DAILY- HOMILY

DECEMBER 24, 2011
SATURDAY 4TH WEEK OF ADVENT – YEAR I

2 Sm 7:1-5, 8-11, 16 / Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 / Lk 1:67-79

2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16
When the king had settled in his palace and Yahweh had rid him of all
his surrounding enemies, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Look, I live
in a house of cedar but the Ark of God is housed in a tent." Nathan
replied, "Do as it seems fit to you for Yahweh is with you." But that
very night, Yahweh's word came to Nathan, "Go and tell my servant
David, this is what Yahweh says: Are you able to build a house for me
to live in? Now you will tell my servant David, this is what Yahweh of
hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the sheep, to
make you commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever
you went, cutting down all your enemies before you. Now I will make
your name great as the name of the great ones on earth. I will provide
a place for my people Israel and plant them that they may live there
in peace. They shall no longer be harassed, nor shall wicked men
oppress them as before. From the time when I appointed judges over my
people Israel it is only to you that I have given rest from all your
enemies. Yahweh also tells you that he will build you a house. Your
house and your reign shall last forever before me, and your throne
shall be forever firm."

LUKE 1:67-79
Zechariah, filled with holy spirit, sang this canticle, "Blessed be
the Lord God of Israel, for he has come and redeemed his people. He
has raised up for us a victorious Savior in the house of David his
servant, as he promised through his prophets of old, salvation from
our enemies and from the hand of our foes. He has shown mercy to our
fathers and remembered his holy covenant, the oath he swore to
Abraham, our father, to deliver us from the enemy, that we might serve
him fearlessly as a holy and righteous people all the days of our
lives. "And you, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High,
for you shall go before the Lord to prepare the way for him and enable
his people to know of their salvation when he comes to forgive their
sins. This is the work of the mercy of our God, who comes from on high
as a rising sun shining on those who live in darkness and in the
shadow of death, and guiding our feet into the way of peace."

REFLECTION
Zechariah's journey started with doubt and lack of faith in God's
prophecy of his unlikely parenthood. Immediately after he confirmed
that his son should be named John, he was filled with the Holy Spirit,
and he broke into a song of joy praising God.

When was the last time we broke into a song of joy and were filled
with the Holy Spirit? Those who have experienced it can attest to that
unique high feeling of Joy emanating from one's heart and of Peace
that seemed eternal. The feeling can be described as `falling in love
with God'… a higher level of union with one's God, one's Creator. That
happens when we accept God's call for us to do His Will.

Zechariah's song revealed his new Sight … he seemed enlightened,
knowing for sure that the Will of God was to be fulfilled by his son
John and later by Jesus Christ. In his gratitude, he incessantly
praised and thanked God. When we keep our faith and trust in God, we
slowly see His hand in the unfolding of events in our life.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Chief Samrose Anyaugo
- Mon Torres
- Rakkie Villa
- Cecilia Yu
- Gemma
… for the personal intentions of
- Josheil Dapo
- Dr. Ugo Anyaugo, Mr. Ogechi Anyaugo, Barr Obinna Okoronkwo, Barr Mrs
Barbs Adaugo Okoronkwo, Mr .Ifeanyi Anyaugo, Mr Chuboy Anyaugo,
Cordelia Anyaugo
.. for the victims of the floods in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and
their families
… for the eternal repose of the soul of Jo Marcelo. 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: Noel Malvar
- In Memoriam (+): Mariano R. S. Lim (Sep 10, 1906- Dec 24, 1994)+
… for families who are in need of healing
… 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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