Bible study for 2nd Sunday of Lent Cycle B

1. Sunday Readings
Commentary and Reflections
2nd Sunday of Lent B
March 1, 2015
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st Reading: Gen 22,1-2.9.10-13.15-18
 1 God put Abraham to the test.
Command and Instructions
 He called to him, "Abraham!" "Ready!" he replied. 2 Then God said: "Take
your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah.
There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on a height that I will point out
to you.“
Execution and Obedience
 9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an
altar there and arranged the wood on it. Next he tied up his son Isaac, and
put him on top of the wood on the altar. 10 Then he reached out and took
the knife to slaughter his son.
God’s Intervention
 11 But the LORD'S messenger called to him from heaven, "Abraham,
Abraham!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. 12 "Do not lay your hand on the boy,"
said the messenger. "Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how
devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own
beloved son.“ 13 As Abraham looked about, he spied a ram caught by its
horns in the thicket. So he went and took the ram and offered it up as a
holocaust in place of his son.
Promise of Blessing
 15 Again the LORD'S messenger called to Abraham from heaven 16 and
said: "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you acted as you
did in not withholding from me your beloved son, 17 I will bless you
abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky
and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of
the gates of their enemies, 18 and in your descendants all the nations of the
earth shall find blessing-- all this because you obeyed my command.''

3. Textual Context
20,1-18 Abraham and Sarah in Gerar
21,1-34 The Birth of Isaac and the Expulsion of Hagar
22,1-24 Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac
23,1-20 Abraham’s Purchase of Land in Canaan
24,1-67 The Wooing of Rebekah
25,1-18 The Death of Abraham

4. 1st Reading: Gen 22,1-2.9.10-13.15-18
 1 God put Abraham to the
test. He called to him,
"Abraham!" "Ready!" he
replied. 2 Then God said:
"Take your son Isaac, your
only one, whom you love, and
go to the land of Moriah.
There you shall offer him up
as a holocaust on a height
that I will point out to you.“ 9
When they came to the place
of which God had told him,
Abraham built an altar there
and arranged the wood on it.
Next he tied up his son Isaac,
and put him on top of the
wood on the altar. 10 Then
he reached out and took the
knife to slaughter his son.
Commentary
 V.1 announces what God will do
to Abraham.
 He is going to test his faith in
him.
 God calls Abraham and he
replies.
 In v.2, God instructs Abraham to
bring his son to Moriah.
 His son is described as the ‘one
and only, whom you love…’
 It highlights the big sacrifice,
which Abraham is going to
make, if he truly believes in
God.
 The land of Moriah is Jerusalem,
where the Temple of Jerusalem
would later stand.
 God instructs him to offer a
holocaust (a burnt offering).
The focus is on the faith of
Abraham.

5. 1st Reading: Gen 22,1-2.9.10-13.15-18
 9 When they came
to the place of
which God had told
him, Abraham built
an altar there and
arranged the wood
on it. Next he tied
up his son Isaac,
and put him on top
of the wood on the
altar. 10 Then he
reached out and
took the knife to
slaughter his son.
 In v.9, Abraham obeys what
God had told him earlier to
do:
• builds an altar
• puts wood on it
• ties his son Isaac
 In v.10, Abraham now takes
his knife to slaughter his son.
 What could have been the
feeling of Abraham?
 We can imagine he could be
asking a lot of questions.
• Why should he kill the son (of
promise)?
• How can God fulfill his promise to
make him the father of all
nations?

6.  11 But the LORD'S
messenger called to him
from heaven,
"Abraham, Abraham!"
"Yes, Lord," he
answered. 12 "Do not
lay your hand on the
boy," said the
messenger. "Do not do
the least thing to him. I
know now how devoted
you are to God, since
you did not withhold
from me your own
beloved son.“ 13 As
Abraham looked about,
he spied a ram caught
by its horns in the
thicket. So he went and
took the ram and
offered it up as a
holocaust in place of his
son.
 In v.11, God intervenes with
Abraham.
 He calls him again by name
and Abraham responds, Yes.
 In v.12, God stops Abraham
from slaughtering his son.
 He also reveals his intention
to test how devoted
(faithful) he is to God.
 In v.13, Abraham
immediately finds a
substitute (a ram) for the
sacrifice.

