Welcome to our Bible Study

17th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B

26 July 2015In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

Fil-Mission Sunday

1st reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44 42 A man came from Baal-shalishah bringing

the man of God twenty barley loaves made from the first fruits, and fresh grain in the ear. "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha said. 43 But his servant objected, "How can I set this before a hundred men?" "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha insisted. "For thus says the LORD, 'They shall eat and there shall be some left over.'" 44 And when they had eaten, there was some left over, as the LORD had said.

The focus is on feeding a hungry throng.

Textual Context of 2 Kings 4:42-44

Part I Reign of Solomon (1 Kgs1,1—11,43) Part II Judah and Israel to Ahab (1 Kgs 12,1—16,34) Part III Stories of the Prophets (1 Kgs 17,1-22,54) Part IV The Kingdoms of Israel and Judah (2 Kgs

1,1—17,41) Part V The Kingdom of Judah after 721 BC (2 Kgs

18,1--25,30)

Text without context is pretext.

1st reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44 42 A man came from

Baal-shalishah bringing the man of God twenty barley loaves made from the first fruits, and fresh grain in the ear. "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha said. 43 But his servant objected, "How can I set this before a hundred men?" "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha insisted. "For thus says the LORD, 'They shall eat and there shall be some left over.'" 44 And when they had eaten, there was some left over, as the LORD had said.

Commentary Immediate Textual Context: It is part of the

stories of the miracles of Elisha. (Widow’s Oil, Shunammite woman’s son, Poisoned Stew – Multiplication of Bread – Curing of Naaman’s Leprosy, Iron axehead (2 Kgs 4,1—6,7)

Historical context: Elisha prophesied after the time of Elijah, during the time of Jehu in the Northern Kingdom (84-815 BC)

In v.42 an unnamed man brings to the man of God 20 barley loaves.

This man of God is Elisha. A prophet can be called “man of God.” V.42 specifies where the barley loaves come

from: first fruits and fresh grain… Elisha commands the man to feed the

people.

1st reading: 2 Kings 4:42-44 42 A man came from

Baal-shalishah bringing the man of God twenty barley loaves made from the first fruits, and fresh grain in the ear. "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha said. 43 But his servant objected, "How can I set this before a hundred men?" "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha insisted. "For thus says the LORD, 'They shall eat and there shall be some left over.'" 44 And when they had eaten, there was some left over, as the LORD had said.

V.43 indicates that the man is his servant.

His servant’s reaction: it is not enough for a hundred men.

In v.43, Elisha insists that the man should feed them.

Elisha banks on God’s promise. There will be enough and left-

over. V.44 is the fulfillment of the

prediction of Elisha.

Reflections on the 1st reading

God takes care of his people in times of need. Only that we should listen to his voice: distribute what is available.

God’s power goes beyond our mathematical calculations.

God can make miracles if we believe in his word and cooperate with his power, and if we share our available resources and do not keep them for ourselves (in the guise of future use).

Reflections, con’t Elisha is a model of a good leader. He does not

listen to pessimists. The unnamed man is a symbol of a worried

manager / a technocrat, who is immobilized to help because of his calculated moves. The technocrat must remember that he is just a servant of the leader. He must let the leader decide for the community. He sees more.

God works in this manner. How many of us are paralyzed to help because

we fear there might not be enough?

Responsorial Ps 145:10-11. 15-16. 17-18

R. (cf. 16) The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

10 Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,and let your faithful ones bless you.11 Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdomand speak of your might.

15 The eyes of all look hopefully to you,and you give them their food in due season;16 you open your handand satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is just in all his waysand holy in all his works.18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him,to all who call upon him in truth.

Responsorial Ps 145:10-11. 15-16. 17-18 R. (cf. 16) The hand of the

Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.

10 Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you.11 Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdomand speak of your might.

15 The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season;16 you open your handand satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works.18 The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.

Commentary The responsorial psalm affirms God as a

provider. In vv.10-11, the psalmist prays that all

God’s creatures and the faithful people recognize his goodness and speak of his glory and might.

In v.15, the psalmist states the prayerful stance of those who need him and affirms God’s response in due time.

In v.16, the psalmist asks God to be generous to all living creatures and to fill their desires.

