Welcome to our Bible Study

1. Welcome to our Bible Study 4th Sunday of Easter C April 25, 2010 In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy In aid of focusing our homilies sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st reading: Acts 13,14.43-52 • 14 Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats. • 43 After the congregation had dispersed, many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.

3. 1st reading: Acts 13,14.43-52 • 14 Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats. • 43 After the congregation had dispersed, many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit. The focus is on the word of the Lord (its spread)

4. A simple outline! 1st reading: Acts 13,14.43-52 Paul and Barnabas at the synagogue, on a sabbath • 14 Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats. After the evangelization of the Jews and worshippers • 43 After the congregation had dispersed, many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. Paul and Barnabas on the following sabbath (reaction of Jews / Gentiles) • 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. Departure of Paul and Barnabas • 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit.

5. Paul and Barnabas at the synagogue, on a sabbath 14 Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath they entered (into) the synagogue and took their seats. 43 After the congregation had dispersed, many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. Commentary The Acts tells of the three missionary journeys of Paul. Here we have an excerpt of his 1st missionary journey, accompanied by Barnabas. V.14 provides the setting for the evangelization of Paul and Barnabas: synagogue, sabbath, Antioch in Pisidia. (There is another Antioch in Syria.) V.43 indicates that some hearers (Jews and worshippers) convert to Judaism are attracted to P and B. Paul and Barnabas encourage them to stay put in their faith (which is the grace of God). 1st reading: Acts 13,14.43-52

6. Paul and Barnabas on the following sabbath (reaction of Jews / Gentiles) 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. Departure of Paul and Barnabas 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and the holy Spirit. In v.44, again on a Sabbath, P and B preach in the synagogue. A much bigger crowd come to hear the word of God. It provokes jealousy among the Jews. The Jews contradict the preaching of P and B. V.45 In v.46, all the more P and B become bold in stating their mission: to preach to the Jews but since they reject, they now go to the Gentiles. V.48 speaks positively of the Gentiles, for their favorable response. V.49 speaks of the spread of the Word of the Lord. In v.50, the enemies of P and B incite people to go against them. They succeed to throw P and B out of their place. In v.51, P and B shake the dust (like the gospel teaching) and move to another place. V.52 indicates the joy of the disciples. They are filled with the Holy Spirit.

7. Reflections on the 1st reading • The word of God is of prime importance in our faith. • We must preach it, not ourselves. • We must not be quiet about it. • We must not take the word of God for granted. • Christians are made and formed by the word of God. • Our faith must be nurtured by the word of God. • Like Paul and Barnabas, we must be prepared to evangelize and be persecuted unnecessarily.

8. Responsorial Psalm 100,1-2,3,5 • R. (3c) We are his people, the sheep of his flock. • 1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;2 serve the LORD with gladness;come before him with joyful song. • 3Know that the LORD is God;he made us, his we are;his people, the flock he tends. • 5 The LORD is good:his kindness endures forever,and his faithfulness, to all generations.

9. R. (3c) We are his people, the sheep of his flock. 1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;2 serve the LORD with gladness;come before him with joyful song. 3Know that the LORD is God;he made us, his we are;his people, the flock he tends. 5 The LORD is good:his kindness endures forever,and his faithfulness, to all generations. Commentary The psalm exhorts people to sing to the Lord. Vv.1-2 exhort everyone to sing to the Lord with joy, in three different ways. V.3 recognizes the powerful God who made us. It also recognizes us, people, as God’s flock. V.5 acknowledges God as good, kind, and faithful to all of us, present and future generations. Responsorial Psalm 100,1-2,3,5

10. Reflections on the Psalm • The psalm exhorts everyone, all creatures, to exalt God. • We must approach God with joyful songs and with a happy disposition. • We do not praise him with angry hearts and minds. • We praise him joyfully because we realize that God loves us all.

11. 2nd reading: Revelation 7,9.14b-17 • 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. • 14b He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 "For this reason they stand before God's throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

12. 2nd reading: Revelation 7,9.14b-17 • 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. • 14b He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 "For this reason they stand before God's throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." The focus is on the martyrs (Christian witnesses who died for their faith.)

13. A simple outline! 2nd reading: Revelation 7,9.14b-17 Vision of great multitude (martyrs) • 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. Faithful suffering martyrdom • They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. • 14b He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The reward of the martyrs • 15 "For this reason they stand before God's throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

14. Vision of great multitude (martyrs) 9 After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. Faithful suffering martyrdom They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. 14b He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The reward of the martyrs 15 "For this reason they stand before God's throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Commentary The text describes the destiny of the faithful ones who suffer martyrdom because of their faith. They are a great multitude (v.9), from all kinds of nations, races, peoples and languages. They stand before the throne and the Lamb (Jesus) (beatific vision) V.14b indicates their heroism, the reason for standing before the throne. Great is the reward: heaven They will be sheltered by the Lamb. No more hunger and thirst. The sun or heat will not affect them. They will be shepherded and led to life-giving waters. No more sadness. 2nd reading: Revelation 7,9.14b-17

15. Reflections on the 2nd reading • It pays to die as martyrs to our faith. • The reading assures us of the great reward. • The reading consoles those sincere Christians who are suffering from persecution because they take to heart the Christian message. • The martyrs will share in the victory of Christ. • A Christian follower is not authentic and true when he/she avoids sufferings, conflicts, inconveniences and the like. • Comfort will come only after we have accomplished our mission. • Take note of the increase of Christian martyrs (through the preaching of the word of God, not through gimmickry)

16. Gospel reading: John 10,27-30 • 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one."

17. Gospel reading: John 10,27-30 • 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." The focus is on listening God’s voice.

