Sunday Readings
Commentary and Reflections
14th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B
July 5, 2015
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM
1st Reading: Ezekiel 2,2-5
 2 As Lord spoke to me, spirit entered into me and set
me on my feet, and I heard the one who was
speaking 3 say to me: Son of man, I am sending you
to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against
me; they and their fathers have revolted against me
to this very day. 4 Hard of face and obstinate of heart
are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say
to them: Thus says the Lord GOD! 5 And whether
they heed or resist-- for they are a rebellious house-they shall know that a prophet has been among
them.
The focus is on sending
the prophet by God.
1st Reading: Ezekiel 2,2-5
 2 As Lord spoke to me,
spirit entered into me and
set me on my feet, and I
heard the one who was
speaking 3 say to me:
Son of man, I am
sending you to the
Israelites, rebels who
have rebelled against
me; they and their fathers
have revolted against me
to this very day. 4 Hard
of face and obstinate of
heart are they to whom I
am sending you. But you
shall say to them: Thus
says the Lord GOD! 5
And whether they heed
or resist-- for they are a
rebellious house-- they
shall know that a prophet
has been among them.
Commentary:
 Historical Background: Ezekiel was
called to prophesy during the
Babylonian Exile (586-539 BC).
The Jews in Judea were forcibly
exiled to Babylon.
 Their exile was interpreted as a
punishment for their sin. They
abandoned Yahweh and violated
his laws.
 The reading belongs to the first
part of the book of Ezekiel. It is
entitled “Call of the Prophet” (1,1—
3,27).
1st Reading: Ezekiel 2,2-5

2 As Lord spoke to
me, spirit entered into
me and set me on my
feet, and I heard the
one who was
speaking 3 say to
me: Son of man, I am
sending you to the
Israelites, rebels who
have rebelled against
me; they and their
fathers have revolted
against me to this
very day. 4 Hard of
face and obstinate of
heart are they to
whom I am sending
you. But you shall say
to them: Thus says
the Lord GOD! 5 And
whether they heed or
resist-- for they are a
rebellious house-they shall know that a
prophet has been
among them.
 The prophet testifies how God has taken
hold of his life.

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His spirit (vital power to make him talk) enters
me.
He sets me on my feet.
God speaks. (v.2)
 God sends the prophet to the Israelites.
(v.3)
 Vv.3-5 describe what kind of people the
Israelites are:
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Rebels, rebellious
Hard of face
Obstinate of heart
 V.5 states the purpose of sending:

To know that a prophet has been among them.
 The people must know the meaning of his
presence.
Reflections on the 1st reading
 The presence of a prophet is God’s strong
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message to us.
God sends the prophet, someone to remind us to
stop our foolishness.
God does not condone sin and transgression.
When we are reprimanded, it is a sign of the
presence of God’s prophet.
The prophet may be our friend, teacher, relative,
or, church worker, or priest.
Do you respond properly when a prophet speaks
to you?
Responsorial Ps 123:1-2, 2, 3-4
 R. (2cd) Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his
mercy.
 1 To you I lift up my eyes
who are enthroned in heaven —
2 As the eyes of servants
are on the hands of their masters.
 2 As the eyes of a maid
are on the hands of her mistress,
So are our eyes on the LORD, our God,
till he have pity on us.
 3 Have pity on us, O LORD, have pity on us,
for we are more than sated with contempt;
4 our souls are more than sated
with the mockery of the arrogant,
with the contempt of the proud.
Responsorial Ps 123:1-2, 2, 3-4


R. (2cd) Our eyes are fixed
on the Lord, pleading for his
mercy.
1 To you I lift up my eyes
who are enthroned in
heaven —
2 As the eyes of servants
are on the hands of their
masters.

2 As the eyes of a maid
are on the hands of her
mistress, so are our eyes on
the LORD, our God, till he
have pity on us.

3 Have pity on us, O LORD,
have pity on us,
for we are more than sated
with contempt;
4 our souls are more than
sated with the mockery of
the arrogant, with the
contempt of the proud.
Commentary
 The responsorial psalm is
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classified as a community
lament.
The attention is focused on God.
In v.1, the psalmist seeks mercy
from God, who is in heaven.
In v.2, the psalmist employs
similes to express how he seeks
God.
The psalmist waits for the Lord
until he is given mercy.
In v.3, the psalmist prays for
mercy because of contempt,
arrogance and pride that have
overcome him and the
community.
Reflections on the Psalm
 The psalm teaches us, Christians, how to respond to
God’s love and mercy in prayer.
 First, in prayer, we should set our hearts and minds
to God.
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We give him our full attention.
We will not stop paying attention to God until we are
relieved of our burdens, and mercy is thus given us.
 Second, the psalm encourages us to recognize our
poverty and powerlessness.
 Contempt, arrogance and pride have no place in a
Christian heart.