In v.17, the psalmist affirms that God is just, and holy in everything he does.

In v.18, the psalmist expresses his belief that God is close to those who pray and live in truth.

Reflections on the Psalm God is a provident God. God is the source of our sustenance. Everything that satisfies our being comes from

God. He takes care of us, his people, and other living

creatures. God extends his hand to us, who seek and pray

to him in justice and truth. Do you seek him?

2nd reading Ephesians 4:1-6 1 I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to

live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The focus is on the unity of Christians.

Textual Context of Ephesians 4,1-6:

OUTLINE 1. Opening Address (1:1-2)2. Doctrinal Exposition (1:3-3:21) A. Divine Origin of the Church (1:3-14) B. Prayer for the Church (1:15-23) C. Building Up the Church (2:1-22) D. Mystery of the Church (3:1-13) E. Prayer for the Church (3:14-21)3. Moral Exhortation (4:1-6:20) A. Unity of the Church (4:1-16) B. Moral Maturity in the Church (4:17-5:20)

C. Household Life in the Church (5:21-6:9)

D. Spiritual Warfare in the Church (6:10-20)

4. Closing Farewell (6:21-24)

2nd reading Ephesians 4:1-6 1 I, then, a prisoner

for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Commentary Textual Context: In between Eph 3,1-

20 (Commission to Preach God’s Word) and 4,7-16 (Diversity of Gifts).

Historical Context: The Letter might have been written by a disciple of Paul for the Christians in Ephesus living around 80-100 AD. The concept of the Church here in Ephesians and other teachings puts the Letter at this later date, not during the time of Paul himself.

In v.1, the author (Paul!) now imprisoned, urges his fellow Christians to live according to their calling.

The author is giving last minute instructions, for he will soon die.

2nd reading Ephesians 4:1-6 1 I, then, a prisoner for

the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Commentary Vv.2-3 enumerate what each Christian

should display: Humility (ability to calmly accept trials and

insults, corrections) Gentleness (treating with kindness rough

people or old or unknown people) Patience (not running away or withdrawing,

staying with others in times of difficulties and contradictions)

Bearing with one another through love (tolerating, giving allowance to those who are almost “abusing.”

Striving to preserve unity in the spirit The bond of peace in v.3 is a kind of

contract (written or unwritten) to do everything to preserve peace and unity. It is making necessary sacrifices.

2nd reading Ephesians 4:1-6 1 I, then, a prisoner

for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, 3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: 4 one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Vv.4-6 enumerate the reasons why we should live in unity: Christians are one body and

one spirit (the Church). Christians are called to one

hope. Christians have one Lord,

one faith, one baptism, one God and Father.

The frequent mention of the word “one” should mean something to us.

Reflections on the 2nd reading The author exhorts us, Christians, to live life

worthy of our calling. Christian vocation demands certain qualities

and behaviors (humble, gentle, patient, etc.). We, Christians, living in community are asked

to preserve unity. There are a thousand reasons to be united. Unity reflects the oneness and integrity of God. Creating divisions, cliche, elitist groups, or

exclusivism in our community runs counter to the call for unity. It is un-Christian.

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15Setting 1 Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee (of

Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish feast of Passover was near.

Philip tested and his questioning 5 When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large

crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?" 6 He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred days' wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little (bit)."

The focus is on feeding.

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of

Simon Peter, said to him, 9 "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people recline." Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.

The focus is on feeding.

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15 12 When they had had their fill, he said to his

disciples, "Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted." 13 So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. 14 When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, "This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world." 15 Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

The focus is on feeding.

Textual Context of John 6:1-15 Part One – Book of Signs (Jn 2-12)

Part Two – Book of Glory (Jn 13-20)

Our passage comes in between the healing of the man from Bethsaida, life-giving word, testimony of the Father (5,1-47) and Jesus’ Walking on Water and later the Bread of Life (6,16-71).

The gospel was written in between 90-100 AD.

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15Setting 1 Jesus went across the Sea

of Galilee (of Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish feast of Passover was near.

Philip tested and his questioning

5 When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?" 6 He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred days' wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little (bit)."

