Brothers and Sisters, Let's ALL prepare for the LORD'S COMING! Fr. Heart, SVD

1. Welcome to our Bible Study
33rd
Sunday in the Ordinary Time B
15 November 2015
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st
reading: Daniel 12:1-3
 1 In those days, I, Daniel, heard this word of the Lord:
"At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince,
guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed
in distress since nations began until that time. At that
time your people shall escape, everyone who is found
written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the
dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever,
others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. 3 But
the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the
firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall
be like the stars forever.
The focus is on the end-time.

3. Textual Context of Daniel 12:1-3
General Outline (NAB)
 First Section: Stories of Daniel and his 3 companions as heroes
(chapters 1-6)
 Second Section: Revelation told by Daniel in the first person
(chapters 7-12)
 Third Section: Short stories which are not found in the Hebrew /
Aramaic text of Daniel, but only in the Greek and Latin.
Second Section:
Vision of the Hellenistic Wars (chs.10-12)
Susanna’s Virtue (ch.13)
Bel and Dragon (ch.14)

4. Book of Daniel

5. 1st
reading: Daniel 12:1-3
 1 In those days, I, Daniel,
heard this word of the Lord:
"At that time there shall
arise Michael, the great
prince, guardian of your
people; It shall be a time
unsurpassed in distress
since nations began until
that time. At that time your
people shall escape,
everyone who is found
written in the book. 2 Many
of those who sleep in the
dust of the earth shall
awake; some shall live
forever, others shall be an
everlasting horror and
disgrace. 3 But the wise
shall shine brightly like the
splendor of the firmament,
And those who lead the
many to justice shall be like
the stars forever.
Commentary
 The reading talks about the end time. It is
very appropriate as we are moving towards
the end of the liturgical year.
 Time = kairos in Greek, ‘et in Hebrew
 V.1 stresses the contrast between the time of
the coming of a great prince and the time of
the great (unsurpassed) distress /
oppression.
 V.1 gives hope to righteous people (written in
the book)
 V.2 shows another contrast:
 Some who are asleep shall awake and shall
live for ever, but others shall live in everlasting
horror and disgrace (damnation)
 V.3 adds some more elements.
 The wise shall shine
 Those who lead to justice shall multiply

6. Further, commentary
 The book of Daniel is the last book of the OT to be
written (167 BC). It was written to encourage the Jewish
people who struggle against the Hellenist Seleucids (for
they imposed / forced their culture and beliefs into the Jewish
people, which were anathema / abomination to them).
 This apocalyptic type of literature usually arises when
the people at large are in pain. In cryptic words and
symbolisms, not in plain language, the apocalypticists
write to evade detection by their enemies.
 This reading has been chosen by the liturgists to
highlight the meaning of end-times.
 Part of Christian theology is eschatology.

7. Reflections on the 1st
reading
 We should not be afraid to think, to face, or, to
pray for the end-times.
 Christian time is not just about the present or
past or future but also end-times.
 Instead of being afraid of it, we, Christians,
must anticipate it.
 We live as if it is already happening. This is
living in hope.
 In the end-times, the just will prosper and the
unjust will be eliminated.

8. Responsorial Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
 R. (1) You are my inheritance, O Lord!
 5 O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
8 I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
10 because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
 11 You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.

9. Responsorial Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
 R. (1) You are my inheritance, O
Lord!
 5 O LORD, my allotted portion
and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
8 I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall
not be disturbed.
 9 Therefore my heart is glad and
my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in
confidence;
10 because you will not abandon
my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your faithful one
to undergo corruption.
 11 You will show me the path to
life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand
forever.
Commentary
 Psalm 16 is classified as a Psalm of
Trust.
 It expresses a deep trust in God that
someday we will inherit heaven.
 In v.5, the psalmist recognizes God as
controlling his destiny.
 In v.8, the psalmist feels secure at God’s
right hand. (no disturbance)
 In vv.9-10, the psalmist expresses the
belief that God will save him from
abandonment and destruction.
 V.10 is believed to refer to Jesus, who
resurrected because God does not allow
his faithful one to undergo corruption.
 In v.11, the psalmist looks forward to
God’s guidance, complete joy in his
presence (right hand) for ever.

10. Reflections on the Psalm
 Christians must learn how to hope in God.
 Hope has something to do with our attitude
towards the future.
 For those who have faith in God, they put their
future into the hands of God.
 For those who do not have faith in God, they
put their future into their own hands or they
become fatalistic (bahala na).
 Christians’ stance regarding the future (end-
time included) is looking forward to God’s
gracious acts.

