Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

28th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B

October 11, 2015In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 7 I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and

the spirit of Wisdom came to me. 8 I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, 9 nor did I liken any priceless gem to her, because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. 10 Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. 11 Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands.

The focus is on wisdom.

Textual Context of Wisdom 7,7-11

The Principal Divisions of the Book of Wisdom (NAB)

I. Reward of Justice (1,1—6,21) II. Praise of Wisdom by Solomon (6,22—11,1) III. Special Providence of God on God’s Mercy

(11,17—22,22) and on the folly and shame of idolatry (13,1—15,17)

Historical Context: The Book of Wisdom was written 100 years before Christ by a Jew in Alexandria, Egypt, in Greek in the style of Hebrew verse.

Wisdom Books / Wisdom Literature

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon,

Wisdom*, Ecclesiasticus*

*Deuterocanonical

1st reading: Wisdom 7:7-11 7 I prayed, and prudence was

given me; I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me. 8 I preferred her to scepter and throne, And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, 9 nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; Because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. 10 Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. 11 Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands.

Commentary The author prays for wisdom

(prudence) and it is granted to him (v.7).

The author prefers wisdom To power and prestige (scepter

and throne) (v.8). To the light (that can be

extinguished (v.10) Wisdom cannot be compared to

anything valuable to the world (vv.8-9): riches, gem (precious stones), gold, silver; even health and comeliness (good looks) (v.10)

Yet, even as the author prefers wisdom, he does not lack anything because “all good things and riches” come as well along with wisdom.

Reflections on the 1st reading The message is similar to the gospel saying, “Seek Ye

First the kingdom…” Here, it is “Seek Ye First the wisdom… and all these things will be given you.”

In the text, wisdom is given in answer to a prayer and pleading.

Wisdom is given as a gift to those who ask for it. Wisdom is far better than riches, power and prestige

(worldly values). The text teaches believers to pray for wisdom. Once it is

given, all others will follow. Do we pray for wisdom?

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R. (14) Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

12 Teach us to number our days aright,that we may gain wisdom of heart.13 Return, O LORD! How long?Have pity on your servants!

14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.15 Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us,for the years when we saw evil.

16 Let your work be seen by your servantsand your glory by their children;and may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;17 prosper the work of our hands for us!Prosper the work of our hands!

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R. (14) Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

12 Teach us to number our days aright,that we may gain wisdom of heart.13 Return, O LORD! How long?Have pity on your servants!

14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.15 Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us,for the years when we saw evil.

16 Let your work be seen by your servantsand your glory by their children;and may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;17 prosper the work of our hands for us!Prosper the work of our hands!

Commentary The psalm is classified as a wisdom

psalm. The response prays for love (wisdom). In v.12, the psalmist prays that God make

us realize how short our life is. Temporariness of life can teach us

wisdom. V.13 indicates an absence of the Lord.

Without God, we cannot attain wisdom. In v.14, the psalmist asks God to be kind

to him. V.15 prays for joy, after undergoing all the

sadness and afflictions. In v.16, the psalmist asks God to open

the eye of his people, to appreciate his work and glory.

V.16b repeats the idea of v.14 (fill us with your kindness//graciousness).

In v.17, the psalmist prays that God may give success to our endeavors.

Reflections on the Psalm

Like the psalmist, we should know what to pray for. When we pray, we admit our dependence on God. We should pray for wisdom. We should pray for blessings and happiness. The materialistic person will pray for more money and

property. What are you praying for? Don’t make God provider of mammon.

2nd reading: Heb 4:12-13

12 Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

The focus is on the word of God.

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 4:12-13 (Vanhoye)

2nd reading: Heb 4:12-13 12 Indeed, the word of

God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

Commentary V.12 speaks of the word of God as

living and effective, sharper… penetrating… able to discern reflections and thoughts.

It is contrasted to a two-edged sword. The word of God is sharper.

In v.13, the word of God is like wisdom, omniscient.

Everything is exposed to him. Nothing is hidden from his sight. Here, the word of God (like Wisdom)

is personified, in masculine gender.

Reflections on the 2nd reading

The text, though short, has rich ideas on the word of God.

The word of God here refers to what has been preached by the apostles, or, by the prophets.

We cannot fool around or play games with God, or, the Word of God.

The Word of God exposes the good and the bad that is in us (to change us).

Gospel reading: Mk10:17-30 or 10:17-27 17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before

him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.'" 20 He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." 28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you." 29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.

The focus is on eternal life (kingdom of God)

Gospel reading: Mk10:17-30 or 10:17-27Setting and question 17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down

before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus’ answer with a commentary on “good” 18 Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good

but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.'"

The man 20 He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed

from my youth." Jesus 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking

in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."

Reaction of the man 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had

many possessions.

A simple outline!

Jesus and his disciples 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for

those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."

Peter’s expression of poverty and Jesus’ assurance of eternal life 28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and

followed you." 29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.

Textual Context of Mark 10,17-30Part 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 TextTransfiguration First Prediction of the PassionHealing of a Boy with a DemonSecond PredictionGreatest in the KingdomAnother exorcistCauses of SinMk 10MarriageDivorceBlessing of ChildrenThe Rich ManThird Prediction

Commentary

The gospel reading is centered on how to attain eternal life, or, on how to enter the kingdom of God.