7.  15 Again the LORD'S
messenger called to
Abraham from heaven 16
and said: "I swear by
myself, declares the
LORD, that because you
acted as you did in not
withholding from me your
beloved son, 17 I will
bless you abundantly and
make your descendants as
countless as the stars of
the sky and the sands of
the seashore; your
descendants shall take
possession of the gates of
their enemies, 18 and in
your descendants all the
nations of the earth shall
find blessing-- all this
because you obeyed my
command.''
 Vv.15-16 repeat what
God has said in v.12.
“Abraham has not
withheld his son from
God”.
 Vv.17-18 complete the
sentence with a
promise:
• To bless him abundantly
• To make his descendants
countless
• His descendants will
possess power over their
enemies.
• His descendants will be
the channel of blessings
for all nations.
 V.18 expressly gives the
reason why Abraham
has to be blessed:
• Because he obeyed God.

8. Reflections on the 1st reading
 Faith manifests its best when tested.
 When you are tested, you are asked to give up
something precious in your life.
 When you are tested, you are asked to move from
your comfort zone, to get out of your box, or to go
beyond your logic or syllogism.
 Faith means putting your trust totally in the
wisdom of God, in the midst of contradictions
(obedience).
 When you have faith, you operate beyond the
capacity of your brain.

9. Resp. Ps 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
 R. (116:9) I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
 10 I believed, even when I said,
"I am greatly afflicted."
15 Precious in the eyes of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
 16 O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;
you have loosed my bonds.
17 To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
 18 My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people,
19 In the courts of the house of the LORD,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.

10. Resp. Ps 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
 R. (116:9) I will walk before
the Lord, in the land of the
living.
 10 I believed, even when I said,
"I am greatly afflicted."
15 Precious in the eyes of the
LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
 16 O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your
handmaid;
you have loosed my bonds.
17 To you will I offer sacrifice of
thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of
the LORD.
 18 My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people,
19 In the courts of the house of
the LORD,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Commentary
 The psalm, classified as thanksgiving
hymn, looks like the prayer of
Abraham.
 The liturgists appropriately chose this
psalm as the response to the first
reading..15
 V.10 represents the feeling of
Abraham.
 V.15 looks favorably on the death of a
God-fearing person.
 V.16 identifies the psalmist himself:
servant, slave
 In v.17, the psalmist promises to offer
sacrifices and prayers.
 In vv.18-19, the psalmist continues to
recognize God in the Temple of
Jerusalem. He will do it publicly.

11. Reflections on the Psalm
 We, too, experience the pain and
afflictions, when a loved one dies.
 We must be consoled by God’s attitude
toward the death of his faithful one.
 We must make sure that our loved ones
must be God-fearing.
 Like the psalmist, no matter what, we
should worship God with the community.
 We should not be ashamed to praise God
even if he acts mysteriously.

12. 2nd Reading: Romans 8,31b-34
 31 If God is for us, who can be against
us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all, how will he
not also give us everything else along with
him? 33 Who will bring a charge against
God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits
us. 34 Who will condemn? It is Christ
(Jesus) who died, rather, was raised, who
also is at the right hand of God, who
indeed intercedes for us.

13. 2nd Reading: Romans 8,31b-34
Question and Answer 1
 31 If God is for us, who can be against us? 32
He who did not spare his own Son but handed
him over for us all, how will he not also give us
everything else along with him?
Question and Answer 2
 33 Who will bring a charge against God's chosen
ones? It is God who acquits us.
Question and Answer 3
 34 Who will condemn? It is Christ (Jesus) who
died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right
hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

14. Textual Context
Outline by NJBC
I. Introduction 1,1-15
II. Part I: Doctrinal section - Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord 1,16—11,36
Through the gospel the uprightness of God is revealed as justifying the person of faith. 1,16—
4,25
The love of God assures salvation to those justified by faith. 5,1—8,39
This justification/salvation does not contradict God's promise to Israel of Old. 9,1—11,36
III. Part II: Hortatory section - The demands of upright life in Christ. 12,1—15,13
IV. Conclusion 15,14-33
V. Letter of recommendation for Phoebe (the deaconess) 16,1-23
VI. Doxology 16,25-27

15. 2nd Reading: Romans 8,31b-34
Question and Answer 1
 31 If God is for us, who
can be against us? 32
He who did not spare
his own Son but
handed him over for us
all, how will he not also
give us everything else
along with him?
Question and Answer 2
 33 Who will bring a
charge against God's
chosen ones? It is God
who acquits us.
Question and Answer 3
 34 Who will condemn?
It is Christ (Jesus) who
died, rather, was
raised, who also is at
the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes
for us.
Commentary
 The passage consoles Christians, who are
undergoing persecution.
 V.31 affirms that if God is for us, those who
oppose us do not matter.
 V.32 implies that we should not complain if we
suffer. Jesus himself suffered because of us.
 In his glorified body, God will also deliver his
Son to us.
 V.33 implies that we should not be afraid if
someone accuses us just because we are
practicing Christians.
 God himself will acquit us because he is the
judge. Those against us are false accusers.
 V.34 implies that no one can condemn us
except Christ, but Christ himself intercedes for
us in heaven.
 It implies that there is no condemnation for
the Christian believer.

