Sunday Readings
Commentary and Reflections
15th Sunday in the Ordinary Time B
July 12, 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: Amos 7,12-15
Rejection
 12 Amaziah, priest of Bethel said to Amos: "Off with
you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah! There earn
your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again
prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king's sanctuary and
a royal temple."
Response / God’s Call
 14 Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor
have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a
shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. 15 The
LORD took me from following the flock, and said to
me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
The focus is on the rejection of the prophet.
1st reading: Amos 7,12-15
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12 Amaziah, priest of
Bethel said to Amos: "Off
with you, visionary, flee to
the land of Judah! There
earn your bread by
prophesying, 13 but
never again prophesy in
Bethel; for it is the king's
sanctuary and a royal
temple."
14 Amos answered
Amaziah, "I was no
prophet, nor have I
belonged to a company of
prophets; I was a
shepherd and a dresser of
sycamores. 15 The
LORD took me from
following the flock, and
said to me, Go, prophesy
to my people Israel.
Commentary:
 In v.12, Amaziah, a priest, drives
away Amos (seer, hozeh) from Bethel
(an ancient shrine in Israel, northern
kingdom).
 Amaziah wants him to go back to
Judah (where he comes from,
southern kingdom).
 Amaziah instructs him to earn his
bread by prophesying there.
 In those days, prophecy could be
a paid job.
1st reading: Amos 7,12-15

12 Amaziah, priest of
Bethel said to Amos: "Off
with you, visionary, flee to
the land of Judah! There
earn your bread by
prophesying, 13 but never
again prophesy in Bethel;
for it is the king's sanctuary
and a royal temple." 14
Amos answered Amaziah,
"I was no prophet, nor
have I belonged to a
company of prophets; I
was a shepherd and a
dresser of sycamores. 15
The LORD took me from
following the flock, and
said to me, Go, prophesy
to my people Israel.
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In v.13, Amaziah reiterates that Amos
should never prophesy in Bethel.
Why? Amaziah explains: it is the
king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.
In v.14, Amos defends himself.
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He was not a prophet (in Hebrew nabi).
He did not belong to a guild of
prophets (as in the times of Samuel) or
a prophet’s son.
He earned his living by being a
shepherd and a dresser of sycamore
trees.
In v.15, Amos explains, God has
stopped him from tending his flocks,
in order to prophesy to them
(Israelites, people of the northern
kingdom).
Reflections on the 1st reading
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When God calls you, be prepared to lose your
job and to handle a more difficult job.
Like Amos, we can be asked to prophesy, to
warn people of the impending punishment from
God, for their sins and offenses, if there is no
repentance.
Like Amos, we must be prepared to be rejected
and be driven away.
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On the superficial level, the reason for being
rejected may be because we don’t belong to
their territory, to their race, to their clan and to
their circle.
But deep inside, it is because we carry a very
disturbing and unsettling message.
Prophets tell your mistakes in front of your face.
They speak on behalf of God.
Have you met a prophet like this in your life?
Did you change?
Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your
salvation.
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9 I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD —for he proclaims peace.
10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
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11 Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
12 Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
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13 The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
14 Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
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R. (8) Lord, let us see your
kindness, and grant us your
salvation.
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9 I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD —for he proclaims
peace.
10 Near indeed is his salvation
to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
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11 Kindness and truth shall
meet; justice and peace shall
kiss.
12 Truth shall spring out of the
earth, and justice shall look
down from heaven.
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13 The LORD himself will give
his benefits; our land shall yield
its increase.
14 Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his
steps.
Commentary
 The responsorial psalm is
classified as a community
lament.
 It helps us accept the message
of the prophet.
 The response (v.8) is a prayer to
God for light and salvation.
 In v.9, the psalmist promises to
be open to God’s word, which he
believes will bring peace.
 In v.10, the psalmist affirms that
salvation is near to those who
fear God.
Resp. Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14

R. (8) Lord, let us see your
kindness, and grant us your
salvation.
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9 I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD —for he proclaims
peace.
10 Near indeed is his salvation
to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
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11 Kindness and truth shall
meet; justice and peace shall
kiss.
12 Truth shall spring out of the
earth, and justice shall look
down from heaven.
13 The LORD himself will give
his benefits; our land shall yield
its increase.
