DAILY- HOMILY

MAY 25, 2009
MEMORIAL, ST GREGORY VII, POPE, ST MARY MAGDALENE DE PAZZI, VIRGIN
MONDAY 7TH WEEK OF EASTER – YEAR I

ACTS 19:1-8
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of
the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said
to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"
They answered him, "We have never even heard that there is a Holy
Spirit." He said, "How were you baptized?" They replied, "With the
baptism of John." Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of
repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come
after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they were
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands
on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and
prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men. He entered the
synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive
arguments about the Kingdom of God.

JOHN 16:29-33
The disciples said to Jesus, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in
any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that
you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we
believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe
now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will
be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not
alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you
might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take
courage, I have conquered the world."

REFLECTION
The dialogue of the disciples with Jesus in today's Gospel takes place
in the setting of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday evening. Jesus had
been teaching the disciples for a period of years, yet only now do
they say to Jesus, "Now you are talking plainly." Jesus' message was
often clear, but his disciples did not always want to hear or
understand things that would be difficult for them to accept.

When he forewarned them about his upcoming suffering and death, the
Gospel tells us: "They were afraid to ask him about this". Fear of
sacrifice can often cloud our understanding of Jesus' teachings.
However, we must also remember that Jesus knows everything, even the
fear that sometimes tempts us to run away from sacrifice. But our
fears are no match for the strength that Jesus' love provides us.
Greater knowledge about Jesus was a step forward, yet it seems that
the disciples' knowledge alone of Jesus was not enough to sustain them
in their moment of trial. They would soon betray Jesus through their
actions. When the disciples saw Jesus suffering and being rejected,
their faith wavered because it was incomplete.

In today's Gospel, Jesus makes it very clear that our call to follow
him will cause us trouble. Not everyone will understand us when we
follow the Gospel in our daily life. At times we might even feel that
there is no one close to us to support us. Jesus says: "Take courage."
Jesus is our great reward. He and the Father, and the Holy Spirit are
always with us. They are the peace that awaits us after we have been
faithful in the battle.

Let us ask Jesus today to increase our faith and to grant us the grace
to trust in his continual presence and to help us to conquer the world
through love.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the healing and speedy recovery of:
- Francis Torres
- Mylene Lingad
- Shiappee
- Ester Marcelo
- Eligia Fernando
- George Jimenez
… for the safety of Johnson Cuiting
… for the special intentions:
- Franc Alma
- San Juan de Dios Hospital
… for the continued well-being: Fe Domingo
… for the emotional healing and strength of Josheil Dapo
… In Memoriam:
- Luy Wai and Lok Mee Chau
- Sebastian Luy
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Hector V. Domingo
- Juanita M. Bueno
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: Suzanne Go Kaw
- Birthday: Aida Saromines
- Birthday: Maria Lourdes Muñoz
- Birthday: Ryan Joseph de Villa Choi
- Birthday: Dina Agbayani
… 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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