DAILY- HOMILY

MAY 18, 2009
MEMORIAL, JOHN I, POPE, MARTYR
MONDAY 6TH WEEK OF EASTER – YEAR I

ACTS 16:11-15
We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace, and on
the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, a leading city
in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We spent some time
in that city. On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the
river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and
spoke with the women who had gathered there. One of them, a woman
named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a
worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay
attention to what Paul was saying. After she and her household had
been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "If you consider me a
believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on
us.

JOHN 15:26–16:4A
Jesus said to his disciples: "When the Advocate comes whom I will send
you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been
with me from the beginning. "I have told you this so that you may not
fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour
is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering
worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either
the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes
you may remember that I told you."

REFLECTION
In today's first reading, Paul and his companions come to Philippi and
look for a public place to preach their good news. Lydia is part of a
crowd of women who have gathered at a place of prayer along the river.
She is struck by Paul's message and offers him and his companions food
and lodging. Paul says that she prevailed upon then to stay. Lydia was
a merchant and a woman of some wealth and influence. It is interesting
to note the critical part which Lydia and the other women like her,
played in building up the early Christian communities.

Luke notes in his Gospel that women supported the mission of Jesus and
the disciples out of their resources. In the light of today's first
reading, we can ask ourselves these questions. Are open to letting
God's word take root in our hearts? Are we generous in offering
hospitality to others when we can? Do we support the mission of the
Church with the resources that we have at our disposal? Finally, we
need to express our personal appreciation for those who help us along
the way and for the Holy Spirit sent by the Father to lead us to know
the truth. In this manner, we will be faithful to the model which Paul
gives us as we travel on our own path to God's kingdom.

Jesus tells his disciples that when the Advocate comes, they will know
his presence. He promised that they would be able to endure whatever
sufferings come their way because the Holy Spirit will strengthen them
in ways they cannot imagine. The Holy Spirit indeed inspires people
for the work of ministry, to give them courage to preach the word of
God, even when it may be unpopular.

Let us pray that all who minister in the Church today, whether they
are ordained, consecrated or lay ministers, may be blessed by God and
strengthened by the Holy Spirit so that the work of ministry will
continue.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the healing and speedy recovery of: Eligia Fernando
… for the safety of Johnson Cuiting
… for the special intentions: San Juan de Dios Hospital
… In Memoriam:
- Luy Wai and Lok Nee Chau
- Sebastian Luy
… for the eternal repose of the soul of Minda Flowers. Eternal rest
grant unto her and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she and all
the dearly departed rest in peace.
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- In Memoriam (+): Ernesto Gonzales
… 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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