DAILY- HOMILY

JUNE 20, 2012
WEDNESDAY 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR II

2 Kgs 2:1, 6-14 / Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

2 KINGS 2:1, 6-14
Yahweh took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It happened this way: Elijah and Elisha had left Gilgal, and Elijah said to Elisha, Elijah said once more to Elisha, "Stay here, I beg you, for Yahweh is only sending me to the Jordan." But Elisha answered, "I swear by Yahweh and by your life that I will never leave you." And as they went on their way, fifty fellow prophets of Jericho followed them at a certain distance. When Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan Elijah took his mantle, rolled it, and struck the water with it. The water parted to both sides and they crossed over on dry ground. After they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "What shall I do for you before I am taken away from you? Ask me." Elisha said, "Grant that I may have the best of your spirit." Elijah answered, "Your request is most difficult. Yet if you see me while I am being taken from you, then you shall have it. But if not, you shall not have it." As they were talking on the way, a chariot of fire with horses of fire stood between them, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw him and cried out, "Father, my father, chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" When Elisha lost sight of him, he took hold of his own clothes and tore them. He then picked up the mantle which had fallen from Elijah and returned to the banks of the Jordan. There he struck the water with the mantle, but it did not part. So he asked, "Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah?" And as he struck the water again it parted. Elisha crossed over.

MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18
Be careful not to make a show of your righteousness before people. If you do so, you do not gain anything from your Father in heaven. When you give something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be seen in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by the people. I assure you, they have been already paid in full. If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you. When you pray, do not be like those who want to be seen. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners to be seen by everyone. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept secret will reward you. When you fast, do not put on a miserable face as do the hypocrites. They put on a gloomy face, so that people can see they are fasting. I tell you this: they have been paid in full already. When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting for appearances or for people, but for your Father who sees beyond appearances. And your Father, who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.

REFLECTION
Sometimes it is difficult to conceal one's acts of charity, especially when we are serving as members of a charitable organization or a parish. Without asking for it, we are often thanked and commended, and we enjoy such recognition or affirmation. But these consolations are the very essence of being "paid in full already." How should we then practice the message of the gospel in the most modest way and minimize the glory or gratitude that we sometimes wait for?

Charity is another name for love. It is expressed not only in giving material things or doing charitable projects that can earn for us praises and gratitude, but also in the many actions we do in our everyday activities, like practicing kindness and patience, giving way in traffic, or greeting the woman who sweeps the street. These acts usually earn no praise or thanks; yet they are more noble or significant since they are hardly noticed but reflect a spirit of love.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Tom B, Jack, Brian, Michael, Gene L, Linda O, Mary Ann, Delores & Fr Larry
- Chief Samrose Anyaugo
- Fr. Ismael Zuloaga, SJ
… for the personal intentions of
- Dana, Rita & Pam, Ben, Eugene R
- the men and women of Solar News & Current Affairs
- Pauline
- Dr Ugonna Anyaugo,Mr.Ogechi Anyaugo,Barr & Barr (Mrs) Obinna Okoronkwo, Engr Ifeanyi Matt Anyaugo,Mr.Chuba Anyaugo and Cordelia Anyaugo
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Mr. John Lim Chin
- Mr. Franciso Maramag
- Elena Lao Lo
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: Bey Pacheco
- Birthday: Heidi Ver
- Birthday: Victoria Salvador-Bowe
- Birthday: Maia B. Sevilla
- Presbyterial Ordination: Thomas H. O'Gorman, S.J.
- In Memoriam (+): Chester Gotiong

… 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!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following:

+================================================+
| The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the
| priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish
| http://www.marythequeen.org
| Distributed free and for personal use only.
+================================================+