DAILY- HOMILY

MARCH 12, 2011
SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY – YEAR I

Is 58:9-14 / Ps 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 / Lk 5:27-32

ISAIAH 58:9-14
Then you will call and Yahweh will answer, you will cry and he will
say, I am here. If you remove from your midst the yoke, the clenched
fist and the wicked word, if you share your food with the hungry and
give relief to the oppressed, then your light will rise in the dark,
your night will be like noon. Yahweh will guide you always and give
you relief in desert places. He will strengthen your bones; he will
make you as a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters
never fail. Your ancient ruins will be rebuilt, the age-old
foundations will be raised. You will be called the Breach-mender, and
the Restorer of ruined houses. If you stop profaning the sabbath and
doing as you please on the holy day, if you call the sabbath a day of
delight and keep sacred Yahweh's holy day, if you honor it by not
going your own way, not doing as you please and not speaking with
malice, then you will find happiness in Yahweh, over the heights you
will ride triumphantly, and feast joyfully on the inheritance of your
father Jacob you. The mouth of Yahweh has spoken.

LUKE 5:27-32
Jesus noticed a ta x collector named Levi sit ting in the tax-office,
he said to him, "Follow me." So Levi, leaving everything, got up and
followed Jesus. Levi gave a great feast for Jesus, and many tax
collectors came to his house and took their place at table with the
other people. Then the Pharisees and their fellow teachers complained
to Jesus' disciples, "How is it that you eat and drink with tax
collectors and other sinners?" But Jesus spoke up, "Healthy people
don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I have come to call to
repentance; I call sinners, not the righteous."

REFLECTION
The Gospel speaks of unconditional love and acceptance by reaching out
to those shunned by society. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law
deemed it unacceptable and even scandalous to be in the company of
those who were deemed unclean.

"Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but
the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance." We are reminded here that Jesus is the divine healer. He
nurtures and brings us back to life. It is only through him that we
experience complete healing of body and mind. And most importantly, he
heals us from within, frees us from the sins that ail us. He shows us
that everybody is worthy of God's love and healing.

We belong to the spectrum of the marginalized during times when we are
helpless, vulnerable and totally clueless of what to do. In our broken
lives, we continue to be in dire need of love and care. The Gospel
shows us that Jesus creates an atmosphere of trust, unconditional
love, compassion and kindness. He takes time out to eat and drink with
the people who are most in need. In his ministry, banquets and food
play a major par t in healing relationships. It is most fitting that
our Eucharist is a commemoration of that union between God and us. It
is through the Eucharist that we come together as one to celebrate
God's love and healing. Sharing in his Body and Blood renews our
spirits. Are we open to God's total healing when we approach him at
Holy Mass? Are we ready to accept others who also need the healing
love of Christ?

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Nel de Leon
- Susan Seratan
… In Thanksgiving: Andrew G.
… for the personal intentions of: Josheil Dapo
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Ernesto Macatangay
- Cynthia Cuaderno-Venturanza
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.
… 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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