DAILY- HOMILY

MARCH 17, 2012
SAINT PATRICK
SATURDAY 3RD WEEK OF LENT – YEAR II

Hos 6:1-6 / Lk 18:9-14

HOSEA 6:1-6
Come, let us return to Yahweh. He who shattered us to pieces, will
heal us as well; he has struck us down, but he will bind up our
wounds. Two days later he will bring us back to life; on the third
day, he will raise us up, and we shall live in his presence. Let us
strive to know Yahweh. His coming is as certain as the dawn; his
judgment will burst forth like the light; he will come to us as
showers come, like spring rain that waters the earth. O Ephraim, what
shall I do with you? O Judah, how shall I deal with you? This love of
yours is like morning mist, like morning dew that quickly disappears.
This is why I smote you through the prophets, and have slain you by
the words of my mouth. For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice; it
is knowledge of God, not burnt offerings.

LUKE 18:9-14
Jesus told another parable to some people, fully convinced of their
own righteousness, who looked down on others: "Two men went up to the
Temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector. The
Pharisee stood by himself, and said, `I thank you, God, that I am not
like other people, grasping, crooked, adulterous, or even like this
tax collector. I fast twice a week, and give the tenth of all my
income to the Temple.' In the meantime the tax collector, standing far
off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast,
saying, `O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.' I tell you, when this
man went back to his house, he had been set right with God, but not
the other. For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled,
and whoever humbles himself will be raised up."

REFLECTION
The season of Lent is special for Catholics. The liturgy highlights
the extent of God's love for us, His Divine Mercy, how He longs for a
response from all who humbly accept this gift of grace in order for it
to gradually work on our continuing conversion.

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus offers us
a case that challenges the limited understanding of our faith and
standing with God.

The Pharisee is set as the example of righteousness while the tax
collector is looked upon as a traitor and sinner. While this may be
true during the time of the Jews, Jesus challenges us to look deeper,
even beyond external appearances.

Like the Pharisees, we fall short when we think of ourselves as
righteous because we appear to be doing what is right. We go to daily
mass, pray several times a day, give alms to the poor, study
scriptures, initiate great projects in our parishes. Behind what we do
we might be saying to God, "I have done my part . . . You owe me!" We
may be led to think and measure God like the Pharisees who held on to
their understanding of Divine Justice or "God should reward those who
are good and punish those who are bad."

On the other hand, the tax collector in today's Gospel has a
conscience that confronts him with his deeds. Instead of the
intimidating collaborator of Roman tyranny, he humbles himself before
God. Rather than his remorse, his attitude in being willing to convert
found favor in God's eyes. For this attitude Jesus praised Zacchaeus
as well as the Repentant Thief who was crucified beside Jesus in
Calvary. It's never too late for us.

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
- Darlene, Bob, Kristin, Elena, Linda O, Mary Ann, Ron S, Darlene's
husband
… for the personal intentions of
- Dr Ugo Anyaugo, Ogechi Anyaugo, Barr Obinna Okoronkwo, Barr Mrs
Barbara Amarachi Adabekee Okoronkwo, Engr Ifeanyi Matt Anyaugo, Chuba
Chuchu Anyaugo; Cordelia Anyaugo& Kelechi Kellar Ozurumba
- Dana, Eugene R, Rita & Pam, Ben
- Josheil Dapo
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Karl Roy
- Felicisimo Cierte Brion
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: Kendrick Furukawa
- Birthday: Tinggoy Reyes
- Birthday: Verniemar G. Cudal
- Birthday: Arturo Dee
- Birthday: PJ Capati
- Wedding Anniversary: Tama & Christina Ng
- In Memoriam (+): Caridad Ongkee Tansengco
… 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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