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2727thth Sunday in the Ordinary Time B Sunday in the Ordinary Time B4 October 20154 October 2015

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: Genesis 2:18-24 reading: Genesis 2:18-24 18 The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be 18 The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be

alone. I will make a suitable alone. I will make a suitable partnerpartner for him." 19 So the for him." 19 So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its whatever the man called each of them would be its name. 20 The man gave names to all the cattle, all the name. 20 The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable proved to be the suitable partnerpartner for the man. 21 So for the man. 21 So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 The LORD God then built up into its place with flesh. 22 The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, 23 the man said: "This one, he brought her to the man, 23 the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." 24 That is why a man leaves his one has been taken." 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh. them become one flesh. The focus is on the relationship between husband and

wife.

Textual Context of Genesis 2:18-24

Outline of Genesis 1-11:1. Gen 1,1--2,4a The creation of the world2. Gen 2,4b--3,24 The creation of man and woman and the expulsion from paradise3. Gen 4,1-16 Cain and Abel4. Gen 4,17-26 The Cainites5. Gen 5,1-32 The succession of generations in the primeval period6. Gen 6,1-4 The sons of the gods and the giants7. Gen 6,5--8,22 The flood8. Gen 9,1-17.28-29 Blessing and covenant9. Gen 9,18-27 Noah and his sons10. Gen 10,1-32 The table of the nations11. Gen 11,1-9 The Tower of Babel12. Gen 11,10-26 The Genealogy of Sem

General Parts

Part I Gen 1-11 Primitive History

Part II Gen 12-50 Patriarchal History

11stst reading: Genesis 2:18-24 reading: Genesis 2:18-24

18 The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I 18 The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable will make a suitable partnerpartner for him." for him."

11stst attempt (failed) attempt (failed) 19 So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild 19 So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild

animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. 20 The man gave names to all each of them would be its name. 20 The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable none proved to be the suitable partnerpartner for the man. for the man.

22ndnd attempt (successful) attempt (successful) 21 So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while 21 So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while

he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 The LORD God then built up into a woman place with flesh. 22 The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the rib that he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, 23 the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my the man, 23 the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." 24 That is why a for out of 'her man' this one has been taken." 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh. two of them become one flesh.

A simple outline!

11stst reading: Genesis 2:18-24 reading: Genesis 2:18-24 18 The LORD God said: "It is not 18 The LORD God said: "It is not

good for the man to be alone. I will good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable make a suitable partnerpartner for him." for him."

11stst attempt (failed) attempt (failed) 19 So the LORD God formed out of 19 So the LORD God formed out of

the ground various wild animals the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them the man called each of them would be its name. 20 The man would be its name. 20 The man gave names to all the cattle, all gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all the wild the birds of the air, and all the wild animals; but none proved to be animals; but none proved to be the suitable the suitable partnerpartner for the man. for the man.

22ndnd attempt (successful) attempt (successful) 21 So the LORD God cast a deep 21 So the LORD God cast a deep

sleep on the man, and while he sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 The LORD God then built flesh. 22 The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man. When he had taken from the man. When he brought her to the man, 23 the brought her to the man, 23 the man said: "This one, at last, is man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called flesh; This one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken.“24 That is one has been taken.“24 That is why a man leaves his father and why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh. the two of them become one flesh.

CommentaryCommentary In v.18, God plans to make a partner In v.18, God plans to make a partner

for the man.for the man. Vv.19-20 appear to be God’s failure in Vv.19-20 appear to be God’s failure in

providing a partner for the man, in providing a partner for the man, in reference to v.18.reference to v.18.

In v.19, God brings all the animals to In v.19, God brings all the animals to the man to name them (as to have the man to name them (as to have control over them).control over them).

V.20 says, “None is a suitable partner V.20 says, “None is a suitable partner for him.”for him.”

In v.21, God tries again, by putting In v.21, God tries again, by putting him to deep sleep and taking out one him to deep sleep and taking out one of his ribs. (a figure of speech)of his ribs. (a figure of speech)

In v.22, God builds the woman and In v.22, God builds the woman and introduces her to the man.introduces her to the man.

In v.23, the man recognizes her as his In v.23, the man recognizes her as his own, “bone of my bones, flesh of my own, “bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh.” (They belong to each other.)flesh.” (They belong to each other.)

V.24 explains the reason why in V.24 explains the reason why in marriage a man leaves his parents to marriage a man leaves his parents to be with his wife.be with his wife.

The husband and wife becomes one.The husband and wife becomes one.

Commentary, con’tCommentary, con’t

Hebrew mentality recognizes the genders, Hebrew mentality recognizes the genders, male and female.male and female.

