Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections

Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time C August 28, 2016 In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 • 17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. 18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. • 20 What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. • 28 The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man's joy. 29 Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins. The focus is on humility.

17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. 18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. 20 What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. 28 The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man's joy. 29 Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins. Commentary The text comes from the wisdom literature. The book is one of the deuterocanonical books of the OT. V.17 exhorts the ordinary person to be humble in doing his/her initiatives. V.17b gives the reason why: you will be more loved (by God or by the people) Humility makes one more loveable. A humble active person is more loveable than the giver of gifts (benefactor / philantrophist). A giver of gifts may be loved because he/she gives gifts. But he/she is not loved as much as a humble person who works for the good of others. V.18 encourages the person not just to be humble, but to be more humble. V.18b gives the reasons why: the person becomes greater, he/she will find favor with God. (will be blessed) 1st reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. 18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. 20 What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. 28 The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the wise man's joy. 29 Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins. V.20 is another exhortation in parallel form: seek not what is too sublime // search not into things beyond your strength. V.20 says “do not become too ambitious.” Don’t handle things beyond your capacity, intelligence, etc. Know yourself. Why? The reading does not give a reason. We have to figure it out: Not to be frustrated, disappointed probably. V.28 talks about the happiness of a sage // wise man. His happiness is proverbs (food for thought) and attentive ear (listening ear). V.29 seems to be related with humility. Water (sign of humility) put down flaming fire (ambition, pride, arrogance). The movement of water is to go down, while that of fire is to go up. Alms are effective means to atone for sins. Alms (given with devotion) is an act of humility. Act of charity is in no way discouraged in the passage. 1st reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Reflections on the 1st reading • Each one should exercise his God-given talent with humility. • A humble doer is preferred to a person who wants to win friends by dole outs. • Humility is a virtue that attracts love and relationship. • Humility is knowing oneself and functioning within one’s own capacity. • Humility does not pretend to know, what he/she does not know. (not charlatan) • You cannot win friends by being showy, conscious about your looks, ambitious, arrogant and pretentious. • You are wise if you are humble and know how to listen. (v.28)

Responsorial Ps. 68:4-5,6-7,10-11 • R. (cf. 11b) God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor. • 4 The just rejoice and exult before God;they are glad and rejoice.5 Sing to God, chant praise to his name;whose name is the LORD. • 6 The father of orphans and the defender of widowsis God in his holy dwelling.7 God gives a home to the forsaken;he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. • 10 A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;you restored the land when it languished;your flock settled in it;11 in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.

R. (cf. 11b) God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor. 4 The just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice.5 Sing to God, chant praise to his name; whose name is the LORD. 6 The father of orphans and the defender of widowsis God in his holy dwelling.7 God gives a home to the forsaken;he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. 10 A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;you restored the land when it languished; your flock settled in it;11 in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy. Commentary The psalm is classified as liturgical psalm. His goodness is expressed in making a home for the poor. In vv.4-5, the just (those who don’t make people poor) celebrate the goodness of the Lord. They are the ones who can really praise God. V.6 acknowledges God as the father of orphans (he adopts) and defender of widows (defenseless, poor without means of livelihood). V.7 acknowledges God as giving shelter to the dejected and liberating prisoners to earn a living. V.10 acknowledges God as a generous God who restores the productivity of the land V.11 acknowledges God as Provident God. Responsorial Ps. 68:4-5,6-7,10-11

Reflections on the Psalm • The humble in the Psalm are the poor, the homeless, and the rejected. • It is God who takes care of them. • The poor and the oppressed must not lose heart, for God is with them. • God can restore them to health and freedom. • Let us be just. Let us not make the lives of the poor poorer and more miserable. In this way, we can really praise God.

2nd reading: Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a • 18 You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm 19 and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. • 22 No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, 23 and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, 24 and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.

2nd reading: Heb 12:18-19,22-24a Part I • 18 You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm 19 and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. Part II • 22 No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, 23 and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, 24 and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel. The focus is on what the Christians approach.

