This document provides commentary and analysis for the readings on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time B. It summarizes the first reading from Isaiah 35:4-7 which encourages those with frightened hearts, saying God will come to save them and heal the blind, deaf, lame. It then analyzes the responsorial Psalm 146 which praises God for sustaining the oppressed, hungry, captive. Finally, it summarizes the second reading from James 2:1-5 which commands believers to show no partiality between the rich and poor among them.

1. WelcomeWelcome to our Bito our Bibblele
SStutudydy
2323rdrd
Sunday in the Ordinary Time BSunday in the Ordinary Time B
6 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

2. 11stst
reading: Isaiah 35:4-7reading: 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.

3. 11stst
reading: Isaiah 35:4-7reading: 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!

4. Textual Context of Is 35:4-7Textual Context of Is 35:4-7 (Boadt)(Boadt)
– First IsaiahFirst Isaiah - 1-39 (Jerusalem)- 1-39 (Jerusalem)
– Second IsaiahSecond Isaiah - 40-55 (Babylon)- 40-55 (Babylon)
– Third IsaiahThird 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 century
28-33 Oracles from Isaiah's later ministry (705-700)
34-35 A vision of Zion, perhaps a later addition
36-39 Stories of Isaiah's life, some from the Book of Kings (see 2 Kgs 18-19)

5. Isaiah of Jerusalem

6. 11stst
reading: Isaiah 35:4-7reading: 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 isThe text is addressedaddressed to “thoseto “those
whose hearts are frightened” (v.4)whose hearts are frightened” (v.4)
 In v.4b, the prophet exhorts theIn v.4b, the prophet exhorts the
fearful to be strong and to takefearful to be strong and to take
courage.courage.
 For God is coming to vindicate andFor God is coming to vindicate and
to save.to save.
 Vv.5-6 announce the healing of theVv.5-6 announce the healing of the
blind and the deaf. Their eyes andblind and the deaf. Their eyes and
their ears will be opened.their ears will be opened.
 Similarly, the lame will walk and theSimilarly, the lame will walk and the
dumb will speak.dumb will speak.
 Vv.6b-8 announce that there will beVv.6b-8 announce that there will be
water in arid lands.water in arid lands.
 There will be abundance of water inThere will be abundance of water in
those dry places.those dry places.
 The prophet announces the reversalThe prophet announces the reversal
of their lot.of their lot.

7. Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst
readingreading
 Fear is a terrible thing. It can immobilize orFear is a terrible thing. It can immobilize or
paralyze us.paralyze us.
 The fearful must listen to the voice of theThe fearful must listen to the voice of the
prophet.prophet.
 The prophet announces the coming of the LordThe 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 theWe 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 moveWe 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?

8. 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.

9. Responsorial Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10Responsorial Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
 R. (1b)R. (1b) Praise the Lord, myPraise the Lord, my
soul!soul!
 7 The God of Jacob keeps faith7 The God of Jacob keeps faith
forever,forever,
secures justice for thesecures 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 the8 The LORD gives sight to the
blind;blind;
the LORD raises up those whothe 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 widow9 The fatherless and the widow
the LORD sustains,the LORD sustains,
but the way of the wicked hebut the way of the wicked he
thwarts.thwarts.
10 The LORD shall reign10 The LORD shall reign
forever;forever;
your God, O Zion, through allyour God, O Zion, through all
generations. Alleluia.generations. Alleluia.
CommentaryCommentary
 The psalm helps us to praiseThe psalm helps us to praise
God.God.
 It picks up the message of theIt picks up the message of the
first reading.first reading.
 In v.7, the psalm enumeratesIn 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 theVv.8-9 continue the
enumeration: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 theSustains the orphan and the
widowwidow
– Destroys the way of the wickedDestroys the way of the wicked
 V.10 glorifies God.V.10 glorifies God.

10. 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 (hisGod 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 justiceCan 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 naWho do you think God is? Sino ba ang Diyos na
iyong sinasamba?iyong sinasamba? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKA

11. 22ndnd
reading: James 2:1-5reading: 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.

12. 22ndnd
reading: James 2:1-5reading: James 2:1-5
The 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!

