Bible Study Focuses on New Creation

Welcome to our Bible
Study
5th
Sunday of Easter C
24 April 2016
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st
reading: Acts 14,21-27
 21 After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good
news to that city and made a considerable number of
disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to
Antioch. 22 They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, "It is
necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the
kingdom of God." 23 They appointed presbyters for them
in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended
them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. 24
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached
Pamphylia. 25 After proclaiming the word at Perga they
went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to
Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace
of God for the work they had now accomplished. 27 And
when they arrived, they called the church together and
reported what God had done with them and how he had
opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
The focus is on the missionary activities of the apostles.

1st
Gospel proclamation coupled with exhortations
 21 After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good news to
that city and made a considerable number of disciples, they
returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. 22 They
strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to
persevere in the faith, saying, "It is necessary for us to
undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." 23
They appointed presbyters for them in each church and, with
prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom
they had put their faith. 24 Then they traveled through Pisidia
and reached Pamphylia.
Gospel proclamation coupled with accountability
 25 After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to
Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had
been commended to the grace of God for the work they had
now accomplished. 27 And when they arrived, they called the
church together and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
A simple outline!

Textual Context of Acts 14,21-27
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)

1st
Gospel proclamation coupled with
exhortations
 21 After they had proclaimed the
good news to that city (Derbe) and
made a considerable number of
disciples, they returned to Lystra
and to Iconium and to Antioch. 22
They strengthened the spirits of the
disciples and exhorted them to
persevere in the faith, saying, "It is
necessary for us to undergo many
hardships to enter the kingdom of
God." 23 They appointed presbyters
for them in each church and, with
prayer and fasting, commended
them to the Lord in whom they had
put their faith. 24 Then they
traveled through Pisidia and reached
Pamphylia.
Gospel proclamation coupled with
accountability
 25 After proclaiming the word at
Perga they went down to Attalia. 26
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to
the grace of God for the work they
had now accomplished. 27 And
when they arrived, they called the
church together and reported what
God had done with them and how he
had opened the door of faith to the
Gentiles.
Commentary
The text describes the missionary
efforts of Paul and Barnabas.
Their missionary work consists in
proclaiming the good news (v.21), in
making disciples (v.21), in following up
their converts, exhorting them to
persevere (v.22), in appointing
presbyters (overseers, supervisors),
etc. (v.23)
The apostles do not only commend the
converts, they themselves are also
commended (encouraged,
acknowledged) v.26.
They also gather the church together
and report God’s acts. (v.27)

Reflections on the 1st
reading
 The text describes the apostles doing missionary
work full blast.
 Their task is to preach the word of the Lord.
 They also follow up their converts and encourage
them to persevere in their faith.
 Here the spiritual leader has an important role in
strengthening the faith of his/her community.
 The success of missionary work is God’s great act.
 In this Year of Faith, we must recapture the vigor
of the first missionaries of the Church.
 God will work wonders with us.

Responsorial Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13Responsorial Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
 R. (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king
and my God.
 8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of
great kindness.
 9 The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his
works.
 10 Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let
your faithful ones bless you.
 11 Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and
speak of your might.
 12 Let them make known your might to the children of
Adam, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your
dominion endures through all generations.

Responsorial Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13
 R. (cf. 1) I will praise your
name for ever, my king and
my God.
 8 The LORD is gracious and
merciful, slow to anger and of
great kindness.
 9 The LORD is good to all and
compassionate toward all his
works.
 10 Let all your works give you
thanks, O LORD, and let your
faithful ones bless you.
 11 Let them discourse of the
glory of your kingdom and speak
of your might.
 12 Let them make known your
might to the children of Adam,
and the glorious splendor of your
kingdom.
 13 Your kingdom is a kingdom for
all ages, and your dominion
endures through all generations.
Commentary
 Vv.8-9 affirms God’s
graciousness, mercy,
kindness and goodness to all
his creatures.
 In vv.10-11, the psalmist
prays to God that all his
creatures thank, bless, praise
and glorify him. (recognize his
power)
 Vv.12-13 continue the
exhortation to recognize
God’s greatness, kingdom and
dominion which endure
forever.

Reflections on the Psalm
 We, Christians, are here to extol God, not
ourselves.
 It is our obligation to render him praise and
thanksgiving.
 In our liturgies, we recognize and celebrate God’s
glory and power.
 Celebrations are always meant to be communal.
 Communal celebrations build up the Church.
 Liturgical celebrations for just a small group are
discouraged.