Textual Context of Heb 12:18-19,22-24a • Heb 12,1-13 The Example of Jesus • Heb 12,14-28 Warnings against Rejecting God’s Grace • Heb 13,1-19 Service Well-Pleasing to God • Heb 13,20-22 Benediction • Heb 13,22-24 Final Exhortation and Greetings

What the Christians have not approached 18 You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm 19 and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. Commentary on the first part: Vv.18-19 recall of the exodus event on Mt. Sinai. The Israelites approached God on Mt. Sinai. There was theophany (manifestation of God). blazing fire = lightning darkness = smoke trumpet blast = thunder God speaking = God whom the Israelites feared to hear. They were trembling. But the Israelites did not like to hear God. Instead they assigned Moses to do it for them. It is a terrible thing to encounter the Lord with all the fire, smoke, loud sounds and earth shaking. 2nd reading: Heb 12:18-19,22-24a

What the Christians have approached 22 No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, 23 and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, 24 and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel. Commentary on the 2nd part: Instead, we, Christians have approached the following: the heavenly city of Jerusalem (Mt. Zion), v.22 The countless angels, v.22 and assembly of the firstborn, God, v.23 The spirits (souls) of the just, v.23 Jesus too is there, the mediator of a new covenant, And the blood which is more effective than that of Abel, v.24 We, Christians, are destined to see a pleasant sight. We shall not be afraid to encounter God. 2nd reading: Heb 12:18-19,22-24a

Reflections on the 2nd reading • The reading assures that we Christians approach heaven (city of God, heavenly Jerusalem). • Without fear and trembling, we listen to the Word of God who manifests himself to us. • Gone are the days (on Mt. Sinai) when God spoke to the people with fearful signs. • With ease and the quietness of our hearts, we encounter God in his word and sacrament. • With serenity, we approach Christ. • Do we experience God in our prayers? • Do our prayers help us liberate ourselves from unnecessary fears and anxieties?

Gospel reading: Luke 14:1,7-14 • 1 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. • 7 He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, 9 and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 10 Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." 12 Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." The focus is on what to do when invited / inviting.

Gospel reading: Luke 14:1,7-14 A simple outline! Setting (Sabbath, dining) Jesus being observed • 1 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. Jesus observing • 7 He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. The Advice to the Guest:Negative • 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, 9 and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. The Positive Advice • 10 Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Advice to the host - + • 12 Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. • 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Gospel reading: Luke 14:1,7-14 Setting (Sabbath, dining) Jesus being observed • 1 On a sabbath, Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there (group of Pharisees) were observing him carefully. • The story is introduced by an important word “Sabbath.” Here we would expect a controversy about the “sabbath,” but the author does not follow it up. Instead, he talks about choosing places where you will not be embarrassed. Read the parable. Jesus observing • 7 He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. • Jesus the observed becomes the observer and he teaches the guests. It is unbecoming of godly people to choose places of honor. Pay attention to the words in blue.

The Parable • As a result, he gives fraternal advice. The Advice to the Guests:Negative • 8 "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, 9 and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. • To recline at a banquet table is a big honor. But don’t assign yourself to such a place. Wait to be seated. Otherwise, you will be embarrassed.

The Positive Advice to the Guests • 10 Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.“ • Mindfully and intentionally, go to the lowest place. There is no lower place than the lowest. • You gain respect and esteem from others by consciously humbling yourself, not by thinking you are highly favored by the host. • Give your host the liberty / pleasure to promote / upgrade you in the sight of others.

Advice to the host - + • 12 Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. • Jesus gives another unsolicited advice to the host. • When inviting, break the custom / culture / cycle of self-serving reciprocation. • 13 Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; 14 blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.“ • Invite those who cannot reciprocate. This is righteousness. • You will be repaid in heaven.

