1) The readings discuss higher spiritual values and putting away earthly desires. 2) Christians are called to seek what is above, think of heavenly things, and put to death parts of themselves that are worldly like immorality, impurity, and greed. 3) They are to put on the new self and renew themselves through knowledge of God, in whose image they are made. All distinctions between people disappear in Christ.

1. WelcWelcoome tome to oouurr BiBiblblee
SSttudyudy
1818thth
SundSunday inay in OOrdinardinarry Time Cy Time C
31 July 201631 July 2016
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
In aid of focusing our homilies and sharingIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 11stst
reading:reading: Ecclesiastes 1,2;Ecclesiastes 1,2; 2,21-2,21-
2323
 2 Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of
vanities! All things are vanity!
 2,21 Here is a man who has labored with
wisdom and knowledge and skill, and to
another, who has not labored over it, he
must leave his property. This also is vanity
and a great misfortune. 22 For what profit
comes to a man from all the toil and anxiety
of heart with which he has labored under the
sun? 23 All his days sorrow and grief are
his occupation; even at night his mind is not
at rest. This also is vanity.

3. 11stst
reading:reading: Ecclesiastes 1,2;Ecclesiastes 1,2; 2,21-2,21-
2323
 2 Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of
vanities! All things are vanity!
 2,21 Here is a man who has labored with
wisdom and knowledge and skill, and to
another, who has not labored over it, he
must leave his property. This also is vanity
and a great misfortune. 22 For what profit
comes to a man from all the toil and anxiety
of heart with which he has labored under the
sun? 23 All his days sorrow and grief are
his occupation; even at night his mind is not
at rest. This also is vanity.
The focus is on vanity.

4. 11stst
reading:reading: Ecclesiastes 1,2; 2,21-Ecclesiastes 1,2; 2,21-
2323
 2 Vanity of vanities, says
Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All
things are vanity!
 2,21 Here is a man who has
labored with wisdom and
knowledge and skill, and to
another, who has not labored
over it, he must leave his
property. This also is vanity
and a great misfortune. 22 For
what profit comes to a man
from all the toil and anxiety of
heart with which he has
labored under the sun? 23 All
his days sorrow and grief are
his occupation; even at night
his mind is not at rest. This
also is vanity.
CommentaryCommentary
 Qohelet = attempted GreekQohelet = attempted Greek
translation of the pen-name oftranslation of the pen-name of
Ecclesiastes (preacher).Ecclesiastes (preacher).
 The book belongs to the WisdomThe book belongs to the Wisdom
literature.literature.
 In v.2, the author seems to beIn v.2, the author seems to be
pessimisticpessimistic when he/she says allwhen he/she says all
things are vanity.things are vanity.
 V.2,21 seems to indicate that at theV.2,21 seems to indicate that at the
end of the day, man’s efforts areend of the day, man’s efforts are
uselessuseless..
– The reason: he must leave hisThe reason: he must leave his
property.property.
 V.22 asksV.22 asks what’s the usewhat’s the use of all the toilof all the toil
and anxieties when working underand anxieties when working under
the heat of the sun.the heat of the sun.
 V.23 provides the answer:V.23 provides the answer: sorrowsorrow
andand griefgrief all his days; mindall his days; mind not atnot at
rest.rest.

5. Reflections on the 1st
reading
 We are taught to be optimistic always.We are taught to be optimistic always.
 Why is this pessimism in the book of Ecclesiastes?Why is this pessimism in the book of Ecclesiastes?
 What is the wisdom of such pessimism?What is the wisdom of such pessimism?
 We should not be pessimistic about pessimism in theWe should not be pessimistic about pessimism in the
reading.reading.
 The reading teaches us that what we may thinkThe reading teaches us that what we may think
important, like the effort to earn money and property,important, like the effort to earn money and property,
is, in fact, trivial in the eyes of the Lord.is, in fact, trivial in the eyes of the Lord.
 Their importance is relative. They are good only asTheir importance is relative. They are good only as
long as we are alive.long as we are alive.
 They have no more value when we die.They have no more value when we die.
 But let us be warned: it does not teach us to be lazy.But let us be warned: it does not teach us to be lazy.

6. Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
 R. (1)R. (1) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
 3 You turn man back to dust,3 You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”saying, “Return, O children of men.”
4 For a thousand years in your sight4 For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.or as a watch of the night.
 5 You make an end of them in their sleep;5 You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,the next morning they are like the changing grass,
6 Which at dawn springs up anew,6 Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.but by evening wilts and fades.
 12 Teach us to number our days aright,12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.that we may gain wisdom of heart.
13 Return, O LORD! How long?13 Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!Have pity on your servants!
 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
17 And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;17 And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!Prosper the work of our hands!

7. Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17Resp. Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
 R. (1)R. (1) If today you hear hisIf today you hear his
voice, harden not your hearts.voice, harden not your hearts.
 3 You turn man back to dust,3 You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”saying, “Return, O children of men.”
4 For a thousand years in your sight4 For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.or as a watch of the night.
 5 You make an end of them in their5 You make an end of them in their
sleep;sleep;
the next morning they are like thethe next morning they are like the
changing grass,changing grass,
6 Which at dawn springs up anew,6 Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.but by evening wilts and fades.
 12 Teach us to number our days12 Teach us to number our days
aright,aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.that we may gain wisdom of heart.
13 Return, O LORD! How long?13 Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!Have pity on your servants!
 14 Fill us at daybreak with your14 Fill us at daybreak with your
kindness,kindness,
that we may shout for joy andthat we may shout for joy and
gladness all our days.gladness all our days.
17 And may the gracious care of the17 And may the gracious care of the
LORD our God be ours;LORD our God be ours;
prosper the work of our hands for us!prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!Prosper the work of our hands!
CommentaryCommentary
 The psalm may be called a wisdom psalm.The psalm may be called a wisdom psalm.
 In v.3, the psalmist is aware of theIn v.3, the psalmist is aware of the
temporariness of human life.temporariness of human life.
 V.4 indicates that God’s way of recountingV.4 indicates that God’s way of recounting
time is so different from our way.time is so different from our way.
– 1000 years (human) = 1 day (God)1000 years (human) = 1 day (God)
 Vv.5-6 acknowledge God’s power over ourVv.5-6 acknowledge God’s power over our
life and death.life and death.
 In v.12, the psalmist believes that wisdomIn v.12, the psalmist believes that wisdom
comes from proper reckoning of time.comes from proper reckoning of time.
 In v.13, the psalmist asks for mercy fromIn v.13, the psalmist asks for mercy from
the Lord.the Lord.
 In v.14, the psalmist asks God to be kind toIn v.14, the psalmist asks God to be kind to
him, to give him fresh life and beginning.him, to give him fresh life and beginning.
– Reason: to be happyReason: to be happy
 In v.17, the psalmist asks that his life beIn v.17, the psalmist asks that his life be
productive.productive.

8. Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm
 As time is fleeting, so is human life.As time is fleeting, so is human life.
 When we realize that we are not immortal, weWhen we realize that we are not immortal, we
become wise.become wise.
 We make most of our remaining years, months andWe make most of our remaining years, months and
days, doing God’s works.days, doing God’s works.
 We pray for God’s mercy to assist us to beWe pray for God’s mercy to assist us to be
productive.productive.

9. 22ndnd
reading: Col 3,1-5.9-11reading: Col 3,1-5.9-11
 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek what iis above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Think of
what is above, not of what is on earth. 3 For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ
your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that
is idolatry.
 9 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the
old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its
creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision
and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but
Christ is all and in all.

10. 22ndnd
reading: Col 3,1-5.9-11reading: Col 3,1-5.9-11
 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek what iis above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Think of
what is above, not of what is on earth. 3 For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ
your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that
is idolatry.
 9 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the
old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its
creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision
and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but
Christ is all and in all.
The focus is on higher values.

