Dear sisters and brothers, To follow Christ, wean yourselves from comforts. Prepare to be deprived... Fr. Cielo

1. WelcomWelcomee to oto ouur Bibler Bible SStudytudy
28th
Sunday in the Ordinary Time B
11 October 2015
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 11stst
reading: Wisdom 7:7-11reading: Wisdom 7:7-11
 7 I prayed, and7 I prayed, and prudenceprudence was given me; I pleaded andwas given me; I pleaded and
thethe spirit of Wisdomspirit of Wisdom came to me. 8 I preferred her tocame to me. 8 I preferred her to
scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing inscepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in
comparison with her, 9 nor did I liken any priceless gemcomparison with her, 9 nor did I liken any priceless gem
to her, because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,to her, because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. 10and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. 10
Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I choseBeyond health and comeliness I loved her, And I chose
to have her rather than the light, because the splendor ofto have her rather than the light, because the splendor of
her never yields to sleep. 11 Yet all good things togetherher never yields to sleep. 11 Yet all good things together
came to me in her company, and countless riches at hercame to me in her company, and countless riches at her
hands.hands.
The focus is on wisdom.

3. Textual Context ofTextual Context of Wisdom 2:12.17-20Wisdom 2:12.17-20
The Principal Divisions of the Book of WisdomThe Principal Divisions of the Book of Wisdom
(NAB)(NAB)
 I. Reward of Justice (1,1—6,21)
 II. Praise of Wisdom by Solomon (6,22—11,1)II. Praise of Wisdom by Solomon (6,22—11,1)
 III. Special Providence of God on God’s MercyIII. Special Providence of God on God’s Mercy
(11,17—22,22) and on the folly and shame of(11,17—22,22) and on the folly and shame of
idolatry (13,1—15,17)idolatry (13,1—15,17)
Historical Context: The Book
of Wisdom was written 100
years before Christ by a Jew
in Alexandria, Egypt, in
Greek in the style of Hebrew
verse.
Wisdom Books / Wisdom
Literature
Job, Psalms, Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon,
Wisdom*, Ecclesiasticus*
*Deuterocanonical

4. 11stst
reading: Wisdom 7:7-11reading: Wisdom 7:7-11
 7 I prayed, and7 I prayed, and prudenceprudence waswas
given me; I pleaded and thegiven me; I pleaded and the
spirit of Wisdomspirit of Wisdom came to me. 8came to me. 8
I preferred her to scepter andI preferred her to scepter and
throne, And deemed richesthrone, And deemed riches
nothing in comparison withnothing in comparison with
her, 9 nor did I liken anyher, 9 nor did I liken any
priceless gem to her; Becausepriceless gem to her; Because
all gold, in view of her, is a littleall gold, in view of her, is a little
sand, and before her, silver issand, and before her, silver is
to be accounted mire. 10to be accounted mire. 10
Beyond health and comelinessBeyond health and comeliness
I loved her, And I chose toI loved her, And I chose to
have her rather than the light,have her rather than the light,
because the splendor of herbecause the splendor of her
never yields to sleep. 11 Yetnever yields to sleep. 11 Yet
all good things together cameall good things together came
to me in her company, andto me in her company, and
countless riches at her hands.countless riches at her hands.
CommentaryCommentary
 The author prays forThe author prays for wisdomwisdom
(prudence)(prudence) and it is granted to himand it is granted to him
(v.7).(v.7).
 The author prefers wisdomThe author prefers wisdom
 To power and prestige (scepterTo power and prestige (scepter
and throne) (v.8).and throne) (v.8).
 To the light (that can beTo the light (that can be
extinguished (v.10)extinguished (v.10)
 Wisdom cannot be compared toWisdom cannot be compared to
anything valuable to the world (vv.8-anything valuable to the world (vv.8-
9): riches, gem (precious stones),9): riches, gem (precious stones),
gold, silver; even health andgold, silver; even health and
comeliness (good looks) (v.10)comeliness (good looks) (v.10)
 Yet, even as the author prefersYet, even as the author prefers
wisdom, he does not lack anythingwisdom, he does not lack anything
because “all good things and riches”because “all good things and riches”
come as well along with wisdom.come as well along with wisdom.

5. Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst
readingreading
 The message is similar to the gospel saying,The message is similar to the gospel saying, “Seek Ye“Seek Ye
First the kingdomFirst the kingdom…” Here, it is “Seek Ye First the…” Here, it is “Seek Ye First the
wisdomwisdom… and all these things will be given you.”… and all these things will be given you.”
 In the text,In the text, wisdomwisdom is given in answer to a prayer andis given in answer to a prayer and
pleading.pleading.
 Wisdom is given as a gift to those who ask for it.Wisdom is given as a gift to those who ask for it.
 Wisdom is far better than riches, power and prestigeWisdom is far better than riches, power and prestige
(worldly values).(worldly values).
 The text teaches believers to pray forThe text teaches believers to pray for wisdomwisdom. Once it is. Once it is
given, all others will follow.given, all others will follow.
 Do we pray forDo we pray for wisdomwisdom??

