DAILY- HOMILY

MARCH 2, 2012
FRIDAY 1ST WEEK OF LENT – YEAR II

Ezk 18:21-28 / Mt 5:20-26

EZEKIEL 18:21-28
If the sinner turns from his sin, observes my decrees and practices
what is right and just, he will live, he will not die. None of the
sins he com mitted will be charged against him; he will live as a
consequence of his righteous deeds. Do I want the death of the sinner?—
word of Yahweh. Do I not rather want him to turn from his ways and
live? But if the righteous man turns away from what is good and
commits sins as the wicked do, will he live? His righteous deeds will
no longer be credited to him, but he will die because of his in
fidelity and his sins. But you say: Yahweh's way is not just! Why,
Israel! Is my position wrong? Is it not rather that yours is wrong? If
the righteous man dies after turning from his righteous deeds and
sinning, he dies because of his sins. And if the wicked man does what
is good and right, after turning from the sins he com mitted, he will
save his life. He will live and not die, because he has opened his
eyes and turned from the sins he had committed.

MATTHEW 5:20-26
I tell you then, if you are not righteous in a much broader way than
the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees, you cannot enter the
kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to our people in
the past: Do not commit murder; anyone who does kill will have to face
trial. But now I tell you: whoever gets angry with a brother or sister
will have to face trial. Whoever insults a brother or sister deserves
to be brought before the council. Whoever calls a brother or a sister
"Fool!" deserves to be thrown into the fire of hell. So, if you are
about to offer your gift at the altar, and you remember that your
brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of
the altar, go at once and make peace with him, and then come back and
offer your gift to God. Don't forget this: be reconciled with your
opponent quickly when you are together on the way to court. Otherwise
he will turn you over to the judge, who will hand you over to the
police, who will put you in jail. There you will stay, until you have
paid the last penny.

REFLECTION
Pharisees were admired for their zeal and concern for perfection and
purity. In fact, St. Paul himself was a Pharisee and he practiced the
law to the letter. But the Pharisees became hypocrites and judgmental.
They looked down on the ignorant and shunned the company of sinners.
The love of God became limited, subject to the bounds of the law.
Everything had to conform to legal observance, thus personal efforts
and sacrifices became the emphasis.

We know that external observances are only for show if the heart is
full of blindness and pride. Nobody is just in the eyes of God. The
heart is the center of many wicked plans, "murder, hatred, adultery,
slander" (Mt 15:19). We need Christ to renew our hearts so we can
fulfill the law especially the Law of Love, which is the heart of the
commandments.

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
- Chief Samrose Anyaugo
- Luis Torres and Mary John Guingon
- Andrew
- Glenn and Julie Manzon
- Jovelyn Ureta
- Renan Lacida
- Mon Torres
- Rakkie Villa
- Tonie Lingad
… for the personal intentions of
- Dr. Ugo Anyaugo, Mr. Ogechi Anyaugo, Barr Obinna Okoronkwo, Barr Mrs
Barbs Adaugo Okoronkwo, Mr .Ifeanyi Anyaugo, Mr Chuboy Anyaugo,
Cordelia Anyaugo
- Julie Manzon, Glenn Dale and John Dale Manzon, Estelita Escamilla,
Ma. Fe De Castro, Mary Ann Castro, Ethelinda and Patricio Manzon,
Jerico Uretat, Glenda and Joel Bisco, Domingo Barayoga Sr., Fedralyn
Barayoga
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Jose Victor "Vic" V. Olaguera
- Rolando C. Sambile
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: Thelma N. Factoran
- Birthday: Enrico Yao-Bate
… 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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