11. 22ndnd
reading: Col 3,1-5.9-11reading: Col 3,1-5.9-11
 1 If then you were raised with
Christ, seek what iis above,
where Christ is seated at the
right hand of God. 2 Think of
what is above, not of what is
on earth. 3 For you have died,
and your life is hidden with
Christ in God. 4 When Christ
your life appears, then you too
will appear with him in glory. 5
Put to death, then, the parts of
you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion,
evil desire, and the greed that
is idolatry.
 9 Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the
old self with its practices 10
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for
knowledge, in the image of its
creator. 11 Here there is not
Greek and Jew, circumcision
and uncircumcision, barbarian,
Scythian, slave, free; but Christ
is all and in all.
CommentaryCommentary
 The reading is aboutThe reading is about higher valueshigher values..
 The proper Christian behavior conforms to ourThe proper Christian behavior conforms to our
dignity as baptized Christians, God’s children.dignity as baptized Christians, God’s children.
 Vv.1-2 enjoin us to set our hearts and minds toVv.1-2 enjoin us to set our hearts and minds to
what is abovewhat is above (heavenly, spiritual things).(heavenly, spiritual things).
 V.3 recalls the Christian deathV.3 recalls the Christian death (to sin in baptism)(to sin in baptism) andand
the mystery of having life with Christ.the mystery of having life with Christ.
 V.4 talks about the parousiaV.4 talks about the parousia (second coming of(second coming of
Christ).Christ). Christians too will appear with him in glory.Christians too will appear with him in glory.
 V.5 enjoins the Christians to put away what isV.5 enjoins the Christians to put away what is
earthlyearthly (worldly, old self):(worldly, old self):
– ImmoralityImmorality (fornication)(fornication)
– ImpurityImpurity (foul language, sexual misconduct)(foul language, sexual misconduct)
– PassionPassion (sensual passion, uncontrolled emotions)(sensual passion, uncontrolled emotions)
– Evil desireEvil desire (bad intention, undue craving for(bad intention, undue craving for
possessions)possessions)
– GreedGreed (appropriation)(appropriation)
– Lies (v.9)Lies (v.9) (telling half-truths, misleading statements,(telling half-truths, misleading statements,
malice)malice)
 V.10 enjoins the Christians to put on the new self.V.10 enjoins the Christians to put on the new self.
– Renewed, for knowledgeRenewed, for knowledge
– In the image of GodIn the image of God
– V.11 says there is no more distinction, if Christ is inV.11 says there is no more distinction, if Christ is in
all.all.

12. Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd
readingreading
 The reading contrasts between the new self and old self.The reading contrasts between the new self and old self.
 The new self focuses its attention on spiritual things.The new self focuses its attention on spiritual things.
 The new self has higher values.The new self has higher values.
 The old self is worldly.The old self is worldly.
 Material possessions take precedence over goodMaterial possessions take precedence over good
relationships for the old self.relationships for the old self.
 As Christians, we should operate with the new self.As Christians, we should operate with the new self.

13. Gospel: Luke 12,13-21Gospel: Luke 12,13-21
 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, Teacher, tell my
brother to share the inheritance with me." 14 He replied to
him, "Friend, who appointed me as your judge and
arbitrator?" 15 Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to
guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's
life does not consist of possessions." 16 Then he told them
a parable. "There was a rich man whose land produced a
bountiful harvest. 17 He asked himself, 'What shall I do, for I
do not have space to store my harvest?' 18 And he said,
'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build
larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods
19 and I shall say to myself, "Now as for you, you have so
many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink,
be merry!" 20 But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your
life will be demanded of you; and the things you have
prepared, to whom will they belong?' 21 Thus will it be for
the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in
what matters to God."

14. GGoossppel: Luel: Lukke 1e 122,13-2,13-211
 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, Teacher, tell my
brother to share the inheritance with me." 14 He replied to
him, "Friend, who appointed me as your judge and
arbitrator?" 15 Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to
guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's
life does not consist of possessions." 16 Then he told them
a parable. "There was a rich man whose land produced a
bountiful harvest. 17 He asked himself, 'What shall I do, for I
do not have space to store my harvest?' 18 And he said,
'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build
larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods
19 and I shall say to myself, "Now as for you, you have so
many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink,
be merry!" 20 But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your
life will be demanded of you; and the things you have
prepared, to whom will they belong?' 21 Thus will it be for
the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in
what matters to God."
The focus is on greed.

