Sunday ReadingsSunday ReadingsCommentary and ReflectionsCommentary and Reflections

44thth Sunday of Easter B Sunday of Easter BApril 26, 2015April 26, 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharingAs aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielito R. Almazan, OFM

11stst Reading: Acts 4,8-12 Reading: Acts 4,8-12• 8 Peter, filled with the holy Spirit, answered them,

"Leaders of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, 10 then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. 11 He is 'the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved."

The focus is Jesus Christ risen from the dead.

11stst Reading: Acts 4,8-12 Reading: Acts 4,8-12Issue: Who healed the cripple?• 8 Then Peter, filled with the holy Spirit, answered

them, "Leaders of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved,

Answer• 10 then all of you and all the people of Israel should

know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. 11 He is 'the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved."

A simple outline!

11stst Reading: Acts 4,8-12 Reading: Acts 4,8-12

Issue: Who healed?• 8 Peter, filled with

the holy Spirit, answered them, "Leaders of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved,

Commentary:Setting: Read Acts 3,1-8 (healing of the

crippled) to understand the background of this reading.

• You may read further to understand the immediate context of our text.

• The question which Peter answers is "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4,7)

• In v.8, Peter addresses himself to the leaders and elders of Israel.

• V.8 gives a description of Peter: filled with the holy Spirit.

• Peter answers with the power of the Holy Spirit.

• V.9 explains why the apostles are being interrogated, resulting from their healing a cripple.

11stst Reading: Acts 4,8-12 Reading: Acts 4,8-12Answer• 10 then all of you and all

the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. 11 He is 'the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.' 12 There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved."

• In v.10, Peter turns their questioning into an opportunity to preach Jesus.

• Peter’s answer is the kerygma (v.10)

• Kergyma is the preaching, which centers on the Christ-event (Christ’s crucifixion, death and resurrection)

• V.11 compares Jesus to a cornerstone, which the leaders have rejected.

• In v.12, Peter is emphatic on the role of Jesus.

• It is through him (through his name) that we are saved.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst reading reading

• We usually shun from being interrogated or being put into the limelight.

• We can turn this uneasiness into a wonderful opportunity to proclaim our faith (wisdom) in Christ.

• Under pressure, we can stand for our faith and lead other people into light.

• We can only defend our faith and God’s actions on us, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, like Peter.

Reflections, con’tReflections, con’t

• Similarly, we can also make use of our misfortunes and sickness to proclaim God’s power.

• We should rather shun from talking about Jesus, if we are not spirit-filled and spirit-led.

• All talks about Jesus and his miracles are empty if we are not backed up by our true faith in Christ and the Spirit.

Resp. Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29Resp. Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29

R. (22) The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. or: R. Alleluia.

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,for his mercy endures forever.8 It is better to take refuge in the LORDthan to trust in man.9 It is better to take refuge in the LORDthan to trust in princes.

• 21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered meand have been my savior.22 The stone which the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.23 By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes.

• 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD;we bless you from the house of the LORD.28 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered meand have been my savior.29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;for his kindness endures forever.

Resp. Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29Resp. Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29R. (22) The stone rejected by the

builders has become the cornerstone. or: R. Alleluia.

• 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.8 It is better to take refuge in the LORDthan to trust in man.9 It is better to take refuge in the LORDthan to trust in princes.

• 21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.22 The stone which the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.23 By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes.

• 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD; we bless you from the house of the LORD.28 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his kindness endures forever.

Commentary• The psalm is classified as

thanksgiving hymn.• V.1 is a call to thank God for

the following reasons: he is good, his mercy endures for ever.

• Vv.8-9 state that we should prefer God to man or princes when asking for help.

• In v.21, the psalmist promises to thank God for listening to his prayers.

• Vv.22-23 prefigure the death and resurrection of Christ.

• V.26a reminds us of the Sanctus.

• Vv.28-29 repeat the idea of giving thanks to God for the same reasons(=v.21 and v.1)

Reflection on the PsalmReflection on the Psalm• We, Christians, must always recognize that

our God is a God who comes to our rescue.• We must always be thankful to God for his

mercy and love.• God is always doing wonderful things for us.• What more can we ask?

22ndnd reading: 1 John 3,1-2 reading: 1 John 3,1-2• 1 See what love the Father has bestowed

on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

The focus is on being the children of God.

22ndnd reading: 1 John 3,1-2 reading: 1 John 3,1-2• 1 See what love the

Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Commentary• V.1 mentions the lavish love of

God for us.• Because of his love, we become

children of God (v.1).• V.1b explains why the world

does not know the Christians, because it does not know God.

• V.2 recognizes the fact that we are God’s children.

• V.2 tells of a higher identity or destiny to be revealed.

• In the future, we will be like God; we shall see him without veil.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading

• We are children of God.• We owe our dignity as children of God through

the love of the Father.• We, Christians, have a great future, not yet

revealed.• We just have to wait. In the meantime, we live

according to our identity as God’s children.

Gospel: John 10,11-18Gospel: John 10,11-18• 11 I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays

down his life for the sheep. 12 A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. 13 This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep 1 that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."

The focus is on the Good Shepherd.