The text tries to explain the origin of the The text tries to explain the origin of the marital relationship, although in the textual marital relationship, although in the textual context, the relationship is created in view of context, the relationship is created in view of work work (to till and keep the land).(to till and keep the land).

Marital relationship must be seen as a Marital relationship must be seen as a partnership partnership (helping each other). (helping each other).

Anyone entering into this relationship must be Anyone entering into this relationship must be prepared to work prepared to work (to be productive).(to be productive).

The man (male) must be responsible. The The man (male) must be responsible. The woman (female) must help.woman (female) must help.

Both are expected to work together.Both are expected to work together.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading Marriage is not just for companionship Marriage is not just for companionship

(and procreation), but also for work.(and procreation), but also for work. The man becomes independent from The man becomes independent from

parents, to work with his wife.parents, to work with his wife. The wife must help her husband.The wife must help her husband. The married man must stop fooling The married man must stop fooling

himself by remaining dependent on his himself by remaining dependent on his parents.parents.

Come on, man, be a man, not a boy or Come on, man, be a man, not a boy or parasite!parasite!

Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 66

R. (cf. 5)  May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.R. (cf. 5)  May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.

1 Blessed are you who fear the LORD,1 Blessed are you who fear the LORD,who walk in his ways!who walk in his ways!2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;blessed shall you be, and favored.blessed shall you be, and favored.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vinein the recesses of your home;in the recesses of your home;your children like olive plantsyour children like olive plantsaround your table.around your table.

4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.5 The LORD bless you from Zion:5 The LORD bless you from Zion:may you see the prosperity of Jerusalemmay you see the prosperity of Jerusalemall the days of your life.all the days of your life.

6 May you see your children's children.6 May you see your children's children.Peace be upon Israel!Peace be upon Israel!

Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, Resp. Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-54-5, 6, 6 R. (cf. 5)  May the Lord bless us all

the days of our lives.

1 Blessed are you who fear the LORD,who walk in his ways!2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;blessed shall you be, and favored.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vinein the recesses of your home;your children like olive plantsaround your table.

4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.5 The LORD bless you from Zion:may you see the prosperity of Jerusalemall the days of your life.

6 May you see your children's children.Peace be upon Israel!

Commentary The psalmist compliments those

who fear the Lord // walk in God’s ways.– They are blessed, favored.

It is a prayer of/for married people.

They are blessed; they shall eat of the fruit of their labor and be favored by God. Vv.1-2

V.3 gives additional benefits:– Your wife will be fruitful (bear

many children)– You will have many children

V.4 repeats the theme of blessing in v.1.

In v.5, the psalmist wishes the holy man (woman) blessings from Zion/Jerusalem.

In v.6, the psalmist wishes the God-fearing couples long life.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm

God-fearing God-fearing couplescouples are entitled to receive are entitled to receive many blessings.many blessings.

They will have abundance of food and They will have abundance of food and children.children.

They will enjoy also the blessing of the city They will enjoy also the blessing of the city where they dwell.where they dwell.

How blessed is the nation where couples are How blessed is the nation where couples are responsible.responsible.

22ndnd reading: He reading: Hebbrews 2:9-rews 2:9-1111 9 He who "for a little while" was 9 He who "for a little while" was made "lowermade "lower

than the angels," that by the grace of God he than the angels," that by the grace of God he might tastemight taste death for everyone. 10 For it was death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect salvation perfect through sufferingthrough suffering. 11 He who . 11 He who consecrates and those who are being consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them "brothers." is not ashamed to call them "brothers."

The focus is on the humility of Jesus.

I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology)

II. 3:1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology)

III. 5: 11--10:39 The central exposition (Sacrifice)

IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological

paraenesis)

V. 12: 14--13:19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology).

Textual Context of Hebrews 2:9-11 Textual Context of Hebrews 2:9-11 (Vanhoye)(Vanhoye)

22ndnd reading: Hebrews 2:9-11 reading: Hebrews 2:9-11

9 He who "for a little 9 He who "for a little while" was made "lower while" was made "lower than the angels," that than the angels," that by the grace of God he by the grace of God he might taste death for might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was everyone. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom fitting that he, for whom and through whom all and through whom all things exist, in bringing things exist, in bringing many children to glory, many children to glory, should make the leader should make the leader to their salvation to their salvation perfect through perfect through suffering. 11 He who suffering. 11 He who consecrates and those consecrates and those who are being who are being consecrated all have consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to he is not ashamed to call them "brothers." call them "brothers."

