DAILY- HOMILY

FEBRUARY 20, 2012
MONDAY 7TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR II

Jas 3:13-18 / Mk 9:14-29, Green

JAMES 3:13-18
If you consider yourself wise and learned, show it by your good life
and let your actions, in all humility, be an example for others. But
if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and ambition, do not try to
show off; that would be covering up the truth; this kind of wisdom
does not come from above but from the world and it is earthly and
devilish. Wherever there is jealousy and ambition, you will also find
discord and all that is evil. Instead, the wisdom that comes from
above is pure and peace-loving. Persons with this wisdom show
understanding and listen to advice; they are full of compassion and
good works; they are impartial and sincere. Peace makers who sow peace
reap a harvest of justice.

MARK 9:14-29
When they came to the place where they had left the disciples, they
saw many people around them and some teachers of the Law arguing with
them. When the people saw Jesus, they were astonished and ran to greet
him. He asked, "What are you arguing about with them?" A man answered
him from the crowd, "Master, I brought my son to you, for he has a
spirit, deaf and mute. Whenever the spirit seizes him, it throws him
down and he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth and becomes stiff all
over. I asked your disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could
not." Jesus replied, "You faithless people! How long must I be with
you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me." And they
brought the boy to him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it shook and
convulsed the boy, who fell on the ground and began rolling about,
foaming at the mouth. Then Jesus asked the father, "How long has this
been happening to him?" He replied, "From childhood. And it has often
thrown him into the fire and into the water to destroy him. If you can
do anything, have pity on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "Why do
you say, `If you can?' All things are possible for one who believes."
Immediately the father of the boy cried out, "I do believe, but help
the little faith I have." Jesus saw that the crowd was increasing
rapidly, so he ordered the evil spirit, "Dumb and deaf spirit, I
command you: Leave the boy and never enter him again." The evil spirit
shook and convulsed the boy and with a terrible shriek came out. The
boy lay like a corpse and people said, "He is dead." But Jesus took
him by the hand and lifted him and the boy stood up. After Jesus had
gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we
drive out the spirit?" And he answered, "Only prayer can drive out
this kind, nothing else."

REFLECTION
In this narrative from Mark's Gospel, at least two lessons are brought
to our attention. First, our responsibility to live according to
Gospel values as disciples of Jesus. The inability of the disciples to
cast out the evil spirit was an opportunity for the scribes and
Pharisees to discredit not only the disciples themselves, but also
Jesus. In much the same way, do our words, actions, and dealings with
everyone around us mirror our discipleship, or do they discredit us
and consequently also him whom we are serving? Second, the grace of
faith. The father of the boy showed shades of doubt when he said to
Jesus, "If you can." Jesus rebuked him by saying, "All things are
possible to him who believes."

There are so many situations in life that test our faith. Seemingly
unanswered prayers of supplication for healing of physical, emotional,
and spiritual hurt may well lead us to despair. When this happens, let
us echo the prayer of the boy's father: "Lord, I do believe. Help my
unbelief."

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
- RR Montelibano
… for the personal intentions of
- Veronica Yap
- John Ivan
- Pauline
- Josheil Dapo
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Fatima Penilla-Yu
- Annalie, John
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: Rodel Manansala
- Prayer Intention: Chua Giok Yean (Lota Chua)
… 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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