Sunday Readings

Commentary and Reflections

23rd Sunday in the Ordinary Time B

September 6, 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Isaiah 35,4-7 4 Say to those whose hearts are

frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. 7 The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water; The abode where jackals lurk will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus.

The focus is on taking courage.

1st reading: Isaiah 35,4-7 4 Say to those whose hearts are frightened:

The words of encouragement Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with

vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you.

Effects of God’s coming 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the

deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the

dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the

steppe. 7 The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty

ground, springs of water; The abode where jackals lurk will be a marsh for the reed

and papyrus.

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Is 35,4-7 (Boadt)

First Isaiah - 1-39 (Jerusalem)

Second Isaiah - 40-55 (Babylon)

Third Isaiah - 56-66

First Isaiah chs. 1-39 1-12 Oracles against Judah, mostly from Isaiah's early years (740-732)13-23 Oracles against foreign nations, many from his middle years (724-705)24-27 A "Little Apocalypse" added at a much later date, perhaps in the sixth century28-33 Oracles from Isaiah's later ministry (705-700)34-35 A vision of Zion, perhaps a later addition36-39 Stories of Isaiah's life, some from the Book of Kings (see 2 Kgs 18-19)

Isaiah of Jerusalem

1st reading: Isaiah 35,4-7 4 Say to those whose hearts

are frightened:

The words of encouragement Be strong, fear not! Here is

your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you.

Effects of God’s coming 5 Then will the eyes of the

blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared;

6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing.

Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe.

7 The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water;

The abode where jackals lurk will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus.

Commentary: The text is addressed to “those

whose hearts are frightened” (v.4) In v.4b, the prophet exhorts them to

be strong and to take courage. Reason: God is coming to

vindicate and to save. Vv.5-6 announce the healing of the

blind and the deaf. Their eyes and their ears will be opened.

Similarly, the lame will walk and the dumb will speak.

Vv.6b-8 announce that there will be water in arid lands.

There will be abundance of water in those dry places.

The prophet announces the reversal of their lot.

Reflections on the 1st reading

Fear is a terrible thing. It can immobilize or paralyze us.

The fearful must listen to the voice of the prophet. The prophet announces the coming of the Lord to

set all things aright. We must learn how to trust in the words of the

prophet, which are the words of God. We must overcome our fears in order to move on. Who are the prophets of our times? Who dispels your fears?

Responsorial Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul!

7 The God of Jacob 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.9 The LORD loves the just;   the LORD protects strangers.

9 The fatherless and the widow the LORD 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 God of Jacob 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.9 The LORD loves the just;   the LORD protects strangers.

9 The fatherless and the widow the LORD 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 helps us to praise

God. It picks up the message of the

first reading. In v.7, the psalm enumerates

God’s liberating acts: Secures justice for the oppressed Gives food to the hungry Sets captives free

Vv.8-9 continue the enumeration: Gives sight to the blind Raises those who are humbled Loves the just Protects strangers Sustains the orphan and the

widow Destroys the way of the wicked

V.10 glorifies God.

Reflections on the Psalm

God cannot be outdone in helping the poor. God gives justice to the unjustly treated. God restores to man what he has lost (his senses, his

abilities).

God does what we fail to do for the poor. God is the hope of the poor. Can you be God’s instrument in bringing justice

and liberation to the poor? Are you an activist for God? Who do you think God is? Sino ba ang Diyos na

iyong sinasamba? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKA

2nd reading: James 2,1-5

1 My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 2 For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here, please," while you say to the poor one, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?

The focus is showing no partiality.

2nd reading: James 2,1-5

The command to be impartial 1 My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere

to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. Situation of partiality 2 For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in

fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here, please," while you say to the poor one, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?

Reason for showing no impartiality 5 Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God

choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?

A simple outline!

