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15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14Background/ContextThe journey of the Jews across the desert from Egypt to the promised land is about to end. Moses gathers the people and recounts all that God has done for them. He begins with the signs, marvels and plagues in Egypt then continues with their experience in the desert. He reminds them of their covenant with God and of God’s promise to their father’s -- Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Soon they shall be entering the promised land but Moses shall not be joining them. And so Moses enjoins them to always keep God’s commandments and statutes. Message/Meaning of the ReadingWe are being told that the law of God is inherent in us. If we remain true to our nature, keeping our hearts simple and pure, not blinded by our own passion and own desires, our actions and decisions would always be according to the will of God. When God first created man, He created us in His image and likeness. Then He breathed into us His breath of life and with it His laws. Thus His laws have always been in and always will be with us. The only thing left to do is for us to carry it out. The words: in your mouths means to know by heart. How to ProclaimMoses is now old and tired and he knows his time is drawing near. In the first part of the reading Moses is pleading with the people. Read it slowly, in a low-keyed voice and in an appealing manner. Stress the words: only, heed, keep and the phrases: all your heart and all your soul. In the second part of the reading Moses goes on to explain and describe the source of God’s commandments and statutes. Maintain the same tone of voice and the same approach. When referring to: the sky, raise your head and eyes a little; when referring to: across the sea, look straight ahead to the farthest corner of the church. Always establish eye contact when posing the question that follows. Finally, when referring: to something very near you, look into the eyes of those seated nearest in front of you. Word WatchDeutoronomy dyoo-ter-AH-num-mee statutes ˈsta-chəts mysterious mis-ˈtir-ē-əs
Responsorial Psalm: TURN TO THE LORD IN YOUR NEED, AND YOU WILL LIVE.Psalm 69 is a prayer of one who has experienced suffering and death for a long period of time but knows and feels that the end of his suffering is about to come. He never stops praying to God for help, deliverance and protection because he knows his prayer does not go unheard. This part of Psalm 19 sings of the glory and beauty of God’s laws. It is a call to submit ourselves totally to him. After hearing Moses’ words, these two psalms present the response of the people. This too should be our response and prayer.
Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20Background/ContextPaul is in prison cell in Rome when he receives alarming news that some communities in the Middle East, Christians are misled by some strange doctrines. They believe that there are spirits (angels) in heaven controlling and influencing the universe and all life on earth. They believed that these spirits are greater than Christ. Before ending his letter to the Colossians, Paul greets the other churches in the other neighboring communities and asks that his letter also be read to them. Message/Meaning of the ReadingIn today’s second reading Paul begins his letter by immediately addressing these strange doctrines that frighten them. In the first part (15-17) Paul writes that all things have been subjugated under Christ – all things in heaven and on earth whether visible or invisible. Then he becomes specific when he mentions: whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. Paul is addressing the very names used by the Colossians to describe the spirits. In so doing, Paul is laying to rest their fears. It is in Christ that all things are held together. In the second part (18-20), Paul describes the Colossians and the other communities as the church which comprises the body with Christ as the head. He then proclaims Christ as the beginning having been the first to conquer death and opening for all a gateway to God. How to ProclaimPaul is addressing an immediate and alarming situation. Right away, he strikes at the core of their fears and confusion. The general tone of Paul’s letter to the Colossians is that of calm pride. Your tone of voice should be low-keyed but firm. Paul then directs and concentrates their attention on Christ. Since Christ is the focus of the reading, stress: Christ Jesus and all other words referring to him: firstborn, in him, through him, for him, He, the head, the beginning, preeminent. Read the stress words slowly and allow a longer pause before continuing. Remember Paul is trying to dissuade them from their confusion that other spirits are greater than Christ. Word WatchDominions də-ˈmi-nyəns Principalities prin(t)-sə-ˈpa-lə-tēs Preeminent pre-e-mi-nənt Reconcile ˈre-kən-ˌsī(-ə)l
Gospel Luke 10:25-37Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robber’s victim? He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” ReflectionsHow do we deal with alleged professional beggars? Do I only help those who can help me back?
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