DAILY- HOMILY

SEPTEMBER 20, 2009
25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – B

WISDOM 2:12, 17-20
The wicked say: Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to
us; he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for
transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our
training. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what
will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, God will
defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement
and torture let us put the just one to the test that we may have proof
of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a
shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of
him.

JAMES 3:16--4:3
Beloved: Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder
and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all
pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good
fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. Where do
the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not
from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do
not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and
wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do
not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

MARK 9:30-37
Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through
Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching
his disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over
to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son
of Man will rise." But they did not understand the saying, and they
were afraid to question him. They came to Capernaum and, once inside
the house, he began to ask them, "What were you arguing about on the
way?" But they remained silent. They had been discussing among
themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called
the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall
be the last of all and the servant of all." Taking a child, he placed
it in the their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to
them, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives
me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent
me."

REFLECTION
During a talk show interview with supposedly successful people, the
host asked what led them to where they are now. One common answer:
ambition. Without ambition, one is bound to be just average.

Today's Gospel is about ambition. Jesus for the second time reveals to
his closest friends the Paschal mystery in its stark reality. They
fail to accept it or perhaps they hesitate to do so because they were
afraid of its corresponding demands. It is clear in the story the
striking contrast between the self-immolation of Jesus with the
selfish ambition of his disciples. Jesus offsets such misdirected
desires with the ideal of humble service, symbolized in the simplicity
and dependence of a child.

We may then ask at this point in our lives as to what is our ambition.
What do we desire to achieve now and in the future? Are all our
energies spent for this? What have been our means to realize our
dreams?

Such disposition and attitude is in clear contrast with Jesus'
teaching. Perhaps that's the reason why he felt so disappointed with
his apostles who were aspiring for who is the greatest. As an
alternative, Jesus presents a child. A child humbly obeys without
questioning and is content to be last of all.

It is all right to have ambitions but it might be good to ask where
these are ultimately directed as well as the sins by which such
ambitions are realized. Is it simply for one's personal glory that one
is even willing to do everything even if it is immoral and unchristian
only to be able to achieve one's goals in life? Or are we willing to
consider the challenge of Christ of being servants of all, to be
considered the least like a child? May we receive the grace of
enlightenment and courage so that we will be able to truly heed the
teaching of Christ.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the strength and healing of:
- Jose Valera
- Francis Torres
- Shiappee
- Richy Ozoa
- Devon Kirvin, Sandy Mardesich, Rosemarie, Jeffers, Larry Brown, Yvie
Livernois, Ramond Cippoletti, Jeannie Goodgion, Dick Ames, Virginia
Sailor, Manny Vargas, Maryellen Henderson, Nancy McCook, Joanne Van
Wormer
- Brenda Domingo-Solis
- Lisa
- Inday Tan
… for the personal intentions of
- Julie and Glenn Manzon
- Patricio Manzon & Linda Manzon, Estilita, Escamilla, Sandra Vergara
- Vicsyd Valera and family
- Dapo family
- Med Villanueva
- Edu and Minette
… for the personal intentions and good health of Julie Manzon,
Churchill Barayoga, Josie Ureta, Vanessa Salcedo
… for the safety of Glenn Dale Manzon and Marites Pinon
… Thanksgiving: Germain Button, Jim Surtees
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Lourdes Barayoga, Domingo Barayog Sr., Charlie Castro
- Raul Ylaya and Epifania Ylaya
- Doug Jones, Br. Frank Bracchi, Elanor Faber, Gertrude Dolan, Skip
Miller, Patrick S., Debbie
- Lourdes Ignacio de David
- Lourdes Antonio
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.
- In Memoriam (+): Roy Papa
… 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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