WelcomeWelcome to our Bi to our Bibble le SStutudydy

2323rdrd Sunday in the Ordinary Time B Sunday in the Ordinary Time B6 September 20156 September 2015

In 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 35:4-7 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.

11stst reading: Isaiah 35:4-7 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 Textual Context of Is 35:4-7 (Boadt)(Boadt)

– First Isaiah First Isaiah - 1-39 (Jerusalem)- 1-39 (Jerusalem)– Second Isaiah Second Isaiah - 40-55 (Babylon)- 40-55 (Babylon)– Third Isaiah Third Isaiah - 56-66- 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

11stst reading: Isaiah 35:4-7 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:Commentary: The text is The text is addressedaddressed to “those to “those

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

fearful to be strong and to take fearful to be strong and to take courage.courage.

For God is coming to vindicate and For God is coming to vindicate and to save.to save.

Vv.5-6 announce the healing of the Vv.5-6 announce the healing of the blind and the deaf. Their eyes and blind and the deaf. Their eyes and their ears will be opened.their ears will be opened.

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

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

There will be abundance of water in There will be abundance of water in those dry places.those dry places.

The prophet announces the reversal The prophet announces the reversal of their lot.of their lot.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading Fear is a terrible thing. It can immobilize or Fear is a terrible thing. It can immobilize or

paralyze us.paralyze us. The fearful must listen to the voice of the The fearful must listen to the voice of the

prophet.prophet. The prophet announces the coming of the Lord The prophet announces the coming of the Lord

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

prophet, which are the words of God.prophet, which are the words of God. We must overcome our fears in order to move We must overcome our fears in order to move

on.on. Who are the prophets of our times?Who are the prophets of our times? Who dispels your fears?Who dispels your fears?

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

R. (1b) R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul!Praise the Lord, my soul!

7 The God of Jacob keeps faith forever,7 The God of Jacob keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, secures justice for the oppressed,   gives food to the hungry.   gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. The LORD sets captives free.

8 The LORD gives sight to the blind;8 The LORD gives sight to the blind;   the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.   the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.9 The LORD loves the just;9 The LORD loves the just;   the LORD protects strangers.   the LORD protects strangers.

9 The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,9 The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,   but the way of the wicked he thwarts.   but the way of the wicked he thwarts.10 The LORD shall reign forever;10 The LORD shall reign forever;   your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.   your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.

Responsorial Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10Responsorial Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (1b) R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my Praise the Lord, my

soul!soul!

7 The God of Jacob keeps faith 7 The God of Jacob keeps faith forever,forever,secures justice for the secures justice for the oppressed,oppressed,   gives food to the hungry.   gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.The LORD sets captives free.

8 The LORD gives sight to the 8 The LORD gives sight to the blind;blind;   the LORD raises up those who    the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.were bowed down.9 The LORD loves the just;9 The LORD loves the just;   the LORD protects strangers.   the LORD protects strangers.

9 The fatherless and the widow 9 The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,the LORD sustains,   but the way of the wicked he    but the way of the wicked he thwarts.thwarts.10 The LORD shall reign 10 The LORD shall reign forever;forever;   your God, O Zion, through all    your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.generations. Alleluia.

CommentaryCommentary The psalm helps us to praise God.The psalm helps us to praise God. It picks up the message of the It picks up the message of the

first reading.first reading. In v.7, the psalm enumerates In v.7, the psalm enumerates

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

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

widowwidow– Destroys the way of the wickedDestroys the way of the wicked

V.10 glorifies God.V.10 glorifies God.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm God cannot be outdone in helping the poor.God cannot be outdone in helping the poor. God gives justice to the unjustly treated.God gives justice to the unjustly treated. God restores to man what he has lost (his God restores to man what he has lost (his

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

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

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

22ndnd reading: James 2:1-5 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.

22ndnd reading: James 2:1-5 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?

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 Textual Context of James 2:1-5James 2:1-5

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

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

community community

22ndnd reading: James 2:1-5 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?

CommentaryCommentary James, the author, exhorts Christians James, the author, exhorts Christians

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

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

It contradicts faith in the glorious It contradicts faith in the glorious Christ. V.1Christ. V.1

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

V.4 makes a very strong statement.V.4 makes a very strong statement.– You make You make distinctionsdistinctions. You make . You make

yourselves judges.yourselves judges.

22ndnd reading: James 2:1-5 reading: James 2:1-5

ImpartialityImpartiality 5 Listen, my 5 Listen, my

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

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

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading We should not look down on the poor in our We should not look down on the poor in our

assemblies, we should not disturb them.assemblies, we should not disturb them. We should not give the rich special treatment at the We should not give the rich special treatment at the

expense of the poor (their dignity and honor).expense of the poor (their dignity and honor). Important in the eyes of God is the one who shows Important in the eyes of God is the one who shows

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

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37Gospel: 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 7:31-37Gospel: 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. 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 7Textual Context of Mark 7Part I Part I The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30)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 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 narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an attitude in regard to Jesus.attitude in regard to Jesus.

A. Jesus and the Crowds 1,14--3,6 (1,14f, 16-20; 3,60)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)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)C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30)

Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33 Confession of PeterConfession of Peter First Prophecy of the PassionFirst Prophecy of the Passion Correction of PeterCorrection of Peter

Part II Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,816,8

A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52A. 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 Indicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3

instructionsinstructions on the lot of the disciples.on the lot of the disciples.B. Jesus in Jerusalem 11,1--13,37B. Jesus in Jerusalem 11,1--13,37C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8 The Later Ending 16,9-20The 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 7:31-37Gospel: 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.