16. Reflections on the 2nd reading
 Paul tries to console the Christians, who experience
oppositions and persecutions.
 Paul affirms that God is for the believer. He will not
abandon him/her.
 If ever we are sent to court because of our faith, God will
find a way to release us.
 If we are guilty of committing crimes (sins) because of
our weakness, Christ will intercede for us (mitigate our
punishment or seek our pardon).

17. Reflections on the 2nd reading
 God is like a lawyer, who does not
abandon his client and defends him/ her up
to the end.
 Everything will be alright if we have faith in
God. God works in a mysterious way, as he
did to his Son Jesus, when they
persecuted and killed him. God will do the
same to us if we remain faithful to him.

18. Gospel Reading: Mark 9,2-10
 2 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high
mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured
before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 4 Then Elijah
appeared to them along with Moses, and they were
conversing with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three
tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 He
hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. 7 Then a
cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the
cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to
him." 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw
anyone but Jesus alone with them. 9 As they were coming
down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate
what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man
had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to
themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.
The focus is on the transfiguration of Jesus.

19. Gospel Reading: Mark 9,2-10
The Setting
 2 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain
apart by themselves.
The Transfiguration
 And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became
dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
The appearance of Elijah and Moses
 4 Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were
conversing with Jesus.
Peter
 5 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it is good that we are
here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one
for Elijah." 6 He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
The Father
 7 Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the
cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." 8
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone
with them.
The charge
 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not
to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man
had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves,
questioning what rising from the dead meant.

20. Textual Context
THE WAY OF THE SON OF MAN
8,27-33 First Prediction of the passion: rebuke to Peter (his misunderstanding)
(at Caesaria Phil.)
8,34—9,1 Teaching on taking up the cross and on the coming of the kingdom
9,2-13 Transfiguration and remarks on Elijah (=John the Bap)
9,14-29 Healing of the epileptic demoniac and lesson concerning prayer
9,30-32 Second Prediction of the passion – not understood by the disciples
(en route across Galilee and Judea)
9,33-50 Teaching on service, rewards – after the disciples argue
10,1-31 Teaching on divorce, children’s access to the kingdom, riches and
kingdom

21. Gospel Reading:
Mark 9,2-10
The Setting
 2 Jesus took Peter,
James, and John and
led them up a high
mountain apart by
themselves.
The Transfiguration
 And he was
transfigured before
them, 3 and his
clothes became
dazzling white, such
as no fuller on earth
could bleach them.
The appearance of
Elijah and Moses
 4 Then Elijah
appeared to them
along with Moses, and
they were conversing
with Jesus.
Commentary
 V.2 gives the setting of the
transfiguration.
• The name of the mountain is not
mentioned, but we know it as Mt.
Tabor.
 V.2b indicates Jesus is
transfigured, in front of the
apostles.
• Imagine how they reacted.
 V.3 indicates that his clothing also
changed.
 V.4 mentions the appearance of
Elijah and Moses.
 Elijah represents the prophets;
Moses the Torah (Pentateuch).
 What are they conversing about?

22. Gospel Reading: Mark
9,2-10
Peter
 5 Then Peter said to
Jesus in reply, "Rabbi, it
is good that we are
here! Let us make three
tents: one for you, one
for Moses, and one for
Elijah." 6 He hardly
knew what to say, they
were so terrified.
The Father
 7 Then a cloud came,
casting a shadow over
them; then from the
cloud came a voice,
"This is my beloved
Son. Listen to him." 8
Suddenly, looking
around, they no longer
saw anyone but Jesus
alone with them.
 V.5 indicates that the vision is
awesome, so much so that Peter
offers to Jesus to build 3 tents.
• The tents reminisce the tents on
Mt. Sinai, when the Israelites
received the Torah.
 Until now the Jews build tents
during the joyful feast of Succoth
(tents, booths). (They will celebrate
on Sept 30 to Oct 7, 2012).
 V.6 indicates Peter does not know
what he is saying, simply because
they are overwhelmed by the
vision (terrified, afraid).
 In v.7, the transfiguration reaches
its climax.
• The Father affirms his Son of his
authority.
 In v.8, everything becomes
normal.

