Beloved Brothers and Sisters, Our Vocation and Mission is simply to Obey and Live God's Will. From the Heart, Fr. Heart, SVD

1. Welcome to our Bible Study
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time A
1 October 2017
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: Ezekiel 18:25-28
 25 You say, "The LORD'S way is not fair!" Hear
now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair,
or rather, are not your ways unfair? 26 When a
virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit
iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he
committed that he must die. 27 But if a wicked
man, turning from the wickedness he has
committed, does what is right and just, he shall
preserve his life; 28 since he has turned away
from all the sins which he committed, he shall
surely live, he shall not die.
The focus in on God’s way.

3. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
The Lord’s way
 25 You say, "The LORD'S way is not fair!" Hear now, house of
Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways
unfair?
Man’s way
 26 When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity,
and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must
die.
Man’s conversion
 27 But if a wicked man, turning from the wickedness he has
committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life;
Life
 28 since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed,
he shall surely live, he shall not die.
A simple outline!

4. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-28
The Lord’s way
 25 You say, "The LORD'S way is not
fair!" Hear now, house of Israel: Is it
my way that is unfair, or rather, are not
your ways unfair?
Man’s way
26 When a virtuous man turns away from
virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is
because of the iniquity he committed
that he must die.
Man’s conversion
 27 But if a wicked man, turning from
the wickedness he has committed,
does what is right and just, he shall
preserve his life;
Life
28 since he has turned away from all the
sins which he committed, he shall
surely live, he shall not die.
Commentary
 In v.25, God is accused of
being unfair in his way.
 Answer: It is man’s way that
is unfair. Put in direct
manner, it is your way that is
unfair.
 Vv.26-28 talks about “turning
away” and its consequences
 From virtue to iniquity =
death
 From wickedness to right
and just = life
 From all sins = life, not
death

5. Reflections on the 1st reading
 Our destiny depends on our “turning away.”
 If we turn away from evil (metanoia), we have
life. (God’s way)
 If we turn away from good (sin), we die.
(man’s way)
 We must adopt God’s way.
 Do you know God’s way?
 Seek the sacred scriptures and the teachings
of the Church!

6. Resp. Ps 25:4-5. 8-9. 10. 14.
 R. (6a) Remember your mercies, O Lord.
 4 Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
5 guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
 8 Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
9 The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;
in your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
 10 Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
14 He guides the humble to justice,
and teaches the humble his way.

7. Resp. Ps 25:4-5. 8-9. 10. 14.
 R. (6a) Remember your mercies, O
Lord.
 4 Your ways, O LORD, make known
to me;
teach me your paths,
5 guide me in your truth and teach
me,
for you are God my savior.
 8 Remember that your compassion,
O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
9 The sins of my youth and my
frailties remember not;
in your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O
LORD.
 10 Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
14 He guides the humble to justice,
and teaches the humble his way.
Commentary
 In vv.4-5, the psalmist
prays for guidance
(God’s ways, paths, and
truth)
 In vv.8-9, the psalmist
uses the word
“remember” 3 times.
 Remember your
compassion and love
 Remember not my sins
 Remember me in your
kindnes
 Vv.10 and 14 affirm God
as a good guide.

8. Reflections on the Psalm
 Like the Psalmist, we must pray for God’s
guidance.
 God guides us to walk in his way.
 Like the Psalmist, we should pray for God’s
compassion, to forgive our infractions.
 In our lives, we pray for two things: guidance
and forgiveness.

9. 2nd Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Part I
 1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any
participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my
joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart,
thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory;
rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4
each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for
those of others. 5 Have among yourselves the same attitude that is
also yours in Christ Jesus,
Part II
 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with
God something to be grasped. 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking
the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in
appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death,
even death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and
on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A simple outline!

