Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Welcome to our Bible Study 19 th Sunday in Ordinary Time C August 11, 2013 In preparation
for this Sunday’s liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R.
Almazan, OFM
2 1 st reading: Wisdom 18,6-9 6 The night of the passover was known beforehand to our
fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have
courage. 7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. 8 For
when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned. 9 For in
secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one
accord the divine institution, that your holy ones should share alike the same good things and
dangers, having previously sung the praises of the fathers. The focus is on salvation/liberation.
3 Textual Context of Wisdom 18,6-9 Wis 17,1-21 Terror Strikes the Egyptians at Night Wis 18,1-4
Light Shines on the Israelites Wis 18,5-19 The Death of the Egyptian Firstborn Wis 18,20-25
Threat of Annihilation in the Desert Wis 19,1-5 The Red Sea
4 1 st reading: Wisdom 18,6-9 6 The night of the passover was known beforehand to our
fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have
courage. 7 Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. 8 For
when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned.
Commentary The book of Wisdom belongs to the Deuterocanonical books (not in the Hebrew
Bible, but in the Septuagint). The reading is a prayer that recalls the salvation or liberation of
Israel. The context from which we can understand the text is the passover night, v.6, an
exodus event (Ex 12). The patriarchs of Israel (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and 12 tribes) had
foreknowledge of it, believing that God would someday fulfill his promises (oaths). V.6 The
Israelites are now poised to leave / escape from Egypt. Leaving Egypt means the salvation of
Israel and the destruction of her enemies. v.7 Leaving Egypt is punishment for Israel’s
enemies, glorification of the Israelites. v.8
5 1 st reading: Wisdom 18,6-9 9 For in secret the holy children of the good were offering
sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution, that your holy ones
should share alike the same good things and dangers, having previously sung the praises of the
fathers. V.9 indicates that the Israelites, the young holy ones (younger generations) have been
offering sacrifices and doing the will of God in secret. Purpose: that they (ancestors and later
generations) share alike the good and bad things they have experienced.
6 Reflections on the 1 st reading God works for our salvation and liberation. He will do
everything to save us from anything that oppresses us. We must await for God’s intervention.
The exodus story is also the story of our own journey towards salvation and liberation. How
do you consider your life? Is it a journey from oppressive structures and systems to freedom?
7 Resp. Ps 33:1,12, 18-19, 20,22 R. (12b) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his
own. 1 Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. 12 Blessed the nation
whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. 18 See, the eyes of
the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 To deliver
them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who
is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope
in you.
8 Resp. Ps 33:1,12, 18-19, 20,22 R. (12b) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his
own. 1 Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. 12 Blessed the nation
whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. 18 See, the eyes of
the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, 19 To deliver
them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD, who
is our help and our shield. 22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope
in you. Commentary The psalm is classified as hymn of praise. The response (v.12b)
definitely and originally refers to the Israelites, the chosen people of God. In v.1, the psalmist
exhorts us, if we are just and righteous, to praise God. V.12 repeats the idea of the response
(v.12b) V.18 affirms God’s gracious gaze on those who fear and hope in him. V.19 talks about
God saving them from death, even if there is famine. V.20 shows the just people’s attitude
towards God. V.22 is the prayer for God’s graciousness of those who hope in him.
9 Reflections on the Psalm If we want that God will graciously deal with us, we have to be just
and righteous. We must put our confidence in him. In this way, we can properly render him
praise and glory. Like the psalmist who recognizes himself as part of the lucky chosen people,
we, Christians, must believe that we are also chosen people through our baptism. God will
also have mercy on us.
10 2 nd reading: Hebrews 11,1-2.8-19 1 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and
evidence of things not seen. 2 Because of it the ancients were well attested. 8 By faith Abraham
obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he
went out, not knowing where he was to go. Commentary V.1 gives a simple definition of what
faith is. It is more of an end- product (a realization, actualization of hope). It also proves true the
things that are intangible (those of heaven). The ancients here are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
the forefathers / ancestors of the Israelites. They are made famous / remembered because of
their faith. V.2 This refers to Gen 12 when God asked him to leave his home in Haran
(Mesopotamia) to go to Canaan (now Palestine). A display of total trust in God.
