Dear brothers and sisters, Loving the Risen Lord obliges us to be nurturing.  Fr. Cielo

1. Welcome to our Bible Study
3rd
Sunday of Easter C
10 April 2016
In preparation for this Sunday’s litury
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st
reading: Acts 5,27-32.40b-41
• 27 When they had brought them in and made them
stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned
them, 28 "We gave you strict orders (did we not?) to
stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled
Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this
man's blood upon us." 29 But Peter and the apostles
said in reply, "We must obey God rather than men. 30
The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had
him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him
at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel
repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are
witnesses of these things, as is the holy Spirit that God
has given to those who obey him.“
• 40 After recalling the apostles, they had them flogged,
ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and
dismissed them. 41 So they left the presence of the
Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to
suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.
The focus is on being witnesses.

3. 1st
reading: Acts 5,27-32.40b-41
High priest’s point of view (no speaking in the name of Jesus)
• 27 When the captain and the court officers had brought the apostles
in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest
questioned them, 28 "We gave you strict orders (did we not?) to
stop teaching in that name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your
teaching and want to bring this man's blood upon us."
Peter’s point of view (speaking in obedience to God)
• 29 But Peter and the apostles said in reply, "We must obey God
rather than men. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though
you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at
his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and
forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, as is the
holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.“
High priest’s sanctions (flogging, prohibiting)
• 40 After recalling the apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them
to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.
Apostles’ joy over being punished because of their obedience
(witnessing)
• 41 So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they
had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.
A simple outline!

4. Textual Context of Acts 5,27-32.40b-41
• Ananias and Sapphira (5,1-11)
• The Apostles Heal Many (5,12-16)
• The Apostles are Persecuted (5,17-42)
• The Seven Chosen to Serve (6,1-7)
• The Arrest of Stephen (6,8-15)

5. 1st
reading: Acts 5,27-32.40b-41
High priest’s point of view (no speaking in the name
of Jesus)
• 27 When the Captain and the court officers had
brought them in and made them stand before the
Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, 28
"We gave you strict orders (did we not?) to stop
teaching in that name. Yet you have filled
Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring
this man's blood upon us."
Peter’s point of view (speaking in obedience to God)
• 29 But Peter and the apostles said in reply, "We
must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of
our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him
killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted
him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant
Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We
are witnesses of these things, as is the holy Spirit
that God has given to those who obey him.“
High priest’s sanctions (flogging, prohibiting)
• 40 After recalling the apostles, they had them
flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the
name of Jesus, and dismissed them.
Apostles’ joy over being punished because of their
obedience (witnessing)
• 41 So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer
dishonor for the sake of the name.
Commentary
The reading speaks of what it means
to give witness and its consequences.
Vv.27-28 talk about the prohibition to
give witness (teaching that name, and
making the religious authorities
responsible for his death)
V.29 speaks of the bold response of
Peter and the apostles: “We must
obey God rather than men.” The
apostles’ commander in chief is God,
not the high priest or the Sanhedrin.
V.30 summarizes the kerygma
(content of apostles’ preaching), v.31
focuses on his resurrection =
exaltation as leader and savior.
V.31 highlights God’s purpose for us
why he raises Jesus from the dead:
- To grant Israel repentance and
forgiveness of sins.
Vv.40-41 (also v.27) talk about the consequences of witnessing: questioning,
prohibiting, further witnessing, flogging, rejoicing.

6. Reflections on the first reading
• Obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to
men.
• No authority on earth should stop the evangelization
process.
• The Christian is aware of God’s imperatives (to preach, to
evangelize).
• Preachings and affirmations to Jesus’ resurrection
must lead all to repentance and to the forgiveness of
sins.
• True preachers should not care about the negative
consequences of their preaching.
• They continue their witnessing in spite of persecutions,
trials and misunderstandings, on the part of the
unbelievers.
• Are you a bold preacher?

