Friday, January 20, 2006
MEMORIAL, ST. AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
JANUARY 21, 2006
MEMORIAL, ST. AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
SATURDAY 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - YEAR II
2 SAMUEL 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days
in Ziklag. On the third day a man came from Saul's camp, with his
clothes torn and dirt on his head. Going to David, he fell to the
ground in homage. David asked him, "Where do you come from?" He
replied, "I have escaped from the camp of the children of
Israel." "Tell me what happened," David bade him. He answered that
many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had
fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. David
seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with
him did likewise. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for
Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the LORD of the
clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. "Alas! the
glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors
have fallen! "Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated
neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than
lions! Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet
and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold. "How
can the warriors have fallen - in the thick of the battle, slain
upon your heights! "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! Most
dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you
than love for women. "How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons
of war have perished!"
MARK 3:20-21
He came home. Again (the) crowd gathered, making it impossible for
them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to
seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
REFLECTION
After all the differences between Saul and David, it was a shock for
David to learn of Saul's death. This first reading confirms that
David remained a loving friend despite Saul's treatment of him.
David cared for Saul and Jonathan deeply. He may have also hoped
that he can rekindle the loving relationship he once had with
David. But because of Saul's death, David's wishes would not be
realized.
We are reminded through the first reading, that we must make use of
every opportunity to reconcile any differences we may have with our
fellow man. Think of forgiving our enemies, at least in our
hearts. Think also of our friends and perhaps we can voice out some
small appreciation for them before it's too late.
In the Gospel today, we are reminded that the church was created by
Jesus as a community of people. People are diverse not only in our
characteristics, personalities and the way we think, but also in the
way we live our lives. But perhaps, this is precisely why we are
reminded that we are part of a larger community. We need to share
our joys, sorrows and experiences with each other. Though some of
us silently do our personal sharing through the community Mass each
Sunday, others do personal sharing through community activities and
within their personal groups.
Perhaps the Lord is reminding us through the Gospel today that we
should continue to examine our lives and discipleship with each
other. How do we make use of our time and talent? Do we contribute
them through the activities in the church or do we do so through the
community?
PRAYER
"Lord, may I always put you first and find joy in doing your will.
May your love and charity grow in me, especially in the face of
opposition and adversity."
PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
- for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
- Thanksgiving and personal intentions of Baby Jane Figuerres.
- for the continued improvement & recovery of Mike Torres.
- for the peace and unity of Charles & Cheryl C.
- for the speedy recovery of Joaquin.
- for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- In Memoriam (+): Cham Tian Kua
- In Memoriam (+): Alexander S. Chua
- In Memoriam (+): Rose Y. Tan
- for world peace and reconciliation.
Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our
prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.
Have a good day!
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