Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Wednesday 34th Week in Ordinary Time
November 29, 2006
Wednesday 34th Week in Ordinary Time - Year II
REVELATION 15:1-4
I, John, saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring: seven
angels with the seven last plagues, for through them God's fury is
accomplished. Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with
fire. On the sea of glass were standing those who had won the victory
over the beast and its image and the number that signified its name.
They were holding God's harps, and they sang the song of Moses, the
servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: "Great and wonderful are your
works, Lord God almighty. Just and true are your ways, O king of the
nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you
alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for
your righteous acts have been revealed."
LUKE 21:12-19
Jesus said to the crowd: "They will seize and persecute you, they will
hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you
led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your
giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense
beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all
your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even
be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they
will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my
name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your
perseverance you will secure your lives."
REFLECTION
The Gospel passage for today tells us of the cost of loving God. Even
in the human level, we know and we have learned from experience that
true love and friendship impose demands on each other. It is no
different in our relationship with God. God loves us - each and
everyone of us - very much. He expects us to love him in return. And
what does that entail? Sacrifice and the cross - the way Christ
manifested to us his love for the Father.
Sacrifice involves voluntary surrender of things that we enjoy in life.
Like giving up a favorite TV program to spend time with our children;
accompanying an aging, ailing aunt to the hospital for her cancer
therapy; sitting down and listening to the problems of a desperate
friend; getting up an hour earlier every morning to hear Mass; breaking
a customary habit or behavior to gain a happier relationship with a
spouse; or changing one's schedule to be able to help the poor and
the needy. These are all aspects of love that involve sacrifice.
Much of the suffering and crosses in our life may be beyond our
comprehension.
Let us just recall Fulton J. Sheen's reassuring words: "God could
never let you suffer a pain or a reversal or experience sadness if it
could not in some way minister to your perfection. If he did not spare
his own Son on the Cross for the redemption of the world, then you may
be sure that he will sometimes not spare your wants that you might be
all you need to be: happy and perfect children of a loving Father. He
may even permit us to wage wars as a result of our selfishness that we
may learn there is no peace except in Goodness and Truth."
Jesus has given himself to us as the model for suffering through his
life, his cross, and his resurrection. To follow him is to be ready to
surrender whatever gifts we may have received and to extend ourselves
to others, especially the needy, in unconditional love and compassion.
Indeed, the cost of loving God is great. But like Job, let us place our
complete trust in him, always remembering Jesus' promise: "By
standing firm, you will gain life."
PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
- for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
- for the personal intentions and success of Sheena Karla Faustino
Caranto.
- for the safety and good health of Julie
- for the guidance and strength of Trinna and Elena.
- for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Eric John S. Pe
- 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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