DAILY- HOMILY

MARCH 20, 2009
FRIDAY 3RD WEEK OF LENT – YEAR I

HOSEA 14:2-10
Thus says the LORD: Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God; you have
collapsed through your guilt. Take with you words, and return to the
LORD; Say to him, "Forgive all iniquity, and receive what is good,
that we may render as offerings the bullocks from our stalls. Assyria
will not save us, nor shall we have horses to mount; We shall say no
more, `Our god,' to the work of our hands; for in you the orphan finds
compassion." I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love
them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them. I will be like the
dew for Israel: he shall blossom like the lily; He shall strike root
like the Lebanon cedar, and put forth his shoots. His splendor shall
be like the olive tree and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar. Again
they shall dwell in his shade and raise grain; They shall blossom like
the vine, and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim!
What more has he to do with idols? I have humbled him, but I will
prosper him. "I am like a verdant cypress tree"– Because of me you
bear fruit! Let him who is wise understand these things; let him who
is prudent know them. Straight are the paths of the LORD, in them the
just walk, but sinners stumble in them.

MARK 12:28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of
all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O
Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and
with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your
neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than
these." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in
saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with
all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt
offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered with
understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of
God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

REFLECTION
When we set our aspirations on a higher calling; when we strive to
bring out the best in ourselves; when we aim for more, we seek to be
closer to God. God wants us to fully enjoy life in peace, joy, and
eternal bliss. Who wouldn't want to be in a situation such as this?

The natural course would be to look after ourselves and our neighbors.
When we feel good, it helps us to care for the needs of others. That's
why it is better to keep our minds focused on heavenly things. We can
dream for a better country, a cleaner environment, a just society for
ourselves and for our children. When we love God totally, everything
positive normally flows because of this connection.

Jesus continually invites us to have this attitude. Love makes us
accomplish tasks seemingly impossible at first. We should remember
that we are not doing this alone. We have the grace of God to inspire
us and help from our neighbors to get the work done.

Integrating this wonderful love in our lives will make a difference,
although it won't happen overnight. But, as more and more of us get
involved, as the entire human race realizes that we are loved by the
Father, the kingdom of God will become a vibrant reality here on
earth.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the healing and strength of: Elena
… for the personal intentions of: Hernane B. Suede
… for the safety of Johnson Cuiting
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Ernest James Yu
- Birthday: Chaelda M. Del Carmen
- Birthday: Thelma N. Factoran
- Wedding Anniversary: Eric Davis & Jocelyn Ng
- In Memoriam (+): Yu Tiong (1921-2002)+
… 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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