11. 2nd
reading: Heb 10:11-14.18
 11 Every priest stands daily at his ministry,
offering frequently those same sacrifices that
can never take away sins. 12 But this one
offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat
forever at the right hand of God; 13 now he
waits until his enemies are made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he has made perfect
forever those who are being consecrated. 18
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no
longer offering for sin.
The focus is on the ministry of Christ as high priest.

12. I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology)
II. 3:1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology)
III. 5: 11--10:39 The central exposition (Sacrifice)
IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological paraenesis)
V. 12: 14--13:19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology).
Textual Context of HebrewsTextual Context of Hebrews 10:11-14.1810:11-14.18
(Vanhoye)(Vanhoye)
First Section: 5,1-4 position: newness (made perfect)
5,5-10 Jesus’ appointed as high priest, exposition
Part III 5,11—6,20 Preamble, Change in tone and vocabulary,
exhortation
7,1 Melchizedek’s Priesthood, exposition
7,13-28 Jesus’ Priesthood
Central Section: 8,1—9,28
Third Section: 10,1-18

13. Heb 10:11-14.18
 11 Every priest stands daily
at his ministry, offering
frequently those same
sacrifices that can never take
away sins. 12 But this one
offered one sacrifice for sins,
and took his seat forever at
the right hand of God; 13
now he waits until his
enemies are made his
footstool. 14 For by one
offering he has made perfect
forever those who are being
consecrated. 18 Where there
is forgiveness of these, there
is no longer offering for sin.
Commentary
 Vv.11-12 contrast the priestly
ministry of the OT to that of
Christ.
 V.12 Christ offered just one
sacrifice
 He has removed sins
 Now he sits at the right hand of
God
 V.13 indicates victory over the
enemies of Christ at the end of
time.
 V.14 states that his offering is
efficacious (effective)
 Makes perfect the consecrated
 V.18 implies that in forgiveness,
there is perfection.
 Forgiveness ends repetitious
offerings for sins.

14. Reflections on the 2nd
reading
 Christ’s priesthood is truly God’s instrument for
reconciliation.
 As his priestly ministry, he forgives us as he has
offered sacrifice for us.
 He makes perfect those he has consecrated.
 We have been consecrated in our baptism.
 Truly, we are made perfect when we are true to our
baptismal vows (signs of consecration).

15. Gospel Reading: Mk 13:24-32
Description of end times (sun, moon stars/the Son of
Man’s coming)
 24 "But in those days after that tribulation the sun will be
darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the
stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the
heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see 'the
Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and
glory, 27 and then he will send out the angels and gather
(his) elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth
to the end of the sky.
The Fig Tree and the Son of Man’s nearness
 28 "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch
becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that
summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see
these things happening, know that he is near, at the
gates.
The focus is on the second coming of Jesus, at the end time.
A simple outline!

16. Con’t
Everything passes away, except his words
 30 Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all
these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass
away, but my words will not pass away.
Nobody knows when
 32 "But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in
heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Exhortation to be alert
 33 Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.
34 It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his
servants in charge, each with his work, and orders the gatekeeper
to be on the watch.
The focus is on the second coming of Jesus, at the end time.

17. Textual Context of Mark 13:24-32
Part I 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 narrative
concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an attitude in regard to
Jesus.
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)
C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30)
Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33
Confession of Peter
First Prophecy of the Passion
Correction of Peter
Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,8
A. 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 instructions on the lot
of the disciples.
B. Jesus in Jerusalem (and out) 11,1--13,37
C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8
The Later Ending 16,9-20

18. Jesus in Jerusalem
11,1 Entry into Jerusalem Jesus curses the Fig
Tree
Cleansing of the Temple
Fig Tree dried up
Faith in God
Jesus’ Authority questioned by the Chief priests
in the Temple
12,1 Parable of the Vineyard
Some Pharisees and Herodians question on
taxes
Some Sadducees question on the resurrection
One of the scribes asks which is the great
commandments
Jesus teaches about the Messiah as Son of
David
Warning about hypocrisy
Widow’s Mite
13,1 Going out of the Temple, big stones
Introduction
Instructions and Warning
Coming of the Son of Man
Instructions and Warning
Conclusion
UsedwithpermissionfromPBS/UBS

19. Commentary on the gospel
The passage belongs to the apocalyptic part of the gospel of
Mark (ch.13). It is divided into 5 sections.
 Vv.24-27: heavenly signs: sun, moon, stars and the Son
of Man
 Can there be disturbances in the universe? Science can figure
out their end, but it will take millions of years more before the
energy of the sun and stars is spent.
 Will the Son of Man be seen by all as he will descend from
heaven?
 Christians must be able to interpret the coming of the end, by
looking up.
 Vv.28-29: earthly signs: The fig tree and its application
 Christians must be able to interpret the end, by looking and
interpreting what’s happening on the ground.