18. 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." Commentary The few verses come from the discourse on the Good Shepherd. V.27 gives a description of Jesus’ sheep (God’s people): They hear his voice; they follow him. In v.28, Jesus enumerates the rewards of those who follow him (hear his voice): Eternal life (v.28) Can never be lost (v.28) V.29 adds one more detail They will always be in God’s hands (protection). Vv.29-30 give a glimpse of the mysterious relationship of Jesus and his Father. Gospel reading: John 10,27-30

19. Reflections on the gospel reading • A true Christian is able to recognize the voice of God (of Jesus, the pastor). • Hearing his voice is not a casual hearing, like leisurely listening to sounds and music, but attentive listening. • If truly we are followers of Christ, then we can immediately recognize his voice and understand what he means. • The voice of God leads to pasture (satisfaction, direction and security) and eternal life.

20. Tying the 3 readings • The first reading tells us of the importance of listening to the Word of God(in order to gain eternal life). • The second reading tells us of the reward of Christians, who undergo martyrdom (as a result of listening to the Word of God). • The gospel reading tells us that Jesus gives us eternal life, if we listen to his voice as our shepherd.

21. How to develop your homily and sharing • We, Christians, should be reminded of the importance of listening to the word of God. • Many of us boast of being Christians and Catholics, but we know nothing about the Word of God (Bible). • The readings (word of God) encourage us to pay attention to the Word of God, because it brings salvation.

22. The first reading tells us how Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogue. • They draw a lot of people to listen to them. • People are hungry for the Word of God. • We presume that they talk about Jesus Christ, not so much about the Old Testament, which is customarily read in the synagogues on the Sabbaths. • We Christians must be carriers of the Word of God.

23. The second reading talks about the Christian martyrs. • They are now in heaven, because they shed their blood for the sake of Christ, the Word of God. • Jesus himself acknowledges them in heaven. • They listened to his Word and died for it. • Are you ready to die as martyr for your faith?

24. The gospel reading tells us of the reward of listening to the voice of the shepherd. • Eternal life • Listening to his voice is also following it. • Listening to the Word of God is not done in one sitting. • It is a constant listening and following. • No Christian should be tired of listening to the voice of God. • Each time we pay attention to his voice, we are fed with his wisdom; we get a new insight; we get a new strength.

25. Do we, Christians / Catholics, have time to listen to the Word of God? Many Catholics shamelessly lag behind the Protestants in bible studies, and they are not ashamed of their reality. Others join the bible study of the fundamentalist groups, which confuses them more than being clarified. Catholics should listen to their own pastors, not to the televangelists of other denominations.

26. What keeps the Christian from studying the Word of God (Bible)? • Does not know how to manage time • Afraid of committing mistakes when interpreting • Cannot connect the Bible with his/her faith. • Too proud and pretentious. Pretends he/she knows everything or he/she does not feel the need of it. • Thinks that going to church is enough. • A Christian who has no time to read and study the Bible is a dumb Christian. • You cannot trust him/her for spiritual enlightenment.

27. In our parishes, we need to prioritize evangelization. • We cannot go deeper into our relationship with God and with one another as a church, if we are not evangelized. • Without ongoing formation on the sacred scriptures, evangelization process cannot take off. • Faith does not grow. We stagnate. No conversion takes place. • We cannot go on mission. We would be ill-equipped.

28. People who are not interested in attending bible studies, in reading the bible, and in reflecting on the readings, should not be allowed to lead in the church (in the PPC). • They will impose their own will, un-dialogued with the Word of God. • Only those who are docile to the Word of God should be involved in the building of the BECs and are allowed to give talks to the people.

29. The eucharist is for those who willingly listen to the Word of God. • When we receive the eucharist, we are making a statement that we love to hear the voice of God. • In the eucharist, Jesus gives eternal life to those who receive him.

30. Impaired hearing Refusal to read the Bible Afraid to handle the Bible Lazy to attend bible studies Failure to realize God’s voice in the Holy Scriptures. Fundamentalism Bible Study Bible Sharing National Bible Week ECBA (Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate) CBAP (Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines) Bible commentaries Bible Study Facilitators Weekly Encounter with the Word of God Lectio Divina Our Context The End

31. Suggested Songs • Speak, Lord • The Lord is my shepherd • My light and my salvation • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ekQdpjS4VA • Seek the Lord Help yourselves. Find materials from the religious bookstores of Don Bosco, Claretians, SVDs and St. Paul’s.