Textual Context of James 2,1-5

DIVISION ACCORDING TO CONTENTS (TOPICS): (R. Brown)

1:1: Greetings (Opening Formula) 1:2-18: The role of trials and temptations 1:19-27: Words and deeds 2:1-9: Partiality toward the rich 2:10-13: Keeping the whole Law 2:14-26: Faith and works 3:1-12: Power of the tongue 3:13-18: Wisdom from above 4:1-10: Desires as the cause of division 4: 11-12: Judging one another as judging the Law 4:13-17: Further arrogant behavior 5:1-6: Warning to the rich 5:7-11: Patience till the coming of the Lord 5:12-20: Admonitions on behavior within the community

2nd reading: James 2,1-5The command to be

impartial 1 My brothers, show no

partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.

Situation of partiality 2 For if a man with gold

rings on his fingers and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here, please," while you say to the poor one, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?

Commentary James, the author, exhorts Christians

not to discriminate against the poor members in communal celebrations. V.1

To show partiality is to discriminate against, to make distinctions, to show favor to the rich, to lower further down those who are already low for the sake of the rich.

It contradicts faith in the glorious Christ. V.1

In the Christian assemblies, we must be careful not to drive away the poor (not well-dressed), just to accommodate the rich. Vv.2-3

V.4 makes a very strong statement. You make distinctions. You make

yourselves judges.

2nd reading: James 2,1-5

Impartiality 5 Listen, my

beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?

The letter reminds the assembly that the poor are chosen by God to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. V.5

Reflections on the 2nd reading

We should not look down on the poor in our assemblies, we should not disturb them.

We should not give the rich special treatment at the expense of the poor (their dignity and honor).

Important in the eyes of God is the one who shows love to God with a special heart for the poor, and not for those who are in power, or, those who wear jewelries (burloloys) and expensive clothing and accessories.

Gospel: Mark 7,31-37 31 Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by

way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. 32 And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; 34 then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!") 35 And (immediately) the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. 36 He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. 37 They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and (the) mute speak." The focus is the healing of the deaf-mute.

Gospel: Mark 7,31-37

Setting 31 Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to

the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. 32 And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech

impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him.

The gestures of Jesus 33 He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his

finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; 34 then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!")

The result (the healing) 35 And (immediately) the man's ears were opened, his speech

impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.

The command not to tell to anyone 36 He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered

them not to, the more they proclaimed it. 37 They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has

done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and (the) mute speak."

A simple outline!

Textual Context of Mark 7

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--13,37

C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8

The Later Ending 16,9-20

31 Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis.

Gospel: Mark 7,31-37Setting 31 Again Jesus left the

district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis.

32 And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him.

The gestures of Jesus 33 He took him off by himself

away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; 34 then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" (that is, "Be opened!")

The result (the healing)

35 And (immediately) the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.

Commentary: V.31 indicates that Jesus has just

come from a pagan territory (in Lebanon).

The Sea of Galilee and Decapolis are parts of Palestine in the time of Jesus.

In v.32, people bring the deaf-mute for healing.

In v.33, without any interview, Jesus heals the deaf-mute.

Jesus’ actions for the healing: Puts finger into the ears Spits, touches tongue Looks up to heaven, groaned, v.34 Says “Ephphatha”

The miracle is recorded in v.35. Ears opened Tongue loosened Spoke plainly

Gospel: Mark 7,31-37The command not

to tell to anyone 36 He ordered

them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.

37 They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and (the) mute speak."

In v.36, Jesus commands the people not to tell it to anyone (part of the Messianic secret).

People do not obey, but all the more they “proclaimed” it. V.36

Note the words: They “proclaimed”. It is more than reporting.

What makes them “proclaim” is their feeling of awe and amazement. V.37

Reflections on the gospel reading

Healing comes as a result of the following: Faith of the people who bring in the sick. They

love the sick. Their faith is active. Imagine all their efforts to bring him to Jesus.

The power of Jesus. We need healing. In some ways, we are also deaf-

mute. Many times, we cannot hear and speak very well. That’s why we fail to appreciate and give

compliments to God and to others. We must admit we need other people to help us. We cannot be healed unless we allow ourselves

to be brought to Jesus.

