DAILY- HOMILY

FEBRUARY 6, 2009
MEMORIAL, PAUL MIKI & COMPANIONS, MARTYRS
FRIDAY 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

HEBREWS 13:1-8
Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through
it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Be mindful of prisoners
as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of
yourselves, for you also are in the body. Let marriage be honored
among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled, for God will judge
the immoral and adulterers. Let your life be free from love of money
but be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never
forsake you or abandon you. Thus we may say with confidence: The Lord
is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?
Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the
outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is
the same yesterday, today, and forever.

MARK 6:14-29
King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and
people were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him." Others were saying, "He
is Elijah"; still others, "He is a prophet like any of the prophets."
But when Herod learned of it, he said, "It is John whom I beheaded. He
has been raised up." Herod was the one who had John 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. Herodias 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. His 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?" Her mother 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
Herod had a reputation to uphold. What would people think if he
recanted his earlier decisions? He was the king and his word is law.
So it was no surprise that he granted the request of the seductive
dancer. He had to give her the head of John the Baptist. No matter if
an innocent dies as long as his authority remains intact and his power
is retained.

How often do we find ourselves in this situation? When our authority
is put to the test, is it is easier to follow the clamor of the crowd
than to listen to one's voice of reason and prudence? That's why we
need God. He gives us the strength to stand up for what is right, even
if it means a test of our earthly reputation. We need to do our best
to further his kingdom. Let us continue to pray for guidance in making
moral choices as God sees fit.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the healing and strength of:
- Sophia Gonzalez
- Christy Chin
- Roger Ebora
- Lourdes Ubana
- Aida Calleja
- Aurea Magcamit
… for the personal intentions of:
- Josheil Dapo and family
- CFC Community in KSA
- Pauline
- Lina Magcamit
- Healin
- Honorio J. Marasigan
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Toribio Ebora, Daisy and Ruel Pastrana, Jose Pascual, Alfred
Soriano
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: Vicky Nañagas and Gabriel
- Birthday: Amb. Alfonso Yuchengco
- Birthday: Carolina Estrella Bate
- Birthday: Adolt Christopher Brillantes
- Birthday: Atty. Frank Chavez
- In Memoriam (+): Luis Roleda
- In Memoriam (+): Francis Ang (Jul 1, 1927- Feb 6, 2005)+
- In Memoriam (+): Dionisio F. Galvan
… for the healing and peace of all families

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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