DAILY- HOMILY

FEBRUARY 3, 2012
MEMORIAL, ST. BLASÉ, ST. ANSGAR
FRIDAY 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR II

Sir 47:2-11 / Mk 6:14-29

SIRACH 47:2-11
As fat is selected from the peace offering, so David was chosen from
among the Israelites. He played with lions and bears as if they were
lambs or young goats. He was still young when he slew a giant to
restore the honor of his people; with a sling he aimed a stone that
killed the arrogant Goliath. He invoked the Lord Most High, who gave
him strength to slay a mighty warrior, and so exalt the power of his
people. So they glorified him for his ten thousands and praised him as
a blessing from the Lord when he was chosen king. For he wiped out his
enemies on all sides and annihilated his adversaries, the Philistines,
crushing their power forever. In all that he did he gave thanks to the
Most High, and showed his love for his Maker by singing with all his
heart. He placed singers accompanied by harps before the altar to make
beautiful music; he gave splendor to feasts and even greater
magnificence to the more solemn occasions, exalting the holy Name of
the Lord and having the sanctuary ring with his praises from early
morning. The Lord forgave David's sins and established his power
forever; he made a covenant with him for the benefit of the kings and
gave him a glorious throne in Israel.

MARK 6:14-29
King Herod also heard about Jesus, because his name had become well-
known. Some people said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the
dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him." Others
thought, "He is Elijah," and others, "He is a prophet like the
prophets of times past." When Herod was told of this, he thought, "I
had John beheaded, yet he has risen from the dead!" For this is what
had happened: Herod had ordered John to be arrested, and had had him
bound and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother
Philip. Herod had married her, and John had told him, "It is not right
for you to live with your brother's wife." So Herodias held a grudge
against John; and wanted to kill him, but she could not, because Herod
respected John. He knew John to be an upright and holy man, and kept
him safe. And he liked listening to him, although he became very
disturbed, whenever he heard him. Herodias had her chance on Herod's
birthday, when he gave a dinner for all the senior government
officials, military chiefs, and the leaders of Galilee. On that
occasion the daughter of Herodias came in and danced; and she
delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for
anything you want and I will give it to you." And he went so far as to
say with many oaths, "I will give you anything you ask, even half my
kingdom." She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?"
The mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The girl hurried
to the king and made her request, "I want you to give me the head of
John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish." The king was very
displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his guests because of
his oaths. So he sent one of the bodyguards with orders to bring
John's head. He went and beheaded John in prison; then he brought the
head on a dish and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her
mother. When John's disciples heard of this, they came and took his
body and buried it.

REFLECTION
Little is known about the life of St. Blasé. He was bishop of
Sebastea in Armenia and martyred in the early 4th century. According
to legend, he was born to a rich and noble family and was raised a
Christian. When he became bishop, a new persecution arose. He received
a message from God to escape to the hills. Hunters discovered him in a
cave surrounded by wild animals that he tended and cured. He was
brought back for trial, put in prison, and sentenced to death by
starvation. But a grateful woman fed him secretly because the saint
saved her pig from being devoured by a wolf. St. Blasé was later
beheaded. He is the patron saint of throat illnesses because,
according to legend, while he was in prison he cured a boy who almost
died of a fishbone stuck in his throat. He is represented holding two
crossed candles in his hand or in a cave surrounded by wild beasts. He
is also the patron saint of wild animals.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Tung-Jou Sheh
- Fr Henry Romero
- Lito Blanco
- Francis Torres
- Mon Torres
- Rakkie Villa
- Stella Sison
- Chief Samrose Anyaugo
… for the personal intentions of
- Angeli
- Lars
- Med Villanueva
- Cherie Torres
- Pauline
- Dr. Ugo Anyaugo, Mr. Ogechi Anyaugo, Barr Obinna Okoronkwo, Barr Mrs
Barbs Adaugo Okoronkwo, Mr .Ifeanyi Anyaugo, Mr Chuboy Anyaugo,
Cordelia Anyaugo, Kelechi Ozurumba
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Mrs Dolores Lisay
- Mrs Lily Botiquin
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: Rod Claudio
- Birthday: Ronnie Salvador
… 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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