Welcome to our Bible Study33rdrd Sunda Sundayy of Lent C of Lent C

28 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: Exodus 3,1-8a.13-15• 1 Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of

Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There an angel of the LORD appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. 3 So Moses decided, "I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned." 4 When the LORD saw him coming over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, "Moses! Moses!" He answered, "Here I am." 5 God said, "Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father," he continued, "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 But the LORD said, "I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering. 8 Therefore I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

• 13 "But," said Moses to God, "when I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' if they ask me, 'What is his name?' what am I to tell them?" 14 God replied, "I am who am." Then he added, "This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you." 15 God spoke further to Moses, "Thus shall you say to the Israelites: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. "This is my name forever; this is my title for all generations.

The focus is on the liberation of Israel.

1st Reading: Exodus 3,1-8a.13-15

Moses and The burning bush• 1 Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-

law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There an angel of the LORD appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. 3 So Moses decided, "I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned."

A simple outline!

1st Reading: Exodus 3,1-8a.13-15God calls Moses• 4 When the LORD saw him coming over to look at it

more closely, God called out to him from the bush, "Moses! Moses!" He answered, "Here I am." 5 God said, "Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father," he continued, "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 But the LORD said, "I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering. 8 Therefore I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

A simple outline!

Moses asks for the Name of God• 13 "But," said Moses to God, "when I go to the

Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' if they ask me, 'What is his name?' what am I to tell them?" 14 God replied, "I am who am." Then he added, "This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you." 15 God spoke further to Moses, "Thus shall you say to the Israelites: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. "This is my name forever; this is my title for all generations.

Textual Context of Exodus 3,1-8a.13-15

• Part I 1,1—15,21 The Exodus from Egypt• Part II 15,22—18,27 Israel in the Desert• Part III 19,1—24,11 The Making of the Covenant• Part IV 24,12—31,18 Instructions for the Building of

the Sanctuary

Horeb=Sinai Midian

1st Reading: Ex 3,1-8a.13-15Moses and The burning bush• 1 Moses was tending the flock

of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock across the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There an angel of the LORD appeared to him in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. 3 So Moses decided, "I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned."

Commentary• Background: Moses ran away from

the Pharaoh in Egypt because he killed an Egyptian.

• In Midian, Moses finds a wife. • In v.1, Moses tends the flock of

Jethro, his father-in-law. He comes to Mt. Horeb (=Mt. Sinai).

• “Mountain of God” = big mountain, great mountain.

• In v.2, an angel appears to Moses, in the form of a fire in a bush.

• Moses is curious why the bush is not consumed by the fire.

• In v.3, Moses wants to find out why.

1st Reading: Ex 3,1-8a.13-15God and Moses• 4 When the LORD saw him coming

over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, "Moses! Moses!" He answered, "Here I am." 5 God said, "Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father," he continued, "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. 7 But the LORD said, "I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry of complaint against their slave drivers, so I know well what they are suffering. 8 Therefore I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

• In v.4, God calls Moses and Moses responds, “Here I am.”

• In v.5, God warns Moses not to come closer.

• God asks him to remove his sandals. He is standing on a holy ground. (sign of respect)

• In v.6, God introduces himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (the God of his fathers).

• Moses is afraid to look at God.• In vv.7-8, God expresses to

Moses his concern: the suffering of his people and his plan to liberate them and bring them back to the Promised Land (Canaan).

The Name of God• 13 "But," said Moses to God,

"when I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' if they ask me, 'What is his name?' what am I to tell them?" 14 God replied, "I am who am." Then he added, "This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you." 15 God spoke further to Moses, "Thus shall you say to the Israelites: The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. "This is my name forever; this is my title for all generations.

• In v.13, Moses anticipates the need of the Israelites to know God’s name.

• To know the name is equivalent to have some control over the named person or object.

• In v.14, God avoids giving his name.

• God’s answer is elusive. God does not tell his name. God does not want to be controlled. He is in control of everything.

• Yet in v.15, God must be known as the God of their fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Reflections on the 1st reading• God reveals himself to us in unexpected ways.• He reveals himself to us in the desert (in the

dryness of our lives).• He reveals himself to us in our work places.• When we encounter God, we remove our shoes

(stance of reverence, humility and vulnerability).

• If God appears to you (inspires you), know that you have a big task ahead of you (to liberate and to shepherd his people).

• Let God control us, not the other way around.

Resp. Ps 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11• (8a)  The Lord is kind and merciful.

• 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;and all my being, bless his holy name.2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits.

• 3 He pardons all your iniquities,heals all your ills,4 He redeems your life from destruction,crowns you with kindness and compassion.

• 6 The LORD secures justiceand the rights of all the oppressed.7 He has made known his ways to Moses,and his deeds to the children of Israel.

• 8 Merciful and gracious is the LORD,slow to anger and abounding in kindness.11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.

Resp. Ps 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11• (8a)  The Lord is kind and merciful.

