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Welcome to our Bible Study

Solemnity of the Blood and Body of Christ C June 2, 2013


In preparation for this Sundays Liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Genesis 14,18-20


18 In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem,

brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: 19 "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
The focus is on the bread and wine.

Textual Context of Gen 14,18-20


Outline by Bruggemann Part One Pre-History: The Sovereign Call of God (1,111,29) Part Two The Abraham Narrative: The Embraced Call of God (11,3025,18) Part Three The Jacob Narrative: The Conflicted Call of God (25,1936,43) Part Four The Joseph Narrative: The Hidden Call of God (37,1 50,26)

1st reading: Genesis 14,18-20


18 In those days,

Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: 19 "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Commentary The text comes after Abram overtakes the kings who kidnap Lot, his kinsman. Melchizedek comes out of the blue in the story. (v.18) In v.18, Melchizedek is introduced as king of Salem, bringing bread and wine
(ordinary food, but used for liturgical purposes).

V.18 also introduces Melchizedek as a

priest of God. As a priest, he invokes blessing upon Abram (called Abraham in Gen 17,5). He desires that the God Most High bless him (to give him land and children) God is known as creator of heaven and earth. (v.19)

1st reading: Genesis 14,18-20


Melchizedek also blesses God
18 In those days,

Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and being a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: 19 "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

(v.20) who makes Abram prevail over his enemies.

Abram pays tribute to God (v.20) Abram gave a tenth of

everything: origin of tithing (?) Let us not forget what Melchizedek brings: bread and wine (v.18), important to develop in our liturgy.

Reflections on the 1st reading


Since time immemorial, human beings are called to

recognize God. We, humans, do this through rituals. We use bread and wine as important elements (symbols) in our Eucharistic celebrations. (Liturgists may
have better terms for these.)

We need priests (prayer leaders) to lead us in giving

due worship to God.

Resp. Psalm110:1, 2, 3, 4
R.

(4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

1 The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool." 2 The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion: "Rule in the midst of your enemies." 3"Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you."

4 The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."

Resp. Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 1 The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool." 2 The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion: "Rule in the midst of your enemies." 3 "Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you." 4 The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."

Commentary The psalm is classified as the royal psalm of the king. The responsorial psalm addresses a priest, who is a priest for ever. In v.1, God (the Father) talks to his Son (David) addressed as my Lord by the author. God makes him sit at his right hand until his enemies are overcome. In v.2, God assures that his son will rule over his enemies from Zion (Jerusalem). In v.3, this son, who is a priest, is also a prince. He has been predestined to be a prince even before his birth. In v.4, God makes a vow and will not renege to make his son (Lord, David) a priest for ever.

Reflections on the Psalm


Priesthood is a mysterious call.

Priesthood is not conferred on a temporary basis.


Not everyone can become a priest, only a selected

few.
The ordained priests have authority and power over

the people in terms of rendering true and valid worship to the Lord. They are the presiders.
It is God himself who will fight against the enemies of

his priests.

2nd reading: 1 Corinthians 11,23-26


23 I received from the Lord what I also handed on to

you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, 24 and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
The focus is on the bread (body) and cup (blood of Christ.)

Textual Context of 1 Cor 11,23-26


Outline of NJBC I. Introduction 1,1-9 II. Part I: Divisions in the community 1,104,21 A. Rival groups in the community 1,10-17 B. God has different standards 1,18-31 C. The power of Paul's preaching 2,1-5 D. True wisdom and the language of love 2,63,4 E. The right attitude towards pastors 3,54,5 F. Applications to the Corinthians 4,6-13 G. The visit of Timothy 4,14-21 III. Part II: The importance of the body 5,16,20 A. A case of incest 5,1-8 B. Clearing up the misunderstanding 5,9-13 C. Lawsuits among Christians 6,1-11 D. Casual copulation 6,12-20 IV. Part III: Responses to Corinthian questions 7,1 14,40 A. Problems of social status 7,1-40 B. Problems arising from pagan environment 8,1 11,1 C. Problems in liturgical assemblies 11,214,40 V. Part IV: The resurrection 15,1-58 A. The creed of the Church 15,1-11 B. The consequences of different theses 15,12-28 C. Ad Hominem arguments for resurrection 15,29-34 D. The resurrected body 15,33-49 E. The need for transformation 15,50-58 Conclusion 16,1-24 A. The collection for Jerusalem 16,1-4 B. Paul's travel plans 16,5-9 C. Some recommendations 16,10-18 D. Final greetings 16,19-24

VI.

