet

forthcoming.• We simply have to wait. Do you know how to wait? • To wait is to keep repeating your prayers.

2nd Reading: Philippians 3,17--4,1• 17 Join with others in being imitators of me,

brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. 18 For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their "shame." Their minds are occupied with earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

The focus is on being imitators of Paul.

2nd Reading: Philippians 3,17--4,1An invitation of Paul• 17 Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers, and

observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us.

What happens to those who don’t imitate Paul?• 18 For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even

in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their "shame." Their minds are occupied with earthly things.

What happens if we imitate him?• 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await

a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Philippians 3,17--4,1

Letter A: 4:10-20 (a letter acknowledging a gift)Letter B: 1:1-3:1a; 4:4-7,21-23 (a letter urging unity and joy)Letter C: 3:1b-4:3,8-9 (the body of polemical letter)

Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians in Ephesus, AD 57-58

2nd Reading: Philippians 3,17--4,1An invitation of Paul• 17 Join with others in being

imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us.

What happens to those who don’t imitate Paul?

• 18 For many, as I have often told you and now tell you even in tears, conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their "shame." Their minds are occupied with earthly things.

Commentary• In v.17 Paul invites the Philippians

to imitate him and to behave in the same way.

• In vv.18-19, Paul enumerates the behavior of those who don’t imitate him:– They conduct themselves as

enemies of the cross…• Their end is destruction

– God is their stomach (materialistic)

• Glory is in their shame.• In other words, they are

contradicting the gift of faith. They satisfy only their material needs. They live in shame.

2nd Reading: Philippians 3,17--4,1What happens if we imitate

him?• 20 But our citizenship is in

heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

• In vv.20-4,1, Paul portrays a hopeful future for those who live the faith like him:– Our citizenship is in

heaven.– We await a savior, JC

• To glorify our bodies.

• In v.4,1, Paul reiterates his point: Christians should stand firm in the faith.

• Jesus, the Lord, is the center of their lives (not food, earthly things, and false glory).

Reflections on the 2nd reading• Christians should know whom to imitate.• We imitate those who are close to Christ.• Christians are not pleasure seekers,

hedonistic, gimmick-oriented.• Christians see more than what this world can

offer.• Christians should look forward to

possessing Christ and to being transformed by him.

Gospel Reading: Luke 9,28b-36• 28 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the

mountain to pray. 29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying. 34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” 36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

The focus is on listening to Jesus.

Gospel Reading: Luke 9,28b-36Setting / Context of Prayer• 28 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. The transfiguration• 29 While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing

became dazzling white. Appearance of Moses and Elijah• 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 31

who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.

Peter awakened and his initiative• 32 Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming

fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. • 33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is

good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying.

The voice of God• 34 While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,

and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him.“36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Luke 9,28b-36• 8,1—9,17 Formation of the Twelve in the context of various

journeys:• 8,1-21 Journey through the cities with the Twelve and the cured

women; parabolic teach• 8,22-56 Crossing of the lake and return (stilling of the storm;

Gerasene demoniac; raising of Jairus’ daughter and cure of afflicted woman)

• 9,1-17 Missionary expedition of the Twelve: Herod’s reaction; the return of the Apostles and the multiplication of loaves for 5000

• 9,18-50 Sequence of passion-predictions:• 9,18-27 Peter’s confession (answered with passion prediction and

lessons on discipleship)• 9,28-36 Transfiguration (containing departure exodus = prediction)• 9,37-50 Cure of epileptic (followed by passion-prediction with

lessons on discipleship)

Mt. Tabor

Gospel Reading: Luke 9,28b-36Gospel Reading: Luke 9,28b-36Setting / Context of Prayer• 28 Jesus took Peter, John,

and James and went up the mountain to pray.

The transfiguration• 29 While he was praying his

face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.

Appearance of Moses and Elijah

• 30 And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.

Commentary• The text is about the transfiguration of

Jesus Christ.• The transfiguration happens in the

context of prayer in the mountain (Mt. Tabor). V.28

• The transfiguration itself is not described at length, or, in one verse only v.29.

• The appearance of Moses and Elijah (two great representatives of the Old Testament, representing the Torah and the Prophets) adds to the grandeur of the transfiguration. V.30

• The transfiguration has a bearing on the theme of Lent: the exodus of Jesus. V.31

• (There was exodus in the time of Moses; Elijah too experience exodus when he ran away from Jezebel, to Mt. Sinai-Mt. Horeb.)

• The exodus of Jesus is his passion, death and resurrection in Jerusalem.

Gospel Reading: Luke 9,28b-36Gospel Reading: Luke 9,28b-36Peter awakened and his initiative• 32 Peter and his companions had

been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

• 33 As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But he did not know what he was saying.