7. Resp. Ps 30:2,4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
• R. (2a) I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
• 2 I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
4 O LORD, you brought me up from the netherworld;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
• 5 Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
6 For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
11 At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
• 12 Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;
O LORD, be my helper.
13 You changed my mourning into dancing;
O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.

8. Resp. Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
• R. (2a) I will praise you, Lord, for
you have rescued me.
• 2 I will extol you, O LORD, for you
drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice
over me.
4 O LORD, you brought me up from
the netherworld;
you preserved me from among those
going down into the pit.
• 5 Sing praise to the LORD, you his
faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
6 For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
11 At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
• 12 Hear, O LORD, and have pity on
me;
O LORD, be my helper.
13 You changed my mourning into
dancing;
O LORD, my God, forever will I give
you thanks.
Commentary
• The psalm is classified as a
thanksgiving hymn.
• In vv.2 4, the psalmist praises God
because he saved him from his
enemies, he made him rise from
death.
• In v.4, the psalmist exhorts all God-
fearing ones to praise God and give
thanks to him. Why?
• V.6 gives the reason in parallel form:
• For his anger last a moment // his
good will lasts lifetime
• There is weeping at night; rejoicing
at dawn.
• V.12 is a prayer for mercy and help.
• In v.13, the psalmist acknowledges
God’s intervention and promises to
thank him always.

9. Reflections on the Psalm
• We experience a lot of troubles.
• We also experience a lot of interventions.
• We must be thankful to God for this.
• When our troubles end, it means that God is
merciful to us.
• Gratitude to God is always commendable as a
human and Christian practice.
• Are you thankful to God when your problems
end, when you see finally the light?

10. 2nd
reading: Revelation 5,11-14
• 11 I, John, looked again and heard the voices of many
angels who surrounded the throne and the living
creatures and the elders. They were countless in
number, 12 and they cried out in a loud voice: "Worthy
is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing." 13
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and
under the earth and in the sea, everything in the
universe, cry out: "To the one who sits on the throne and
to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might,
forever and ever." 14 The four living creatures
answered, "Amen," and the elders fell down and
worshiped.
The focus is Lamb that was slain, now in glory!

11. 2nd
reading: Revelation 5,11-14
Angels in heaven, glorifying Christ in heaven
• 11 I, John, looked again and heard the voices of many
angels who surrounded the throne and the living
creatures and the elders. They were countless in
number, 12 and they cried out in a loud voice: "Worthy
is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches,
wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing."
Every creature, everywhere, blessing and glorifying Christ
• 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth
and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the
universe, cry out: "To the one who sits on the throne and
to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might,
forever and ever."
The Four Living creatures, worshipping Christ
• 14 The four living creatures answered, "Amen," and the
elders fell down and worshiped.
A simple outline!

12. Textual Context of Rev 5,11-14
• The Scroll and the Lamb (5,1-14)
• The Seven Seals (6,1-17)
• The 144,000 of Israel Sealed (7,1-8)
• The Multitude from Every Nation (7,9-17)

13. 2nd
reading: Revelation 5,11-14
Angels in heaven, glorifying Christ in
heaven
• 11 I looked again and heard the
voices of many angels who
surrounded the throne and the
living creatures and the elders.
They were countless in number,
12 and they cried out in a loud
voice: "Worthy is the Lamb that
was slain to receive power and
riches, wisdom and strength, honor
and glory and blessing."
Every creature, everywhere, blessing
and glorifying Christ
• 13 Then I heard every creature in
heaven and on earth and under the
earth and in the sea, everything in
the universe, cry out: "To the one
who sits on the throne and to the
Lamb be blessing and honor, glory
and might, forever and ever."
The Four Living creatures,
worshipping Christ
• 14 The four living creatures
answered, "Amen," and the elders
fell down and worshiped.
Commentary
• The text describes, dramatizes well, and
sounds off well, the glorification of the
Christ, theologically addressed as the
Lamb in vv.12 and 13.
• The context is liturgy, in full blast, in
unison.
• Take note of the participants in the
liturgy: many angels, living creatures
and elders (countless) v.11.
• They affirm Christ’s worthiness to
receive power, riches, etc…(no other
being has ever received such honor). V.12
• V.13 gives a louder celebration. This
time, not only angels but all creatures
everywhere. New element here is the
blessing and idea of eternity (for ever
and ever)
• V.14 is the response for the
unprecedented liturgy: Amen. The Great
Amen.