11 9 By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with
Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking forward to the city with
foundations, whose architect and maker is God. 11 By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age-- and Sarah herself was sterile-- for he thought that
the one who had made the promise was trustworthy. 12 So it was that there came forth from
one man, himself as good as dead, descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as
countless as the sands on the seashore. Abraham did not have a permanent place. He lived
like a semi-nomad (in tents, near the cities) with his child Isaac and grandchild Jacob. Isaac and
Jacob are sons of promise. Abraham was looking forward to a most stable place (Jerusalem). V.9
Abraham, 100 and Sarah, 90, became parents of Isaac. God cured the sterility of Sarah. God
overcame human limitations. He made even old people to give birth. v.11 As a result of the
miraculous birth of Isaac, Abraham’s descendants became numerous / countless. V.12
12 13 All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promised but saw it and
greeted it from afar and acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth, 14 for
those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of
the land from which they had come, they would have had opportunity to return. The
patriarchs died in faith. The explanation is in the next line. V.13 In their lifetime, they did not
see God fulfill his promise of many descendants and land. The children of Israel became
numerous only after 400 years. They possessed the land only after the Exodus and the desert
experience in Sinai. V.13b “for those who speak thus” may refer to those still in exile, not in
the promised land. This is totally a different story. Now, we talk about the exiled people who
want to return to their land. Maybe, it refers better to the exodus people who are aware of their
roots in Canaan. V.14
13 16 But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed
to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when put to
the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only
son, 18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name." 19 He
reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead, and he received Isaac back as a
symbol. The author interprets the longing of Abraham’s children. They desire a heavenly
homeland, not the earthly one. Again the “city” appears. This could refer to Jerusalem, the
heavenly Jerusalem. v.16 This refers to Gen 22 when God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son
Isaac, the son of promise, on Mt. Moriah (Jerusalem). God seems to contradict himself. How can
his promise for descendants be fulfilled if Abraham kills his only son? V.17 This is the
interpretation of the author. Sounds anachronistic. Raising from the dead is a Christian concept
injected into the story of Abraham. V.19
14 Reflections on the 2 nd reading Faith makes everything possible. If we have faith like
that of Abraham and the other patriarchs, we can move to a better place called the promised
land. We can sojourn / live in any place. We can reproduce better. We can be prolific. Our
sterilities / barrenness / sickness can be cured. Faith has long lasting effects. Its effects can be
felt century after century. In this Year of Faith, we as a community must develop our faith and
give hope.
15 Gospel reading: Luke 12,32-48 32 Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is
pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags
for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach
nor moth destroy. Commentary In v.32, Jesus talks to his disciples. He assures them of God’s
kingdom. God is happy to hand them his kingdom. In consequence, the disciples should give
up their belongings and be more charitable to the poor. V.33 Since the disciples belong to the
kingdom of God, they must now change their value system. They should set their minds on
treasures, which cannot be lost or destroyed. V.33b The focus is on servanthood.
16 34 For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 35 "Gird your loins and light
your lamps 36 and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to
open immediately when he comes and knocks. The Christian must have proper values, those
values that are taught by Jesus Christ. If the Christian has learned to be spiritual, his/her heart
will be the same.v.34 Christians should be like smart servants, alert, always ready to welcome
and serve their master, whose time of coming no one knows. V.35
17 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master (kyrios) finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I
say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 38 And
should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are
those servants. Jesus praises the servants, who are vigilant. V.37 Jesus will serve them, not
vice versa. It repeats what Jesus says in v.37.