2nd reading: 1 Corinthians 11,23-26


23 I received from the Lord

what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, 24 and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Commentary The text explicitly refers back to the

synoptic account of the Last Supper. The formula of consecration is also found here in vv.23-25. Paul claims in v.23 that his formulation / understanding of the Last Supper comes from the Lord himself.
At this point, the gospels (Mt, Mk, Lk and Jn)

are not yet written. V.26 is an original text from Paul. It is

included by liturgists as a sequence to the consecration, known as the Acclamation. The purpose of the eating of the bread and the drinking of the wine is to remember Jesus.(vv.24 and 25)

Reflections on the 2nd reading


We, who are evangelized, must necessarily take part in the

celebration of the Holy Eucharist.


Without remembering Jesus through the Eucharist, we cannot

progress in our faith.


The Eucharist leads us into communion with the other members

of the community.
This is how Jesus wants to be remembered by us until the end

of times.
Do you participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist? Review the catechism on the Eucharist in this Year of Faith.

Gospel reading: Luke 9,11-17


11 Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God,

and he healed those who needed to be cured. 12 As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." 13 He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." 14 Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of (about) fifty." 15 They did so and made them all sit down. 16 Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets. The focus is on the distribution of the bread.

A simple outline!

Gospel reading: Luke 9,11-17


Setting: preaching the kingdom of God 11 Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. Worry of the 12 12 As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." The challenge of Jesus and their response 13 He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." 14 Now the men there numbered about five thousand. The miracle of Jesus: multiplication of the loaves and fish Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of (about) fifty." 15 They did so and made them all sit down. 16 Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets. Take notice of the eucharistic formula.

Textual Context of Luke 9,11-17


3,19,50 GALILEAN MINISTRY 3,1-38 Preaching of John (3,1-20) And public manifestation of Jesus (3,21-38) 4,1-44 Jesus initial movement in the power of the Spirit Messianic temptations met (4,1-13) Initial prophetic ministry (4,14-44) Galilee (Nazareth: Capernaum); Judea. 5,1-77,50 Call of disciples in the context of a prophetic ministry of preaching, healing and forgiveness: 5,1-11 -- Missionary call of Simon Peter 5,12-16 Curing of a leper (as testimony to priests) 5,17-26 Healing and forgiving a paralytic (as testimony to Pharisees) 5,27-39 -- Call of Levi and dinner in his house 6,1-5 Sabbath defense of disciples 6,6-11 Sabbath cure of man with withered hand 6,12-49 -- Choice of Twelve Sermon of the plain (to disciples in the hearing of the crowd) 7,1-10 Cure of centurions slave 7,11-17 Raising of widows son 7,18-35 Words to Johns disciples and then to crowds on prophetic ministry 7,36-50 Forgiveness of the woman at the dinner in the house of Simon the Pharisee 8,19,17 Formation of the Twelve in the context of various journeys: 8,1-21 Journey through the cities with the Twelve and the cured women; parabolic teach 8,22-56 Crossing of the lake and return (stilling of the storm; Gerasene demoniac; raising of Jairus daughter and cure of afflicted woman) 9,1-17 Missionary expedition of the Twelve: Herods reaction; the return of the Apostles and the multiplication of loaves for 5000 9,18-50 Sequence of passion-predictions: 9,18-27 Peters confession (answered with passion prediction and lessons on discipleship) 9,28-36 Transfiguration (containing departure exodus = prediction) 9,37-50 Cure of epileptic (followed by passion-prediction with lessons on discipleship)

Gospel reading: Luke 9,11-17


Setting: preaching the kingdom of God 11 Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. Worry of the 12 12 As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." The challenge of Jesus and their response 13 He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." 14 Now the men there numbered about five thousand.

Commentary The story of the multiplication of the bread is introduced in the context of the preaching of the kingdom of God and healing (V.11). In v.12, the apostles ask Jesus to dismiss the crowd because the day is almost over and they have no food. But Jesus asks them to provide food for the crowd. (V.13) The disciples react. They do not have enough food. Only five loaves and two fish. But they are willing to buy food for them. V.14 gives the number of people to be fed.