14. Reflections on the second reading
• The Risen Lord, who is now in heaven, deserves the
most grandiose expression of praise and glory, for Jesus
was willing to be slain for our sake.
• It is executed in full orchestra, well coordinated, well
participated, all in the superlative degree.
• Those involved in our liturgies must take note of what
liturgy is supposed to be.
• It is time for us to examine, once more, the way we carry
our liturgical celebrations.
• Do our liturgies give glory to God, or, they just render
haphazard and meaningless motions?
• It is time again to study or review what liturgy is all about.

15. Gospel reading: John 21,1-19
Description of how Jesus appears to the apostles
• 1 At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of
Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way.
Fishing, all go, but no catch
• 2 Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from
Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples. 3
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We
also will come with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that
night they caught nothing.
Appearance of Jesus without being recognized
• 4 When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the
disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them,
"Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No."
6 So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and
you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in
because of the number of fish.
Apostles’ recognition
• 7 So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When
Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he
was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in
the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards,
dragging the net with the fish.

16. The catch and the meal
• 9 When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it
and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught."
11 So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one
hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was
not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the
disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the
Lord. 13 Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in
like manner the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to
his disciples after being raised from the dead.
The love 3x
• 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon,
son of John, do you love (agapao) me more than these?" He said to him,
"Yes, Lord, you know that I love (fileo) you." He said to him, "Feed my
lambs." 16 He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you
love (agapao) me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love (fileo)
you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." 17 He said to him the third time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love (fileo) me?" Peter was distressed that he
had said to him a third time, "Do you love (fileo) me?" and he said to him,
"Lord, you know everything; you know that I love (fileo) you." (Jesus) said to
him, "Feed my sheep.
Peter’s end
• 18 Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress
yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch
out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you
do not want to go." 19 He said this signifying by what kind of death he
would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

17. Commentary
• The text is about the appearance (revelation,v.1)
of Jesus after his resurrection.
• His appearance is in the context of fishing.
• Jesus is not readily recognized, although he
makes a miracle (miraculous catch of fish).
• It is John who recognizes. He exclaims, “It is the
Lord.”
• To confirm their faith, Jesus takes meal (breakfast)
with them.
• Right after, Jesus asks Peter the three disturbing
questions: “Peter, do you love me?”
• To love is to lead and nurture.

18. Textual Context of John 21,1-19
• Jesus’ Resurrection (20,1-10)
• Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (20,11-18)
• Jesus Appears to the Disciples (20,19-29)
• The Purpose of the Book (20,30-31)
• Jesus appears to 7 disciples (21,1-14)
• Jesus and Peter (21,15-19)
• Jesus and the Beloved Disciple (21,20-24)

19. Reflections on the gospel reading
• To lead is to feed (nourish and nurture).
• The question and answer (repetitious) portion in the
gospel indicates that leadership has something to do
with feeding, out of the love for Jesus, not just eating.
– They have just eaten breakfast.
• Beware of leaders who are always eating (devouring), and
not feeding their constituents!
• The main job of a leader according to the risen Lord is
feeding. “Feed my lambs. Tend my lambs. Feed my sheep.”
• Whom to feed? God’s flock (the church).
• God’s special people deserve good and solid spiritual
food.

20. Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm
• The first reading speaks of the leadership of
Peter and other apostles, shown through their
courageous witnessing.
• The psalm speaks of a battered leader (!) who is
saved by God.
• The second reading celebrates the glory of the
risen Lord, brought about by his slain leadership.
• The gospel reading defines the leadership of
Peter: to feed Jesus’ flock.
The preacher may develop the theme of leadership which should be
characterized by loving Jesus and feeding his flock.