Commentary In v.1, Jesus goes back to Galilee (from

Jerusalem). V.2 indicates that many people follow him. It states the reason why: they see the

signs (miracles). V.3 indicates Jesus going up the

mountain, in contrast to the sea level. He sits with his disciples (to rest, or to teach

them). V.4 mentions the most important Jewish

feast. In v.5, Jesus sees the large crowd coming

to him and he is concerned about feeding them. So he asks Philip where they can buy food.

V.6 indicates Jesus’ purpose: to test Philip.

In v.7, Philip presents his calculation: not enough money to buy food

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15

Andrew’s information and questioning

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, 9 "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?"

In vv.8-9, another apostle complains about the scarcity of food supply.

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15Jesus performs miracle 10 Jesus said, "Have the

people recline." Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. 12 When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted." 13 So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.

In v.10, Jesus asks them to recline (a posture to rest)

V.11 echoes the eucharistic formula at the Last Supper, which was done during the Jewish Passover.

It also says that there is more than enough.

In v.12, after eating a good amount, Jesus asks his disciples to gather left-overs.

Jesus does not want waste. In v.13, the disciples obey and

fill twelve baskets of left-overs. It recalls the barley loaves.

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-15

People’s response 14 When the people

saw the sign he had done, they said, "This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world."

Jesus’ reaction 15 Since Jesus

knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

In v.14, people understand the meaning of the sign (miracle). They see Jesus as a prophet, promised by God.

In v.15, Jesus disagrees with their plan to make him (an earthly) king.

Do the people know what they want to do with Jesus?

Reflections on the gospel Like Jesus, we are here to serve the needs of

humanity, no matter how numerous they are. We can start with the little that we have. With God’s assistance, everyone will be

satisfied. We will not run out of supply, if we keep on

sharing and distributing food to the hungry. There will be more than enough. Take note: Jesus does not want food to be

wasted or hoarded.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm Elisha feeds the hungry crowd with a

meager resource. (1st reading) The psalm praises God’s providence (with

abundant resource). The author of the Ephesians encourages

Christians to preserve unity. There is no explicit remark about food. Let us imagine that one way to preserve unity is to make food available for everyone. (2nd reading)

Jesus feeds the hungry throng with a meager resource. (gospel)

How to develop your homily / sharing Begin by talking about your experience (or other

people’s experience) of hunger (due to poverty, no work, low salary, etc.).

You may talk about how many people are hungry. You can give your own analysis. Why are the majority of the people hungry?

Due to injustices Due to laziness Due to bad luck Due to poor health Due to wars

Then talk about God’s will: God does not will that one gets hungry.

Something must be done. In the 1st reading, Elisha commanders a man to

cooperate with his plan laid out by God. The little food they have must be shared by everyone. It must not be kept by just one. We, Christians, must believe that in sharing, no one will

lack anything.

The 2nd reading promotes unity among Christians.

We imitate our origin: the one God. Unity implies egalitarianism or justice and just

distribution of goods. If there is unity, no one goes hungry.

In the gospel Jesus challenges the imagination of the disciples to feed the people.

Mission is not just preaching God’s word, but also sharing the little resource.

The meal here clearly refers to the eucharistic meal.

Man’s spirit must be satisfied, not only his hungry stomach.

The psalm leads us to acknowledge God as the source of all good things.

God is the source of our satisfaction, bodily and spiritually.

God is a beneficient God, benevolent God.

We may not be wonder workers like Elisha and Jesus; but our communities are urged to take care of the hungry.

Here enters social justice. Christians should not allow any one to go hungry.

They must be on the look out for those who have nothing.

Parishioners should support the feeding programs and livelihood projects.

In the eucharist, Jesus comes to us once again to feed us with his own body and blood in the form of bread and wine.

The eucharist challenges us to share also ourselves to others, no matter how poor we are.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Hunger, famine No food security No potable water Wasteful living Food blockage Land conversion from

agricultural to fuel plantation

Hoarding

Research on food production

Food security Healthy eating habits Potable water Frequent reception of

the Eucharist Satisfied by the Word of

God and the Eucharist Inspiring Eucharistic

celebrations

Suggested songs Sharing, communion by Gene Pastidio, OFM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1ij6D6EyeI There is One Lord Isang Pananampalataya, recessional, by Hontiveros

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