18 39 Be sure of this: if the master of the house (oikodespotes) had known the hour when
the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be
prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. As the master of the
house (householder) is always vigilant, does not take chances, would not allow any lapses over
the security of his house, so the disciples must be vigilant. V.39
19 41 Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?" 42 And the Lord
replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward (oikonomos, manager of the
household) whom the master (kyrios) will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food
allowance at the proper time? The parable refers to vv.39-40. Peter asks for clarification. V.41
Jesus indirectly answers Peter with a counter question. Here Jesus talks about faithful and
prudent steward. He is the one who does his duty, delivering and distributing the food in due
time.v.42
20 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you,
he will put him in charge of all his property. Jesus repeats in v.43 his commendation to the
servants in vv.37-38. In fact, he will be given more responsibility. The ideal servant is the one
who earns total trust from his master. V.44
21 45 But if that servant says to himself, 'My master (kyrios) is delayed in coming,' and begins
to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 then that
servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him
severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. V.45 portrays an irresponsible servant,
who does not take vigil and becomes violent with his fellow servants and abuses food and
drink. V. 46 spells out his punishment, by the master who comes unexpectedly.
22 47 That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord
with his will shall be beaten severely; 48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. V.47 continues to
enumerate the guilt of the unfaithful servant (no preparations, actions do not conform to his
master’s will, did not represent him) in spite of knowing or being informed of his duties. His
punishment is also spelled out here: to be beaten severely. This verse indicates another
servant who does not know anything about the master’s will. There will be a little consideration
for him in terms of punishment. V.48
23 Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be
demanded of the person entrusted with more. This saying is the logic of Jesus. More
responsibility to those who are responsible. God will entrust them with more responsibilities.
24 Textual Context of Luke 12,32-48 Luke 11,27-28 True Blessedness Luke 11,29-36 The Sign of
Jonah Luke 11,37-54 Jesus Denounces Pharisees and Lawyers Luke 12,1-12 Warning Against
Hypocrisy Luke 12,13-21 Parable of the Rich Fool Luke 12,22-34 Do not Worry Luke 12,35-40
Watchful Slaves Luke 12,41-48 The Faithful or the Unfaithful Slave Luke 12,49 Jesus the Cause of
Division Luke 12,54-56 Interpreting the Time Luke 12,57 Settling with your Opponent Luke 13,1
Repent or Perish Luke 13,6 Parable of the Barren Fig Tree Luke 13,10 Jesus Heals a Crippled
Woman Luke 13,20 Parable of the Yeast Luke 13,22 The Narrow Door Luke 13,31-35 Lament
Over Jerusalem
26 Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading reflects on the salvation / liberation
of the Israelite people (God’s servants). The psalm recognizes God’s gracious dealing with his
people, who are just and righteous. The second reading talks about the faith of Abraham
(God’s servant). The gospel reading talks about faithful and prudent servants. Our preaching
and sharing must be focused on servanthood.
27 How to develop your sharing/homily Begin by talking about servants, katulong, domestic
helpers. Filipinos are famous for being domestic helpers here and abroad. Experiences are
both positive and negative: high salary, better working conditions, if the DH has a good
employer. If not, salary is withheld, passport taken away, sexually abused, humiliated. Others
come home inside a box. Two kinds of domestic helpers: one who is responsible and is
trusted, the other irresponsible and distrusted. Similarly situated are the employees or
workers.
28 The gospel reading speaks of a true servanthood. We, Christians, are all servants. Our
master is God. We serve in his vineyard, in his kingdom. God asks us to be responsible
servants. We must keep busy, fulfilling our duties and obligations. There should be no time to
fool around. As trusted servants, we must do the will of our Master: to give food on time. We
don’t allow hunger to step into his house. As servants, we must have the following
characteristics: faithful, prudent, hard working, focused on the affairs of God, vigilant, pro-active
(does not allow thieves to come in).
29 The first reading does not talk about servanthood, but the liberation and salvation to his
people (his servants). God wants that his servants are liberated and free from oppression.
The servants of God serve God even in secret, when there is persecution. Our service to God
must be non-stop. We must see to it that we ourselves are liberated from sin.
30 The second reading describes how Abraham responded to God in faith. In faith,
Abraham obeyed God who ordered him to leave his homeland. Because of faith, God’s
promises to Abraham became a reality. To be a servant of God, we must have faith. We
move according to God’s plan if we have no faith. We cannot even find meaning in whatever
happens to us.