Actually, those sins are just cover-ups of inferiority
complex or inadequacies (failure to understand).
2nd reading: 2 Corinthians 12,7-10
 That I, Paul, might not become too elated, a thorn in
the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat
me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times
I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,
9 but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather
boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that
the power of Christ may dwell with me. 10 Therefore,
I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ;
for when I am weak, then I am strong.
The focus is on “a
thorn in the flesh.”
nd
2
reading: 2 Corinthians 12,7-10
 7 That I, Paul,
might not become
too elated, a thorn
in the flesh was
given to me, an
angel of Satan, to
beat me, to keep
me from being too
elated. 8 Three
times I begged the
Lord about this,
that it might leave
me,
Commentary:
 The text belongs to 2 Cor 12-13, dubbed as
“Against the Super-Apostles”(Perkins). Paul also
received revelations from God. Revelations are
not a monopoly of the eyewitnesses (12
apostles).
 In v.7, Paul realizes that God gives him
“a thorn in the flesh” (something that causes
him to suffer), so that he may not be proud
(elated) of the revelations he has received
from God.
 In v.8, Paul intimates that, thrice, he has
asked God to remove the thorn from him.
nd
2
reading: 2 Corinthians 12,7-10
 9 but he said to me,
"My grace is sufficient
for you, for power is
made perfect in
weakness." I will
rather boast most
gladly of my
weaknesses, in order
that the power of
Christ may dwell with
me. 10 Therefore, I
am content with
weaknesses, insults,
hardships,
persecutions, and
constraints, for the
sake of Christ; for
when I am weak, then
I am strong.
 V.9 contains the response of God. It
says, “You can take it. You have the
grace…”

