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

1. Welcome to our Bible StudyWelcome to our Bible Study
88thth
Sunday in Ordinary Time ASunday in Ordinary Time A
26 February 201726 February 2017
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

2. 11stst
Reading: Isaiah 49:14-15Reading: 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.

3. 11stst
Reading: Isaiah 49:14-15Reading: 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.
Commentary
In 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.

4. Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst
ReadingReading
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?

5. Resp. Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9Resp. Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
R. (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.

6. Resp. Ps. 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9Resp. Ps. 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
R. (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.
CommentaryCommentary
V.2 acknowledges God as aV.2 acknowledges God as a
source of rest and salvation.source of rest and salvation.
V.3 acknowledges God asV.3 acknowledges God as
defender and source ofdefender and source of
security.security.
V.6 acknowledges God as aV.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 asV.8 acknowledges God as
safety, with an additionalsafety, with an additional
description “my glory” (mydescription “my glory” (my
pride!), and “my rock andpride!), and “my rock and
refuge.”refuge.”
V.9 invites us to trust in GodV.9 invites us to trust in God
always.always.

7. 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.

8. 22ndnd
Reading: 1 Cor 4:1-5Reading: 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.

9. 22ndnd
Reading: 1 Cor 4:1-5Reading: 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.
Commentary
In 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.

10. Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd
ReadingReading
We 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.

11. Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34
Serving 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 God
25 "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.

12. Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34
Serving 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 God
25 "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.
Commentary
In 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.

13. Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:24-34
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.
V.33 is the basis for theV.33 is the basis for the
popular song, “Seek Yepopular song, “Seek Ye
First.”First.”
God takes care of people whoGod takes care of people who
seek him, who put their trustseek him, who put their trust
in him, who practice love andin him, who practice love and
justice.justice.
V.34 teaches us to put ourV.34 teaches us to put our
energies on today’s work.energies on today’s work.

14. Reflections on the GospelReflections on the Gospel
True 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.

15. Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm
The 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.

16. 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 theBy taking to heart the message of the
readings of this Sunday’s liturgy.readings of this Sunday’s liturgy.

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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. TheThe gospel readinggospel reading teaches us that God isteaches us that God is
a good provider.a good provider.
If we believe that he is a provident andIf we believe that he is a provident and
responsible God, then worries should haveresponsible God, then worries should have
no place in our hearts.no place in our hearts.
Those who trust in God are not concernedThose who trust in God are not concerned
so much about food and clothing, but theso much about food and clothing, but the
living of the values of God’s kingdomliving 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. In theIn the eucharisteucharist, we celebrate our trust in, we celebrate our trust in
the Lord.the Lord.
In theIn 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 theIn the eucharisteucharist, we seek his wisdom and, we seek his wisdom and
protection.protection.

24. Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace
Thoughtless
Sick of amnesia, when held
accountable
Despair
Hysterical
Always concerned with food,
clothing, looks, and accessories
Materialistic
Vanity
Fearful of the future
Climate of distrust and suspicion
Loss of confidence
No self-confidence
No self-esteem
Hard to trust other people and
God
Worrier
Unshakeable faith
Trust in God
Serenity
With an aura of confidence
Knows whom to believe
Thoughtful
Secure

25. Suggested SongsSuggested Songs
Sino Ba ang Diyos na Iyong Sinasamba?Sino Ba ang Diyos na Iyong Sinasamba?
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKA
Seek Ye FirstSeek Ye First
Only in GodOnly in God
Hindi Kita MalilimutanHindi Kita Malilimutan
I Will Never Forget YouI Will Never Forget You
If you fail to get a ppt. copy of Bible Study Guide, try toIf you fail to get a ppt. copy of Bible Study Guide, try to
download fromdownload from
– www.supuwatha.commissal
Or go to Facebook accnt.Or go to Facebook accnt. Anthony PaduaAnthony Padua in picture (jpeg)in picture (jpeg)
format.format.

26. 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