DAILY- HOMILY

ISAIAH 54:1-10
Shout for joy, barren one who has borne no children! Break into cries
and shouts of joy, you who were never in labour! For the children of
the forsaken one are more in number than the children of the wedded
wife, says Yahweh. Widen the space of your tent, extend the curtains
of your home, do not hold back! Lengthen your ropes, make your tent-
pegs firm, for you will burst out to right and to left, your race will
dispossess the nations and repopulate deserted towns. Do not fear, you
will not be put to shame again, do not worry, you will not be
disgraced again; for you will forget the shame of your youth and no
longer remember the dishonour of your widowhood. For your Creator is
your husband, Yahweh Sabaoth is his name, the Holy One of Israel is
your redeemer, he is called God of the whole world. Yes, Yahweh has
called you back like a forsaken, grief-stricken wife, like the
repudiated wife of his youth, says your God. I did forsake you for a
brief moment, but in great compassion I shall take you back. In a
flood of anger, for a moment I hid my face from you. But in
everlasting love I have taken pity on you, says Yahweh, your redeemer.
For me it will be as in the days of Noah when I swore that Noah's
waters should never flood the world again. So now I swear never to be
angry with you and never to rebuke you again. For the mountains may go
away and the hills may totter, but my faithful love will never leave
you, my covenant of peace will never totter, says Yahweh who takes
pity on you.

LUKE 7:24-30
When John's messengers had gone he began to talk to the people about
John, 'What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swaying in
the breeze? No! Then what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine
clothes? Look, those who go in magnificent clothes and live
luxuriously are to be found at royal courts! Then what did you go out
to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he
is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my
messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you. 'I tell you,
of all the children born to women, there is no one greater than John;
yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.' All the
people who heard him, and the tax collectors too, acknowledged God's
saving justice by accepting baptism from John; but by refusing baptism
from him the Pharisees and the lawyers thwarted God's plan for them.

REFLECTION
Whenever a very important person (VIP) schedules to visit a certain
venue, logistical preparations for security, food, and other concerns
are standard operating procedure. Nothing is left to chance; the whole
event must be guaranteed to run smoothly. This is the reason why
stringent measures are in place and back-up plans are drawn up to
cover any eventuality.

That's the point Jesus tries to make with regards to John the Baptist.
John the Baptist was sent ahead to inform everyone that Jesus is
arriving. The preparations of minds and hearts must be made to accept
him. When the messenger starts getting the message out, we better
listen and get ready. Don't just stand around. Time to get moving!

Regarding security issues, are we guarding our spirits from the heavy
commercialism this season brings? There's no harm in buying gifts for
our loved ones and close friends, but if that's all we want to
celebrate, there might be something lacking in our special
commemoration.

Our own preparations for the arrival of the VIP of VIPs must be just
as detailed. It would be ideal to attend the 9-day novena masses
before Christmas. Another suggestion could be to set aside some funds
to share with others the blessings of the season. Whatever we plan to
do, let us continually wait in joyful anticipation for the arrival of
our Savior.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Deacon Joe Nicholas
- Jimmie Boeker
- Jo Marcelo, Jun Lee, John Lawrence
- Amparo Acuesta
- Susan
… for the personal intentions of
- Josheil Dapo
- Veronica Yap
- Bill and Carol
… for the eternal repose of the souls of Nalita Daclitan and Elmar
Fink. 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: Mario J. Padilla
- Birthday: Bea C. Ventura
- Birthday: Trini & Marilou B. Leichtman
- Wedding Anniversary: Paolo & Shaps Chikiamco
- Wedding Anniversary: Johnny & Susan Yu
- In Memoriam (+): Manuel Dee C. Ham
… for world peace and reconciliation.

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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# posted by F O O D F O R T H O U G H T @ 6:28 AM