14 Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his
steps.
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Vv.11-12 enumerate the usual
vision of a prophet: kindness,
truth, justice and peace.
V.13 indicates the fruits of
justice, peace, etc.: abundance
of food
In v.14, justice is personified as
walking before the Lord,
preparing his path.
Here, justice facilitates the
coming of the Lord (who brings
about salvation).
Reflections on the Psalm
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This psalm invites us to listen to the voice of the
prophets (the voice of God).
It invites us to open our hearts and minds to God’s
message, which asks us to exercise justice and
righteousness.
We can only feel his abundant blessings (food and
security) if we are kind and just.
This time, our psalm does not invite us to a noisy
celebration, but to a full acceptance of his words, to
gain salvation.
2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be
holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for
adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor
of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted
us in the beloved. 7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the
forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his
grace 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, 9 he
has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his
favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. 11 In him
we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the
one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his
will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who
first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word
of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first
installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's
possession, to the praise of his glory.
The focus is on Jesus Christ himself, through whom God showers his
blessings upon us.
2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
Doxology to the Father
 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy
and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for
adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of
his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us
in the beloved.
Notice the underlined words. Those are the spiritual blessings through
Jesus Christ
Christ.
 7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of
transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he
lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight,
 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his
favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to
sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
 11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose
of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of
his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who
first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word
of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were
sealed with the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the first installment
of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the
praise of his glory.
2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
Commentary:
Doxology to the Father
 In v.3, the author (Paul!)
 3 Blessed be the God and
praises God and the Father
Father of our Lord Jesus
of Jesus
Christ, who has blessed us in
 for blessing us with all kinds of
Christ with every spiritual
blessings from heaven.
blessing in the heavens, 4
 V.4 adds another reason for
as he chose us in him,
praising God:
before the foundation of the
 He chooses us in him, before
creation, to be holy and without
world, to be holy and without
impurity
blemish before him. In love
5 he destined us for adoption  V.5 also gives one more
reason for praising God:
to himself through Jesus
Christ, in accord with the
favor of his will, 6 for the
praise of the glory of his
grace that he granted us in
the beloved.
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He destines us for adoption.
V.6 gives us the ultimate
reason for blessing the
Father:
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For the praise of the glory…
2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-14
Jesus Christ
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7 In him we have redemption by his
blood, the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace 8
that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom
and insight, 9 he has made known to
us the mystery of his will in accord with
his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a
plan for the fullness of times, to sum up
all things in Christ, in heaven and on
earth.
11 In him we were also chosen, destined
in accord with the purpose of the one
who accomplishes all things according
to the intention of his will, 12 so that we
might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him
you also, who have heard the word of
truth, the gospel of your salvation, and
have believed in him, were sealed with
the promised holy Spirit, 14 which is the
first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God's possession,
to the praise of his glory.
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Vv. 7-14 enumerate what
Christ does for us:
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He redeems by his blood
and forgiveness (v.7)
He reveals mystery of his
will (v.9)
He has chosen, destined
us to conform to his design
(v.11)
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He has sealed us with the
promise of the holy Spirit
(v.13)
2 times mentioned: the
praise of his glory (vv.
12,14)
Reflections on the 2nd reading
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God is really a good Father.
He sends his Son to shower his blessings upon us.
The Son accomplishes in us God’s plan, through his
blood (sufferings on the cross).
Christ pays a great price (blood) to win us to God. He
lavishes us also with his grace, wisdom and insight.
All God wants us is for us to live according to what we
are destined to be and to do:
 To bless God
 To praise Him
 To do everything for his greater glory.
Gospel reading: Mark 6,7-13
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7 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send
them out two by two and gave them authority over
unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take
nothing for the journey but a walking stick-- no food,
no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were,
however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
10 He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house,
stay there until you leave from there. 11 Whatever
place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave
there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony
against them." 12 So they went off and preached
repentance. 13 They drove out many demons, and
they anointed with oil many who were sick and
cured them.
The focus is on the mission of the 12.
