Sunday Readings Commentary and Reflections 4 th Sunday of Easter C Good Shepherd Sunday April 17, 2016 In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1 st reading: Acts 13, 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)

1 st reading: Acts 13, 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. A simple outline!

Textual Context of Acts 13, A. The First Missionary Journey (13, 14) 1. The Holy Spirit Set Paul and Barnabas Apart (13:1-3) 2. Cyprus and the Proconsul (13:4-12) 3. Pisidian Antioch: Paul's Sermon & the Reaction (13:13- 52) 4. From Iconium to Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe (14:1-7) 5. Lystra: A Lame Man Healed & the Reaction (14:8- 20a) 6. The Return to and Stay at Antioch (14:20b-28)

1 st reading: Acts 13, 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 1 st 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 Paul and Barnabas. Paul and Barnabas encourage them to stay put in their faith (which is 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. In v.44, again on a Sabbath, Paul and Barnabas 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 Paul and Barnabas. V.45 In v.46, all the more Paul and Barnabas 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, because of their favorable response. V.49 speaks of the spread of the Word of the Lord. In v.50, the enemies of Paul and Barnabas incite people to go against them. They succeed to throw Paul and Barnabas out of their place. In v.51, Paul and Barnabas shake the dust (following the gospel teaching) and move to another place. V.52 indicates the joy of the disciples. They are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Reflections on the 1 st 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 as a result.

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.

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. 3 Know 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 is classified as hymn of praise. Vv.1-2 exhort everyone to sing to the Lord with joy, in three different ways: Sing joyfully Serve the Lord with gladness Come before him with joyful song Vv.3 and 5 tell the reasons why we should praise God: The Lord is God, he made us; we are his possession, his people and his flock. The Lord is good, he is kind and faithful to forever.

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. We praise him joyfully because we realize that God loves us all and we belong to his flock.

2 nd 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.)

2 nd 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." A simple outline!

Textual Context of Rev 7,9.14b-17 Outline by Adela Collins, in HBC, 1996 I. Prologue (1:1-8) A. Preface (1:1-3) B. Opening of a letter (1:4-6) C. Prophetic sayings (1:7-8) II. Vision of Christ with seven messages (1:9—3:22) A. Vision of Christ (1:9-20) B. Seven Messages (2:1—3:22) III. Visions of heaven and seven seals (4:1—8:5) A. Vision of God (4:1-11) B. Vision of the Lamb (5:1-14) C. Seven seals (6:1—8:5) IV. The seven trumpets (8:2—11:19) V. Seven unnumbered visions (12:1—15:4) VI. The seven bowls and Babylon (15:1—19:10) A. Seven bowls (15:1—16:20) B. Babylon (17:1—19:10) VII. Seven unnumbered visions and Jerusalem (19:11—22:5) A. Seven unnumbered visions (19:11-21:8) B. Jerusalem (21:9-22:5) VIII. Epilogue (22:6-21) A. Sayings (22:6-20) B. Benediction (22:21)

2 nd 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." 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. V.15 No more hunger and thirst. V.16 The sun or heat will not affect them. V.16 They will be shepherded and led to life- giving waters. V. 17 No more sadness. V.17

Reflections on the 2 nd 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).

Gospel reading: John 10, 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.

Gospel reading: John 10, 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 give a glimpse of the mysterious relationship of Jesus and his Father.

Reflections on the gospel reading A true Christian is able to recognize the voice of God (of Jesus, of the pastor). Hearing his voice is not a casual hearing, like leisurely listening to sounds and rock 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. Do you listen to the voice of God or to your own self and instincts?

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading tells us of the importance of listening to the Word of God (to gain eternal life). The psalm enjoins us to know the Lord (listen to his voice). 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.

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 encourage us to pay attention to the Word of God, because it brings salvation.

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 first of all listeners of the Word of God. Like Paul and Barnabas, we too must transmit the message to others.

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? You can only go to heaven if you have a good witnessing here on earth. Forget heaven if you have no time to listen to the Word of God.

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. When we listen to God’s voice, we allow ourselves to be shepherded by him.

Do we, Christians / Catholics, have time to listen to the Word of God? Many of us Catholics shamelessly lag behind the Protestants in terms of Bible Study, and we are not ashamed of it. Others join the bible study of the fundamentalist groups, bringing them more confusion. Catholics should listen to their own pastors, not to the televangelists of other denominations. Ang mga katoliko ay dapat magsisipag mag-aral ng Biblia.

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, cannot be a smart Christian. You cannot trust him/her for spiritual enlightenment.

In our parishes, we need to prioritize now listening to the Word of God. We cannot go deeper into our relationship with God and with one another as a church, without the Word of God. Without ongoing formation and reflecting on the sacred scriptures, evangelization process cannot take off. No conversion takes place. We cannot go on mission if we are not interested in the Word of God. We would be ill-equipped.

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 or un-critiqued by 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.

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, our shepherd, gives eternal life to those who receive him.

Our Context of Sin and Grace 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 Verbum Domini Lectio Divina

Suggested Songs Speak, Lord The Lord is my Shepherd My Light and My Salvation Seek the Lord Help yourselves. Find materials from the religious bookstores of Don Bosco, Claretians, SVDs and St. Paul’s.