Gospel: John 10,11-18Gospel: John 10,11-18Contrast between the good shepherd and the badThe Good Shepherd• 11 I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for

the sheep. The bad Shepherd• 12 A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not

his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. 13 This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.

The Good Shepherd• 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,

15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; • and I will lay down my life for the sheep. • 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I

must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.

• 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."

A simple outline!

Gospel: John 10,11-18Gospel: John 10,11-18Contrast between the good shepherd

and the badThe Good Shepherd• 11 I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd

lays down his life for the sheep. The hired man (the bad Shepherd)• 12 A hired man, who is not a shepherd and

whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. 13 This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.

The Good Shepherd• 14 I am the good shepherd, and I know mine

and mine know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

• 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.

• 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."

Commentary• The reading

proclaims that Jesus is the good shepherd.

• It describes what a good shepherd does: lays down his life for his sheep and / goes to those who are out of the fold / leads / has vision (one flock, one shepherd)

• To lay down one’s life means to die for / to live for the benefit of the others.

• Jesus lays down his life out of obedience to the Father.

Further commentary on the gospel readingFurther commentary on the gospel reading

• The gospel highlights Jesus as the good shepherd.

• The good shepherd has good corresponding traits and/or

behaviour:

– defends his sheep, (not a victimizer to unsuspecting people)

– keeps them from danger and death,

– lays down his life for them.

• As a shepherd, Jesus is the rallying point of all (the cause of

unity among all peoples).

Further commentary on the gospel readingFurther commentary on the gospel reading

• Jesus’ leadership as a shepherd is not just feeding (refer to

other verses), but also protecting, giving life and uniting. All

is done in obedience to the Father.

– The meaning of his leadership comes from the mandate of the

Father. The Father wills that his people be safe from danger,

be one community under one leader.

• In contrast, the hired man does not care when danger

comes.

• He is there for what is in store for him, his wages, not for

the flock. He has no emotional attachment to the flock.

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading

• The gospel challenges us to ask ourselves, if we are truly leaders: – What kind of leaders are we? – Do we have the characteristics of a good shepherd?

• As leaders of our families and the Church, we are enjoined to defend, to nurture and to lead our followers.

• Like Jesus, we do not count on the money or effort we spend when serving.

• If we lead in order to gain money and prestige, we are bad leaders, not really leaders, but hirelings.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm

• The leadership of Peter is instrumental in healing the cripple in the name of Jesus (1st reading)

• We must be thankful to God for his mercy and love. (Psalm)

• God exercises his leadership through his fatherhood by claiming the believers as his children (2nd reading).

• Jesus’ leadership is expressed in his being a good shepherd (gospel reading)

How to develop your homily/sharingHow to develop your homily/sharing• Say something about a good leader (be it the

president, chairman, parish priest, bishop, etc.) whom you admire.

• Enumerate his/her good characteristics and accomplishments in the community.

• Then you develop leadership in the person of Jesus as the model, based on the gospel reading: – the one who defends the flock rather than runs away

when there is danger (or always absent, nobody knows where he/she is)

– the one who lays down his life, rather than preserve it (to die rather than make others suffer and die),

– The one who seeks others to belong to the fold (invites other people to hear his voice, not scandalizes or ostracizes)

– the one who has a vision for his flock (no direction, wandering like a lost sheep).

• Based on the second reading, leadership comes out of our appreciation that we are God’s children.

• Leadership makes the best of us as God’s children, obedient to his will, loving and caring.

• Leadership, like that of Jesus, leads us to see what is in store for us all in heaven. It gives hope for a better future.

• In the first reading, we get a taste of what is to be a leader in the person of Peter.

• As a leader, Peter boldly acknowledges Christ as the source of healing and salvation before his objectors.

• He does not cower (chicken out) in the face of persecution and intense questioning.

• Like Peter, we must be spirit-filled. • Forget leadership, without God’s Spirit

dwelling in you.

• Our country, churches, and parish organizations need good leaders.

• We have a crisis of leadership, not only in the government, but also in our church and in our families too.

• Our institutions are infested with unqualified leaders, and false administrators, who have no vision and moral values, who have attitude problems and can’t deliver services.

• They rule not by reason, but by their ego-trips.

• The readings remind us to approach Jesus, the good model of leadership.

• He is the shepherd-leader par excellence.• We are called to imitate his leadership.• We can develop leadership like his if we

allow ourselves to be formed and to be taught by the life and teachings of Jesus, if we try to listen to his voice.

• The eucharist is a sacrament of total self-giving of Jesus as a shepherd-leader.

• Jesus as the good leader still lays down his life for us in the form of bread and wine in this eucharist.

• His leadership continues to nurture us and unites us through the eucharist in his post-resurrection.

• If you are not worthily receiving holy communion, you have no right to be a leader in the Church.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace

• Abuse of authority

• Totalitarian

• Dictator

• Manipulator

• Coward, murderer

• Uses political power to advance personal business interests

• Traitor, no vision

• Heads and coordinators, who are attuned to the voice of the pastor (bishop, pope, God)

• Loving shepherd

• Humble servant-leader

• Good parish priests and bishops, who listen to the needs of their flock

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs• The Lord is my Shepherd (communion)

– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ekQdpjS4VA

• MAGPAS– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WGPtdu29UM