DAILY- HOMILY

FEBRUARY 8, 2012
MEMORIAL, ST. JEROME EMILIANI, ST. JOSEPHINE BAKHITA
WEDNESDAY 5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR II

1 Kgs 10:1-10 / Mk 7:14-23

1 KINGS 10:1-10
The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's fame, and came to test him
with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a vast retinue
and with camels loaded with spices, an abundance of gold and precious
stones. When she came to Solomon, she told him all that she had on her
mind and Solomon answered all her questions. There was nothing that
the king could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had
seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, the food on
his table, the residence of his officials, the attendance of his
servants and their clothing, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings
which he offered at Yahweh's House, it left her breathless. Then she
said to the king, "All that I heard in my own land concerning you and
your wisdom was true. But I did not believe the reports until I came
and saw with my own eyes. And what did I see! I was told only half the
story; for your wisdom and wealth surpass the report I heard.
Fortunate are your wives! Fortunate are your servants who are ever in
your presence and hear your wisdom! Blessed be Yahweh your God, who
has looked kindly on you and has put you on the throne of Israel!
Because of Yahweh's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so
that you may dispense justice and righteousness." Then she gave the
king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, spices in abundance, and
precious stones. Such an abundance of spices as those which the queen
of Sheba gave to king Solomon was never again seen.

MARK 7:14-23
Jesus then called the people to him again and said to them, "Listen
to me, all of you, and try to understand. Nothing that enters a person
from the outside can make that person unclean. It is what comes from
within that makes a person unclean. Let everyone who has ears listen."
When Jesus got home and was away from the crowd, his disciples asked
him about this saying, and he replied, "So even you are dull? Do you
not see that whatever comes from outside cannot make a person unclean,
since it enters not the heart but the stomach, and is finally passed
out?" Thus Jesus declared that all foods are clean. And he went on,
"What comes out of a person is what defiles him, for evil designs come
out of the heart: theft, murder, adultery, jealousy, greed,
maliciousness, deceit, indecency, slander, pride and folly. All these
evil things come from within and make a person unclean."

REFLECTION
Jerome Emeliani, an Italian officer, was so skillful that he became
commander of the fortress Castelmiovo. However, one day he was
captured and imprisoned. There he found time to meditate on his life.
Somehow, inspired, he decided to dedicate himself to God. Upon gaining
freedom, he became a priest. He then devoted his time and resources to
founding orphanages, hospitals, and shelters. He also founded the
Congregation of Clerks Regular of Somascha. He was so effective that
Pope Pius XI named him "Patron of the Orphans" in 1928.

We can learn much from St. Jerome. In the difficult moments of our
lives, instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we can think as St.
Jerome did, of the lives we have been living. Let us turn to God and
Mother Mary. Let us ask them to help us bring more purpose to our
lives. Then, with them, let us work to that end. We may not be able to
establish institutions, but in our own small way, we may be able to
bring more meaning and help to another person's life. We could
certainly try to bring more godliness into our lives, and perhaps, add
blessed joy to other people's lives. With Mary and our Lord, we may do
wonders!

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
- Mon Torres
- Rakkie Villa
- Tonie Lingad
- Mike Torres
… for the personal intentions of
- Josheil Dapo
- Pauline
... Birthday: Fr. Georges-Etienne Beauregard, SJ
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Cora Cabral
- Birthday: Quinta Atienza
- Birthday: Neil Edward Yu
- In Memoriam (+): Jose Gopioco
… 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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