6. Responsorial Psalm:Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R. (14)R. (14) Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!
 12 Teach us to number our days aright,12 Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.that we may gain wisdom of heart.
13 Return, O LORD! How long?13 Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!Have pity on your servants!
 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
15 Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us,15 Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us,
for the years when we saw evil.for the years when we saw evil.
 16 Let your work be seen by your servants16 Let your work be seen by your servants
and your glory by their children;and your glory by their children;
and may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;and may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;
17 prosper the work of our hands for us!17 prosper the work of our hands for us!
Prosper the work of our hands!Prosper the work of our hands!

7. Responsorial Psalm:Responsorial Psalm: Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R. (14)R. (14) Fill us with your love, O Lord,Fill us with your love, O Lord,
and we will sing for joy!and we will sing for joy!
 12 Teach us to number our days12 Teach us to number our days
aright,aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.that we may gain wisdom of heart.
13 Return, O LORD! How long?13 Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!Have pity on your servants!
 14 Fill us at daybreak with your14 Fill us at daybreak with your
kindness,kindness,
that we may shout for joy andthat we may shout for joy and
gladness all our days.gladness all our days.
15 Make us glad, for the days when15 Make us glad, for the days when
you afflicted us,you afflicted us,
for the years when we saw evil.for the years when we saw evil.
 16 Let your work be seen by your16 Let your work be seen by your
servantsservants
and your glory by their children;and your glory by their children;
and may the gracious care of theand may the gracious care of the
LORD our God be ours;LORD our God be ours;
17 prosper the work of our hands for17 prosper the work of our hands for
us!us!
Prosper the work of our hands!Prosper the work of our hands!
CommentaryCommentary
 The psalm is a wisdom psalm.The psalm is a wisdom psalm.
 The response prays for love (wisdom).The response prays for love (wisdom).
 In v.12, the psalmist prays that God makeIn v.12, the psalmist prays that God make
us realize how short our life is.us realize how short our life is.
 Temporariness of life can teach usTemporariness of life can teach us
wisdom.wisdom.
 V.13 indicates an absence of the Lord.V.13 indicates an absence of the Lord.
Without God, we cannot attain wisdom.Without God, we cannot attain wisdom.
 In v.14, the psalmist asks God to be kindIn v.14, the psalmist asks God to be kind
to him.to him.
 V.15 prays for joy, after undergoing allV.15 prays for joy, after undergoing all
the sadness and afflictions.the sadness and afflictions.
 In v.16, the psalmist asks God to openIn v.16, the psalmist asks God to open
the eye of his people, to appreciate histhe eye of his people, to appreciate his
work and glory.work and glory.
 V.16b repeats the idea of v.14 (fill us withV.16b repeats the idea of v.14 (fill us with
your kindness//graciousness).your kindness//graciousness).
 In v.17, the psalmist prays that God mayIn v.17, the psalmist prays that God may
give success to our endeavors.give success to our endeavors.

8. Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm
 Like the psalmist, we should know what to pray for.
 When we pray, we admit our dependence on God.
 We should pray for wisdom.
 We should pray for blessings and happiness.
 The materialistic person will pray for more money and
property.
 What are you praying for?
 Don’t make God provider of mammon.

9. 22ndnd
reading: Heb 4:12-13reading: Heb 4:12-13
 12 Indeed, the12 Indeed, the word of Godword of God is living andis living and
effective, sharper than any two-edgedeffective, sharper than any two-edged
sword, penetrating even between soul andsword, penetrating even between soul and
spirit, joints and marrow, and able tospirit, joints and marrow, and able to
discern reflections and thoughts of thediscern reflections and thoughts of the
heart. 13 No creature is concealed fromheart. 13 No creature is concealed from
him, but everything is naked and exposedhim, but everything is naked and exposed
to the eyes of him to whom we mustto the eyes of him to whom we must
render an account.render an account.
The focus is on the word of God.

