Welcome to our Bible Study

1. Welcome to our Bible Study May 25, 2014 6th Sunday of Easter A In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 • 5 Philip went down to (the) city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city. • 14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, 16 for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit. The focus is on the activities of the apostles.

3. 1st reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 A simple outline! Philip in Samaria • 5 Philip went down to (the) city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city. Apostles in Jerusalem / Samaria • 14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, 16 for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit.

4. Philip in Samaria 5 Philip went down to (the) city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city. Commentary: Philip is one of the 7 deacons, supposedly to take charge of the Hellenist widows. But here in v.5, he also preaches in Samaria. Previously, he was with the Ethiopian eunuch. V.6 portrays Philip as powerful in words and deeds. V.7 explicitates his deeds: exorcisms, healings V.8 describes the feeling of the Samaritans over Philip’s accomplishments. great joy! 1st reading: Acts 8:5-8,14-17

5. Apostles in Jerusalem 14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, 16 for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit. In v.14, the apostles welcome the news that the gospel is accepted in Samaria. Jesus was not accepted when he passed by there. (Lk 9,51ff) They send Peter and John to pray for them that they may receive the Holy Spirit. V.15 V.16 indicates the baptism of the Samaritans (by Philip), just like what he had done to the Ethiopian eunuch. In v.17, the 2 apostles lay their hands on the baptized Samaritans and the Holy Spirit descends on them.

6. Reflections on the 1st reading • To be an apostle, or, a church worker, one must busy himself/herself with God’s work. • God’s work is none other than proclaiming the good news, exorcism and curing the sick. • We must serve and strengthen our fellow believers. • We pave the way for the Holy Spirit to work in them. • What are you doing in your life? Wasting time and energy? No mission? Better engage now.

7. Resp. Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 • R.  (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. • 1 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,2 sing praise to the glory of his name;   proclaim his glorious praise.3 Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!” • 4 “Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,sing praise to your name!”5 Come and see the works of God,his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. • 6 He has changed the sea into dry land;through the river they passed on foot;7 therefore let us rejoice in him.He rules by his might forever.16 Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declarewhat he has done for me.20 Blessed be God who refused me notmy prayer or his kindness!

8. R.  (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. 1 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,2 Sing praise to the glory of his name;   proclaim his glorious praise.3 Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!” 4 “Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,sing praise to your name!”5 Come and see the works of God,his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. 6 He has changed the sea into dry land;through the river they passed on foot;7 therefore let us rejoice in him.He rules by his might forever.16 Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me.20 Blessed be God who refused me notmy prayer or his kindness! Commentary Vv.1-3 invite us worshippers to express our joy and appreciation to the Lord. In v.4, the psalmist talks to God to allow people to worship and praise him. V.5 invites people to witness God’s impressive deeds. V.6 remembers the dividing of the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds) in the Exodus. V.7 invites people to rejoice because of his might. In v.16, the psalmist asks the attention of God-fearing people, to listen to him as he recounts his experience of God’s powerful deeds. V.20 says benediction (blessings) to God for listening always to his prayers. Resp. Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

9. Reflections on the Psalm • As God’s people, we must always praise God for his wonderful deeds. • We must remember the powerful deeds he has done for his people and for us. • We cannot show our appreciation to God if we do not remember anything about him. • We should sharpen our memories and attribute all good things to him. • Let us celebrate our faith always, to keep it alive.

10. 2nd reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 • 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do itwith gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit. The focus is on the good Christian behavior.

11. 2nd reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18 A simple outline! Imperatives • 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do itwith gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. Sayings • 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

12. Imperatives 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. Sayings 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit. Commentary In v.15, to sanctify means to make holy, to treat Christ with respect and reverence. V.15 also asks that Christians should be able to explain the faith if asked. V.16 commends that Christians do it with gentleness and reverence, not bastos or mataray. (not to embarrass the one asking questions) The author gives his piece of mind here, when maligned (defamed): Those who malign / defame are put to shame. There is no wisdom if issues are handled without respect. There is no justification for raising our voices to silence those who are seeking the truth. 2nd reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18

13. Imperatives 15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, 16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. Sayings 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit. Vv.17-18 are sayings about suffering for doing good, which is God’s will. It is much more acceptable to suffer for goodness’ sake, than for doing evil. Christ’s suffering is enough reason for us to accept our own sufferings. Jesus suffers for our sins to lead us to God. In v.18b, Jesus suffers up to bodily death. His reward: resurrection, life in the spirit.

14. Reflections on the 2nd reading • When teaching, we should be careful not only with our words but also with our actions. • We do our work of evangelization and catechism with gentleness and compassion, not with tirades (katarayan) and belittlings (panlalait) esp. to the slow learners. • We should not complain when we suffer for doing good. • When we are maligned and we endure it, we put to shame those who malign us. • Do you know how to hold your fire? • How do you react to acts of provocation?

15. A simple outline! Gospel reading: John 14:15-21 Love and commandments • 15 Jesus said to his disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Holy Spirit • 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. Departure • 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Commandments and love • 21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." The focus is on loving Jesus.