Gospel reading: Mark 6,7-13
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7 Jesus summoned the Twelve
and began to send them out two
by two and gave them authority
over unclean spirits. 8 He
instructed them to take nothing
for the journey but a walking
stick-- no food, no sack, no
money in their belts. 9 They
were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic. 10 He
said to them, "Wherever you
enter a house, stay there until
you leave from there. 11
Whatever place does not
welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust
off your feet in testimony against
them." 12 So they went off and
preached repentance. 13 They
drove out many demons, and
they anointed with oil many who
were sick and cured them.
Commentary:
 In v.7, Jesus calls the 12 and
sends them 2 by 2.
 He also gives them authority over
unclean spirits (evil spirits).
 Vv.8-11 contain his instructions:
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In their mission, they should travel
light. They should bring with them
only the basic (walking staff and
sandals). They should carry no
extra belongings.
In v.10, the apostles should not
transfer from one house to
another.
In v.11, they must be prepared to
be rejected.
In v.12, the apostles obey and
they do the following:
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They preach repentance.
They drive out demons. V.13
They anoint and cure the sick. V.13
Reflections on the gospel
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We, Christians, must be prepared to be sent also,
like the apostles.
After all those trainings, conferences, sermons,
and on-going formation, now we must share our
faith with others.
In doing our mission, we should not turn people
off by our fancy looks and appearances.
We are not there to show off the little we have, but
to work… to lead people to repentance, to heal
their woundedness and to free them from the evil
that consumes them.
We should also be prepared to face rejection.
Tying the 3 readings and Psalm
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The prophet is sent by God to deliver his message.
(1st reading)
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The psalm helps us to accept the message of
the prophet (of God).
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God the Father is praised for sending Jesus Christ
to bring us salvation. (2nd reading)
Like the apostles, we, Christians, must be focused
on our mission work. (gospel)
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Or you may just develop the importance of mission work and what it
entails.
How to develop your homily / sharing
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Begin by sharing your difficulties as a priest or
religious (people resisting to the new challenges, preferring
the old way of being church and old catechism, old songs, old
theology, inattentive to formation programs, people insisting
their own even if it is already obsolete).
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Feeling rejected, money and energy wasted
Criticized for introducing new things, ignored
because people prefer another priest.
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Try to reason out: they may be part of the
ministry, like in the days of old:
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Amos was rejected and was sent away by a
priest Amaziah because he communicated the
disturbing message of God;
Christ was crucified because he disturbed the
peace and quiet of the ruling class;
and the apostles themselves faced the same
fate.
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Now, try to share the meaning of mission
according to your experience: Why are you not
backing out or leaving the priesthood or religion?
Why are you still doing your mission in spite of
resistance? What keeps you going? What’s your
inspiration?
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It is God who calls me to do this, not myself.
I believe, I carry God’s message, even if it disturbs.
I know that if people believe in what I say about God
and Jesus, they will attain salvation.
Their lives will be changed.
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Mission is our life as Christians.
We do not remain on the receiving end for ever.
If we truly appreciate our faith, then we must be
ready to communicate and share it with others.
In the family, each parent is obliged to teach
Christian faith to his/her kids.
It is not just the work of the catechists.
Our mission is to teach, to exorcise and to heal
everyone.
The content of our teachings should be none other than
repentance, which brings about forgiveness, healing and
salvation = kingdom of God.
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What happens if we do not do our mission?
Refusal to do our mission is a betrayal of our
baptismal vows.
It is a sign that we have not really understood
our faith.
Our faith is not for our convenience. Faith is
lived in sacrifice.
One must not emphasize so much the
inconvenience, but the souls gained when we
diligently and conscientiously do our mission.
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The crowning fruit of our missionary efforts is
the reception of the eucharist.
The eucharist makes us remember that
Christian life is a life of sharing and mission.
In the eucharist, Christ strengthens us in our
mission.
Our Context of Sin and Grace
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No sense of mission
Overly sensitive
Becomes immobilized
when rejected and
criticized
Phony homilies, lots of
baloneys
Liturgy becoming an
entertainment, without
serious message from
the preacher
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Missionaries, local and
foreign
Well formed and
informed, prepared
missionaries
Focused preachers
Hardworking catechists
Church workers
sensitive to culture and
gender
Suggested songs
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Go tell everyone
Maghandog ng Alay by Chito Ranoa, OFM, offertory
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRWqJuXVAP0
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Follow Christ
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Pananagutan