23. Gospel Reading: Mark 9,2-10
The charge
 9 As they were coming
down from the
mountain, he charged
them not to relate what
they had seen to
anyone, except when
the Son of Man had
risen from the dead. 10
So they kept the matter
to themselves,
questioning what rising
from the dead meant.
 V.9 closes the story. The story
began with the movement
“going up,” now it ends with
“going down.”
 Jesus charges the apostles to
keep their experience to
themselves, until after his
resurrection.
 Can they keep a secret?
 V.10 says they can, but they
continue asking the meaning of
the resurrection.

24. Reflections on the gospel reading
 The transfiguration is relevant in the face of the
upcoming passion, death and resurrection of
Jesus.
 It gives a glimpse of what will happen to Jesus
after he suffers and dies.
 The apostles who see the event are transformed.
 They have a nice feeling.
 They volunteer to build booths to prolong their
stay there.
 Immediately, these fishermen become carpenters.
 One becomes creative when there is an
experience of overwhelming joy, when one
encounters a very pleasant sight.

25.  Yet, after the beautiful vision, Jesus challenges
the apostles to postpone their excitement to
spread the news.
 The transfiguration is properly understood by
them and by their listeners only after the
resurrection.
 They should not pre-empt everything. Otherwise,
they will find a hard time explaining.
 The transfiguration must be told on hindsight, in
the light of the resurrection.

26. Tying the three readings and the Psalm
 Abraham obeyed God without conditions (1st
reading).
 The psalmist teaches submission (obedience) to
God’s will, like submission to the death of a
faithful one.
 There are many benefits that come from
believing in God (obeying him). (2nd reading)
 The apostles obey Jesus when he tells them to
postpone their story until the appropriate time.
(gospel)
We focus on obedience.

27. How to develop your homily and sharing
 Relate how difficult it is today to exact obedience
from children and students. (due to problems with authority,
moral ascendancy, unclarity, etc.)
 Develop how important it is to obey God:
• 1) obedience to God is righteousness (1st reading)
• 2) God does not abandon those who obey him in faith
(2nd reading)
• 3) God has his own plan, we must follow. (gospel reading)
 Education/formation should lead us to follow rules
and regulations.
 Our dilemma right now is that we may be
following a law, which is immoral. Hence, the
confusion.

28.  Transformation only happens when we obey a
higher authority (Jesus, God).
 In the transfiguration, God the Father tells the
apostles, “Listen to him.” (Obey him.)
 The season of Lent asks us to transform our lives,
our families and our society by obeying God.
 Conversion is expressed through obedience.

29.  Just as we follow instructions on
• how to operate a machine,
• how to produce a good product, how to cook good
food,
• how to maintain engines,
• how to manage our families and churches and
communities,
• how to make an accounting.
 so we follow instructions on how to become
holy.

30.  We, as Catholics, must believe that God is
speaking through our shepherds (priests,
bishops, pope, theologians).
 They instruct us by laying out principles
through their pastoral letters and documents
on how best to practice our faith here and
now. We know what to espouse and what to
avoid through the catechism.
 If you are discerning all alone, be prepared
for the many pitfalls you have not anticipated.

31.  What happens if we do not obey anyone or
anything? (chaos, disorder, anarchy, etc.)
 A seminary professor once said, ”There is nothing
wrong in obeying, but if you disobey you are in
trouble.”
 Obedience to God (doing his plan) is a sign of
conversion / transformation during this season of
Lent.

32.  The eucharist is a sign of our obedience to
God. “Take and eat… do this in memory of
me.”
 In this eucharist, we pray that we, too, may
become obedient to God like Christ.
 In the eucharist, we obediently celebrate our
transformation.

33. Our Context of Sin and Grace
 Disobedient
 Hard headed
 Does not know how
to follow rules.
 Does not read
instructions
 Autocratic
 Anarchic
 Autonomic
 Chaotic
 Obedient
 Transformed
 Agents of change
 Social transformation
 Converted
 Knows how to discern
God’s will

34. Suggested Songs
 Biyayang Mula Sa ‘Yo
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxbmC_LVJrQ
 If God is for us
 Sino ang Makapaghihiwalay
 Hosea
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrYhNWt03oE&feature=rel
ated