Textual Context of Luke 14:1,7-14 • Luke 14,1-6 Jesus Heals the Man with Dropsy • Luke 14,7-14 Humility and Hospitality • Luke 14,15-24 Parable of the Great Dinner • Luke 14,25-33 Cost of Discipleship • Luke 14,34-35 The Simile of Salt • Luke 15,1-7 The Parable of the Lost Sheep • Luke 15,8-10 The Parable of the Lost Coin • Luke 15,11-32 The Parable of the Lost Son

Reflections on the gospel reading • In the gospel text, Jesus teaches us to be unassuming, when invited, even if we come from high positions. • We should not decide what we deserve. We are just guests. Let us give the host freedom to choose where we should be. • Humility (prudence) is the name of the game. • Without prudence, we are prone to embarrassments. Also we give our hosts a hard time. • If we throw parties, let us remember the poor. • We have to be crazy sometimes in order to follow the outrageous advice of Jesus, which nobody is actually doing.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm • The first reading teaches us to be humble, not seeking anything beyond our capacity. • The psalm teaches that God takes care of the humble (the poor, the orphans, widow, etc.). • The second reading teaches that (humble) Christians have a better destiny than the Israelite people. • The gospel reading teaches us to be humble and not to expect reciprocation when doing a favor.

How to develop your sharing / homily • Relate your experience when you felt humiliated, humbled, downgraded, defeated, demoted, abandoned by your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife or employer. • Why did it happen? • Along the way, something must have gone wrong. • Maybe in the first place, you have been too confident about yourself (masyadong believe sa sarili, masyadong mataas ang tingin sa sarili). You have not listened well to your boss. You did not show mercy to your coworkers. • Maybe, you have been boasting all the time, thinking you can manage by yourself. • The readings talk about humility, being humble.

The first reading explicitly advices achievers / performers / real doers to do their projects and tasks, and their initiatives with humility. • Each one should know him/herself. He/she must do only what he/she can do. He/she should not pretend he/she knows more or better. • In the community, we should prefer a humble servant to a benefactor giving dole outs. • Better be a quiet worker than an arrogant benefactor who will dictate later on. Have mercy on others who do not want publicity.

The gospel reading follows up the message of the first reading. • In the context of meals and wedding banquets, Jesus boldly presents unsolicited advice to guests and to the host. • The guests, even if they are special guests, should display some humility. They should have mercy on their host. • They must not presume to be very special to the host. The host may have a more special guest whom you do not know. • Each one should know his/her rightful place in the community. You do not presume you are “malakas” to the host or “kilala mo siya.”

Another unsolicited advice, this time for the host: • The host should invite the poor, the crippled… those who can’t pay back or invite back, to free himself / herself from hidden or self-serving agenda. He should show mercy to them. • The poor just come to eat without “observing” the movements of Jesus. • They are good guests. They have no hidden agenda. They don’t attempt to occupy places of honor.

The second reading portrays the final destiny of the Christians who have exercised humility in all their endeavors. • True and humble Christians are destined to stay in the heavenly Jerusalem. • There they enjoy the life of God, Jesus and the angels in their heavenly banquet, where there is no more problem with sitting arrangement. • Everyone will enjoy the presence of God, each in his/her place of honor. • We can attain heaven, if we exercise humility / mercy here and now.

In the eucharist, we must behave like humble guests. Jesus is our host. He wants us to approach this banquet with humble hearts. In the eucharist, everyone is invited, no one is left out. Even the lame, the crippled and the blind are invited. Our orderly celebration of the eucharist is an anticipation of the communion with God in heaven where no one will experience embarrassment.

Arrogant Proud Boastful Haughty Showy Giving gifts for publicity Looks highly upon himself/herself Charlatan Unable to listen Wants to talk more Humble Merciful Self-effacing Unassuming Knows himself Wise Has self-confidence Does not have to prove himself/herself Accommodating to the poor Our Context of Sin and Grace The End!

Suggested Songs • It’s Time to Prepare • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIandBaBMck • When We Eat • http://youtu.be/0qg_-wvSm7M • Lord I Know • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOns& • Like a Sunflower

Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections