Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

6th Sunday of Easter B

May 10, 2015In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st Reading: Acts 10,25-26.34-35.44.48

• 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. 26 Peter, however, raised him up, saying, "Get up. I myself am also a human being." 34 Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. 35 Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. 44 While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, 46 for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, 47 "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?" 48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

The focus is on God’s impartiality.

1st Reading: Acts 10,25-26.34-35.44.48

Peter is not God.• 25 When Peter entered,

Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. 26 Peter, however, raised him up, saying, "Get up. I myself am also a human being."

God is impartial.• 34 Then Peter proceeded to

speak and said, "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. 35 Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him.

Commentary:• There are 2 important

characters in the reading: Peter and Cornelius

• In vv.25-26, Peter visits Cornelius. Cornelius does him homage. Peter right away clarifies that he is not God.

• In vv.34-35, Peter affirms that God is impartial. (Salvation is for anyone who fears God and acts uprightly.)

1st Reading: Acts 10,25-26.34-35.44.48

The Holy Spirit falls mysteriously• 44 While Peter was still speaking

these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, 46 for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, 47 "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?" 48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

• In v.44, the Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening to God’s word.

• In v.45, the circumcised believers refer to the Jewish converts.

• V.45 indicates that Peter is not alone when he visits Cornelius. He is accompanied by others.

• They are surprised to see that the gift of the Holy Spirit is also poured upon the Gentiles.• The gift is speaking in tongues and

glorifying God. (v.46)• In v.47, Peter asks if there is any

objection if Cornelius and his household are baptized.

• In v.48, Peter orders them to be baptised.

Reflections on the first reading

• God’s salvation is for everyone.• God does not discriminate against anyone as long as

he/she fears him and acts uprightly.• God also acts mysteriously.• The Holy Spirit falls on all who listen to the word of the

Lord, even before they are baptized, as in the Acts.• Like Peter, we can be instruments of God’s impartiality,

by spreading his word to our brothers and sisters, who are yet unknown to us.

Resp. Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4• R. 1 The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

• Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

• 2 The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.

• 3b All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;break into song; sing praise.

Resp. Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4• R. 1 The Lord has revealed to the

nations his saving power.

• 1 Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

• 2 The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.

• 3b All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

Commentary• The Psalm is classified as a royal

psalm.• As a king, God shows his might.

• In v.1, the Lord reveals his saving power. He is not quiet about himself.

• V.1b exhorts the believers to sing a new song because of this.

• In v.2, in parallel form, the psalmist says that God reveals his salvation // justice to the nations.

Resp. Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4• R. 1 The Lord has revealed to the

nations his saving power.

• Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

• 2 The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.

• 3b All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

• Also, in parallel form, the psalmist says God remembers his kindness // his faithfulness to Israel. V.3

• In v.3b, God is successful in projecting his power to all.

• His power to save is seen by all, even those not seen by Israel.

• In v.4, the believers are exhorted to sing to the Lord… a proper reaction, acknowledgment of God’s power of saving his people.

Reflections on the Psalm

• The psalm is God’s way of encouraging us to be more expressive in our faith responses to God.

• This word of God (in the words of men and women) calls us to celebrate.

• The psalm helps us to complete our responses to his wondrous deeds.

• We carry out his commandments completely (using our minds, strength and left brains) with celebrations (using our feelings and right brains).

Reflections, con’t

• In the psalm, we are asked to literally sing.• Singing is not just for entertainment, but an

expression of fully giving ourselves to God.• We take effort to sing; we must sing new songs.• Implied is sparing time to practice or to rehearse,

which demands time, discipline and docility.• Singing the same old songs is a sign of stagnation,

laziness and lack of initiative. We should not use liturgy for sentimental purposes.

2nd Reading: 1 John 4,7-10

• 7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. 10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

Love is the focus.

2nd Reading: 1 John 4,7-10• 7 Beloved, let us love one

another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.

• 9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.

• 10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

Commentary:• The author plays on the word “love.”• Almost every line contains the word

“love.”• The word “love” is used in two ways:

• 1) as exhortation: “Let us love one another” (v.7)

• 2) as explanation/exposition: “love is of God”, “Everyone who loves,” “For God is love.” (vv. 7-8, etc.)

• Absence of love does not lead one to know God. (v.8)

• V.9 says that God’s love is revealed to us:• By sending his Son, that we may have

life.• V.10 clarifies God’s love to us.• It is triggered by his love for us, not by

our love for him.

Reflections on the 2nd reading

• The reading is abound with the word “love.” We should not miss this point.

• Christians are exhorted to love one another.• There is nothing wrong in loving. • To love is divine; love comes from God.• Do you have the ability to love?• Better develop the art of loving.

Reflections, con’t

• God has shown his love for us by sending his Son.• On our part, failure to love is an indication that we

don’t really know God.• Loving is knowing God.• Loving is sharing in the divine life of God.

Gospel reading: John 15,9-17• 9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This I command you: love one another.

The focus is on love.

Gospel reading: John 15,9-17Basis of love• 9 As the Father loves me, so I also love you.The Commandment of Love • Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my

love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

Love and Friendship• 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.

14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.

The Commandment of Love• 17 This I command you: love one another.

Notice the headings.

Gospel reading: John 15,9-17

Basis of love• 9 As the Father loves me, so I

also love you.The Commandment of Love • Remain in my love. 10 If you

keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

Commentary:• Love begins with the Father. The love of

the Father is communicated to us through Christ (v.9)

• Jesus wants us to remain in his love (to enjoy his love).

