DAILY- HOMILY

APRIL 8, 2013
MONDAY, 2ND WEEK OF EASTER - YEAR I

Acts 4:23-31 / Ps 40: 7-8a. 8b-9. 10. 11 / Jn 3:1-8

ACTS 4:23-31
As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices as one and called upon God, "Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, you have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and your servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly? The kings of the earth were aligned and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah. For indeed in this very city Herod with Pontius Pilate, and the pagans together with the people of Israel conspired against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. Thus, indeed, they brought about whatever your powerful will had decided from all time would happen. But now, Lord, see their threats against us and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and to work signs and wonders through the Name of Jesus your holy servant." When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook, and they were all filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.

JOHN 3:1-8
Among the Pharisees there was a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you have come from God to teach us, for no one can perform miraculous signs like yours unless God is with him." Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again from above." Nicodemus said, "How can there be rebirth for a grown man? Who could go back to his mother's womb and be born again?" Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Because of this, don't be surprised when I say, `You must be born again from above.' The wind blows where it pleases and you hear its sound, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

REFLECTION
As Catholics, we have been told that we share in the resurrection of our Lord. But what exactly does that mean? The resurrection is as much a victory over death as it is a rebirth; the final chapter of the faith story is just the beginning for us.

Like Nicodemus, we are often skeptic about something we don't understand. The rebirth that Jesus talks about in the gospel is no physical miracle, like what transpired on the third day. Instead, we are called to a spiritual resurrection—something that, like the blowing wind, cannot be seen, only felt. This transformation is embodied in the Holy Spirit, the invisible but lingering presence of Christ in the world.

In the first reading, the early Christians "raised their voices as one and called upon God" for the strength and courage to continue evangelizing in the face of myriad threats. Do we as readily and boldly seek the Holy Spirit when difficulties arise? Or do we rely solely on things of the flesh?

Jesus urges us to "be born again from above," that is, to allow the Spirit to work in us and permeate our daily lives. The miracle of Christ's resurrection happened millennia ago, but its ripples still touch us today. Let us live the miracle daily, by continually choosing to die to sin and experience renewal with the help of the Spirit, until we arrive at our spiritual renaissance.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Elizabeth Lim
- Denise, Etoie TX, Debbie, Mary Ann R, Vita, Fr Larry, Gene, Netta & Mary Ann M
- Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Andy Lecaros, Virginia Hernandez, Mon Torres, and Fleur Torres
… for the personal intentions of
- Cherie Torres
- Christopher
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Vicente "Ting" R. Jayme
- Mrs. Maritess Balagtas de Jesus
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: Alan Tan Chu
- Wedding Anniversary: Jocelyn & Dr. Davis Chu
… 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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