31 In the government and private offices, many workers / employees work only when the
boss is around. When the boss is absent, they play solitaire or computer games. They open
their Facebook account, chat, etc. They engage in ‘tsismis’ and long coffee breaks.
Sometimes, even when the boss is around, they flagrantly / shamelessly continue doing their
own thing, still violating work ethics. They also use the resources of their master (of the
company) for the benefit of their relatives, organizations or for their own churches. They steal /
pilfer office supplies. (Graft and corruption!) They spend much time and energy with a little
output.
33 The eucharist is a meal of honest, true and responsible servants. In the eucharist, Jesus
is our servant and host. He waits on us who graciously respond to his invitation. Jesus
consoles us, strengthens us in our difficulties and shortcomings as servants. In the eucharist,
he supports us to become good and faithful servants.
34 Our Context of Sin and Grace Dishonest servants Works only when the employer is
around (shameless worker) 15/30 quincena, ghost employees Abusive supervisors /
caretakers Sexual harassment Loyal and faithful servant Honest with time Does more
than his job description Responsible Disponible Serviceable Available Just and
righteous (matino)
TAGALOG COMMENTARY ON 19TH SUNDAY YEAR C MASS READINGS
16 34 Sapagka't kung saan naroroon ang iyong kayamanan, naroroon din ang
iyong puso. 35 "Bigkisan mo ang iyong mga balakang at sindihan ang iyong mga
ilawan 36 at maging tulad ng mga alipin na naghihintay sa pagbabalik ng kanilang
panginoon mula sa isang kasalan, na handang bumukas kaagad kapag siya ay
dumating at kumatok. Kung ang Kristiyano ay natutong maging espiritwal, ang
kanyang puso ay magiging pareho.v.34 Ang mga Kristiyano ay dapat maging
tulad ng matalinong mga alipin, alisto, laging handang tanggapin at pagsilbihan
ang kanilang panginoon, na ang oras ng pagdating ay walang nakakaalam.V. 35
17 37 Mapalad ang mga aliping iyon na nasumpungan ng panginoon (kyrios) na
nakabantay sa kanyang pagdating. Amen, sinasabi ko sa inyo, siya ay magbibigkis
sa kaniyang sarili, ipapahiga sila sa hapag, at magpapatuloy na maghintay sa
kanila. 38 At kung siya ay dumating sa ikalawa o ikatlong pagbabantay at
matagpuan silang handa sa ganitong paraan, mapalad ang mga aliping iyon.
Pinupuri ni Jesus ang mga alipin, na mapagbantay. V.37 Paglilingkuran sila ni
Jesus, hindi kabaliktaran. Inuulit nito ang sinabi ni Jesus sa v.37.
18 39 Tiyakin mo ito: kung alam ng panginoon ng bahay (oikodespotes) ang oras
kung kailan darating ang magnanakaw, hindi niya hahayaang pasukin ang kanyang
bahay. 40 Kayo rin ay dapat na maging handa, sapagkat sa oras na hindi ninyo
inaasahan, ang Anak ng Tao ay darating. Dahil ang panginoon ng sambahayan
(may-bahay) ay laging mapagbantay, hindi nakikipagsapalaran, hindi pumapayag
sa anumang pagkupas sa seguridad ng kanyang bahay, kaya dapat maging
mapagbantay ang mga alagad. V.39
19 41 At sinabi ni Pedro, Panginoon, ang talinghagang ito ba ay para sa atin o para
sa lahat? 42 At sumagot ang Panginoon, Sino, kung gayon, ang tapat at
matalinong katiwala (oikonomos, tagapamahala ng sambahayan) na ilalagay ng
panginoon (kyrios) na mamahala sa kanyang mga alipin upang ipamahagi (ang)