2nd
reading: Revelation 21,1-5a
 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The
former heaven and the former earth had passed
away, and the sea was no more. 2 I also saw the
holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of
heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned
for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from the
throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the
human race. He will dwell with them and they will
be his people and God himself will always be with
them (as their God). 4 He will wipe every tear
from their eyes, and there shall be no more death
or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order
has passed away." 5 The one who sat on the
throne said, "Behold, I make all things new."
The focus is on the new heaven and new earth.

2nd
New
 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former
heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea
was no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband.
Passing of old order
 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold,
God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with
them and they will be his people and God himself will
always be with them (as their God). 4 He will wipe every
tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or
mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed
away."
New
 5 The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all
things new."
A simple outline!

Textual Context of Rev 21,1-5a
 I. Prologue, Address, and Inaugural Vision
(Ch. 1)
Prologue (1:1-3)
The Address (1:4-8)
Vision of One Like a Son of Man (1:9-
20)
 II. The Messages to the Seven Churches
(Chs. 2-3)
 III. The Scroll Vision (Chs. 4-5)
The Heavenly Temple (Ch. 4)
The Lamb and the Scroll (Ch. 5)
 IV. The Seven Seals (6:1 -- 8:5)
The First Four Seals (6:1-8)
The Fifth Seal (6:9-11)
The Sixth Seal (6:12-17)
The Sealing of the Faithful (7:1-8)
Song of Victory (7:9-17)
The Seventh Seal (8:1-5)
 V. The Seven Trumpets (8:6-11:19)
The First Four Trumpets (8:6-13)
The Fifth Trumpet (First Woe) (9:1-12)
The Sixth Trumpet (Second Woe)
(9:13-21)
The Open Scroll (Ch. 10)
The Temple Measured (11:1-2)
The Two Witnesses (11:3-14)
The Seventh Trumpet (11:15-19)
 VI. The Woman and the Dragon (Ch. 12)
The Woman and the Dragon (12:1-6)
Victory in Heaven (12:7-12)
Dragon and Woman (12:13-18)
 VII. The Two Beasts (Ch. 13)
The First Beast (13:1-10)
The Second Beast (13:11-18)
 VIII. Salvation and Judgment (Ch. 14)
The Companions of the Lamb (14:1-5)
Proclamation of Judgment (14:6-13)
Harvest and Vintage (14:14-20)
Harvest (14:14-16)
Vintage (14:17-20)
 IX. The Last Plagues (Chs. 15-16)
Song of Moses and the Lamb (15:1-4)
The Angels of the Bowls (15:5—16:1)
The First Four Bowls (16:2-9)
The Fifth Bowl (16:10-11)
The Sixth Bowl (16:12-16)
The Seventh Bowl (16:17-21)
 X. The Harlot and the Beast (Ch. 17)
 XI. The End of Babylon (18:1 - 19:10)
The Fall of Babylon (18:1-8)
Dirges Over Babylon (18:9-19)
The Judgment of Babylon (18:20-24)
Vindication of God’s People (19:1-10)
 XII. The End of Evil (19:11-20:15)
The End of the Beasts (19:11-21)
The End of Satan (20:1-10)
Satan Bound (20:1-3)
Reign with Christ (20:4-6)
End of the Dragon (20:7-10)
 XIII. The New Jerusalem (21:1-22:5)
The New Heaven and Earth (21:1-8)
The New Jerusalem (21:9--22:5)
 XIV. Epilogue (22:6-21)
 Outline by Wilfred Harrington, 1993

2nd
New
 1 Then I saw a new heaven
and a new earth. The former
heaven and the former earth
had passed away, and the sea
was no more. 2 I also saw the
holy city, a new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven
from God, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband.
Passing of old order
 3 I heard a loud voice from the
throne saying, "Behold, God's
dwelling is with the human
race. He will dwell with them
and they will be his people and
God himself will always be with
them (as their God). 4 He will
wipe every tear from their
eyes, and there shall be no
more death or mourning,
wailing or pain, (for) the old
order has passed away."
New
 5 The one who sat on the
throne said, "Behold, I make
all things new."
Commentary
 The text is about the vision of the
author of the new heaven and the new
earth.(v.1)
 Included in the vision is the new
Jerusalem, with imagery of a bride
adorned for her husband (v.2)
 V.3 tells of God’s dwelling with his
people (all human race, not just in
Jerusalem). This is new.
 V.4 talks about sadness being wiped
out. Finally, death will be conquered.
This is new.
 V.5 summarizes everything “I make all
things new.