Reflections on the gospel readingOn proclamation

Proclamation comes as a result of witnessing something great.

Silence is irrelevant when you have just experienced something great.

A Christian who is quiet and does not say anything about God and his faith is contradiction in terms.

When we continue reading the gospel, we will find out that those whose ears and mouths are healed, are the ones who proclaim that “Jesus is the Christ.”

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The three readings have different focuses.

The 1st reading is focused on not fearing.

The psalm talks about God liberating the poor.

The 2nd reading is focused on impartiality.

The gospel reading is focused on healing.

How do we put them together in one focus?

Maybe, we can focus on healing.

We should be healed from our fears. (1st reading)

God comes to restore us to our health (Psalm).

The poor are healed when they are not discriminated against in our celebrations. (2nd reading)

Jesus heals the deaf-mute. (gospel)

How to develop your homily and sharing Begin by relating your experience on being sick, when you were hospitalized, etc. (You cannot talk, see, walk, go to parties, eat favorite food, take showers, etc. You were afraid you might die, not able to fulfill your obligations, pay your bills, etc.)

Dialogue your experiences with the message of the readings: Fear not, God is coming to intervene (heal). He will reverse

the fate of the deprived (1st reading).

Be impartial… do not be the cause of deprivation (sickness) of the poor. (2nd reading)

Allow yourself to be healed. Let other people carry you to God. He will heal you from your deprivation to hear and speak. (gospel)

Make people realize how they have been deaf and mute:

Not able to appreciate what their parents, children and teachers, priests, etc. are saying and doing. On the contrary, they are always criticizing.

Not being able to learn from others, from God. Many are still ignorant about the word of God, about faith… refusing to be catechized; not studying faith and morals, etc.

Not having time for bible studies and on-going formation.

No money allotted to buy good books to enhance faith and spirituality.

Afraid of pointing out the errors of other people, of the system, of the association, etc.

Afraid to protest and tell the truth.

Ashamed to participate in the mass.

Tell the congregation that many of the members are literally sick.

They have no money for hospitalization and to buy medicine.

The Church is also sick. Many members are stuck up in the church, without a sense of mission.

After worship, they engage in gossip.

They, and the clergy included, have not learned their faith well; they are not communicating the right values and authentic faith to the young people.

We all need healing.

Challenge: We must heal one another. We must facilitate the healing of one another, by drawing near to Jesus. We must not withhold help (justice and peace) to those who are in need.

The number of our members who cannot hear or speak must be reduced (by teaching them, by sharing what we have learned from the experts and holy people). Attention: Education committee! Wake up!

Our church must be composed of Christians who are always ready and willing to listen and speak out the right things.

Our church must be able to respond to the “signs of the times.” environmental degradation, mining, logging, global

warming (refer to Laudato Si), militarism

Secularism, consumerism, hedonism, poverty, migrancy, mendicancy, etc.

Misuse of social media (pornography, libelous postings) by the anti-socials

In the eucharist, Christ is coming to heal us all.

If we believe in his power, he heals / reverses our paralysis and privations.

We end up praising God when we allow ourselves to be carried and brought to Jesus in this eucharist.

Jesus welcomes everyone. He does not discriminate against anyone in the eucharist.

His words, his body and blood are made available to everyone.

Our Context of Sin and Grace

Phobic

Sick mind

Infirm laws

Irrelevant organizations, churches and congregations who are consumed in fund-raising but are not critical where the money is coming from.

Priests, church-leaders co-opted by politicians and possessive benefactors

Church of the Poor Responsible members of

the education ministry Formation Organized social

services ministry Free clinic Free counseling Members who can hear

and talk

Suggested Songs

Glory to God, new http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spj_5sTiF5Y

When We Eat, new http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qg_-wvSm7M

Where is this Jesus? (the first part only)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LecAQyAdhvs

Sumasaakin ang Espiritu by Vinteres The Spirit of God