13. Textual Context ofTextual 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 communityAdmonitions on behavior within the community

14. 22ndnd
reading: James 2:1-5reading: James 2:1-5
The 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 ChristiansJames, the author, exhorts Christians
not to discriminate against the poornot to discriminate against the poor
members in communal celebrations.members in communal celebrations.
V.1V.1
 To showTo show partialitypartiality is to discriminateis to discriminate
against, to makeagainst, to make distinctionsdistinctions, to show, to show
favor to the rich, to lower further downfavor to the rich, to lower further down
those who are already low for the sakethose who are already low for the sake
of the rich.of the rich.
 It contradicts faith in the gloriousIt contradicts faith in the glorious
Christ. V.1Christ. V.1
 In the Christian assemblies, we mustIn the Christian assemblies, we must
be careful not to drive away the poorbe 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 makeYou make distinctionsdistinctions. You make. You make
yourselves judges.yourselves judges.

15. 22ndnd
reading: James 2:1-5reading: James 2:1-5
ImpartialityImpartiality
 5 Listen, my5 Listen, my
beloved brothers.beloved brothers.
Did not God chooseDid not God choose
those who are poorthose who are poor
in the world to bein the world to be
rich in faith andrich in faith and
heirs of theheirs of the
kingdom that hekingdom that he
promised to thosepromised to those
who love him?who love him?
 The letter reminds the assemblyThe letter reminds the assembly
that the poor are chosen bythat the poor are chosen by
God to be rich in faith and heirsGod to be rich in faith and heirs
of the kingdom. V.5of the kingdom. V.5

16. Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd
readingreading
 We should not look down on the poor in ourWe 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 theWe 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 showsImportant in the eyes of God is the one who shows
love to God with a special heart for the poor, andlove to God with a special heart for the poor, and
not for those who are in power, or, those who wearnot for those who are in power, or, those who wear
jewelries (burloloys) and expensive clothing andjewelries (burloloys) and expensive clothing and
accessories.accessories.

17. 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.

18. Gospel: Mark 7:31-37Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
Setting
 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!

19. Textual Context of Mark 7Textual Context of Mark 7
Part IPart 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 aThree sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and a
narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of annarrative 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 IIPart 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 3Indicated 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--13,37
C. 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

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.

21. Gospel: Mark 7:31-37Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
Setting
 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 justV.31 indicates that Jesus has just
come from a pagan territory (income from a pagan territory (in
Lebanon).Lebanon).
 The Sea of Galilee and DecapolisThe Sea of Galilee and Decapolis
are parts of Palestine in the time ofare parts of Palestine in the time of
Jesus.Jesus.
 In v.32, people bring the deaf-muteIn v.32, people bring the deaf-mute
for healing.for healing.
 In v.33, without any interview,In v.33, without any interview,
Jesus heals the deaf-mute.Jesus 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

22. Gospel: Mark 7:31-37Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
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."
 In v.36, Jesus commands theIn v.36, Jesus commands the
people not to tell it to anyonepeople not to tell it to anyone
(part of the Messianic secret).(part of the Messianic secret).
 People do not obey, but allPeople do not obey, but all
the more they “proclaimed”the more they “proclaimed”
it. V.36it. V.36
 Note the words: TheyNote 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 andis their feeling of awe and
amazement. V.37amazement. V.37

23. 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. Theywho bring in the sick. They
love the sick. Their faith is active. Imagine alllove the sick. Their faith is active. Imagine all
their efforts to bring him to Jesus.their efforts to bring him to Jesus.
– TheThe 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 giveThat’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 toWe cannot be healed unless we allow ourselves to
be brought to Jesus.be brought to Jesus.

24. Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading
On proclamationOn proclamation
 Proclamation comes as a result of witnessingProclamation comes as a result of witnessing
something great.something great.
 Silence is irrelevant when you have justSilence is irrelevant when you have just
experienced something great.experienced something great.
 A Christian who is quiet and does not sayA Christian who is quiet and does not say
anything about God and his faith isanything about God and his faith is
contradiction in terms.contradiction in terms.
 When we continue reading the gospel, weWhen we continue reading the gospel, we
will find out that those whose ears andwill find out that those whose ears and
mouths are healed, are the ones whomouths are healed, are the ones who
proclaim that “Jesus is the Christ.”proclaim that “Jesus is the Christ.”