10. I. 1:5--2:18 The name superior to the angels (Eschatology)
II. 3:1--5:10 Jesus faithful and compassionate (Ecclesiology)
III. 5: 11--10:39 The central exposition (Sacrifice)
IV. 11:1--12: 13 Faith and endurance (Ecclesiological paraenesis)
V. 12: 14--13:19 The peaceful fruit of justice (Eschatology).
Textual Context of Hebrews 4:12-13Textual Context of Hebrews 4:12-13
(Vanhoye)(Vanhoye)

11. 22ndnd
reading: Heb 4:12-13reading: Heb 4:12-13
 12 Indeed, the12 Indeed, the word ofword of
GodGod is living andis living and
effective, sharper thaneffective, sharper than
any two-edged sword,any two-edged sword,
penetrating evenpenetrating even
between soul andbetween soul and
spirit, joints andspirit, joints and
marrow, and able tomarrow, and able to
discern reflections anddiscern reflections and
thoughts of the heart.thoughts of the heart.
13 No creature is13 No creature is
concealed from him,concealed from him,
but everything isbut everything is
naked and exposed tonaked and exposed to
the eyes of him tothe eyes of him to
whom we must renderwhom we must render
an account.an account.
CommentaryCommentary
 V.12 speaks of theV.12 speaks of the word of Godword of God asas
living and effective, sharper…living and effective, sharper…
penetrating… able to discernpenetrating… able to discern
reflections and thoughts.reflections and thoughts.
 It is contrasted to a two-edgedIt is contrasted to a two-edged
sword. The word of God is sharper.sword. The word of God is sharper.
 In v.13, the word of God is likeIn v.13, the word of God is like
wisdom,wisdom, omniscientomniscient..
 Everything is exposed to him.Everything is exposed to him.
 Nothing is hidden from his sight.Nothing is hidden from his sight.
 Here, the word of God (like Wisdom)Here, the word of God (like Wisdom)
is personified, in masculine gender.is personified, in masculine gender.

12. Reflections on the 2nd
reading
 The text, though short, has rich ideas onThe text, though short, has rich ideas on
the word of God.the word of God.
 The word of God here refers to what hasThe word of God here refers to what has
been preached by the apostles, or, by thebeen preached by the apostles, or, by the
prophets.prophets.
 We cannot fool around or play games withWe cannot fool around or play games with
God, or, the Word of God.God, or, the Word of God.
 The Word of God exposes the good andThe Word of God exposes the good and
the bad that is in us (to change us).the bad that is in us (to change us).

13. Gospel reading: Mk10:17-30 or 10:17-27Gospel reading: Mk10:17-30 or 10:17-27
 17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before
him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherithim, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal lifeeternal life?" 18?" 18
Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but GodJesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God
alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill; you shall notalone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill; you shall not
commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shallcommit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall
not defraud; honor your father and your mother.'" 20 He replied and said tonot defraud; honor your father and your mother.'" 20 He replied and said to
him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." 21 Jesus, lookinghim, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." 21 Jesus, looking
at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell whatat him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what
you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; thenyou have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then
come, follow me." 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, forcome, follow me." 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for
he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the"How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of Godkingdom of God!" 24 The!" 24 The
disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of Godkingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel! 25 It is easier for a camel
to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter theto pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich to enter the
kingdom of God." 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said amongkingdom of God." 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among
themselves, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said,themselves, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said,
"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for
God." 28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything andGod." 28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and
followed you." 29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who hasfollowed you." 29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has
given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or landsgiven up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundredfor my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred
times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters andtimes more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and
mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, andmothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal lifeeternal life in the agein the age
to come.to come.
The focus is on eternal life (kingdom of God)

14. Gospel reading: Mk10:17-30 or 10:17-27Gospel reading: Mk10:17-30 or 10:17-27
Setting and questionSetting and question
 17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down
before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inheritbefore him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit
eternal lifeeternal life?"?"
Jesus’ answer with a commentary on “good”Jesus’ answer with a commentary on “good”
 18 Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good18 Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good
but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill;but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bearyou shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear
false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and yourfalse witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your
mother.'"mother.'"
The manThe man
 20 He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed20 He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed
from my youth."from my youth."
JesusJesus
 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking
in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you willin one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will
have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
Reaction of the manReaction of the man
 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had
many possessions.many possessions.
A simple outline!

15. Jesus and his disciplesJesus and his disciples
 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for
those who have wealth to enter thethose who have wealth to enter the kingdom of Godkingdom of God!" 24 The disciples!" 24 The disciples
werewere amazedamazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for
a camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is richa camel to pass through (the) eye of (a) needle than for one who is rich
to enter theto enter the kingdom of God."kingdom of God." 26 They were26 They were exceedingly astonishedexceedingly astonished
and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesusand said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus
looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not forlooked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for
God. All things are possible for God."God. All things are possible for God."
Peter’s expression of poverty and Jesus’ assurance of eternal lifePeter’s expression of poverty and Jesus’ assurance of eternal life
 28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and28 Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and
followed you." 29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one whofollowed you." 29 Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who
has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father orhas given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or
children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who willchildren or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will
not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses andnot receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and
brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, withbrothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with
persecutions, andpersecutions, and eternal lifeeternal life in the age to come.in the age to come.