15. Gospel: Luke 12,13-21Gospel: Luke 12,13-21
Inheritance
 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share
the inheritance with me." 14 He replied to him, "Friend, who appointed
me as your judge and arbitrator?"
Greed
 15 Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for
though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions."
Parable of the Rich Fool
 16 Then he told them a parable. "There was a rich man whose land
produced a bountiful harvest. 17 He asked himself, 'What shall I do, for I
do not have space to store my harvest?' 18 And he said, 'This is what I
shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall
store all my grain and other goods 19 and I shall say to myself, "Now as
for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest,
eat, drink, be merry!" 20 But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your
life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom
will they belong?' 21 Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure
for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."
A simple outline!

16. Gospel: Luke 12,13-21Gospel: Luke 12,13-21
Inheritance
 13 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the
inheritance with me." 14 He replied to
him, "Friend, who appointed me as your
judge and arbitrator?"
Greed
 15 Then he said to the crowd, "Take
care to guard against all greed, for
though one may be rich, one's life does
not consist of possessions."
Parable of the Rich Fool
 16 Then he told them a parable. "There
was a rich man whose land produced a
bountiful harvest. 17 He asked himself,
'What shall I do, for I do not have space
to store my harvest?' 18 And he said,
'This is what I shall do: I shall tear down
my barns and build larger ones. There I
shall store all my grain and other goods
19 and I shall say to myself, "Now as for
you, you have so many good things
stored up for many years, rest, eat,
drink, be merry!" 20 But God said to
him, 'You fool, this night your life will be
demanded of you; and the things you
have prepared, to whom will they
belong?' 21 Thus will it be for the one
who stores up treasure for himself but is
not rich in what matters to God."
CommentaryCommentary
 V.13 indicates that in spite of the clarityV.13 indicates that in spite of the clarity
of Jesus’ mission, to preach the kingdomof Jesus’ mission, to preach the kingdom
of God, there is still someone who doesof God, there is still someone who does
not understand his point.not understand his point.
 That someone is blinded by his materialThat someone is blinded by his material
interest.interest.
 In v.14, Jesus reacts to the person whoIn v.14, Jesus reacts to the person who
asks for his inheritance from his brother.asks for his inheritance from his brother.
– Jesus is not sent by God to be judge orJesus is not sent by God to be judge or
arbitrator of material things. He is here toarbitrator of material things. He is here to
assist in the birthing of the Kingdom ofassist in the birthing of the Kingdom of
God.God.
– He has a higher mission. He should notHe has a higher mission. He should not
be distracted.be distracted.
 In v.15, Jesus addresses himself to theIn v.15, Jesus addresses himself to the
crowd because of this little incident.crowd because of this little incident.
Absolutely, Jesus rejectsAbsolutely, Jesus rejects greedgreed, all kinds, all kinds
ofof greed.greed.
– Life does not become more dignifiedLife does not become more dignified
because of material wealth andbecause of material wealth and
possessions.possessions.

17. GosGosppel: Luke 12,13-21el: Luke 12,13-21
Inheritance
 13 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the
inheritance with me." 14 He replied to him,
"Friend, who appointed me as your judge
and arbitrator?"
Greed
 15 Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to
guard against all greed, for though one may
be rich, one's life does not consist of
possessions."
Parable of the Rich Fool
 16 Then he told them a parable. "There was
a rich man whose land produced a bountiful
harvest. 17 He asked himself, 'What shall I
do, for I do not have space to store my
harvest?' 18 And he said, 'This is what I
shall do: I shall tear down my barns and
build larger ones. There I shall store all my
grain and other goods 19 and I shall say to
myself, "Now as for you, you have so many
good things stored up for many years, rest,
eat, drink, be merry!" 20 But God said to
him, 'You fool, this night your life will be
demanded of you; and the things you have
prepared, to whom will they belong?' 21
Thus will it be for the one who stores up
treasure for himself but is not rich in what
matters to God."
 The parable in vv.16-21 is a sternThe parable in vv.16-21 is a stern
warning againstwarning against greedygreedy people.people.
 The rich fool is so rich that he developsThe rich fool is so rich that he develops
a problem with space, where to put alla problem with space, where to put all
his wealth.his wealth.
 The quantity of his materialThe quantity of his material
possessions is his security.possessions is his security.
 It is the source of his “freedom” to enjoyIt is the source of his “freedom” to enjoy
life: “rest, eat, drink and be merry.”life: “rest, eat, drink and be merry.”
 The rich becomes hedonisticThe rich becomes hedonistic (life is all(life is all
enjoyment).enjoyment).
 In the eyes of God, he isIn the eyes of God, he is foolish (stupid)foolish (stupid)
/ has nothing in between his ears. v.20/ has nothing in between his ears. v.20
 He is misguided and does not conformHe is misguided and does not conform
to God’s teaching: to seek God’sto God’s teaching: to seek God’s
kingdom.kingdom.
 God reminds him that death will renderGod reminds him that death will render
all his possessions useless.all his possessions useless.
 TheThe greedygreedy person may be rich inperson may be rich in
material things, but poor in spiritualmaterial things, but poor in spiritual
things.things.
 The listener must prefer to be richThe listener must prefer to be rich
spirituallyspiritually than materially.than materially.