10. 2nd Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Part I
 1 If there is any
encouragement in Christ,
any solace in love, any
participation in the Spirit, any
compassion and mercy, 2
complete my joy by being of
the same mind, with the
same love, united in heart,
thinking one thing. 3 Do
nothing out of selfishness or
out of vainglory; rather,
humbly regard others as
more important than
yourselves, 4 each looking
out not for his own interests,
but (also) everyone for those
of others. 5 Have among
yourselves the same attitude
that is also yours in Christ
Jesus,
 In v.2, Paul expresses his challenge
to the Philippians, to complete his
joy, in this manner:
 By having same mind (one vision,
common vision)
 By having same love (the love of
Christ)
 By being united in heart (living in
fraternity, fraternal love, in
community)
 By thinking one thing (focused)
 In v.3, Paul gives two imperatives:
 1) To be pure in motivations
 2) Not to put down others (do not put
yourself in a pedestal)
 Vv.4-5 continues Paul’s imperatives
 3) not to be selfish
 4) to look for the interest of others
 5) to have the same attitude
(affection for one another) in Christ

11. 2nd Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Part Two
 6 who, though he was in the
form of God, did not regard
equality with God something
to be grasped. 7 Rather, he
emptied himself, taking the
form of a slave, coming in
human likeness; and found
human in appearance, 8 he
humbled himself, becoming
obedient to death, even
death on a cross.
 9 Because of this, God
greatly exalted him and
bestowed on him the name
that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend, of
those in heaven and on earth
and under the earth, 11 and
every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.
 Part Two describes Christ’s divinity and
humanity, God’s way.
 V.6 begins with Christ’s category as God,
but not taking advantage of his divine
nature.
 V.7 indicates Christ’s coming down to
become human.
 V.8 indicates two sublime qualities of
Christ: humble and obedient. They make
incarnation possible.
 In v.9, God reverses the fate of Jesus on
two counts:
 God exalted him
 God bestowed on him the name…
 In v.10 the great name of Jesus exacts
reverence and holy fear and also
acknowledgment of his Lordship. V.11

12. We can classify Paul’s thoughts:
God’s way:
 same mind, same love, united
in heart, thinking one thing,
regard others as more
important; found in Christ
 God’s way in Christ: emptied
himself, took form of slave,
become human being
(incarnation), humbled himself,
obedient, to death on a cross.
 God’s way to Christ: exalted
him, bestowed name, which
make everyone bend and
tongue confess
Man’s way:
 Selfish motives, vainglory,
seeking own interests
 Minds can’t meet.
 Hearts are divided.
 One tries to outdo the other.
 Self-importance
 Appropriation
 Domination
 Pride
 Autonomy

13. Reflections on the second reading
 Jesus is the model of total selflessness expressed in
humility and total obedience to God.
 If we want to join him in heaven, we must empty
ourselves of pride, unbridled freedom, etc.
 We must practice kenosis (emptying).
 It is the peak of Christian discipleship.
 Can you talk less about yourself, your
accomplishments, etc., and talk more about Christ?

14. Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
 28 "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came
to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the
vineyard today.' 29 He said in reply, 'I will not,' but
afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man
came to the other son and gave the same order. He said
in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.
 31 Which of the two did his father's will?" They
answered, "The first."
 Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors
and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before
you. 32 When John came to you in the way of
righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors
and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did
not later change your minds and believe him.
The focus is on conversion.

15. Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
Question 1
 28 "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first
and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' 29 He said in
reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30
The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in
reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go.
Question 2
 31 Which of the two did his father's will?"
Correct answer
 They answered, "The first."
The meaning of his question
 Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When John came to
you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax
collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not
later change your minds and believe him.
A simple outline!

16. Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
 28 "What is your opinion? A man had
two sons. He came to the first and
said, 'Son, go out and work in the
vineyard today.' 29 He said in reply, 'I
will not,' but afterwards he changed
his mind and went. 30 The man
came to the other son and gave the
same order. He said in reply, 'Yes,
sir,' but did not go.
 31 Which of the two did his father's
will?" They answered, "The first."
 Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to
you, tax collectors and prostitutes are
entering the kingdom of God before
you. 32 When John came to you in
the way of righteousness, you did not
believe him; but tax collectors and
prostitutes did. Yet even when you
saw that, you did not later change
your minds and believe him.
Commentary
 The Parable of the Two Sons
begins with a question. V.28
 Jesus tries to get his disciples’
attention and to judge for
themselves regarding the issue.
 Vv.28a-30 can be summarized in
this way:
 1st Son (From No to yes = did God’s
will)
 The first son represents the sinners,
tax collectors and prostitutes.
 2nd son (From Yes to No = did not
do God’s will)
 The second son represents the
chief priests and the elders of Israel
(v.23.)

17. Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
 28 "What is your opinion? A man
had two sons. He came to the first
and said, 'Son, go out and work in
the vineyard today.' 29 He said in
reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he
changed his mind and went. 30 The
man came to the other son and gave
the same order. He said in reply,
'Yes, sir,' but did not go.
 31 Which of the two did his father's
will?" They answered, "The first."
 Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to
you, tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the kingdom of God
before you. 32 When John came to
you in the way of righteousness, you
did not believe him; but tax
collectors and prostitutes did. Yet
even when you saw that, you did not
later change your minds and believe
him.
 V.31 affirms who does the will of
God: the first son.
 In v.31b, Jesus informs his
enemies that those they consider
sinners are entering the kingdom
of heaven ahead of them.
 V.32 gives the explanation.
 They lost their opportunity to be
saved, when they did not believe
in the baptism of John.
 They were not even moved by
the conversion of sinners. V.32b.
 In other words, they are callous.
 They did not interpret correctly.

18. Reflections on the gospel reading
 In the eyes of God, we are all sinners.
 We must go back to him.
 Even if we have been active in the church for so long, we
still need conversion.
 We cannot sit back and imagine we have been doing the
right things all the time.
 We must learn how to discern the best way to follow
Christ in our context here and now.
 Our practices and theology might be correct but could be
irrelevant (does not bring to conversion and fullness of
life).

19. Tying the three readings and the Psalm
 The first reading talks about adopting God’s ways,
abandoning man’s ways. (conversion)
 The psalm is a prayer for guidance and forgiveness.
 The second reading talks about being selfless. (being
converted)
 The gospel reading talks about conversion (change of
mind)

20. How to develop your homily/sharing
 God calls us to true conversion.
 We may be involved in religious activities but we
are not converted at all.
 We may still be living in sin.
 We may be just there in the church projecting
ourselves as good, but actually gratifying our
desire for recognition, like the chief priests and
Pharisees, enjoying our positions without doing
anything for the church.

21.  The gospel teaches us that conversion has
something to do with change of mind.
 It is a total overhaul of a belief system (from old
to new) brought about through baptism.
 One cannot follow Christ without the initial
conversion in baptism.
 Baptism of repentance spells our ability to follow
Jesus.
 There is no Christian discipleship without
repentance.

22.  The first reading is emphatic on changing one’s
ways, turning away from wickedness.
 It is not right to accuse God of injustice.
 We should realize that we are the ones who are
unjust.
 It is foolishness to turn from good to bad. It is
courting death.
 The movement must be from bad to good.
 God passionately desires our conversion.

23.  The second reading gives us tips for conversion.
 It is a total obedience to God.
 We must follow God’s ways.
 We must have good personal relationships, not
putting ourselves on top of others.
 We must empty ourselves of all kinds of garbage
(bloated ego).

24.  Instead, we should imitate Jesus who
voluntarily and humbly emptied himself of all
his privileges, prestige, power and wealth as
God.
 If we want to be put in a pedestal, we should
first undergo the way of the cross and die.
 God himself will do it for us. That is more
honorable and respectable.

25.  Our involvement in the church can be a tricky business.
 We may volunteer as servant leaders, but deep inside
we long to be recognized. We bring our personal
agenda.
 Unconsciously, we may be using the liturgy, our position,
our influence and the facilities of the church for our own
ends.
 That’s why, there is always a need to examine our
motivations.
 We are helped much by attending ongoing formations.
 Ongoing formations trigger realizations and conversions.

26.  The eucharist is the sacrament of love and
devotion to others.
 It is a symbol of selflessness on the part of God,
also a symbol of self-giving of Jesus.
 The eucharist is for those who adopt God’s way
and abandon man’s way.
 The eucharist assures us of the future glory to
come.

27. Our Context of Sin and Grace
 Church workers/leaders
who appropriate places of
honor in the church
 People who throw their
weight upon others.
 Servant leaders who are
more conscious of their
positions and years of
service
 Ministers who spend
more time chatting than
helping
 Selfless, humble servants
who are there when
needed
 Ministers who are
fraternal and
accommodating
 Ministers who quietly
endure insults and pains.
 Ministers who are
focused in their work,
who do their homework
well, who report for duty.

28. Suggested Songs
 Lord, I Lift Up My Soul
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4alK0eWGCA
 Time To Change
 Let’s Begin a New Life