DAILY- HOMILY

August 1, 2007
Memorial, St. Alphonsus de Ligouri, bishop & priest
Wednesday 17th Week in Ordinary Time - Year I

EXODUS 34:29-35
As Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the
commandments in his hands, he did not know that the skin of his face
had become radiant while he conversed with the LORD. When Aaron, then,
and the other children of Israel saw Moses and noticed how radiant the
skin of his face had become, they were afraid to come near him. Only
after Moses called to them did Aaron and all the rulers of the
community come back to him. Moses then spoke to them. Later on, all
the children of Israel came up to him, and he enjoined on them all
that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai. When he finished speaking
with them, he put a veil over his face. Whenever Moses entered the
presence of the LORD to converse with him, he removed the veil until
he came out again. On coming out, he would tell the children of Israel
all that had been commanded. Then the children of Israel would see
that the skin of Moses' face was radiant; so he would again put the
veil over his face until he went in to converse with the LORD.

MATTHEW 13:44-46
Jesus said to his disciples: "The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure
buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of
joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the
Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When
he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and
buys it."

REFLECTION
Today's parables appeal to our capacity to enjoy a search for
treasures. The decisive thing is not what we give up to obtain the
treasure or pearl we find. Rather, the decisive thing is the reason
for doing so, the all surpassing joy we experience. This is the way it
should be with the kingdom of God. Our discipleship for Christ should
be like the adventure of a treasure hunt. It should not be dull,
routine or monotonous. It should be mysterious, exciting and full of
risks.

We have the good news of God's revelation in the Scriptures. The Bible
is like a treasure map showing us how to find the Way, the Truth and
the Life. This Good News should cause joy in our lives because all
else seems valueless compared to the riches we find in Christ. Hearing
the good news of the Gospel should fill our hearts with such gladness
that no price would be too great to pay for it. Once we experience the
peace that Jesus alone can give, the renunciation of everything that
interferes with it becomes reasonable.

If our discipleship is like the adventure of a treasure hunt, then why
do we find it dull and tedious sometimes? Is it because we don't have
enough faith to see the mystery and excitement that is there? If
hearing the good news should overwhelm us with joy, then why are we so
sad and serious sometimes? Is it because we don't have enough
confidence in the power of God's word to generate joy? If following
Christ fulfills our every expectation, then why are we so reluctant
sometimes to take sacrifices for him? Is it because we don't have
enough courage to take such risks for him?

Let us ask God to strengthen our faith, our confidence and our courage
so that we can undertake our discipleship as an adventure, discover
the joy of the good news, and give up whatever is necessary to secure
that treasure or pearl that we have found hidden in Christ.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
... for the strength, healing and speedy recovery of:
- Barney
- Theresa, Kathy, Gabrelle, David and Martin
- Eufrocina Navarro
- Juan de Dios Carlos
- Jocelyn Carlos
- Jennifer Carlos
- Tom Diokno
- Julie Manzon, Glenda Bisco, Delly David, Charlie Castro
... Thanksgiving for:
- Jane Guillermo
- Manzon Family, Barayoga Family, Castro Family, De Castro
Family, Bisco Family
... for the personal intentions of:
- Jasmin
- Guevara Family
- San Juan de Dios Hospital
- Matet Rey
- Glenn Manzon, Jerico Ureta, Jennifer Dumalaon, ESChoir Abu
Dhabi
... Birthday: Domingo Barayoga
... Birthday: Arnel Carandang
... Wedding Anniversary: Albert and Veny Yap
... for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Engracia and Angel (7/24 - 8/1)
- Lourdes Barayo, Domingo Barayoga Jr., Allan Escamilla (7/31)
Eternal rest grant unto then and perpetual light shine upon them. May
they and all the dearly departed rest in peace.
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- In Memoriam (+): Emiliano Villegas
... 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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(c) 2007 Daily-Homily
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