• Jesus tells the secret of how to remain in his love: “if you keep my commandments.” (v.10). Staying in love is maintained through obedience.

• Jesus sets himself as the good example of loving (v.10)

• Jesus states the reason why we should stay in love:• that his joy may be in us and that our

joy may be complete (v.11) Wow!

Gospel reading: John 15,9-17

Basis of love• 9 As the Father loves me, so I

also love you.The Commandment of Love • Remain in my love. 10 If you

keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

• V.12 states the commandment of love.

• Love is reciprocal; the kind of love we share should be in the same level as the love of Jesus for us.

• The love demanded of us is a high-quality, supreme quality love.

Gospel reading: John 15,9-17Love and Friendship• 13 No one has greater love than

this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. 16 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.

The Commandment of Love• 17 This I command you: love one

another.

• Love finds its sublime expression in dying for one’s friends. (v.13)

• Jesus considers us friends, if we keep his commandments (v.14)

• Friendship with Jesus has obligations and responsibilities.

• Privileges of the friends of Jesus• Jesus dies for them.• They are not considered slaves.• They know what the Father is doing (they

can appreciate God’s works) (v.15)• They are Jesus’ chosen ones, appointed to

bear fruit.• Their prayers are granted (v.16)

• V.17 repeats the commandment in v.12. This time there is no “as I have loved you.” It is already understood.

Reflections on the gospel reading

• Loving is God’s imperative, a commandment.• We love because God has loved us first. We have

the capacity to love.• There is no excuse for withholding love.• If we love God, we know more about God.• We become his friends, we come to know his

secrets.• We must be loving persons. • In this way, our joy becomes complete.• Joy is not possible without love.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

• God is impartial in showing his love (1st reading). God saves everyone, Jews and Gentiles.

• God shows his love for his people through his powerful deeds. (Psalm 98)

• Let us love. There are reasons for loving. (2nd reading)

• We are commanded to love. (gospel reading)

How to develop your homily / sharing

• You may begin your homily by describing what your audience know about love based on their experiences (lover’s love, mother’s love, puppy love, lola’s love, in-law’s love).

• It is high time for us to clarify what love is all about through the readings.

• Love is a most abused and misunderstood word.• We should not to be tied down to our own limited

definition or narrow understanding of it.

• According to the gospel, we, Christians, must love one another.

• We share in the divine life of God, when we love.• Love is a mandate, not an option.• We have no right to refuse love for our brethren.• The love that is demanded of us is the love that

promotes fraternity, community and family.• A love that destroys rightful and licit relationships is not

love.• For sure, if you have that kind of “love”, you will never

be happy in your life.

• The 2nd reading repeats the commandment of love in the gospel reading.

• By loving, we increase our knowledge of God.• We will not know much about God and his

message if we don’t love.• What else would we know, if we don’t know God

and have no love?• We won’t even appreciate the coming of his Son,

whom he sent to love and save us.

• The 1st reading talks about God, who loves.• God’s love embraces everyone, including the

unexpected ones.• God’s love cannot be limited to a single race,

color or religion.• In God’s love, there is no time and place for

exclusivism and discrimination.

• We, Christians, should be prepared to appreciate the unpredicted dealings of God with other people.

• We open up ourselves to God’s movements by transcending our formulas, thought patterns and cultural and theological conditionings.

• God was there already before we, and they, were born.

• We only facilitate their integration into our communities.

• The responsorial psalm demands from us, believers, to celebrate God’s love.

• We are not by-standers to God’s powerful deeds. We are celebrators.

• We celebrate by articulating God’s love for us, by singing or reciting poetry, in the context of the liturgy.

• We cannot totally relate with God without communal celebrations, backed up by our artistic talents.

• What happens when we don’t love? • We have no friends, no joy.

• Life is meaningless. We live miserable lives. • Without love, we are disconnected from God and

others. It is total loneliness. It is a voluntary and outright violation of our identity as children of God.

• It condemns us to be slaves for ever and will know nothing about God. We cannot do much. We can’t help. We cannot be helped.

• Refusal to love and to be loved is a spiritual suicide.

• If we have no love, we are useless in our families, in the church, in our group and in society.

• We are useless to the poor and to the marginalized. We are like dead, without feelings, good for nothing.

• We cannot truly celebrate. We become kill-joy.• We are not living according to the Gospel.

• The eucharist is a sign of God’s love for us. • In the eucharist, Christ brings us closer to himself

and to one another in the community and in the family.

• In the eucharist, Christ comes to nurture us and makes our lives meaningful.

• In the eucharist, Christ teaches us to lay down our lives for our friends.

• Participation in the eucharist is an experience of love: God’s love for us and our love for him.

• The eucharist anticipates the complete joy promised by Jesus.

Our Context of Sin and Grace• Partisan politics in the

church and in religious organizations

• Lovelessness • Distorted view of love,

eroticism, free love• Prostituted, pornographic

love• One way love• Unable to die, to give way

to others• Frigid, rigid, infertile • Arid• Lack of imagination

• Filial love• Drive to accomplish

something• Agape meals• Spontaneous • Mature love• Reciprocral love• Liberating love• Celebrative love

Suggested Songs

• Diyos ay Pag-ibig• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olzEe4gwJn0• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpOsExyCSBE

• Love Makes the World Go Round (recessional)• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6IT_1S1FYI

• God is Love• Yesteryears’ Curse: Remembered

• http://youtu.be/HwzZNwnTIfo• Ubi Caritas

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9e_QO1ATho