Reflections on the second reading
 We, Christians, should be keen on what is new.
 When God acts upon us, something new comes to us.
 God is not the God of the old and the recycled.
 If we are attentive to him and open to his inspiration, we will
always experience something new and exciting.
 We may be handling the same people and things, but we will
see them differently every time we encounter them.
 There is something wrong with us if after a long time, we still
haven’t experienced something new, and we consider life
boring.
 We have a big problem.

Gospel: John 13,31-33a.34-35
 31 When Judas had left them, Jesus said, "Now is
the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in
him. 32 (If God is glorified in him,) God will also
glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at
once. 33 My children, I will be with you only a
little while longer. You will look for me,
 34 I give you a new commandment: love one
another. As I have loved you, so you also should
love one another. 35 This is how all will know
that you are my disciples, if you have love for one
another."

Gospel: John 13,31-33a.34-35
Glorification of Jesus
 31 When Judas had left them, Jesus said, "Now is
the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in
him. 32 (If God is glorified in him,) God will also
glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at
once. 33 My children, I will be with you only a
little while longer. You will look for me,
Commandment of Love
 34 I give you a new commandment: love one
another. As I have loved you, so you also should
love one another. 35 This is how all will know
that you are my disciples, if you have love for one
another."
A simple outline!
There are two foci of the gospel text: glorification and love.

Gospel: John 13,31-33a.34-35Gospel: John 13,31-33a.34-35
Glorification of Jesus
 31 When Judas had left,
Jesus said, "Now is the Son
of Man glorified, and God is
glorified in him. 32 (If God is
glorified in him,) God will
also glorify him in himself,
and he will glorify him at
once. 33 My children, I will
be with you only a little while
longer. You will look for me,
Commandment of Love
 34 I give you a new
commandment: love one
another. As I have loved you,
so you also should love one
another. 35 This is how all
will know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for
one another."
CommentaryCommentary
The gospel reading is about
glorification and the commandment
of love.
Vv.31-32 speak of the glorification
not only of Jesus but of God himself,
in relation to Judas’ betrayal.
In v.33, Jesus bids good bye to his
apostles. His good bye is the
beginning of his glorification (going
back to heaven).
Vv.34-35 speak of the new
commandment: loving one another.
Christian discipleship is loving one
another.

Textual Context of John 13,31-33a.34-35John 13,31-33a.34-35
Chapter-by-Chapter List of the Contents of John
(by F. Just, S.J. - emphasizes geography and
characters)
 1 - Prologue; The Witness of John (the Baptist);
The First Disciples of Jesus
 2 - The Wedding Feast at Cana; Jesus’ First
Passover in Jerusalem: The Cleansing of the
Temple
3 - Jesus’ Conversation with Nicodemus; John
(Baptist)’s testimony
4 - The Samaritan Woman at the Well; Healing of
a Royal Official’s Son
5 - The Sabbath Healing of a Sick Man at the
Bethzatha Pool in Jerusalem; Ensuing Controversy
6 - The Second Passover in Galilee: Feeding of
5000; Walking on Water; Bread of Life Discourse
7 - The Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem; Jesus
Teaches in the Temple; Diverse Reactions to Jesus
8 - [Adulterous Woman 7:53-8:11]; Jesus as
"Light of the World"; Truth; Origin & Identity of
Jesus
9 - The Sabbath Healing of a Man Born Blind near
the Pool of Siloam; Ensuing Controversy
10 - The Good Shepherd Discourse; Feast of
Dedication; Jesus Retreats across the Jordan
11 - The Raising of Lazarus at Bethany; Final Plot
against Jesus; Jesus Retreats to Ephraim
12 - The Third Passover in Judea; Anointing at
Bethany; Final Entry into Jerusalem; "the Hour"
 13 - The Last Supper: Washing of Disciples’
Feet; Foretelling of Judas’ Betrayal & Peter’s
Denial
14 - The Farewell Discourse (Part I), incl.
Fear Not, Paraclete, Peace
15 - The Farewell Discourse (Part II), incl.
Vine & Branches, Love & Hate, Paraclete
16 - The Farewell Discourse (Part II -
cont.), incl. Persecutions, Paraclete, Joy,
Prayer, etc.
17 - The Great Prayer of Jesus
18 - The Passion Narrative: incl. Arrest in
Garden, Meeting in Annas’ House, Peter’s
Denial, Jesus’ Trial before Pilate
19 - The Passion Narrative (cont.): Trial
continues, Crucifixion, Death, Burial
20 - The Empty Tomb; the Risen Lord
appears to Mary Magdalene, to the
Disciples, to Thomas; First Conclusion
(20:30-31)
 21 - Epilogue: Breakfast Appearance by
Sea of Tiberias; Peter’s Love & the Beloved
Disciple; Second Conclusion (21:24-25)