CommentaryCommentary The text is a reflection on the The text is a reflection on the

humilityhumility of of JesusJesus.. JesusJesus, though divine, was made , though divine, was made

lowly and experienced death. lowly and experienced death. v.9v.9

Jesus,Jesus, for whom and through for whom and through whom all things exist, suffered whom all things exist, suffered to make salvation perfect. v.10to make salvation perfect. v.10

JesusJesus is instrumental in is instrumental in bringing children to heaven. bringing children to heaven. V.11V.11– He consecrates…He consecrates…– He call us “brothers.”He call us “brothers.”

Jesus saves us in a difficult Jesus saves us in a difficult manner.manner.

Reflections on the 2nd reading

Jesus worked hard for our salvation.Jesus worked hard for our salvation. Our salvation consists in being brought to Our salvation consists in being brought to

glory.glory. As believers, we should not take our salvation As believers, we should not take our salvation

for granted.for granted. Jesus paid a high price for it.Jesus paid a high price for it. We should be appreciative of his willingness to We should be appreciative of his willingness to

undergo all kinds of sufferings that we may go undergo all kinds of sufferings that we may go back to our origin.back to our origin.

Gospel Reading: Mk 10:2-16Gospel Reading: Mk 10:2-16 2 The Pharisees approached and asked, "Is it lawful 2 The Pharisees approached and asked, "Is it lawful

for a husband to for a husband to divorcedivorce his wife?" They were testing his wife?" They were testing him. 3 He said to them in reply, "What did Moses him. 3 He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" 4 They replied, "Moses permitted command you?" 4 They replied, "Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her." 5 But him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her." 5 But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from hearts he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother (and be joined to his wife), 8 and the two and mother (and be joined to his wife), 8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." 10 In the together, no human being must separate." 10 In the house the disciples again questioned him about this. house the disciples again questioned him about this. 11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and 11 He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."she commits adultery."

Gospel Reading, con’t

13 And people were bringing 13 And people were bringing childrenchildren to him to him that he might touch them, but the disciples that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this he rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." 16 Then he embraced them and blessed them, 16 Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them. placing his hands on them.

Textual Context of Mark 10:2-16

Part I The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30)

Three sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and a narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an attitude in regard to Jesus.

A. Jesus and the Crowds 1,14--3,6 (1,14f, 16-20; 3,60)B. Jesus and his Own 3,7--6,6a (3,7-12.13-19; 6,1-6a)C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30)

Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33 Confession of Peter First Prophecy of the Passion Correction of Peter

Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,8

A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52 Indicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3

instructions on the lot of the disciples.B. Jesus in Jerusalem 11,1--13,37C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8 The Later Ending 16,9-20

Mk 9,33 They came to Capernaum.

Jesus was teaching here.

Immediate Context (Mk 9) of our Text

Transfiguration

First Prediction of the Passion

Healing of a Boy with a Demon

Second Prediction

Greatest in the Kingdom

Another exorcist

Causes of Sin

Mk 10

Marriage

Divorce

Blessing of Children

The Rich Man

Third Prediction

CommentaryCommentary

The gospel text is divided into two parts:The gospel text is divided into two parts:– Vv.2-12 On DivorceVv.2-12 On Divorce– Vv.13-14 On ChildrenVv.13-14 On Children

In the first partIn the first part, Jesus disapproves divorce, , Jesus disapproves divorce, invoking the text in Genesis (1invoking the text in Genesis (1stst reading). reading). – Jesus adds that those who divorce and marry again Jesus adds that those who divorce and marry again

commit adultery.commit adultery.– A divorcee is not entitled to marry again.A divorcee is not entitled to marry again.

The second part,The second part, Jesus shows tenderness to Jesus shows tenderness to the children. the children. – Again taking the cue from last Sunday’s reading Again taking the cue from last Sunday’s reading

(children = new converts, new comers), we should (children = new converts, new comers), we should take these people seriously for to them belong the take these people seriously for to them belong the kingdom of God. kingdom of God.

– We must be childlike to enter the kingdom of God.We must be childlike to enter the kingdom of God.

Reflections on the gospel Reflections on the gospel readingreading

Jesus affirms the sanctity of Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriagemarriage. To do this, he . To do this, he invokes the pre-Mosaic law in Genesis invokes the pre-Mosaic law in Genesis (although Gen (although Gen itself is Mosaic according to the Jews.)itself is Mosaic according to the Jews.)

No human being has the right to separate what God No human being has the right to separate what God has joined together. No one should foil his plan in has joined together. No one should foil his plan in marriagemarriage..

Divorce or infidelity is a no-no to his followers. It Divorce or infidelity is a no-no to his followers. It defeats the purpose of God.defeats the purpose of God.

Equally important in the gospel is how we treat Equally important in the gospel is how we treat children in our communities. children in our communities.

These are not useless members, nor are they These are not useless members, nor are they liabilities. liabilities.