21. How to develop your homily/sharing
• Relate your experience as a leader (as a
parish priest, pastor, etc.)
• Here you may ask forgiveness from the
congregation for your failures to love
Jesus and to feed his flock.
• Loving Jesus is shown through deep
prayer life and commitment to his mission.

22. • The gospel reading explicitates the work
of a leader:
– feeding the flock, not just one poor guy, but a
congregation.
• We are not leaders of just a small group,
but a big group (Church, parish, diocese).
• We cannot do it if we don’t really love the
Lord.

23. • We feed the people with the Word of God, not
spiritual junk food or garbage.
• Feeding the flock here means delivering a well
prepared and inspiring homily, not a phony one
and full of baloney.
• A good homily is one thatA good homily is one that
– is based on the readings,is based on the readings,
– takes into account the liturgical season and the presenttakes into account the liturgical season and the present
context (issues in the community and family) and thecontext (issues in the community and family) and the
personal witnessing/conviction of the preacher.personal witnessing/conviction of the preacher.
• We can do this if we have a good training andWe can do this if we have a good training and
formation and sufficient preparation.formation and sufficient preparation.

24. • Feeding the flock means leading the people to read the
Bible and receive the Eucharist, in order to be more
committed to life.
• We help people see if their values, behavior and
practices conform to the Word of God.
• How do we exercise our leadership?
• The first reading has an answer.

25. • In the first reading, the apostles exercise their
leadership, after the Pentecost, by boldly
giving witness to the risen Lord, even if the
authorities forbid them.
• As leaders, they make a strong statement: “It is
better to obey God than men.”
• We too must do the same, if truly we are spirit-
filled leaders.
• Techniques are not enough.
• Is our leadership absolute?
• No, as the second reading suggests.

26. • The second reading says there is a higher
(absolute) leadership.
• The text celebrates the success (victory) of
Jesus as the great leader in heaven.
• All creatures recognize his leadership (by example,
demonstrated in the paschal mystery).
• They do it in the context of a superb and well-
attended liturgy.
• Everybody participates in the doxology (in glorifying
Jesus).
• We as leaders must recognize a higher or the
highest leadership attained by Jesus Christ.

27. • Is the leadership of church people limited
to answering spiritual needs only?
• Absolutely No…

28. • A good leader is concerned not only about the
spiritual well-being of his flock, but also about
their physical and psychological well-being (their
total liberation).
• A good leader is able to help alleviate poverty,
fight social injustices.
• He has a strong sense of justice, fairness and
harmony; he feels obliged to give priority to his
poor constituents.
• He has a vision for his community.
• “To lead without a vision is treason.” – Cardinal
Rosales

29. • We will be electing our leaders in the community
on May 13 (for Filipinos).
• Do we have candidates who will feed their flock?
• Or, are they vultures that victimize the hapless
poor? They feast on carcasses.
– Bad politicians are glamorized vultures and criminals.
• Do our candidates show determination to fight
poverty and hunger?
• Or, are they like syndicates, who fool people into
their prey?

30. • In the eucharist, Jesus once again feeds us with
his body and blood.
• Truly Jesus is a good leader, leader par
excellence, whose concern is our total well-
being.
• In this eucharist, we pray that we too may
become good and loving leaders.

31. Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace
• Vultures
• Bad politicians
• Demagogues
• Political syndicates
• Pretending to be public
servants
• So much money spent to
improve one’s image
• Leaders without a vision
• Corrupt
• Leaders with spiritual
values
• Feeding programs
• Caritas Manila
• Social services
• Charitable works
• Advocacies
• Solid training of
preachers
• Prophets
• Clergy Discernment

32. Suggested Songs
• Bayang Tinawag
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhzcbwbfMe8
• Yesteryears’ Curse (slide to 1,20)
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlKeY-Ikk2U
• Ikaw Ngayon Bukas
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLXGRycu6ko
• Kahit Isang Kusing
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrfa-DSUkIs

33. • Dear brothers and sisters,
• Loving the Risen Lord obliges us to be
nurturing.
•
• Fr. Cielo