DAILY- HOMILY

JANUARY 29, 2009
THURSDAY 3RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

HEBREWS 10:19-25
Brothers and sisters: Since through the Blood of Jesus we have
confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he
opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, and since we have
"a great priest over the house of God," let us approach with a sincere
heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an
evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold
unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the
promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to
love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is
the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more
as you see the day drawing near.

MARK 4:21-25
Jesus said to his disciples, "Is a lamp brought in to be placed under
a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is
secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to
hear." He also told them, "Take care what you hear. The measure with
which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be
given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who
has not, even what he has will be taken away."

REFLECTION
Truth often hurts and triggers opposition. Therefore, many are afraid
to speak the truth and choose to keep quiet. Christian values are
often on a collision course with the trends in society, and so many
hide their values in order not be ridiculed.

Jesus compared the truth he is and the truth he brought into the world
to a lamp on a lampstand. A light is useless if one hides it. A light
is there to be seen, to brighten the darkness to show the way. Many
have tried to extinguish this light. The religious leaders of Israel
had Jesus killed. Their successors did the same with the leaders of
the young Church. Many Roman Emperors persecuted the Christians in the
cruelest way. Wherever Christianity spread it met opposition. In the
last century Communism tried to extinguish the light of faith in
Russia, China and Cuba. In Russia, under the Communists, most churches
had been demolished or converted into movie houses or swimming pools.
Now, most of these churches have been rebuilt or renovated.

We unfortunately find immorality, corruption, deceit and greed to be
rampant, even in the highest positions of the nation. The media
glorifies immorality and violence. Gambling is institutionalized. And
many keep quiet, afraid to go against the trend or to lose a
connection which might bring financial benefits.

It is so hard to swim against the current. The leaders of the Church
speak out in press conferences, and in pastoral letters. But often
they are attacked and labeled as old-fashioned and conservative and
told not to interfere with politics. The truth is a light to be seen.
But it will be seen only when we, as Christians, stand up for the
truth, support our leaders and counteract the forces of darkness in
our materialistic and permissive society and so brighten the night of
evil with the light of Christ. As Christians, we need to let people
see that Christ is really dwelling in us, and that his light can be
seen through us.

Let us live out our faith in whatever meager way we can and we will
make a difference in the community in which we live. Let our light
shine and Christ will make it shine even brighter.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of Christy Chin
… for the healing of: Tita Aida C., Tital Del M. Son, Tito Jun, Tita
Karen, Tita Loudes
… for the personal intentions and guidance of:
- Jan Lenard, Jude, Leurens, Dave
- CFC KSA
… Birthday: Evelyn T. Brown
… for the eternal repose of the souls of Daisy and Ruel Pastrana, Jose
Pascual, Toribio Ebora. Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual
light shine upon them. May they and all the dearly departed rest in
peace.
… for the healing and peace of all families
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
… 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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