Wednesday, January 18, 2006
THURSDAY 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
JANUARY 19, 2006
THURSDAY 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - YEAR II
1 SAMUEL 18:6-9; 19:1-7
When David and Saul approached (on David's return after slaying the
Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to
meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs,
and sistrums. The women played and sang: "Saul has slain his
thousands, and David his ten thousands." Saul was very angry and
resentful of the song, for he thought: "They give David ten
thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the
kingship." And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. Saul
discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and
with all his servants. But Saul's son Jonathan, who was very fond of
David, told him: "My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore,
please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and
remain in hiding. I, however, will go out and stand beside my father
in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you.
If I learn anything, I will let you know." Jonathan then spoke well
of David to his father Saul, saying to him: "Let not your majesty
sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense
against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. When he took
his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the LORD brought
about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to
see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent
blood by killing David without cause?" Saul heeded Jonathan's plea
and swore, "As the LORD lives, he shall not be killed." So Jonathan
summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him. Jonathan
then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.
MARK 3:7-12
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of
people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was
doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,
from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of
Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him
because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured
many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him
to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall
down before him and shout, "You are the Son of God." He warned them
sternly not to make him known.
REFLECTION
One of the most beautiful relationships described in the bible is
the friendship between Jonathan and David. King Saul, the father of
Jonathan was nearly driven to insanity by jealousy and hatred for
David who was Jonathan's bosom friend. Time and time again Jonathan
took the side of his friend David against the wishes of his own
father.
Friendship is magic. It can transform the dull routine of everyday
life into something magical. Friends are capable of bringing out of
us our very best selves. Since friends are more ready to accept us
and forgive us our faults and failings, we are able to love, accept
and forgive ourselves. The mystery of friendship is that, in spite
of our selfishness, we are able not only to take but also to give.
In a time of busy and hectic schedules, friends are able to share
time together.
Jesus calls us friends. He initiated a friendship with his
followers, and that includes us. He offers us a much deeper and more
beautiful friendship than the one between Jonathan and David. Jesus
accepts us as we are. He forgives us seventy times seven times
without keeping count of how many times he has forgiven us. He is
always there for us. He always has time for us.
But the question is: Do we have time for Jesus? Friendship needs
time and patience to develop and deepen. If only we would take the
time to develop the friendship Jesus offers us, we would be able to
carry a smile on our face no matter what problems we are facing. As
Jonathan defended David before his father Saul, so Jesus takes our
side and defends us when we sinners approach our heavenly Father. We
should continually thank the Lord for his friendship. Our friendship
with Jesus will surely deepen the more we take time out to be closer
to Jesus in prayer, sharing our inmost feelings with him and
listening to what he has to say.
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Son of God and the Savior of the
world. Inflame my heart with a burning love for you and with an
expectant faith in your saving power. Set me free from all that
hinders me from drawing closer to you."
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 and recovery of Mike Torres.
- for the intentions of the new couple Pravin and Tessie.
- for the speedy recovery of Fr. Carmelo Cortez.
- for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Wedding Anniversary: Pete and Margie Madarang
- 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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