Reflections on the gospel reading
 We must be reminded that everything has an end.
 The time comes when we have to bid good bye, like
Jesus.
 When we say good bye, do we leave good memories?
 Will our associates keep our commandments?
 Will they remember our love for them?
 Are we going to a better place or state of life?
 If we have kept the commandment of love and have
proven to be disciples of Christ, we will share in the
glory of God.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm
 The first reading talks about the love of the apostles for
Jesus as shown in their missionary activities.
 The psalm calls us to celebrate God’s love for us.
 The second reading is about the reward of those who
love God. They will see the new things.
 The gospel reading is about the glorification of Jesus and
the Father and the commandment of loving one another.
The preacher must develop love (agape) in his homily through
the readings.

How to develop your homily and sharing
 Begin by telling a story about your experience of
love. (love from parents, love from your crush, love from your
relatives and friends).
 Love gives flavor to our lives.
 We cannot live normally without it.
 The readings teach what love is all about and how
it should be practiced.

 First of all, in the the gospel reading, Jesus enjoins us to
love one another.
 It is God’s imperative.
 It has nothing to do with romanticism or eroticism.
 As Jesus’ disciples, we must show fraternal love for one
another in the community.
 Through this mutual and reciprocal love, we build up the
Church.
 We must love even if somebody out there is betraying us.

 The first reading demonstrates how the apostles, Paul
and Barnabas, show love in their mission. (They
strengthen, exhort, appoint leaders, etc.)
 They show it by their teamwork and by caring for their
communities (converts, recruits, new believers).
 Love is relentless. It does not stop.
 Love is giving oneself to God, in spite of persecutions
and fatigue.
 For God does not stop loving. His love is indefatigable.

 The second reading shows what is in store for us when
we love.
 Like the author, we will see the new heaven and new
earth.
 God does not fail to console us, who love.
 He makes us see heavenly visions and hear heavenly
sounds.
 We can experience it here and now, if we respond to
God’s love.

 This vision of the new heaven and new earth defines
what love should be. (It is different from utopia.)
 Love should be transformative.
 Love should enable us to accomplish great things.

 What happens if we do not love one another (which also means each
one living in isolation and independence)?
 We are reneging our discipleship.
 Like Judas Iscariot, we betray our commitment to Jesus.
 We cannot contribute anything to the building up of the church,
Christ’s body.
 We are reverting back to the material world, where we manipulate,
use, and abuse people for our selfish motives.

 In our parishes, there must be mutual love and respect among all
the members and the parish priest, during meetings, planning and
implementations.
 When we pit ourselves against another, we compete, and never
agree on anything, we fail to do God’s imperative.
 It is time to reorganize again, to begin again.
 The parish priest must be brave enough to remove those who
create chaos in the church. He is bound by law to protect the
church.
 Love is supporting and encouraging the weak members, instead of
criticizing them, giving unnecessary and uncharitable side remarks.

For the Philippines
 In the coming elections (May 13), how can we practice
reciprocal love?
 Certainly, vote buying / intimidation / cheating has
nothing to do with mutual love; it is mutual destruction.
 Love has nothing to do with empty promises and dirty
politics and dynastism.
 Christians must take effort to frustrate the evil minds of
politicians who want to gain or maintain power at all cost.
 They love themselves at your expense.
 Vote for those who love life.

 The eucharist is the sacrament of the love of Jesus
Christ for all of us.
 This eucharist strengthens those who have difficulty
loving, because they feel betrayed, rejected and
unforgiven.
 In this eucharist, we start anew, to love anew and to
anticipate the new heaven and the new earth.

Our Context of Sin and Grace
 Jurassic love
 Inability to relate, no
friendship
 Fearful of friendships
 “Platonic” love
 Perverted “love”
 Betrayal
 Utopia
 Hard working servantsHard working servants
 Unafraid to loveUnafraid to love
 Easy to make friendsEasy to make friends
 Practical lovePractical love
 Filial loveFilial love
 Love for the familyLove for the family
 Love for one’s countryLove for one’s country
(patriotism)(patriotism)
 LoyaltyLoyalty
 Love for the ChurchLove for the Church
 Love for the priests and sistersLove for the priests and sisters
 Love for workLove for work

Suggested Songs
 Ubi Caritas
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2o27qpvfUc
 Ang Mabuhay sa Pag-ibig by Hontiveros
 Go Tell Everyone
 Ikaw Ngayon Bukas
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLXGRycu6ko

 Dear sisters and brothers,
 If you want to engage in community
building, make sure you have love.
 Fr. Cielo

Bible Study Focuses on New Creation

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