DAILY- HOMILY

August 29, 2007
Memorial, Beheading of John the Baptist. martyr
Wednesday 21st Week in Ordinary Time - Year I

JEREMIAH 1:17-19
Brothers and sisters, but do you gird your loins; stand up and tell
them all that I command you. Be not crushed on their account, as
though I would leave you crushed before them; For it is I this day who
have made you a fortified city, A pillar of iron, a wall of brass,
against the whole land: Against Judah's kings and princes, against its
priests and people. They will fight against you, but not prevail over
you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

MARK 6:17-29
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in
prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he
had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have
your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and
wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing
him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he
heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to
him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave
a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading
men of Galilee. Herodias' own daughter came in and performed a dance
that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask
of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore
many things to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to
half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall
I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl
hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you
to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The
king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he
did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an
executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and
beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and
gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his
disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a
tomb.

REFLECTION
So often we are inclined to cover up our failings, even our sins. We
try to hide our faults so as to appear righteous or holy in the sight
of others. Yet all the time we know that we are dishonest, we are
afraid of being found out. Then again, we say that we love our spouses
and families or those we live with. Yet we take away their dignity by
making fun of their shortcomings in front of others. Or we withhold
forgiveness from someone who has deeply offended us. Yet we go to Mass
regularly to celebrate the immeasurable forgiveness shown to us by
Jesus on the cross. Attitudes such as these defile the heart and keep
us from growing in holiness.

When our hearts are hard like those of the scribes and Pharisees, we
make a mockery of Christianity and the power of Christ. The Holy
Spirit calls us to reflect on our faults, knowing in faith that the
blood of Jesus washes us clean. How much better than to admit our
mistakes, ask forgiveness for our offenses and to be healed? We need
healing and forgiveness from each other and from Jesus. But only by
honest openness can we expect to receive it.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
... for the personal intentions of:
- Matet Rey
- Guevara Family
- San Juan de Dios Hospital
- Glenn Manzon, Jerico Ureta
- Roger Ramos, Nerissa Ramos, Jose Rigor and Ma. Fatima
- Raffy
... for the strength, healing and speedy recovery of:
- Danilo Casumpang
- Damaso Guevara
- Julie Manzon, Delly David, Charlie Castro
... In Thanksgiving:
- Manzon Family
- Bonsol Family
... for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Edgardo Diama
- Domingo Barayoga Sr, Lourdes Barayoga
- Donato, Maria, Candido, Alfonso, Alfonsa, Isidora, Jovita
Eternal rest grant unto them and may 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.
- Birthday: Tessie Macatangay
... 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!

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Group "DAILY-HOMILY".

GROUP CONTACT
To subscribe email: dailyhomily@gmail.com
Or go to: http://homily.dailyfoodforthought.org/
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to:
daily_homily-unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
To contact: dhmoderator@dailyfoodforthought.org

SUPPORT THE DAILY-HOMILY MINISTRY:
Daily-Homily is solely supported by its subscribers. Any donation that you would like to make to help offset the cost of this ministry would be greatly appreciated.
To donate to this ministry, go to: http://dhdonation.dailyfoodforthought.org/

Feel free to forward this to your friends, family and associates!

(c) 2007 Daily-Homily
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---