The voice of God• 34 While he was still speaking, a

cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my chosen Son; listen to him.“36 After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

• After a deep sleep, Peter and companions wake up and are surprised to see the “transformed Jesus” and Moses and Elijah in glory. V.32

• In v.33, as Moses and Elijah begin disappearing, Peter takes the initiative to propose to Jesus to build tents.

• The tents (booths) remind a happy feeling when the Israelites settled at the foot of Mt. Sinai, when God spoke to them.

• Peter’s proposal is not taken. • Instead, God accompanied by

sounds and images (allusions to the Sinai event) offers a counter proposal, an imperative. “Listen to him!” vv.34-35

• V.36 ends the transfiguration. They are back to normal. The apostles are quiet about it.

Reflections on the gospel• In this season of Lent, we must capture the meaning of

the transfiguration.• It is listening to the conversation of God and his holy

ones.• Like the apostles, we may experience a nice vision. We

may have happy feelings for being blessed by God, for having felt his presence.

• However, we must also be prepared to listen to God’s story (holy scriptures).

• What we have experienced so far is only a preview. The real thing is still to come.

• To attain it, we must pay a big price. Blood, sweat and tears. • We, as Christ’s disciples, should march forward, with

other people in this Year of Faith, to our exoduses, a movement from slavery to freedom, from darkness to light, from sin to grace.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm• The first reading teaches us to put our faith in

the Lord. • The psalm teaches us to wait for the Lord.• The second reading teaches us to imitate those

who live exemplary Christian lives. • The gospel reading teaches us to listen to

Jesus, his beloved Son.

All the readings teach us how to be successful disciples and how to All the readings teach us how to be successful disciples and how to reach our glory.reach our glory.

How to develop your homily and sharing• Begin by sharing your own journey to success (how you

attained your ambition, in board exams, priesthood).– I avoided going with my barkadas. – I went to people who challenged me and who could help me. I

always associated with them.– I prioritized my schedule.

• Frustration is a human experience. • We are frustrated when we cannot accomplish what we

want. People say “we failed to deliver” and so we are fired from work or transferred. The reasons could be:– No discipline– No focus. Distracted by many compromises / appointments. – Attitude problem.– Not working hard… I do my own thing. I do not communicate

with my boss.

• In the gospel text, the success / glory of Jesus is previewed in his transfiguration.

• Jesus knew he would accomplish his task / mission, only by undergoing passion and death. No other way.

• Precisely he was going down from the mountain and going up to Jerusalem where he would meet his martyr’s end.

• He was willing to accept humiliations / rejections; to carry his cross and allow himself to be crucified and ultimately to die.

• Jesus follows the script (plan) of God. (He is listening to his Father.)

• He set up an example for us to follow.

• For our part, Paul, in the second reading, encourages us, Christians, to imitate him (meaning to stay put in our faith, in order to attain salvation).

• We will succeed and attain salvation, if we do not succumb to the materialistic way of life, if we do not follow our base instincts and downgrade our goals.

• Through the practice of our faith, we are transformed into citizens of heaven.

• Ultimate success will be experienced in heaven, in our glorified bodies.

• In the first reading, Abram or Abraham is presented as a model of faith.

• His faith is expressed in his hope and prayer to have children and to possess the promised land, both of which were given much later after his death.

• Faith is not just for now, but also for the distant future.

• The success of life constitutes in having authentic faith in God, and the courage and patience to wait for God’s favors.

• In this season of Lent, the readings define success / glory not in terms of economic and political gains, but of being true disciples of Christ.

• The readings remind us that to be successful Christians and followers of Christ, – we must have faith in God and be patient, like

Abraham. – we must be focused in our faith and ethical life, like

Paul. – we must listen to Jesus, like the apostles.

• We, too, must courageously march forward, through thick and thin, to attain our crown of success, like Jesus.

• In this eucharist, we celebrate the victory of Christ (his

success) and our own successes over evil.

• In the eucharist, Jesus comes to transform us into his

likeness as true children of God.

• In the eucharist, Jesus gives us grace to become true

disciples of Christ.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace• Failure, Palpak• Inability to understand

rules and regulations• Unwilling to follow

instructions• Materialistic• Avoidance of pain

• Ability to listen • Willing to suffer• Willing to sacrifice for

a higher goal• Good disciples

Suggested SongsPlease click the underlined words.

• Biyayang Mula Sa ‘yo (offertory)– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxbmC_LVJrQ

• Sino Ba Ang Diyos? (communion)– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKA

Dear sisters and brothers,

•If we have faith, God can transform us and also our Churches and communities.

•Fr. Cielo