DAILY- HOMILY

JANUARY 19, 2011
MEMORIAL, BLESSED JAMES SALES, PRIEST
WEDNESDAY 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

Readings: Heb 7:1-3, 15-17 / Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4 / Mk 3:1-6

HEBREWS 7:1-3
Scripture says that Melchi¬zedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most
High God, came out to meet Abraham who returned from defeating the
kings. He blessed Abraham and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.
Let us note that the name Melchizedek means King of Justice, and that
king of Salem means king of Peace. There is no mention of father,
mother or genealogy; nothing is said about the beginning or the end of
his life. In this he is the figure of the Son of God, the priest who
remains forever.

MARK 3:1-6
Jesus entered the synagogue. A man who had a paralyzed hand was there
and some people watched Jesus: Would he heal the man on the sabbath?
If he did they could accuse him. Jesus said to the man with the
paralyzed hand, "Stand here in the center." Then he asked them, "What
does the Law allow us to do on the sabbath? To do good or to do harm?
To save life or to kill?" But they were silent. Then Jesus looked
around at them with anger and deep sadness because they had closed
their minds. And he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He
stretched it out and his hand was healed. But as soon as the Pharisees
left, they met with Herod's supporters, looking for a way to destroy
Jesus.

REFLECTION
The church leaders in power felt very threatened if their authority
was questioned and that was the status quo for quite some time when
Jesus was around. The Pharisees had imposed on the congregation that
the Sabbath was a day meant to be free from all sorts of labor.
Unfortunately, this included performing good deeds.

That was why Jesus pointed out the folly of such an edict. If there
was an opportunity to help, why withhold it just because it was not
allowed by tradition or because the elders deemed it inappropriate?
Making a difference towards a positive outcome should never be limited
by any law. Doing good should not be legislated. The act of looking
after one another should not be bound to only six days of the week. It
should be continually promoted and practiced no matter what day it is.

Because Jesus' selfless acts could create an upheaval in the hierarchy
of the Jewish society, plans were being formulated to stop him from
causing that air of rebellion. The Pharisees felt that they were being
targeted, so they thought it better to strike first than be caught
flat-footed.

Ambition can be quite blinding. Let us pray to be freed from worldly
entrapments. True freedom is really expressing God's love by allowing
ourselves to be channels of His peace and protection. Selfish agendas
come and go, but compassion is always to be celebrated and cherished.
May we always practice doing good in all that we do. The law of love
rules over all.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Baby Veloso, Erlinda Roa
- Jo Marcelo, Jun Lee, Tito Torres
- Marge, Gene L, John C, Cindy R, Marge G, Frank M, Maria & Pam
- Vicky Fabella
- Susan
… for the personal intentions of Josheil Dapo
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Ng Yam Bee Tuazon Lao
- Dy Beng
- Rita M
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.
- Wedding Anniversary: Spiro & Jennifer Clemente
- Wedding Anniversary: Oscar & Heidi Temporal
- Birthday: Ellen A. Palma
- Birthday: Elsa Dy Chuaunsu
- Birthday: Lorenzo Yao Bate
… 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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