18. RefRefllectioectionns os onn the gthe goospspeell
rereaadidinngg
 God abhorsGod abhors greedgreed of any kind, even a moderate greed.of any kind, even a moderate greed.
 Christians should not be desirous of anything.Christians should not be desirous of anything.
 Greed is shown by asking in advance what you don’tGreed is shown by asking in advance what you don’t
deserve yet.deserve yet.
 Where there is greed, there is trouble.Where there is greed, there is trouble.
 Don’t you know that greed is the cause of injustices?Don’t you know that greed is the cause of injustices?
 Christians must know what to crave for: the kingdom of God.Christians must know what to crave for: the kingdom of God.
 We must crave for higher values.We must crave for higher values.

19. Tying the 3 readings and theTying the 3 readings and the
PsalmPsalm
 The first reading talks about vanity.
 The psalm talks about the temporariness of life.
 The second reading talks about seeking things that
are above.
 The gospel reading talks about greed.
The readings have different focuses (foci). The
preacher/sharer may focus on greed in the gospel.

20. How to develop your sharing / homilyHow to develop your sharing / homily
 What is greed?What is greed?
 It is one of the 7 capital sinsIt is one of the 7 capital sins
(according to our catechism).(according to our catechism).
 It is also calledIt is also called
covetousness.covetousness.
 The other sins: pride, lust,The other sins: pride, lust,
sloth, anger, envy, gluttony.sloth, anger, envy, gluttony.
 Nobody seems to confessNobody seems to confess
that he or she is greedy.that he or she is greedy.

21.  The gospel reading teaches us, Christians,
to avoid greed.
 The world considers it wise to accumulate
and appropriate a lot of wealth and
property (in the name of securing the future).
 The world encourages us to be greedy,
although it does not explicitly say it.
 But God considers it foolishness.
 Greed is an exercise in futility.
 For your death is just around the corner.
 Wealth does not make you invincible.

22.  TheThe first readingfirst reading talks abouttalks about vanityvanity..
 All that we value here on earth areAll that we value here on earth are vanityvanity..
 It considers our efforts to make ourselves secure and richIt considers our efforts to make ourselves secure and rich
vanityvanity..
 It discourages us from being materialistic and worldly.It discourages us from being materialistic and worldly.
 It is pessimistic about acquiring a lot of things, even if theyIt is pessimistic about acquiring a lot of things, even if they
may seem to be legitimate.may seem to be legitimate.
 We should not make temporal goods our priority. They pass.We should not make temporal goods our priority. They pass.
 In this life, we must not forget to strive for spiritual values.In this life, we must not forget to strive for spiritual values.

23.  TheThe second readingsecond reading reminds us to set our hearts and minds toreminds us to set our hearts and minds to
things that are above.things that are above.
 As Christians, we should know our priorities.As Christians, we should know our priorities.
 We must put to death our old self, which is contented andWe must put to death our old self, which is contented and
busy with superficialities and trivialities.busy with superficialities and trivialities.
 We must not live as if we have never been redeemed fromWe must not live as if we have never been redeemed from
these lower values.these lower values.
 Instead, we must put on the new self, which works for higherInstead, we must put on the new self, which works for higher
and more secure values that are appreciated in heaven.and more secure values that are appreciated in heaven.

