Welcome to our Bible Study

32nd Sunday in the Ordinary Time8 November 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: 1 Kgs 17:10-16 10 In those days, Elijah the prophet left and went to Zarephath. As

he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, "Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.” 11 She left to get it, and he called out after her, "Please bring along a bit of bread.“ 12 "As the LORD, your God, lives," she answered, "I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.” 13 "Do not be afraid," Elijah said to her. "Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. 14 For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well; 16 The jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

The focus is on generosity.

1st reading: 1 Kgs 17:10-16Elijah and the widow 10 In those days, Elijah the prophet left and went to Zarephath. As he

arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, "Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.” 11 She left to get it, and he called out after her, "Please bring along a bit of bread.”

The widow preparing for the last meal and for death 12 "As the LORD, your God, lives," she answered, "I have nothing baked;

there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.”

Elijah’s assurance 13 "Do not be afraid," Elijah said to her. "Go and do as you propose. But first

make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. 14 For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 She left and did as Elijah had said.

Promised fulfilled She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well; 16 The jar of

flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of 1 Kgs 17:10-16

The Principal Divisions of the Books of Kings (NAB)

I. The Reign of Solomon (1 Kgs 1,1—11,43)II. Judah and Israel to the Time of Ahaba (1 Kgs 12,1—16,34)III. Stories of the Prophets (1 Kgs 17,1—22,54)IV. The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (2 Kgs 1,1—17,41)V. The Kingdom of Judah after 721 B.C. (2 Kgs 18,1—25,30)

III. Stories of the Prophets Drought Predicted by Elijah (17:1-6)Elijah and the Widow (17:7-24)Elijah and the Prophets of Baal (18:1-46)Flight to Horeb (19:1-18)Call of Elisha (19:19-21)

Elijah

1st reading: 1 Kgs 17:10-16Elijah and the widow 10 In those days, Elijah the

prophet left and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, "Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.” 11 She left to get it, and he called out after her, "Please bring along a bit of bread.”

The widow preparing for the last meal and for death

12 "As the LORD, your God, lives," she answered, "I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.”

Commentary There are two characters in the

story: The prophet Elijah and the widow (no name)

In vv. 10-11, Elijah, being a man of God, exhibits confidence. He freely, confidently commands the widow to do him a favor (bring me water and bread), as if she were his slave.

In v.12, the widow does not refuse Elijah, but admits her reality that her food supply is running out. After this meal, they will die.

The land is struck with famine.

1st reading: 1 Kgs 17:10-16Elijah’s assurance 13 "Do not be afraid," Elijah said

to her. "Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. 14 For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 She left and did as Elijah had said.

Promised fulfilled She was able to eat for a year,

and he and her son as well; 16 The jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

In v.13, Elijah seems to ignore what the widow said, and instead demands that he should be served first.

V.14 gives the reason why Elijah is comfortable with his orders. Elijah has received a word from God.

In v.15, the widow obeys and does what Elijah says.

V.16 affirms the fulfillment of Elijah’s prediction.

Reflections on the 1st reading We can put ourselves into the shoes of Elijah. We, as

God’s children, can be put into a difficult situation. We also experience “famine.” (No money).

God leads our way too, provided, we cooperate and move on. Who knows we will encounter our own “widow”, whom God will send to rescue us.

We may also put ourselves into the shoes of the widow. In our poverty, we can still become instruments of God in

saving those in difficult situations, in saving a prophet, in saving a man of God, a priest, or, a parish worker.

In times of need, we must be open to possibilities, we must move on because God is generous to the generous.

Responsorial Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul!

7 The LORD keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.

8 The LORD gives sight to the blind.The LORD raises up those who were bowed down;the LORD loves the just.9 The LORD protects strangers.

The fatherless and the widow he sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.10 The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.

Responsorial Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul!

7 The LORD keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.

8 The LORD gives sight to the blind.The LORD raises up those who were bowed down;the LORD loves the just.9 The LORD protects strangers.

