8th Sunday A

Welcome to our Bible StudyWelcome to our Bible Study88thth Sunday in Ordinary Time A Sunday in Ordinary Time A

26 February 201726 February 2017In preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharingAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst Reading: Isaiah 49:14-15 Reading: Isaiah 49:14-15 14 Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." 15 Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.

The focus is on God’s thoughtfulness.

11stst Reading: Isaiah 49:14-15 Reading: Isaiah 49:14-15

14 Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me." 15 Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.

CommentaryIn v.14, Zion is the same as Jerusalem. It is personified.It expresses a feeling of being abandoned / forsaken (in parallel form).V.15 is God’s answer.God compares himself to a mother who cannot forget her infant and who shows tenderness to the child of her womb.Even that is so, God will never forget Jerusalem, his people.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst Reading Reading

God has feelings.He (she) is like a mother.God has feminine traits.God is loving and tender to his people.We cannot accuse God of forgetting his people.God is a thoughtful God.God is not indifferent to our existential needs.What kind of God do you believe in?

Resp. Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9Resp. Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9R. (6a) Rest in God alone, my soul.

2 Only in God is my soul at rest;from him comes my salvation.3 He only is my rock and my salvation,my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.

6 Only in God be at rest, my soul,for from him comes my hope.7 He only is my rock and my salvation,my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.

8 With God is my safety and my glory,he is the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God.9 Trust in him at all times, O my people!Pour out your hearts before him.

Resp. Ps. 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9Resp. Ps. 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9R. (6a) Rest in God alone, my soul.

2 Only in God is my soul at rest;from him comes my salvation.3 He only is my rock and my salvation,my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.

6 Only in God be at rest, my soul,for from him comes my hope.7 He only is my rock and my salvation,my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.

8 With God is my safety and my glory,he is the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God.9 Trust in him at all times, O my people!Pour out your hearts before him.

CommentaryCommentaryV.2 acknowledges God as a V.2 acknowledges God as a source of rest and salvation.source of rest and salvation.V.3 acknowledges God as V.3 acknowledges God as defender and source of defender and source of security.security.V.6 acknowledges God as a V.6 acknowledges God as a source of rest (like v.2)source of rest (like v.2)V.7 repeats v.3.V.7 repeats v.3.V.8 acknowledges God as V.8 acknowledges God as safety, with an additional safety, with an additional description “my glory” (my description “my glory” (my pride!), and “my rock and pride!), and “my rock and refuge.” refuge.” V.9 invites us to trust in God V.9 invites us to trust in God always.always.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm

Like the psalmist, we have to acknowledge God as a good God whom we can trust.Our faith and trust in him must be through and through.Truth faith and trust must give us a certain feeling of security and peace.If we are fearful of everything, perhaps we have not developed the trust and confidence in God.

22ndnd Reading: 1 Cor 4:1-5 Reading: 1 Cor 4:1-5

1 Thus one should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.

The focus is on not making judgment.

22ndnd Reading: 1 Cor 4:1-5 Reading: 1 Cor 4:1-51 Thus one should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.

CommentaryIn v.1, Paul wants to be recognized (and his companions) by the Christians in Corinth as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.In v.2, Paul assures them of their trustworthiness. They are honest and sincere in their work as missionaries.In v.3, Paul is not worried about what they or other people think about him.In v.4, as far as he is concerned, Paul is not a bad guy or a bad missionary. As such, God is his judge, not they.In v.5, Paul appeals to the Corinthians to suspend their judgment. Judgment must be reserved for Christ when he comes (because he knows everything).Christ’s judgment will help all to win favor from God.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd Reading ReadingWe must avoid passing judgment on anyone, on God’s missionaries.We should not judge them (or talk and write against them, malign them, because they don’t agree with us or we don’t agree with them ), because we don’t know everything about them.We must wait until the whole picture, which is the sound basis for judgment, is complete.Judgment is reserved to Christ, who knows everything.Meanwhile, we have to work (cooperate) with our missionaries who are sent to evangelize us.Everything will be alright. All of us will be favored by God.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Serving God alone

24 Jesus said to his disciples, "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Trusting in God25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? 28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?‘ 32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Seeking God’s Kingdom 33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Serving God alone

24 Jesus said to his disciples, "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Trusting in God25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? 28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?‘ 32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

CommentaryIn v.24, Jesus wants us to serve God alone.In vv.25-32, Jesus wants us to stop worrying.Worrying does not help.We must trust in God.God knows all our needs.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Seeking God’s Kingdom

33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

V.33 is the basis for the V.33 is the basis for the popular song, “Seek Ye popular song, “Seek Ye First.”First.”God takes care of people who God takes care of people who seek him, who put their trust seek him, who put their trust in him, who practice love and in him, who practice love and justice.justice.V.34 teaches us to put our V.34 teaches us to put our energies on today’s work.energies on today’s work.