25. 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 onreading 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 onreading is focused on impartialityimpartiality..
– The gospel reading is focused onThe 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 canMaybe, we can focus on healing.focus on healing.
– We should beWe should be healedhealed from our fears. (1from our fears. (1stst
reading)reading)
– God comes toGod comes to restore usrestore us to our health (Psalm).to our health (Psalm).
– The poor areThe poor are healedhealed when they are not discriminated againstwhen they are not discriminated against
in our celebrations. (2in our celebrations. (2ndnd
reading)reading)
– JesusJesus healsheals the deaf-mute. (gospel)the deaf-mute. (gospel)

26. 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 werewalk, go to parties, eat favorite food, take showers, etc. You were
afraid you might die, not able to fulfill your obligations, pay yourafraid you might die, not able to fulfill your obligations, pay your
bills, etc.)bills, etc.)
 Dialogue your experiences with the message of theDialogue 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 deprivedthe 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 beAllow 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 andGod. He will heal you from your deprivation to hear and
speak.speak. (gospel)(gospel)

27. Make people realize how they have beenMake people realize how they have been deafdeaf andand mutemute::
 Not able to appreciate what their parents, children andNot able to appreciate what their parents, children and
teachers, priests, etc. are saying and doing. On theteachers, 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 areNot 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 faithNo money allotted to buy good books to enhance faith
and spirituality.and spirituality.
 Afraid of pointing out the errors of other people, of theAfraid 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.

28.  Tell the congregation that many of theTell the congregation that many of the members aremembers are
literally sick.literally sick.
 They have no money for hospitalization and to buyThey have no money for hospitalization and to buy
medicine.medicine.
 The Church is also sick. Many members are stuck up inThe 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 faithThey, and the clergy included, have not learned their faith
well; they are not communicating the right values andwell; 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.

29.  ChallengeChallenge: We must heal one another. We must: We must heal one another. We must
facilitate the healing of one another, by drawingfacilitate the healing of one another, by drawing
near to Jesus. We must not withhold help (justicenear 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 orThe number of our members who cannot hear or
speak must be reducedspeak 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!

30.  Our church must be composed of Christians whoOur church must be composed of Christians who
are always ready and willing to listen and speakare 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 “signsOur church must be able to respond to the “signs
of the times.”of the times.”
– environmental degradation, mining, logging, globalenvironmental 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

31.  In theIn 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 ourIf we believe in his power, he heals / reverses our
paralysis and privations.paralysis and privations.
 We end up praising God when we allow ourselvesWe end up praising God when we allow ourselves
to be carried and brought to Jesus in thisto be carried and brought to Jesus in this
eucharisteucharist..
 Jesus welcomes everyone. He does notJesus welcomes everyone. He does not
discriminate against anyone in thediscriminate against anyone in the eucharisteucharist..
 His words, his body and blood are made availableHis words, his body and blood are made available
to everyone.to everyone.

32. Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace
 PhobiaPhobia
 Sick mindSick mind
 Infirm lawsInfirm laws
 IrrelevantIrrelevant
organizations, churchesorganizations, churches
and congregations whoand congregations who
are consumed in fund-are consumed in fund-
raising but are notraising but are not
critical where thecritical where the
money is coming from.money is coming from.
 Priests, church-leadersPriests, church-leaders
co-opted by politiciansco-opted by politicians
and possessiveand possessive
benefactorsbenefactors
 Church of the PoorChurch of the Poor
 Responsible membersResponsible members
of the educationof the education
ministryministry
 FormationFormation
 Organized socialOrganized social
services ministryservices ministry
 Free clinicFree clinic
 Free counselingFree counseling
 Members who canMembers who can
hear and talkhear and talk

33. Suggested SongsSuggested Songs
 Glory to God, newGlory to God, new
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spj_5sTiF5Yhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spj_5sTiF5Y
 When We Eat, newWhen We Eat, new
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qg_-wvSm7Mhttp://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=LecAQyAdhvshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LecAQyAdhvs
 Sumasaakin ang Espiritu by VinteresSumasaakin ang Espiritu by Vinteres
 The Spirit of GodThe Spirit of God