The fatherless and the widow he sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.10 The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.

Commentary The psalm is a hymn of

praise. God is to be praised for

the reasons given in vv.7-10.

We can read the psalm again.

It recalls the experience of the widow in Zarepthah, and of all those who are oppressed, humbled, orphaned, the strangers, and those in need.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm God has a special heart for the poor. He lifts them up. He is the number one activist and defender of

the poor and their advocate. God has no heart for the wicked, who makes

people poor. The wicked must make up their minds if they

want to be saved.

2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 24 For Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by

hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself, that he might now appear before God on our behalf. 25 Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; 26 if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice. 27 Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, 28 so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

The focus is the non-repetitious character of Christ’s action as high priest.

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 Textual Context of Hebrews 9:24-289:24-28 ((Vanhoye)Vanhoye)

First Section: 5,1-4 position: newness (made perfect) 5,5-10 Jesus’ appointed as high priest, exposition

Part III 5,11—6,20 Preamble, Change in tone and vocabulary, exhortation 7,1 Melchizedek’s Priesthood, exposition 7,13-28 Jesus’ PriesthoodCentral Section: 8,1—9,28Third Section: 10,1-18

2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 24 For Christ did not enter into

a sanctuary made by hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself, that he might now appear before God on our behalf. 25 Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; 26 if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice. 27 Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, 28 so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.

Commentary The reading reflects on the mystery of

Christ as a high priest. This high priest is now in heaven, not in the Temple of Jerusalem.

V.24 specifies the sanctuary as “not made by human hands,” different from the OT temple.

V.24 states the purpose of Christ’s entrance: to appear before God on our behalf (mediator, intercessor).

V.25 states what Christ does not do in heaven: to offer repeatedly, in contrast to OT high priest (annually he goes to the Holy of Holies) (v.26a)

V.26b is emphatic on the “once for all” thing. In one click Christ saved the world.

V.27 makes clear his point on the “once for all” by using the reality of death on our part as human beings. We die once.

V.28 continues to develop the point and adds something new: the second time appearance, to bring salvation, not to die again.

Reflections on the 2nd reading Christ’s actions as high priest are effective and

efficacious. He does not need to repeat suffering and dying

in order to save us from our sins, as if the first instance did not bring the desired effect.

Christ’s high priesthood is salvific, once and for all.

Do you believe in the priesthood of Christ?

Gospel: Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44 38 In the course of his teaching he said, "Beware of the

scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation." 41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

The focus is on generosity.

Gospel: Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44The victimizing scribes (not generous) 38 In the course of his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes,

who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."

The generous widow 41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the

crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Mark 12:38-44

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 8,31-16,8A. 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

Jesus in Jerusalem11,1 Entry into Jerusalem Jesus curses the Fig TreeCleansing of the TempleFig Tree dried upFaith in GodJesus’ Authority questioned by the Chief priests in the Temple12,1 Parable of the VineyardSome Pharisees and Herodians question on taxesSome Sadducees question on the resurrectionOne of the scribes asks which is the great commandmentsJesus teaches about the Messiah as Son of DavidWarning about hypocrisyWidow’s Mite13,1 Going out of the Temple, big stones Used with permission from PBS/UBS

Gospel: Mk 12:38-44 or 12:41-44The victimizing scribes 38 In the course of his teaching he

said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation."

The generous widow 41 He sat down opposite the treasury

and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

Commentary Vv.38-40 talk about the unbecoming

behavior of the scribes:• Wear long robes (exaggerated, for a show)• Accept greetings in the marketplaces• Seats of honor (enjoy having reserved seats

always)• Devour houses of widows (They are like

vultures.) The last line indicates their

punishment: severe condemnation (v.40b)

Vv.41-44 make a contrast between the rich and the poor widow.

The rich give large sums; the poor widow, two small coins (kusing)

For Jesus, the widow who gave more (the one last coin she needs to survive) exceeds all in generosity.