• 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;and all my being, bless his holy name.2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits.

• 3 He pardons all your iniquities,heals all your ills,4 He redeems your life from destruction,crowns you with kindness and compassion.

• 6 The LORD secures justiceand the rights of all the oppressed.7 He has made known his ways to Moses,and his deeds to the children of Israel.

• 8 Merciful and gracious is the LORD,slow to anger and abounding in kindness.11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.

Commentary• The Jews believe that we should

bless the Lord.• We, Christians, believe that the Lord

should bless us.• Vv.1-2 exhort us to bless the Lord.

– To bless means to praise God, to glorify his name.

• Vv.3-4 tell the reasons why we should bless the Lord:

– He pardons our sins– He heals our illness– He redeems us– He awards us with kindness..

• Vv.6-7 continue the reasons why:– He secures justice and rights– He makes known his ways and deeds.

• Vv.8 and 11 also give reasons:– He is merciful and gracious– His kindness is great.

Reflections on the Psalm• The psalm gives us many reasons to go back to

God.• Belief in God’s goodness and mercy must lead

us back to him.• Unlike humans, who can harbor a lot of grudge

and hatred, God can easily forgive.• In this season of Lent, the psalm encourages us

to be reconciled with God.• It also encourages us, who are victimized by

injustice and violence, to take refuge in him. He will give us justice.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 10,1-6.10-12• 1 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our

ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, 2 and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 All ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. 6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did.

• 10 Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered death by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 10,1-6.10-12• 1 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our

ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, 2 and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 All ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. 6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did.

• 10 Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered death by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.

The focus is on being pleasing to God.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 10,1-6.10-12Exodus People: • 1 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our

ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, 2 and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 All ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. 6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did.

Corinthians, warned not to grumble• 10 Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered

death by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of 1 Cor 10,1-6.10-12

• Part III (7:1-14:40): Paul's reply to the Corinthians' letter• (1) 7:1-40: Celibacy and the Christian life• A (7:1-16): Marriage, celibacy, and divorced Christians• B (7:17-24): A general rule for all• A' (7:25-40): Practical advice concerning celibacy• (2) 8:1-11:1: Freedom, conscience, and meat sacrificed to idols• A (8:1-13): The problem: eating food sacrificed to idols.• B (9:1--10:22): Apparent digression• A' (10:23-11:1): Practical solution to the idol food problem• (3) 11:2-16: Men's and women's hairstyles• (4) 11:17-34: Community and the Eucharist• A (11:17-22): The Lord's supper is ignored.• B (11:23-26): The supper is "in remembrance" of Jesus' death.• A' (11:27-34): The solution of the problem• (5) 12:1-14:40: Charismatic gifts and the community• A (12:1-31): Criteria for evaluating the gifts• B (13:1-13): Apparent digression: Love is the fundamental criterion • A' (14:1-40): Practical advice for charismatics • Part IV (15:1-53): The resurrection and the resurrection body• Part V (16:1-24): The collection, travel plans, farewell greetings.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 10,1-6.10-12Exodus People: • 1 I do not want you to be unaware,

brothers, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, 2 and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 All ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert. 6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did.

Corinthians, warned not to grumble• 10 Do not grumble as some of them did,

and suffered death by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.

Commentary• St. Paul reminds the Corinthians what

happened to the Israelites during the Exodus.

• Vv.1-2 talk about the Israelites’ journey in the desert and in the divided sea.

• Vv.3-4 talk about the manna and water from the rock.

• Paul interprets them as spiritual food and water; the rock was Christ.

• V.5 indicates God’s disappointment over the Israelites in the desert for desiring what is evil (v.6) and their punishment (bitten by fiery serpents).

• In v.6, Paul suggests that the Corinthians must learn from the experience of the Israelites.

• In v.10, Paul warns them not to grumble, they may suffer the same fate.

• V.11 is similar to v.6.• In v.12, Paul encourages those who

think they are doing right not to go astray.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading• In our journey to God, as Christians, we should

not expect comfort.• We should not repeat the mistake of the

Israelites, while they were journeying in the desert.

• They grumbled, they sinned and so they were punished by God.

• We should not grumble over discomforts.• Let us be patient as we march on till we reach

our destiny, when we will find rest, comfort and freedom.

Gospel Reading: Luke 13,1-9Gospel Reading: Luke 13,1-9• 1 At that time some people who were present there told him about the

Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. 2 He said to them in reply, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? 3 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! 4 Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them-- do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? 5 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!"

• 6 And he told them this parable: "There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, 7 he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. (So) cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' 8 He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; 9 it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"

The focus is on repentance.

Textual Context of Luke 13,1-9

• 12,49-53 Jesus the Cause of Division• 12,54-56 Interpreting the Time• 12,57-59 Settling with your Opponent• 13,1-5 Repent or Perish• 13,6-9 The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree• 13,10-17 Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman• 13,18-19 The Parable of the Mustard Seed• 13,20-21 The Parable of the Yeast

Gospel Reading: Luke 13,1-9Galileans• 1 At that time some people who were present there told him about the

Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. 2 He said to them in reply, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? 3 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!