They represent the excited / fascinated group, eager They represent the excited / fascinated group, eager to learn, to be nurtured and to discover other people. to learn, to be nurtured and to discover other people.

They qualify for the kingdom of God; they make us They qualify for the kingdom of God; they make us qualified to enter God’s kingdom.qualified to enter God’s kingdom.

Tying the 3 readings and the Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmPsalm

The The first readingfirst reading is about is about marriagemarriage, woman , woman being a helper to man.being a helper to man.

The The psalmpsalm praises God-fearing people praises God-fearing people (couples).(couples).

The The second readingsecond reading talks about the talks about the sacrificesacrifice of of Jesus for our salvation.Jesus for our salvation.

The The gospel readinggospel reading affirms the sacredness of affirms the sacredness of maritalmarital relationships and the importance of relationships and the importance of childrenchildren..

The preacher may focus on Jesus’ teachings on marriage and

children.

How to develop your homily and sharing

Begin by sharing your observations on married Begin by sharing your observations on married couples and their children. couples and their children. (+ and -)(+ and -)

+ happy to have intimate relationships+ happy to have intimate relationships+ happy to have children+ happy to have children

- hard to maintain a family, if you have no job- hard to maintain a family, if you have no job- hard to relate with the partner if he/she is - hard to relate with the partner if he/she is

insecure, emotionally unstable, busy always, insecure, emotionally unstable, busy always, always with the always with the barkadabarkada (friends) (friends)

Then proceed to develop what God demands of Then proceed to develop what God demands of married couples based on the readings:married couples based on the readings:

The husband and wife are meant to be The husband and wife are meant to be together as long as they live. together as long as they live.

Married life is not just for procreation, but Married life is not just for procreation, but also for support in work. also for support in work.

Refusing to work defeats the purpose of Refusing to work defeats the purpose of marriage. marriage. (1(1stst reading and gospel). reading and gospel).

Like Christ, each one must humble Like Christ, each one must humble himself/herself and serve / sacrifice for the himself/herself and serve / sacrifice for the other other (2(2ndnd reading). reading).

How do we communicate Christ’s teachings in the How do we communicate Christ’s teachings in the midst of the challenges of married life and midst of the challenges of married life and childcare?childcare?

divorce, legal separations, marriage without wanting divorce, legal separations, marriage without wanting to have children, too many children, poverty, false to have children, too many children, poverty, false teachings on marriage, live in, failure to be intimate, teachings on marriage, live in, failure to be intimate, wife / child battering, sexual abuse, low morals, wife / child battering, sexual abuse, low morals, STDs, artificial contraceptives, abortion, etc…STDs, artificial contraceptives, abortion, etc…

Introduction of non-traditional concepts of marriage / Introduction of non-traditional concepts of marriage / parenthood: same sex marriage, single parenthood, parenthood: same sex marriage, single parenthood, surrogate motherhood. (surrogate motherhood. (Cairo DocumentCairo Document))

Breakdown of family life = breakdown of faith.

Christ’s teachings can be communicated Christ’s teachings can be communicated through:through:– Pre-Cana conferencesPre-Cana conferences– Papal encyclicals Papal encyclicals (Familiaris consortio)(Familiaris consortio)– Family codeFamily code– Marriage counselingMarriage counseling– Good teachings of the Family Life Movements, Good teachings of the Family Life Movements,

Couples for Christ, Pro-Life MovementsCouples for Christ, Pro-Life Movements No to anything that destroys family life and No to anything that destroys family life and

the well-being of children. the well-being of children. No to contraceptive mentality.No to contraceptive mentality.

In the eucharist, Jesus comes down to us to be with us.

In the eucharist, Jesus comes to strengthen us in our difficulties in building our families and nurturing our children.

Our reception of the eucharist is a sign that we conform to Christ’s teaching on marriage and child rearing.

Our Context of Sin and Our Context of Sin and GraceGrace

Live in partnersLive in partners Separated husband Separated husband

and wifeand wife DivorceDivorce Abandoned Abandoned

childrenchildren Child laborersChild laborers Child soldiersChild soldiers Wife batteringWife battering Civil marriageCivil marriage Jobless parentsJobless parents

Family life movementsFamily life movements Proper child careProper child care Pro-life movementsPro-life movements Bantay BataBantay Bata CatechismCatechism Adult catechismAdult catechism Pre-Cana conferencesPre-Cana conferences Working parentsWorking parents Advocacies for Advocacies for

childrenchildren

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

Glory to God, newGlory to God, new– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV9SIPLUDFM

Let Me LiveLet Me Live– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxB3dcBMy6U

Wherever you go, by Norbert, OSBWherever you go, by Norbert, OSB God Is AliveGod Is Alive

– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Y7L0NocBU