When you are weakened, your
power will become more perfect
(complete).
 For Paul, the cause for boasting are
his weaknesses, not the revelations.
 In his weaknesses, the power of
Christ comes upon him.
 In v.10, as a result, Paul can take all
other forms of sufferings.
 Sufferings for Christ’s sake weaken
him… but at this point, he is made
more strong.
Reflections on the 2nd reading
 In our lives, we must recognize that we, too, have a
“thorn in the flesh”, or, many thorns for that matter.
 We may be successful in our careers, but someone
or something may be there to put us down, to
discredit us.
 All insults, slanders, persecutions,
misunderstandings, failures and sufferings must be
seen as “thorns in the flesh” to humble us always.
 These, indeed, weaken our spirits and drain our
energies and resources.
Reflections, con’t
 When they come, we must be consoled by the words of St.
Paul, that when we are weak, then we become strong in
the Lord.
 The Lord comes to power us up.
 How we wish we could always be surrounded by positive
people, to make our work easier!
Gospel Reading: Mark 6,1-6
 1 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place,
accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the sabbath came
he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who
heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this
man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given
him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is
he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of
James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his
sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. 4
Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except
in his native place and among his own kin and in his own
house." 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed
there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his
hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.
The focus is on the rejection of the prophet.
A simple outline!
Gospel Reading: Mark 6,1-6
Setting (teaching)
 1 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied
by his disciples. 2 When the sabbath came he began to teach in the
synagogue,
Reaction
 and many who heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this
man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty
deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is he not the carpenter, the son of
Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And
are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.
Jesus’ response
 4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native
place and among his own kin and in his own house."
No miracle performed
 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from
curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was
amazed at their lack of faith.
Gospel Reading: Mark 6,1-6
Setting (teaching)
 1 Jesus departed from there
and came to his native
place, accompanied by his
disciples. 2 When the
sabbath came he began to
teach in the synagogue,
Reaction
 and many who heard him
were astonished. They said,
"Where did this man get all
this? What kind of wisdom
has been given him? What
mighty deeds are wrought
by his hands! 3 Is he not
the carpenter, the son of
Mary, and the brother of
James and Joses and Judas
and Simon? And are not his
sisters here with us?" And
they took offense at him.
Commentary:
 The passage is the last part of Mk 3,7—6,6
when Jesus was teaching and healing
around Lake Galilee (Perkins).
 In v.1, Jesus leaves the house of Jairus and
goes home (Nazareth), with his disciples.
 In v.2, Jesus goes to the synagogue to
teach.
 The day of teaching is specified as Sabbath
(7th day of the week). The Jews did not
name the days of the week after the pagan /
planet gods. They called them 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
etc. Only the 7th has a name, Sabbath.
 People are amazed at his teachings and
wisdom.
 In v.3, the people are aware of the humble
origins of Jesus.
 The people realize the big contrast of his
wisdom and origins. That stuns them.
 “To take offense” is to be scandalized.
Rejection is its consequence.
Gospel Reading: Mark 6,1-6
Jesus’ response
 4 Jesus said to them, "A
prophet is not without honor
except in his native place and
among his own kin and in his
own house."
No miracle performed
 5 So he was not able to
perform any mighty deed
there, apart from curing a few
sick people by laying his
hands on them. 6 He was
amazed at their lack of faith.
 V.4 seems to say “Familiarity
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breeds contempt.”
The people cannot see
beyond Jesus’ humble family
background.
People of faith should see
him as coming from God.
In v.5, we see the result of
their disbelief.
 He is not able to do
miracles.
In v.6, Jesus is also amazed
at their blatant lack of faith.
Reflections on the gospel reading
 Taking offense at someone who does great
things (instead of rejoicing and thanking)
demolishes potential healthy relationships.
 Taking offense is a kind of “professional
jealousy” (of course, anything that is of this nature
is not professional at all). It is a kind of defensive
mechanism that does not acknowledge the
giftedness of the other, but tries to destroy it.
 A good parish worker can be demolished if
some influential people (or, anyone who has
authority) take offense at him or her.
 Taking offense is manifested through the
following:
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Ignoring his/her presence
Talking against him/her
Questioning his/her motives
Investigating his/her insignificant humble past
 We cannot be helped by a talented person if
we take offense at him/her, if we feel offended
without reason, or, if we are scandalized.
 A wholesome person does not feel threatened
by someone better.
Tying the 3 Readings and the Psalm
 God sends a prophet to make his people feel his
presence. (1st reading)
 God sends a “thorn in the flesh” to keep the prophet
from boasting. (2nd reading)
 God sends Jesus Christ as a teacher, healer and a
prophet. (gospel reading)
 The psalm helps us to accept whom God sends to
us.
How to develop your homilies / sharing
 Begin by relating your story of rejection. Who
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rejected you? What kind of people were they? Why
did they reject you? What did you do?
The readings help the missionary stay put in his
mission.
In the first reading, Ezekiel the prophet is conditioned
by God that he is being sent to a people who are
hard headed.
Even if they reject him, he should still proceed.
It is not an exercise in futility.
His presence to this people is a sign of God’s love for
them, hoping that they will respond later.
 In the second reading, Paul relates his experience of
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having “a thorn in the flesh.”
As an apostle, he feels his mission is almost perfect,
since he has received revelations from God.
Yet, he acknowledges that God has sent him this
thorn, to keep him from boasting of his successes.
Paul does not take offense at this, instead, he sees
his weakening as a form of strengthening in the Lord.
Paul has really understood what his mission entails
(discomfort).
 In the gospel reading, we see Jesus as a prepared
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missionary.
Jesus is sent to preach in his own home town, where
he faces people of no faith.
He has lots of wisdom and teachings (from God).
He is also equipped to handle rejection.
Jesus tries to understand, but he does not make
miracles there because of their unbelief.
 We, people of God, must be keen on accepting those
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who are sent to preach to or teach us.
As Catholics, we refer this to the ordained ministers,
meaning the priests and the deacons.
They may have their own personal shortcomings
because they are also human, but they are the only
authorized people in the church to deliver sermons after
the gospel reading.
We must take their message seriously.
Through our honest feedbacks and loving gaze, we can
help them improve their homilies.
 In our communities, we must also learn how to accept people
who are sent to teach us, esp. those in the education ministry,
or, the catechists.
 Church leaders should be keen on who should really work in
the parish and in our communities.
 The parishioners or community members must accept the fact
that there are sent-people who might be more talented /
intelligent/ knowledgeable / more experienced than they.
 We should not argue by the number of years we have been
there.
 We have lost many of our local / homegrown talents because
of our irrational behavior and non-acceptance.
 What happens if we reject the talented ones who are
sent? Our community will be led and controlled by
mediocre and old people, who cannot offer anything
new and refreshing, for they will be telling the same old
recycled, rehashed story of their old exploits and little
successes, etc. The community stagnates.
 What happens if we accept whom God sends?
 We will be closer to God. We will feel God’s
presence (1st reading).
 We will be strengthened in our weaknesses (2nd
reading)
 We will have a lot of teachings, formations, healings
and building up of one another. The quality of our
faith will improve. (gospel)
 The psalm helps set the mood to become good
disciples.
 We should be like a servant who is always attentive,
all eyes, all ears, to his master, and receptive to his
teachings.
 The psalm helps us recognize our sins of pride and
arrogance (not needing anyone to teach us) and to be
changed.
 Reception of the eucharist means accepting Jesus in
our hearts and minds. We accept his teachings and
of his Church.
 In the eucharist, we are asked to accept other people
especially those who are sent to bring a very
important message.
 If we believe we are sent, the eucharist will
strengthen us in our sufferings (having thorn in the flesh).
 In the eucharist, Jesus assures us, “My grace is
enough for you.”
Our Context of Sin And Grace
 Hard headedness
 Docility
 Arrogance
 Openness
 Inability to accept the talents
 Strong faith
of others
 Contempt
 Can embrace pain and
sufferings
 No faith
 Has overcome insecurities
 Grandstanding
 Equipped missionary
 Unaware of their ignorance
 Focused on mission
 Pain in the neck
 Can overcome difficulties
 Jealousy
 Does not easily give up
 Resiliency
 Perverance
Suggested Songs
It’s Time to Prepare (offertory)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIandBaBMck
Ama Namin by Calvin
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0NiFJnCpI
Sino ba ang Diyos?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8glIv39uKA
Thank You, Lord
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIu2SBfu5vQ
Give Thanks by Don Moen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_VNsSj3fLQ (based on second reading)