DAILY- HOMILY

FEBRUARY 27, 2009
FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY – YEAR I

ISAIAH 58:1-9A
Thus says the Lord GOD: Cry out full-throated and unsparingly, lift up
your voice like a trumpet blast; Tell my people their wickedness, and
the house of Jacob their sins. They seek me day after day, and desire
to know my ways, Like a nation that has done what is just and not
abandoned the law of their God; They ask me to declare what is due
them, pleased to gain access to God. "Why do we fast, and you do not
see it? afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it?" Lo, on your
fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers.
Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked
claw. Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard
on high! Is this the manner of fasting I wish, of keeping a day of
penance: That a man bow his head like a reed and lie in sackcloth and
ashes? Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? This,
rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking
every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the
oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and
not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth
like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your
vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be
your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you
shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!

MATTHEW 9:14-15
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, "Why do we and the
Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered
them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with
them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast."

REFLECTION
We are again in the season of Lent. It's admirable that some of us
choose to forego meat the entire forty days. Others stay away from
soft drinks, chocolates or similar temptations. The point is to
cleanse one's self from inordinate desires and to focus on what God
wishes for us.

But sacrifice is always easier said than done. More often than not,
we'd rather be enjoying sumptuous steaks, thirst-quenching sodas, and
unbelievably delicious and decadent sweets. Why deny ourselves the
good life?

Perhaps the reason why we control our natural inclinations for what
our body craves for, especially during this period of Lent, is so we
don't inadvertently enslave ourselves to material objects. We need to
remind ourselves of moderation in case those favorite meals are
presented in front of us; we should have enough resolve not to eat to
excess. This is especially beneficial if we find our health
compromised by these types of food. It would be a death sentence for a
diabetic to engage in too much sugary food just because he or she
can't control himself or herself.

We deny ourselves because we long for something better than what is
currently presented. Our hearts are set on something higher ... and we
are satisfied.

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
- Pam D, Cindi R, Angela I, Jan and Goldie
- Elizabeth Berame Santos
- Sr. Teresa Mabasa, DC
- Marlyn Tadeo
- Gett Que
… for the personal intentions of
- Kristine Valenteros
- the Dapo family
... for the wisdom, guidance and enlightenment of Mary Beth Valenteros
… for good health: Valenteros family
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Manuel Go
- Ernesto Guevara
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: Bernabeth Sy
- Birthday: Rico Manuel
- Wedding Anniversary: Johnson & Veronica Gotamco
- Wedding Anniversary: Armand & Nela Fabella
- In Memoriam (+): Dr. Jun de Villa
… 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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