That is the way how to be generous.

Reflections on the gospel The gospel reading is a call to generosity. There is no excuse for being un-generous, for even a

poor widow can be generous. Christians should not behave like the scribes

mentioned in the gospel: they devour, they act for their selfish interest, they seek recognition. They do these things at the expense of the poor.

God knows how generous we are. He knows where we are coming from (from our bounty or from our poverty).

In generosity, we deprive ourselves of something we need and give it to others.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The first reading talks about the loving care of God (generosity) in the life of endangered Elijah and the widow.

The psalm affirms God’s providence to those in need. The second reading reflects on the non-repetitious acts of

Christ as high priest (suffering, death = salvation). These are supreme acts of generosity, total giving of oneself.

The gospel reading warns the people of the Scribes and the Pharisees, who victimize them; in contrast, he commends the widow, who is so generous to a fault. She is more generous than the rich.

Based on the focuses (foci) of the three readings, we must develop the theme of generosity.

How to develop your homily and sharing

Begin by relating an experience of generosity • when you needed money, food, help, medicine and

someone came to your rescue. Discuss the meaning of generosity according to

the readings. We are called to be generous with our talents,

time and treasure.

The 1st reading teaches that we can practice generosity in times of famine, poverty and want, like the widow in Zarepthah.

Even in her poverty, she accommodates Elijah. Because of her generosity to Elijah, the widow

and her son also survive. Supply does not run out, when there is generosity. God himself is generous. God shows the way to

survive in times of severe need. We can obtain God’s help if we listen to him, if we

do what he commands.

The 2nd reading talks about Christ’s generosity to us, through his powerful act to save us.

He shows his generosity by interceding for us. In his total self-giving and supreme sacrifice

(generosity), he effects salvation to us all, once and for all.

His generosity is complete. He does not withhold anything from us.

In the gospel, Jesus teaches us to be generous. He highly approves of the generosity of the widow. She shows that poverty is not a hindrance to

practice generosity. The generosity of the poor surpasses that of the

rich. Giving out of excess is ok, but it is more ok to give

out what you need. Generosity is doing charity even if it hurts.

Nobody goes hungry when everybody is generous. When people focus their minds on how to multiply

and keep their money and property, many go hungry. Generosity is dead.

We are spiritually dead, even if our stomach is bloated with food, if we are devoid of generosity.

The gospel reading abhors the unkind acts of the

scribes (they devour). They take advantage of the poor. They seek honor (self-seeking, self-aggrandizing). We must be reminded that Christians are first of all,

disciples (imitators) of Christ, who is generous, who never used people to enrich himself.

The psalm acclaims God as generous. It shows an awareness of God’s generous acts to the

poor, to the widow and the orphans, to the sick, to the strangers, etc.

The eucharist reminds us of God’s generosity to us. In the eucharist, Jesus gives himself generously to

us. He nurtures us with his body and blood in the form of

bread and wine. In the eucharist, he promises eternal life to all of us,

who try to live generous lives.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Stingy Vultures, crocodiles

(greedy people) Materialistic Unbridled capitalism Always thinking how to

make profit Unable to give justifying

that he worked hard to obtain it, not believing that whatever he has is a gift from God; therefore sharing is ruled out.

Generous only when there is publicity

Philantrophists Generous benefactors Accommodating Hospitable Alay Kapwa Spirituality of Stewardship

(giving even if there is no need; giving is a form of worship to God)

Gives donations Supports church’s program for

the poor (scholarships, feeding)

Suggested Songs Maghandog ng AlayMaghandog ng Alay

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRWqJuXVAP0 Francis’ DreamFrancis’ Dream

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBe4GJV_5TU Only Selfless LoveOnly Selfless Love

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn5QXhaLA28 Ang Mabuhay sa Pag-ibigAng Mabuhay sa Pag-ibig PananagutanPananagutan SharingSharing

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1ij6D6EyeI