Reflections on the GospelReflections on the GospelTrue Christians are not worriers.They trust in God.They spend their time and energy on present concerns.They build their future on the well-lived present.They seek God daily. They seek to live the values of the kingdom of God.They will not be abandoned to live miserable lives.Do you seek God in your daily life?Do you continue learning his ways of love?Or, are you just a worrier, not accomplishing anything the whole day?If you are living a miserable (sad) life, try seeking God and his righteousness.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the PsalmThe first reading teaches us that God is a tender and loving God. He is trusted.The psalm helps us to express our trust in the Lord by praying it.The second reading teaches us not to pass judgment. Christ is a trustworthy judge.The gospel reading teaches us to trust in the Lord, not to worry.

How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing

We, Christians, must develop trust in God.We, Christians, must develop trust in God.How?How?By, first of all, developing our faith in him.By, first of all, developing our faith in him.How do we develop our faith in God?How do we develop our faith in God?By taking to heart the message of the By taking to heart the message of the readings of this Sunday’s liturgy.readings of this Sunday’s liturgy.

The The first readingfirst reading portrays God as a portrays God as a mother, who cannot forget a child in her mother, who cannot forget a child in her womb, who tenderly holds her baby on her womb, who tenderly holds her baby on her lap.lap.God is not a macho God. He has feminine God is not a macho God. He has feminine traits like tenderness, thoughtfulness, love traits like tenderness, thoughtfulness, love and compassion.and compassion.If we truly If we truly believebelieve that God is a loving that God is a loving God, we cannot but put our God, we cannot but put our trusttrust in him. in him.Where does your worry come from?Where does your worry come from?

The psalm is a prayer of those who have trusted in God and have felt God’s protection.Like the psalmist, we have to believe that in God, we have security.In God, we have rest.He defends us from our enemies, from those who disturb and attack us and our families.

The second reading has a soothing effect.We cannot pass judgment on anyone as we live our lives now.We work together to evangelize the world.Judgment belongs to Christ when he comes again.Do you believe that Christ will come to favorably judge us, in spite of our sins and shortcomings?Yes, Christ will save us, if we don’t discredit (judge, hold in contempt) anyone.Let us trust in God’s love and forgiveness.

The The gospel readinggospel reading teaches us that God is teaches us that God is a good provider.a good provider.If we believe that he is a provident and If we believe that he is a provident and responsible God, then worries should have responsible God, then worries should have no place in our hearts.no place in our hearts.Those who trust in God are not concerned Those who trust in God are not concerned so much about food and clothing, but the so much about food and clothing, but the living of the values of God’s kingdom living of the values of God’s kingdom (peace, justice, security, etc.).(peace, justice, security, etc.).Do you seek God’s kingdom first?Do you seek God’s kingdom first?It should not be the other way around.It should not be the other way around.

The readings challenge us to develop trust in the Lord, especially when we find ourselves in adverse situations.We have to be crazy for the Lord, continue to trust in him, – even if we are short of food, time, money, medicine

and love.– even if we don’t feel his presence.

We have to hold on to God in the midst of confusion and crisis: – when we are falsely accused, when it is hard to prove

our innocence, esp., when we are condemned right away.

– when no one stands by our side.– when system of support is denied us (justice, charity,

consideration), when our relatives and friends abandon us.

We have to pray like the psalmist. In our prayer, we must anticipate God’s intervention.Trusting in the Lord is a struggle to move on, a refusal to give up a just fight.Trusting in the Lord is not asking God to do for us what we are supposed to do. It has nothing to do with complacency, surrender, fatalism and inactivity.It is living to the full in the hope of a better future.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, we celebrate our trust in , we celebrate our trust in the Lord.the Lord.In the In the eucharisteucharist, we show our unwavering , we show our unwavering trust in the Lord, no matter what.trust in the Lord, no matter what.In the In the eucharisteucharist, we seek his wisdom and , we seek his wisdom and protection.protection.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and GraceThoughtless Sick of amnesia, when held accountableDespairHysterical Always concerned with food, clothing, looks, and accessoriesMaterialisticVanity Fearful of the futureClimate of distrust and suspicionLoss of confidenceNo self-confidenceNo self-esteemHard to trust other people and GodWorrier

Unshakeable faithTrust in GodSerenityWith an aura of confidenceKnows whom to believeThoughtfulSecure

Suggested SongsSuggested SongsSino Ba ang Diyos na Iyong Sinasamba?Sino Ba ang Diyos na Iyong Sinasamba?– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKA

Seek Ye FirstSeek Ye FirstOnly in GodOnly in GodHindi Kita MalilimutanHindi Kita MalilimutanI Will Never Forget YouI Will Never Forget You

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Or go to Facebook accnt. Or go to Facebook accnt. Anthony Padua Anthony Padua in picture (jpeg) in picture (jpeg) format.format.

Dear sisters and brothers,

Do you trust your God? Accumulating... and accumulating and setting aside so many things for the far distant future and yet you have no joy is a sign of distrust. 

Fr. Cielo