DAILY- HOMILY

AUGUST 29, 2009
MEMORIAL, MARTYRDOM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
SATURDAY 21ST WEEK ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

1 THESSALONIANS 4:9-11
Brothers and sisters: On the subject of fraternal charity you have no
need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by
God to love one another. Indeed, you do this for all the brothers
throughout Macedonia. Nevertheless we urge you, brothers and sisters,
to progress even more, and to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind
your own affairs, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed
you.

MARK 6:17-29
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in
prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he
had married. John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have
your brother's wife." Herodias harbored a grudge against him and
wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing
him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he
heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to
him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave
a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading
men of Galilee. Herodias' own daughter came in and performed a dance
that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask
of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you." He even swore
many things to her, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to
half of my kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall
I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl
hurried back to the king's presence and made her request, "I want you
to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The
king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he
did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an
executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and
beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and
gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his
disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a
tomb.

REFLECTION
We need to appreciate the value of martyrdom and of suffering. It is
not something that most of us are going to stand in line for but it is
something that we have to understand the importance of. The old saying
is: "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians." It is from
Jesus' suffering and death on the cross that the greatest good in the
world has come about. Jesus' death gave meaning to those who were
martyred for him. Our souls are thus given the inspiration to
salvation because of their sufferings.

Let us ask: "How much do we really love God? Do we love Him enough to
suffer for Him? Do we love Him enough to die for Him?" Let us seek our
answers through Jesus in the silence of our hearts.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the strength and healing of:
- Charlie Ryf
- Brenda Domingo-Solis
- Lisa
- Romy Ramos
- Danny Quisel
- Lydia, Keempee and Kevin
… for the personal intentions of
- Josheil Dapo
- Pauline
… for the safety of San Juan de Dios Hospital
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Regina Malagueno Lopez and Rosario Cadag Malagueno
- Jimmy Domingo, Edwin Roque, Rodolfo Victoria
- Remedios Biagtan Groyon
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: Cristelita R. Dadua
- Birthday: Manuel Lao
… 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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© 2009 Daily-Homily
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