DAILY- HOMILY

JANUARY 30, 2009
FRIDAY 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

HEBREWS 10:32-39
Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened, you
endured a great contest of suffering. At times you were publicly
exposed to abuse and affliction; at other times you associated
yourselves with those so treated. You even joined in the sufferings of
those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your
property, knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great
recompense. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what
he has promised. For, after just a brief moment, he who is to come
shall come; he shall not delay. But my just one shall live by faith,
and if he draws back I take no pleasure in him. We are not among those
who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will
possess life.

MARK 4:26-34
Jesus said to the crowds: "This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;
it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and
rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not
how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then
the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe,
he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come." He said, "To
what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use
for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground,
is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it
springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large
branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With
many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to
understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his
own disciples he explained everything in private.

REFLECTION
What does today's parable of the mustard seed teach us about God's
kingdom? The little mustard seed literally grew to become a tree which
attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard
seeds it produced and the shade it provided.

Just as a seed has no power to change itself until it is planted in
the ground, we cannot change our lives to be like God until we allow
ourselves to become open to God's word. We are able to hear God's word
through the power of the Holy Spirit. The big question now is, are we
ready to welcome God and let Him change us through His grace and
power?

The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the
new life that Jesus offers. When we open hearts to Jesus, our lives
are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul
the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show
that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Cor.
4:7). Do we believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? This
is something we have to think about.

Let us ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and say "Lord, fill me
with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness
you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy
desire to live for your greater glory."

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
- Sophia Gonzalez
… for the personal intentions and guidance of:
- Jan Lenard, Jude, Leurens, Dave
- CFC KSA
- Josheil Dapo and family
… 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 all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Wedding Anniversary: Corry & Ditas Sevilla
- In Memoriam (+): Luisa L. Atabug
… 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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