16. Love and commandments 15 Jesus said to his disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Holy Spirit 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. Departure 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Commentary In v.15, loving Jesus is keeping his commandments. As a result of keeping the commandments, Jesus will send the Holy Spirit. The advocate, the encourager, paraclete, defender, consoler The spirit of truth (that is, Jesus, is salvation) v.17 This, the world cannot accept. The world is materialistic, empirical, lives on senses. It entertains only what can be quantified. V.17 The disciples know the Spirit (by baptism). Nature of the Spirit: it remains, it is with the disciples. In v.18, Jesus promises to come back to his disciples. His absence is temporary. Gospel reading: John 14:15-21

17. Departure 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Commandments and love 21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." In v.19, his coming back will bring life to his disciples. In v.19, Jesus contrasts between the disciples and the world. The world will not see him. His disciples will see him, because of faith. Not only that, because he lives and because the disciples also live. V.20 indicates the ultimate purpose of going away and the coming back of Jesus. To realize (to know, discover) that Jesus has a relationship with the Father; his disciples with Jesus; Jesus with his disciples. There is bonding. Jesus states his indwelling with the Father, his indwelling with him (Jesus) and his indwelling in his disciples.

18. Commandments and love 21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." In v.21, Jesus inverts the order of love and commandments. This time he begins with commandments and then love. Loving Jesus Christ will gain favor from God. The Father will love him also, Jesus will also love him. And will reveal himself to him. V.21 goes to the theme of love and keeping the commandments. These two are also intertwined. V.21 also picks the pattern in v.20, but this time the common denominator is love and revelation.

19. Love and commandments 15 Jesus said to his disciples, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Holy Spirit 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. Departure 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Commandments and love 21 Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him." Take note of the pattern in vv. 17, 20 and 21, highlightedin yellow. V.17 is about the Holy Spirit remaining and dwelling with the disciples. V.20 is about Jesus dwelling in the Father, disciples dwelling with the Son and the Son with the disciples. V.21 is about the disciples loving Jesus, the disciples being loved by the Father, the disciples being loved by Jesus revealing himself to him. The text does not teach explicitly about the Holy Trinity. It is enough for us to observe that the names of the three divine persons of the Holy Trinity are mentioned here. The Christian believers are integrated into the life of God (Trinity) as long as they love and keep his commandments. Jesus is really the way towards the fullness of life. Fullness of life is living in God’s mystery.

20. Reflections on the gospel reading • Loving God is not emotionalism. • Loving God is doing concretely his commandments (teachings). • You cannot love God if you do not know his commandments. Hence, the need for catechism (instructions). • Loving God is a communal effort and process. We need others to instruct us and interpret the Word of God for us, according to our times. • The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us if we love him, the spirit of truth. • Love integrates us into the mysterious life of God.

21. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm • The first reading portrays a missionary who loves his work. • The psalm teaches us to express our love to God by praising and blessing him. • The second reading enjoins us to love Christ (to sanctify) and to become loving persons (ready to give explanations and to suffer). • The gospel reading talks about loving Jesus and doing his commandments.

22. How to develop your homily / sharing • Are you a loving person? • Is your heart wide open to newcomers and to people unknown to you? • The first reading portrays Philip showing his love for the Samaritans (who once rejected Jesus) by preaching to them and baptizing them, by incorporating them into the family of believers (into the church). • It also portrays the love of the apostles for Philip. • Peter and John went to affirm Philip’s effort, by laying their hands on his converts, to receive the Holy Spirit. • A person who is not open to the new and the unknown, who cannot accommodate “new converts,” who is not able to affirm the effort of fellow ministers is not a loving person.

23. The second reading also teaches us how to be a loving person. When we do our mission (like teaching and catechizing), we must treat the beginners (inquirers) with delicadeza, with patience and respect, with gentleness. We do not insult them, or make fun of them, if they ask questions. We don’t turn them off by shouting at them. They have also sensitivities and dignity. We must be willing to undergo suffering for doing what is good. We are not loving persons if we have no patience with the neophytes and are not able to bear inconveniences and sufferings as part of our mission.

24. The gospel reading teaches us to keep God’s word, if truly we are loving persons. If we truly love Jesus, then we have to keep his commandments (obedience). In the gospel, Jesus promises great rewards to the loving persons. The Spirit of truth God’s indwelling in us Our indwelling with God. We are not loving persons if we don’t obey God’s rules (of charity and patience). No matter how many times we go to church, or attend ongoing formation, yet, people find us a pain in the neck, we are not a loving person if we have no respect for the other.

25. Our family is the first school of love. Our community or church is the second school of love. We must strengthen the bonds of our families and our communities. We cannot afford to have so many unloving and unloved persons around. They can be negativistic, violent and destructive.

26. In the eucharist, Jesus shows himself to be a loving person. He encourages us with his loving words and sacrament. The eucharist is the sacrament of love, the sacrament of good relationships and communion. The eucharist is for people who love Jesus and keep his commandments, who are able to teach and suffer patiently, to gain more souls to Christ. The eucharist is the communion of all loving Christians, who affirm and strengthen one another in their mission work. The eucharist transforms us into loving persons.

27. Delinquent Misbehaviour unbecoming of a Christian No finesse (unrefined) Regressive No love, walangkaamoramor No good memory No good relationships, can’t teach Tends to be familiar (contemptuous) Cultured Loving persons Patient teacher Reverent Respectful Missionary with love Overcomes fear and timidity Our Context of Sin and Grace The End!

28. Suggested Songs • God is Dwelling in My Heart • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiVaoomR6wU • Ang Mabuhay Sa Pag-ibig • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g27pTRHscjg • Yesteryears’ Curse • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlKeY-Ikk2U • Come To Me • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID90ryPYU00