CommentaryCommentary:: V.31 indicates that Jesus has just V.31 indicates that Jesus has just

come from a pagan territory (in come from a pagan territory (in Lebanon).Lebanon).

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

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

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

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

The miracle is recorded in v.35.The miracle is recorded in v.35.– Ears openedEars opened– Tongue loosenedTongue loosened– Spoke plainlySpoke plainly

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37Gospel: 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 In v.36, Jesus commands the people not to tell it to anyone people not to tell it to anyone (part of the Messianic secret).(part of the Messianic secret).

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

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

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

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading

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

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

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

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

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

be brought to Jesus.be brought to Jesus.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel readingOn proclamationOn proclamation Proclamation comes as a result of witnessing Proclamation comes as a result of witnessing

something great.something great. Silence is irrelevant when you have just Silence is irrelevant when you have just

experienced something great. experienced something great. A Christian who is quiet and does not say A Christian who is quiet and does not say

anything about God and his faith is anything about God and his faith is contradiction in terms.contradiction in terms.

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

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm The three readings have different focuses.The three readings have different focuses.

– The 1The 1stst reading is focused on reading is focused on not fearingnot fearing..

– The psalm talks about God liberating the poor. The psalm talks about God liberating the poor.

– The 2The 2ndnd reading is focused on reading is focused on impartialityimpartiality..

– The gospel reading is focused on The gospel reading is focused on healinghealing..

How do we put them together in one focus?How do we put them together in one focus?

Maybe, we can Maybe, we can focus on healing.focus on healing.

– We should be We should be healedhealed from our fears. (1 from our fears. (1stst reading) reading)

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

– The poor are The poor are healedhealed when they are not discriminated against when they are not discriminated against

in our celebrations. (2in our celebrations. (2ndnd reading) reading)

– Jesus Jesus healsheals the deaf-mute. (gospel) the deaf-mute. (gospel)

How to develop your homily and sharingHow to develop your homily and sharing Begin by relating your experience on being sick, Begin by relating your experience on being sick,

when you were hospitalized, etc. when you were hospitalized, etc. (You cannot talk, see, (You cannot talk, see, walk, go to parties, eat favorite food, take showers, etc. You were walk, go to parties, eat favorite food, take showers, etc. You were afraid you might die, not able to fulfill your obligations, pay your afraid you might die, not able to fulfill your obligations, pay your bills, etc.)bills, etc.)

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

the fate of the deprived the fate of the deprived (1(1stst reading). reading).

– Be impartial… do not be the cause of deprivation (Be impartial… do not be the cause of deprivation (sicknesssickness) ) of the poor. of the poor. (2(2ndnd reading) reading)

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

Make people realize how they have been Make people realize how they have been deafdeaf and and mutemute:: Not able to appreciate what their parents, children and Not able to appreciate what their parents, children and

teachers, priests, etc. are saying and doing. On the teachers, priests, etc. are saying and doing. On the contrary, they are always criticizing.contrary, they are always criticizing.

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

Not having time for bible studies and on-going formation.Not having time for bible studies and on-going formation. No money allotted to buy good books to enhance faith No money allotted to buy good books to enhance faith

and spirituality.and spirituality. Afraid of pointing out the errors of other people, of the Afraid of pointing out the errors of other people, of the

system, of the association, etc.system, of the association, etc. Afraid to protest and tell the truth.Afraid to protest and tell the truth. Ashamed to participate in the mass.Ashamed to participate in the mass.

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

They have no money for hospitalization and to buy They have no money for hospitalization and to buy medicine.medicine.

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

After worship, they engage in gossip. After worship, they engage in gossip. They, and the clergy included, have not learned their faith They, and the clergy included, have not learned their faith

well; they are not communicating the right values and well; they are not communicating the right values and authentic faith to the young people.authentic faith to the young people.

We all need healing.We all need healing.

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

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

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

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

warming, militarismwarming, militarism

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

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

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

If we believe in his power, he heals / reverses our If we believe in his power, he heals / reverses our

paralysis and privations. paralysis and privations.

We end up praising God when we allow ourselves We end up praising God when we allow ourselves

to be carried and brought to Jesus in this to be carried and brought to Jesus in this

eucharisteucharist. .

Jesus welcomes everyone. He does not Jesus welcomes everyone. He does not

discriminate against anyone in the discriminate against anyone in the eucharisteucharist. .

His words, his body and blood are made available His words, his body and blood are made available

to everyone.to everyone.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace Phobia Phobia Sick mindSick mind Infirm lawsInfirm laws Irrelevant organizations, Irrelevant organizations,

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

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

Church of the PoorChurch of the Poor Responsible members Responsible members

of the education of the education ministryministry

Formation Formation Organized social Organized social

services ministryservices ministry Free clinicFree clinic Free counselingFree counseling Members who can Members who can

hear and talkhear and talk

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs

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

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

Where is this Jesus? Where is this Jesus? (the first part only)(the first part only)– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LecAQyAdhvs

Sumasaakin ang Espiritu by VinteresSumasaakin ang Espiritu by Vinteres The Spirit of GodThe Spirit of God