18 People at Siloam • 4 Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on

them-- do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? 5 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!"

The Parable of the Fig Tree• 6 And he told them this parable: "There once was a person who had a fig

tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, 7 he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. (So) cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' 8 He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; 9 it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"

A simple outline!

Gospel Reading: Luke 13,1-9Galileans• 1 At that time some people who were present

there told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. 2 He said to them in reply, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? 3 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!

18 People at Siloam • 4 Or those eighteen people who were killed

when the tower at Siloam fell on them-- do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? 5 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!"

The Parable of the Fig Tree• 6 And he told them this parable: "There once

was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, 7 he said to the gardener, 'For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. (So) cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?' 8 He said to him in reply, 'Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; 9 it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.'"

Commentary• Some people discuss about the

historicity of the two events:– What happened to the Galileans– What happened to the 18 men at Siloam

• The main point of the two stories with their own interpretations is to warnwarn us.

• Repentance is the name of the game. If we don’t repent (change, convert), the same thing will happen to us. We will not be better off than those who experienced catastrophe. We, too, will perish.

• The parable of the fig tree is an example of how God can be so determined to destroy an unproductive tree. But with the intervention of a determined gardener / caretaker, God can give chances.

• After having done everything (soil prepared, etc), and still the tree does not bear fruit, then, it has no reason to exist.

Reflections on the gospel reading• The gospel reading is quite frightening.• In catechizing, the catechist is told not to

“terrorize” his/her pupils, to evoke response of love, not fear.

• But here in the reading, somehow it evokes fear. It is a strong warning to those who refuse to repent. They will end in a catastrophe.

• What is the use of being Christians, if we are not converted to Christ?

• Conversion means bearing fruits (kapaki-pakinabang).• In this season of Lent, conversion means

listening to the word of God, praying, fasting and doing charitable works, not acting like Pilate.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm• We should take care not to anger God, but be thankful

for his salvific and liberative deeds, in order to be pleasing, although we don’t understand yet why we suffer. (1st reading)

• God is merciful and kind. Therefore, we must go back to him. (psalm)

• God wants us to be pleasing in his sight. We should not speak against God. (2nd reading)

• God wants us to repent (to be pleasing) or else… (gospel reading)

We may adopt the word “pleasing” (seldom developed in homilies) which will bind / tie together the focuses of the readings.

How to develop your homily and sharing

• Begin by relating your experience on displeasing or pleasing people / God. (It is hard to please people. It is impossible to please everyone. We can displease people unknowingly.)

• Is it difficult to please God? No.– We please God by being appreciative of his actions /

interventions to us. (1st reading)

– We please God by learning from the experience of the Israelites journeying in the desert, by not repeating their mistakes. (2nd reading)

– We please God by repentance, by being productive. (gospel reading)

• The goal of our lives must be to please God.• We cannot be pleasing to God, if we are always

complaining (reklamador). (1st reading)

• We can never be pleasing to God, if we have not learned anything from the past, from the Israelites in the desert. (2nd reading)

• We can never please God if we are obstinate in our sinfulness, if we refuse to change, if we prefer to live in sin. (gospel)

• In sin, we court disaster.

• Sin here means: – ungratefulness, wanting to return to

slavery (1st reading) – refusal to learn from experience,

forgetfulness, ignoring warnings (2nd reading)

– Being unrepentant, refusal to change, unable to bear fruit (gospel)

• We cannot engage in the transmission of Christian faith in this Year of Faith if we are not renewed.

• In our churches, conflicts occur when we do what is not pleasing to our priests or leaders.

• Well-motivated church people see to it that they do not displease anyone.

• They disagree without being disagreeable.• In our communities, churches and congregations,

each member must be careful not to displease (anger) anyone.

• They are not our properties; when dealing with each member, we must remove our shoes.

• If you displease, soon you will be rejected.

The LORD was displeased with what David had done… Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me (2Sa 11,27 and12,10 NAB)

• In this eucharist, we thank God for giving us Jesus Christ, who is most pleasing in his eyes.

• When we receive the eucharist, we are doing what is pleasing in God’s eyes.

• The eucharist strengthens us in our struggle to please God.

You may also develop the alternative theme of repentance, by reformulating the contents of this proposed homily.

Our Context of Sin and Grace

• Pleaser • Unrepentant sinner• Never learns from the

past• Unreflective• No conscience• Tactless

• Pleasing in the eyes of God and people

• Healthy conscience• Repentant sinner -

goes to confession• Prudent

Suggested SongsPlease click the underlined words.

• Paano namin masasabi– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ICZUOf_jNo

• Lord, I Know (communion)– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOns

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

• Dear sisters and brothers,

• We must be pleasing in God's eyes. We must rid ourselves of foolishness.

•

• Fr. Cielo