20. Ideas to ponder upon (words of wisdom)
 Vv.30-31: Everything is transitory, except God’s words
 A good reminder, to take seriously what is valuable in the eyes
of God (God’s words).
 V.32: No one knows the end
 One cannot really predict the exact end. Beware of people
claiming knowledge of it. (Beware of the millenniarists and
charismatic groups that claim they know the exact time of
Christ’s coming.)
 Vv.33-34 Exhortation to be prepared: Be vigilant.
 This is the proper behavior of the Christian vis a vis the end.

21. Reflections on the gospel reading
 Christians should live bearing in mind that life has an end.
 Christians must be able to interpret very well the signs of
Jesus’ coming. He comes in unexpected ways and time.
 The Christian idea of time includes, not only the past,
present and future, but also the end.
 Awareness of the end (end of the world or our death)
makes us behave / anticipate our final destiny. Then, we
become disabled to commit sin (oppression, abuses, crimes,
etc.)
 A Christian who has no idea about the end lacks sound
theology, has incomplete theology, is not in line with the
whole Christian and NT tradition, can barely live Christian
morality.

22.  The end is not something to be dreaded, but
something to welcome, to awaken in us the
sense of right behavior, justice and respect for
the authority of God and the rights of others.

23. Tying the three readings and the Psalm
 The first reading warns the oppressors of their end; it
encourages the oppressed to stay put in their faith and
struggles, because their enemy is about to collapse.
 The psalm teaches us to look forward to our inheritance
(end).
 The second reading reflects on the end / victory of
Christ over sin and death. In heaven, Christ is waiting
for the end of his enemies.
 The gospel reading reminds that even the universe has
an end. Nothing is permanent. Therefore, everyman
must be prepared for it. Vigilance is the behavior of the
man who believes in the coming end.

24. How to develop your homilies and sharing
 Begin by telling a story how people talk / act as if
they don’t die. (arrogant, unafraid of the consequences,
abusive)
 The readings contradict the mentality that does
not believe in an end.
 The first reading announces the time when the
good reigns and evil is eliminated.
 We must wait and anticipate this time.
 There is no better time than this time when the
just (we) will finally shine.

25.  The psalm celebrates the hope that one day God will
prevail over evil forces.
 The righteous ones will have a bright future.
 They will receive their reward at the end.
 With the psalm, we celebrate God’s gracious acts,
present and future.

26.  The second reading announces the victory of Christ
over sin.
 After Christ has offered his one sacrifice, now he waits
for the defeat of his enemies.
 Sin is eliminated by Christ’s forgiving act.
 Who cannot be thankful to Christ for his power over our
enemies?

27.  The gospel reading reminds us of our impending end,
but which we don’t exactly know when.
 Christians should know how to interpret Jesus’ second
coming.
 The moral of this prediction is that we, Christians, must
be vigilant.
 Vigilance consists in living an orderly life.
 Vigilance means to continue doing good.
 It is a preparation for the coming end.

28.  Belief in the end dictates moral conduct.
 Without the thought of the end, human beings
tend not to be fearful of the consequences of
their wrongdoings.
 They do evil as if evil will not befall upon them
too, as in crime does not pay.
 Belief in the end encourages the oppressed to
persevere in their sufferings. Their good works
will be recognized.

29.  Many people live as if they will not die at all. That’s why,
unrelentlessly, they pursue anything and everything
they want.
 They oppress / abuse people.
 They accumulate wealth and property at all cost.
 They do harm to the society and to themselves.
 We, human beings, Christian or not, must be reminded
that there is an end to everything, even an established
system, empire, government, political party, business
establishment
 especially those that seem to thrive in injustice and wanton
destruction of people and environment. Mamamatay din sila.
Dapat lang.

30.  Participation in the eucharist is an acceptance of our
end.
 Jesus instituted the eucharist at the Last Supper,
towards the end of his life.
 It was a farewell party for his disciples. It was an acceptance of
his own end.
 In the context of a meal, Jesus shows how to face death (the
inevitable end).
 The eucharist strengthens us to meet our end.

31. Our Context of Sin and Grace
 No sense of the future
 No sense of limit
 Insensitivity
 Callousness
 Does not know how to
end (talk, homily, or war)
 Proliferation of evil
 Myopic view of time
 Waste of time,
negligence, too much
recreation
 Terminally ill patients,
who accept their end
 Knows oneself
 Futuristic
 Understands the
meaning of eschatology
 Kingdom of God
 Vigilant
 Has vision

32. Suggested Songs
 Glory To God, new
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV9SIPLUDFM
 The King’s Highway
 Pilgrim’s Song