16. Textual Context of Mark 10:17-30
Part I The Mystery of the Messiah: Revelation of Jesus' Person (1,14--8,30)
Three sections, each beginning with a summary of the activity of Jesus and a
narrative concerning the disciples and concluding with the adoption of an
attitude in regard to Jesus.
A. Jesus and the Crowds 1,14--3,6 (1,14f, 16-20; 3,60)
B. Jesus and his Own 3,7--6,6a (3,7-12.13-19; 6,1-6a)
C. Jesus, the Disciples and the Gentiles 6,6b- 8,30 (6,6b; 6,7-31; 8,27-30)
Conclusion and Transition 8,27-33
Confession of Peter
First Prophecy of the Passion
Correction of Peter
Part II The Mystery of the Son of Man: Revelation of Jesus' sufferings 8,31-16,8
A. The Way of the Son of Man 8,31--10,52
Indicated by 3 announcements of the fate of the Son of Man and 3 instructions
on the lot of the disciples.
B. Jesus in Jerusalem 11,1--13,37
C. Passion and Resurrection 14,1--16,8
The Later Ending 16,9-20

17. Mk 9,33 They
came to
Capernaum.
Jesus was
teaching here.
Immediate Context (Mk 9)
of our Text
Transfiguration
First Prediction of the
Passion
Healing of a Boy with a
Demon
Second Prediction
Greatest in the Kingdom
Another exorcist
Causes of Sin
Mk 10
Marriage
Divorce
Blessing of Children
The Rich Man
Third Prediction

18. CommentaryCommentary
 The gospel reading is centered on how to attain
eternal life, or, on how to enter the kingdom of
God.
 It is divided into two:
 Vv.17-22, Dialogue between Jesus and the man
 Vv.23-30, Dialogue between Jesus and the disciples

19. In vv.17-22, between Jesus and the man:
 Jesus teaches that to attain eternal life, one
must keep the commandments.
 For those who are already keeping the
commandments, they must do more.
 They must renounce their wealth, love the poor,
and follow Jesus.
 The man “fails” to enter heaven because he fails
to do the second step: detachment from material
things.

20. In vv.23-30, between Jesus and the disciples:
 the disciples, too, find difficulty in the teachings
of Jesus.
 Jesus says it is hard, but, it can be done (it is
possible for God).
 Peter makes an outstanding affirmation to
Jesus’ teaching: “We have given everything and
followed you.”
 Jesus adds one more requirement to enter the
kingdom: to renounce loved ones.

21. Now the reward of those who
renounce their wealth and loved ones,
love the poor and
follow Jesus
is not only eternal life, but, also restoration
and multiplication of what is renounced.

22. ReflecReflectiotions on the gospel readingns on the gospel reading
 We all desire to be “saved”We all desire to be “saved” (to have eternal life).(to have eternal life).
 To haveTo have eternal lifeeternal life, we must be willing to pay the price., we must be willing to pay the price.
 We must keep the commandments (must have rightWe must keep the commandments (must have right
relationships with other people, including our parents).relationships with other people, including our parents).
 We must renounce wealth and give to the poor (a newWe must renounce wealth and give to the poor (a new
teaching for the disciples). Judaism recognizes wealth,teaching for the disciples). Judaism recognizes wealth,
property and children as God’s blessings.property and children as God’s blessings.
 Another new teaching: to follow Christ. In the JewishAnother new teaching: to follow Christ. In the Jewish
religion, to be “religion, to be “savedsaved” means one must follow the Torah,” means one must follow the Torah,
must keep the Law. Now, one must follow a person,must keep the Law. Now, one must follow a person,
Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah.Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah.
 Following Jesus is of prime importance in attainingFollowing Jesus is of prime importance in attaining
salvationsalvation..

23. Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm
 The first reading teaches the importance ofThe first reading teaches the importance of prudenceprudence
and wisdomand wisdom..
 The psalm reminds that our days are numbered, that weThe psalm reminds that our days are numbered, that we
may attainmay attain wisdomwisdom..
 The second reading teaches the nature of theThe second reading teaches the nature of the word ofword of
GodGod..
 The gospel reading teaches the necessity of renouncingThe gospel reading teaches the necessity of renouncing
wealth towealth to attain eternal lifeattain eternal life..
All the readings talk about what we should
possess to attain salvation.