24.  What happens when you are greedy? (gospel reading)
– You steal.
 Greed is manifested in our economic and political systems.
– Low wages, anti-labor laws, no land reform.
 You are involved in:
– Graft and corruption, smuggling, drug trafficking, white slavery,
landgrabbing, usurious interest rates (5/6), selling unnecessary
things, robbery, kidnapping, extortion, illegal gambling, tax evasion,
economic sabotage, logging, mining, cartel. etc.
 You make the poor suffer.
 You make the laborers suffer.
 You produce rebels.

25.  What happens when you are vane? (1What happens when you are vane? (1stst
reading)reading)
 Vanity is manifested in craving for things without regard toVanity is manifested in craving for things without regard to
your end.your end.
 The world teaches vanity:The world teaches vanity:
– Fashion, pageantry. glamour. sensualityFashion, pageantry. glamour. sensuality
– The world can make you beautiful even if you are ugly, as longThe world can make you beautiful even if you are ugly, as long
as you have money.as you have money.
– Accessories, cosmeticsAccessories, cosmetics
– It gives importance to anything as long as it gives you bucks.It gives importance to anything as long as it gives you bucks.
 You focus only on your external appearance, without mindingYou focus only on your external appearance, without minding
what kind of person you are inside.what kind of person you are inside.
 You crave for appreciation, for honor, for the things youYou crave for appreciation, for honor, for the things you
acquire, for your new look and for your titles andacquire, for your new look and for your titles and
accomplishments.accomplishments.

26.  What happens if you stick to your old self (which is the falseWhat happens if you stick to your old self (which is the false
self)? (2self)? (2ndnd
reading)reading)
 Actually, you are not a happy person deep within.Actually, you are not a happy person deep within.
 False self has all the 7 capital sins operating.False self has all the 7 capital sins operating.
 You are living on the superficial level, on the base level.You are living on the superficial level, on the base level.
 You are living instinctually like an animal, without a goodYou are living instinctually like an animal, without a good
judgment.judgment.
 You are not living in the grace of God.You are not living in the grace of God.

27.  Far be it from us in the church, leaders who areFar be it from us in the church, leaders who are
vane, greedy, and instinctual.vane, greedy, and instinctual.
 The Church becomes an arena of competition, notThe Church becomes an arena of competition, not
a school of holiness.a school of holiness.
 Far be it from us, government leaders who areFar be it from us, government leaders who are
greedy.greedy.
 They steal the future of our children, by destroyingThey steal the future of our children, by destroying
the hills and the mountains, because of their lovethe hills and the mountains, because of their love
for money.for money.
 Their toxic minds destroy the Mother Earth.Their toxic minds destroy the Mother Earth.

28.  TheThe eucharisteucharist is for those who seek the things thatis for those who seek the things that
are above.are above.
 TheThe eucharisteucharist is our higher / highest value.is our higher / highest value.
 True and devout Catholics do not fail to receive theTrue and devout Catholics do not fail to receive the
eucharisteucharist each time they attend the mass.each time they attend the mass.

29. OOuur Contr Conteext of Sin and Gracext of Sin and Grace
 VaneVane
 Focused on trivialFocused on trivial
thingsthings
 ShallowShallow
 Unable to go deepUnable to go deep
 No interior lifeNo interior life
 No prayerlifeNo prayerlife
 False valuesFalse values
 Lusting for moreLusting for more
money, property andmoney, property and
powerpower
 OppressiveOppressive
 Chooses to be simpleChooses to be simple
 Devoid ofDevoid of
sophisticationsophistication
 Wastes no time forWastes no time for
trivial thingstrivial things
 Has higher goals andHas higher goals and
valuesvalues
 VisionVision
 Higher level ofHigher level of
awareness / livingawareness / living
 Living moral lifeLiving moral life
 Receives theReceives the
sacramentssacraments

30. Suggested SongsSuggested Songs
 Buhay Maging MaligayaBuhay Maging Maligaya
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh0VyqcYK3Ihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh0VyqcYK3I
 Francis’ DreamFrancis’ Dream
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBe4GJV_5TUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBe4GJV_5TU