DAILY- HOMILY

JANUARY 9, 2008
WEDNESDAY AFTER EPIPHANY - YEAR II

1 JOHN 4:11-18
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one
has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us. This is how we know
that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his
Spirit. Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his
Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the
Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. We have come to know
and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever
remains in love remains in God and God in him. In this is love
brought to perfection among us, that we have confidence on the day of
judgment because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear
in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with
punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.

MARK 6:45-52
After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his
disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward
Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave
of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening,
the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he
saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was
against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward
them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they
saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried
out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke
with them, (Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!) He got into the
boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely
astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On
the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

REFLECTION
Perfect love drives out all fear. In scripture, the word "perfect"
does not mean "without mistakes". It means "complete, total and
full". God's love is perfect. Therefore, if we turn to God and His
love, He drives out fear and reminds us of the reasons we trust in
His goodness. We see this reminder every time we look at a crucifix.
If Jesus died for us in great pain and suffering, will he not also do
everything else for us that is good?

We need to be reminded that any fearsome situation, Jesus is walking
with us. He keeps us afloat even when we think that we are drowning.
But, does Jesus' presence seem real to us? Or does Jesus' presence
seem more like a ghost, intangible and unavailable, unable to make a
difference?

Fear takes half-truths and completely false assumptions and blows
them up bigger than we can handle. During times like those, we need
to keep our eyes on Jesus. Listen to him say, "I am with you always.
Be assured that no disaster will overwhelm you or destroy what I have
given to you, for I will turn every storm into a blessing. Fear
nothing, for my love is sufficient."

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
... for the strength, healing and speedy recovery of:
- Damaso Guevara and Eligia Fernando
- Herminia Guiden
- Mil Baui, Shnice Baui Uy and Jehovah Rapha
- Rosario Gomez
- Ofelia Reyes Catral
- Eric Lagumbay
... for the personal intentions of:
- Dadette Malaki
- Eric Lagumbay
- Jourgini Marie B. Cagulada
- Jess J.
... for the safety of: Henzel Desiderio
... Good health: Fred, Nel and Sean Emmanuel de Leon
... for the eternal repose of the soul of Anthony Inac. Eternal rest
grant unto him and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he and all
the dearly departed rest in peace.
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Rogelio T. Yu
- Thanksgiving: Tony & Lina Buenafe
- Wedding Anniversary: Atty. Antero Jr. and Mila Sison
- Wedding Anniversary: Michael & Ceyli Tong
- Wedding Anniversary: Harris & Ever Ngo
... 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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