24. How to develop your homily / sharingHow to develop your homily / sharing
 Begin by sharing your experience with materialBegin by sharing your experience with material
thingsthings (enjoyable at first, set aside later; people borrow(enjoyable at first, set aside later; people borrow
without returning; source of headache, stolen, snatched,without returning; source of headache, stolen, snatched,
lost in natural calamities).lost in natural calamities).
 Develop what the readings teach. The readingsDevelop what the readings teach. The readings
teach us how to attain eternal life by:teach us how to attain eternal life by:
 Preferring wisdom to wealth (1st
reading).
 Praying for wisdom (kindness) (psalm)
 Listening to the Word of God (2nd
reading).
 Keeping God’s commandments, renouncing material
things, giving to the poor and following the footsteps
of Jesus.

25.  Christian discipleship is not accumulating wealth
and property, but sharing these things to the
poor, and having time to listen to the wisdom
(teachings) of Christ.
 This will assure us of heaven.

26.  Today, we need to impress the world that Jesus’Today, we need to impress the world that Jesus’
teaching is still relevant.teaching is still relevant.
 Our world today is characterized by consumerism,Our world today is characterized by consumerism,
systematic accumulation of wealth and property, usingsystematic accumulation of wealth and property, using
high technology.high technology.
 Money can easily be transferred or stolen electronically.Money can easily be transferred or stolen electronically.
Goods can be transferred in big bulks.Goods can be transferred in big bulks.
 Business establishments have devised many ways andBusiness establishments have devised many ways and
means to produce all kinds of goods (needed ormeans to produce all kinds of goods (needed or
otherwise) and they have also devised means to easilyotherwise) and they have also devised means to easily
sell their products, even through the internet.sell their products, even through the internet.
 They allow people to buy their goods even if they haveThey allow people to buy their goods even if they have
no money, resulting to indebtedness and bankruptcy ofno money, resulting to indebtedness and bankruptcy of
many imprudent individuals and compulsive buyers.many imprudent individuals and compulsive buyers.
 Now many people work just to be able to pay theirNow many people work just to be able to pay their
debts.debts.

27.  People look for money, working overtime to have more
pay. Almost they have no time for themselves and for the
mass on Sundays.
 The search for / love of material things / gadgets (more
modern, updated, upgraded, latest) is destroying our
relationship with God and with other people.
 It provides occasions to do injustice and violence
(cheatings, graft, corruption, falsification of documents,
violation of human rights, extortions, blackmail, kidnapping,
overpricing, manipulation of prices, unfair labor practices,
low salaries, environmental degradation, pollution, negligence
to obligations to our loved ones and God)
 It prevents us from approaching the poor.
 It lessens our capacity and time to communicate with
people face to face.

28.  We cannot be authentic disciples if we have no more
time for the Lord, to listen and meditate on his Word, to
pray privately and individually and to be in communion
with our fellow Christians.
 Read the life of St. Francis of Assisi. He attained
happiness and salvation by simple lifestyle, detachment
from things and people, loving the lepers, and imitating
Jesus Christ.
 Or, ask a Franciscan to tell you the story of St. Francis ofOr, ask a Franciscan to tell you the story of St. Francis of
Assisi.Assisi.

29.  The eucharist is the sacrament that helps us focus our
attention to Jesus, our priority in life.
 In the eucharist, Jesus promises us eternal life if we
receive him.
 Our participation in the eucharist is a sign of our assent
to his teachings, that material things are not the center of
our lives, but him.

30. Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace
 Impulsive
 Disregard for rules and
regulations
 Autocratic
 Anomia
 Charismatic groups teaching
how to become materially rich
without being critical on how
they get rich.
 Religious associations
becoming venue for networking
(to sell merchandize)
 Simony (use of religion to get rich,
selling what is sacred)
 DetachmentDetachment
 Voluntary povertyVoluntary poverty
 Recognition of ecological debtRecognition of ecological debt
 Knows how to discern andKnows how to discern and
calculate riskscalculate risks
 Simple living and preachingSimple living and preaching
 CatechizedCatechized
 EvangelizedEvangelized

31. Suggested SongsSuggested Songs
 Glory to God, NewGlory to God, New
 http://youtu.be/lmTlVfELBeohttp://youtu.be/lmTlVfELBeo
 Francis’ DreamFrancis’ Dream
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBe4GJV_5TUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBe4GJV_5TU
 The Power of TouchThe Power of Touch (St. Francis’ Canticle)(St. Francis’ Canticle)
 http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUPdN69mFbYwww.youtube.com/watch?v=IUPdN69mFbY
 Lord, Here I amLord, Here I am
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH54ZHHR84k