allowance sa pagkain sa tamang panahon? Ang talinghaga ay tumutukoy sa
vv.39-40. Humingi ng paglilinaw si Pedro. V.41 Hindi direktang sinagot ni Jesus si
Pedro ng isang sagot na tanong. Dito binanggit ni Jesus ang tungkol sa tapat at
maingat na katiwala. Siya ang gumagawa ng kanyang tungkulin, naghahatid at
namamahagi ang pagkain sa takdang panahon.v.42
20 43 Mapalad ang aliping iyon na madatnan ng kaniyang panginoon sa pagdating
ng gayon. 44 Katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, ilalagay niya sa kaniya ang lahat
ng kaniyang ari-arian. Inulit ni Jesus sa v.43 ang kanyang papuri sa mga
tagapaglingkod sa vv.37-38. Sa katunayan, bibigyan siya ng higit na
responsibilidad. Ang huwarang alipin ay ang nakakuha ng lubos na pagtitiwala
mula sa kanyang panginoon. V.44
21 45 Ngunit kung sabihin ng aliping iyon sa kanyang sarili, 'Ang aking panginoon
(kyrios) ay naantala sa pagdating,' at nagsimulang bugbugin ang mga aliping lalaki
at babae, upang kumain at uminom at maglasing, 46 kung gayon ang panginoon
ng aliping iyon ay darating nang hindi inaasahan. araw at sa hindi kilalang oras at
paparusahan siya ng mahigpit at bibigyan siya ng lugar kasama ng mga hindi
tapat. Ang V.45 ay naglalarawan ng isang iresponsableng alipin, na hindi
nagpupuyat at nagiging marahas sa kanyang kapwa alipin at inaabuso ang pagkain
at inumin. V. 46 binabaybay ang kanyang kaparusahan, ng panginoon na
dumating nang hindi inaasahan.
22 47 Yaong alipin na nakaalam ng kalooban ng kanyang panginoon ngunit hindi
naghanda o kumilos ayon sa kanyang kalooban ay hahampasin nang husto; 48 At
ang alipin na walang kaalam-alam sa kalooban ng kaniyang panginoon ngunit
kumilos sa paraang karapat-dapat sa matinding palo ay papaluin lamang ng
mahina. Ang V.47 ay patuloy na nagsasaad ng pagkakasala ng hindi tapat na
alipin (walang paghahanda, mga aksyon na hindi umaayon sa kalooban ng
kanyang panginoon, hindi kumakatawan sa kanya) sa kabila ng pagkaalam o
pagpapaalam sa kanyang mga tungkulin. Ang kanyang parusa ay binaybay din
dito: ang bugbugin nang husto. Ang talatang ito ay nagpapahiwatig ng isa pang
alipin na walang alam tungkol sa kalooban ng panginoon. Magkakaroon ng
kaunting konsiderasyon para sa kanya in terms of punishment. V.48
23 Marami ang hihingin sa taong pinagkatiwalaan ng marami, at higit pa ang
hihingin sa taong pinagkatiwalaan ng higit pa. Ang kasabihang ito ay lohika ni
Hesus. Higit na responsibilidad sa mga may pananagutan. Ipagkakatiwala sa kanila
ng Diyos ang higit pang mga responsibilidad.
24 Tekstuwal na Konteksto ng Lucas 12,32-48 Lucas 11,27-28 Tunay na Pagpapala
Lucas 11,29-36 Ang Tanda ni Jonas Lucas 11,37-54 Tinuligsa ni Jesus ang mga
Pariseo at mga Abogado Lucas 12,1-12 Babala Laban sa Pagkukunwari Lucas
12 ,13-21 Parabula ng Mayamang Tanga Lucas 12,22-34 Huwag Mag-alala Lucas
12,35-40 Maingat na Alipin Lucas 12,41-48 Ang Tapat o ang Di-Tapat na Alipin
Lucas 12,49 Si Jesus ang Dahilan ng Pagkakabahagi Lucas 12, 54-56 Pagbibigay-
kahulugan sa Panahon Lucas 12,57 Pakikipag-ayos sa Iyong Kalaban Lucas 13,1
Magsisi o Mapahamak Lucas 13,6 Talinghaga ng Baog na Puno ng Igos Lucas 13,10
Pinagaling ni Jesus ang Isang Babae na Lumpo Lucas 13,20 Parabula ng Lebadura
Lucas 13 ,22 Ang Makitid na Pintuan Lucas 13,31-35 Panaghoy Sa Jerusalem