It is divided into two: Vv.17-22, Dialogue between Jesus and the man Vv.23-30, Dialogue between Jesus and the disciples

In vv.17-22, between Jesus and the man: Jesus teaches that to attain eternal life, one

must keep the commandments. For those who are already keeping the

commandments, they should do more. They must renounce their wealth, love the poor,

and follow Jesus. The man “fails” to enter heaven because he fails

to do the second step: detachment from material things.

In vv.23-30, between Jesus and the disciples: the disciples, too, find difficulty in the teachings

of Jesus. Jesus says it is hard, but, it can be done (it is

possible for God).

Peter makes an outstanding affirmation to Jesus’ teaching: “We have given everything and followed you.”

Jesus adds one more requirement to enter the kingdom: to renounce loved ones.

Now the reward of those who renounce their wealth and loved ones, love the poor and follow Jesus

is not only eternal life, but, also restoration and multiplication of what is renounced.

Reflections on the gospel reading

We all desire to be “saved” (to have eternal life). To have eternal life, we must be willing to pay

the price. We must keep the commandments (must have

right relationships with other people, including our parents).

We must renounce wealth and give to the poor (a new teaching for the disciples). Judaism recognizes wealth, property and children as God’s blessings.

Another new teaching: to follow Christ. In the Jewish religion, to be “saved” means one must follow the Torah, must keep the Law. Now, one must follow a person, Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah.

Following Jesus is of prime importance in attaining salvation.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The first reading teaches the importance of prudence and wisdom.

The psalm reminds that our days are numbered, that we may attain wisdom.

The second reading teaches the nature of the word of God.

The gospel reading teaches the necessity of renouncing wealth to attain eternal life.

All the readings talk about what we should possess to attain salvation.

How to develop your homily / sharing

Begin by sharing your experience with material things (enjoyable at first, set aside later; people borrow without returning; source of headache, stolen, snatched, lost in natural calamities).

Develop what the readings teach. The readings teach us how to attain eternal life by: Preferring wisdom to wealth (1st reading).

Praying for wisdom (kindness) (psalm)

Listening to the Word of God (2nd reading).

Keeping God’s commandments, renouncing material things, giving to the poor and following the footsteps of Jesus.

Christian discipleship is not accumulating wealth and property, but sharing them to the poor, and having time to listen to the wisdom (teachings) of Christ.

This will assure us of heaven.

Today, we need to impress the world that Jesus’ teaching is still relevant.

Our world today is characterized by consumerism, systematic accumulation of wealth and property, using high technology. Money can easily be transferred or stolen

electronically. Goods can be transferred in big bulks. Business establishments have devised many ways

and means to produce all kinds of goods (needed or otherwise) and they have also devised means to easily sell their products, even through the internet or social media.

They allow people to buy their goods even if they have no money, resulting to indebtedness and bankruptcy of many imprudent individuals and compulsive buyers.

Now many people work just to be able to pay their debts.

People look for money, working overtime to have more pay. Almost they have no time for themselves and for the mass on Sundays.

The search for / love of material things / gadgets (more modern, updated, upgraded, latest) is destroying our relationship with God and with other people.

It provides occasions to do injustice and violence (cheatings, graft, corruption, falsification of documents, violation of human rights, extortions, blackmail, kidnapping, overpricing, manipulation of prices, unfair labor practices, low salaries, environmental degradation, pollution, negligence to obligations to our loved ones and God).

It prevents us from approaching the poor. It lessens our capacity and time to communicate

with people face to face. We cannot be authentic disciples if we have no

more time for the Lord, to listen and meditate on his Word, to pray privately and individually and to be in communion with our fellow Christians.

Read the life of St. Francis of Assisi. He attained happiness and salvation by simple lifestyle, detachment from things and people, loving the lepers, and imitating Jesus Christ.

Or, ask a Franciscan to tell you the story of St. Francis of Assisi.

Let us be reminded that material things do not bring us to heaven and we cannot bring them to heaven either, not even to our graves.

The eucharist is the sacrament that helps us focus our attention to Jesus, our priority in life.

In the eucharist, Jesus promises us eternal life if we receive him.

Our participation in the eucharist is a sign of our assent to his teachings, that material things are not the center of our lives, but him.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Impulsive Disregard for rules and

regulations Autocratic Anomia/anarchic Charismatic groups teaching

how to become materially rich without being critical on how they get rich.

Religious associations becoming venue for networking (to sell merchandize)

Simony (use of religion to get rich, selling what is sacred)

Detachment Voluntary poverty Recognition of ecological

debt Knows how to discern and

calculate risks Simple living and preaching Catechized Evangelized Knows ultimate destiny and

how to get it

Suggested Songs

Glory to God, New http://youtu.be/lmTlVfELBeo

Francis’ Dream http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBe4GJV_5TU

The Power of Touch (St. Francis’ Canticle) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUPdN69mFbY

Lord, Here I am http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH54ZHHR84k