Commentary (cont)
The miracle of Jesus: multiplication of the loaves and fish Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of (about) fifty." 15 They did so and made them all sit down. 16 Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets. In v.14, Jesus commands his disciples

to make the people sit down (recline). The disciples obey. V.15 In v.16, Jesus performs a miracle. What Jesus does is a prefiguration of the Last Supper, when he institutes the eucharist. Takes the loaves (bread) Says the blessing Breaks them Gives them to the disciples to distribute V.17 reports: All ate and had their fill. There was even a left-over. What does this mean?

Reflections on the gospel reading


We Christians are by nature partakers in the banquet

of the Lord. Like the people who sat down, we must condition ourselves to receive Jesus in the Eucharist by listening to his teachings. Like the apostles, we are here to facilitate in the feeding of the people. Jesus is here to feed not only our souls but also our bodies. He wants our total liberation. He needs us to distribute his gifts, not to keep them for ourselves.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm


The first reading explicitly talks about the bread and wine. The psalm recognizes the eternal character of priesthood. The second reading talks about the Eucharistic meal (bread and wine = body and blood) which is done in memory of Jesus. The gospel reading talks about the multiplication of the bread,

using the Eucharistic formula at Last Supper. The 3 readings help us develop the themes of the Eucharist.

How to develop your sharing / homily


Start talking about food (meals, agapes, etc.) during fiesta (lots

of food, usually different kinds but the same nutrients [all proteins], (pampa high blood). We get sick when we eat too much or when we eat the wrong food.

Now start talking about the body and blood of Christ, the

Eucharistic meal. (No side effect) We celebrate the solemnity (feast) of Corpus Christi this Sunday.

We reflect on the meaning of the Eucharist.

The first reading anticipates / introduces the basic

elements of the Eucharist, namely, the bread and wine and the priesthood. The priest, not just anyone, consecrates the bread and the wine into the body and blood of Christ. No Eucharist is possible without one or the other.

The second reading reminds us that whenever we

celebrate the Eucharist, we remember Jesus Christ. By joining in the Eucharistic celebrations, we conform to Jesus desire to be remembered in his way. We dont remember him in our own way, like wearing medals or decorating his images or organizing processions. The best way for the Christian to remember Jesus is through the participation in the Eucharist.

The gospel teaches that the Eucharist should be

received by people who have heard the Word of God. Jesus fed the people who were first of all hungry for the Word of God and have heard it. Seemingly, that is not the case anymore. Many Catholics come late for mass and they dare receive holy communion. What a disrespect! What an ignorance! They do not try to understand their faith first.

Many of the churchgoers, including church servant

leaders or church workers, also do not bother to receive Holy Communion. Perhaps, they realize they are not worthy, probably because of a grievous sin. Catholic faith demands that the impediment to Holy Communion must be removed, through the sacrament of confession and sincere conversion. We should refrain from being leaders of the church if we dont receive communion frequently. It is a bad example. It is first class hypocrisy.

Our catechism says that the Eucharist is the center of

our Christian lives. Our personal and public lives should be in order
(according to the teachings of Jesus and his Church, no to civil marriage, abortion, etc.). They should prepare us to

receive holy communion. All churchs activities like fiestas, bible studies, prayer meetings, community organizing, etc., must lead us to receive holy communion.
Those who do not keep Christs and the churchs

laws are not entitled to receive the Eucharist.

Those who go to receive communion must be

properly disposed and properly dressed.


There are liturgical norms to follow for proper

handling / reception of this sacrament.


No Catholic in his / her right mind should avoid

receiving holy communion.


Devout Catholics must see and feel in the Eucharist

the real presence of Christ.

The Eucharist is a constant source of blessing and

strength to those who worthily receive it. The Eucharist is a sacrament of remembrance. In the mass, we once more remember Jesus Christ in his passion, death and resurrection. He comes to us again in the forms of bread and wine. The Eucharist assures us of our salvation. Frequent reception of the Eucharist is an authentic sign of our deep relationship with Christ.

Our Context of Sin and Grace


Sacramentalized but not Agapes Eucharistic communities Christian communities which

evangelized Intoxicated Church (emphasis


on receiving communion only without giving importance to the Word of God)

Priest-bashers Intoxicated priests and

faithful before the mass Clericalism

are strong on the Word and the eucharist (neo-catechumenate, religious congregations) BECs Deep respect for priests and the Eucharist Adoration Chapels Holy Hours Visits to the Blessed Sacrament

Suggested Songs
When We Eat by Joe Marcojos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qg_-wvSm7M Lord I Know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOns

The Blessed Sacrament by Sebastian Temple Sharing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1ij6D6EyeI

Said the Lord by Sebastian Temple

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