DAILY- HOMILY

JULY 20, 2013
MEMORIAL, SAINT APOLLINARIS
SATURDAY 15TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YR I

Ex 12:37-42 / Ps 136: 1 and 23-24. 10-12. 13-15 / Mt 12:14-21

READINGS
Exodus 12:37-42
The Israelites left Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thou- sand of them on the march, counting the men only, and not the children. A great number of other people of all descriptions went with them, as well as sheep and cattle in droves. With the dough they had brought with them from Egypt, they made cakes of unleavened bread. It had not risen, for when they were driven from Egypt they could not delay and had not even provided themselves with food. The Israelites had been in Egypt for four hundred and thirty years. It was at the end of these four hundred and thirty years to the very day that the armies of Yahweh left Egypt. This is the watch for Yahweh who brought Israel out of Egypt. This night is for Yahweh, and all the Israelites are also to keep vigil on this night, year after year, for all time.

Matthew 12:14-21
Then the Pharisees went out, and made plans to get rid of Jesus. As Jesus was aware of their plans, he left that place. Many people followed him, and he cured all who were sick. Then he gave them strict orders not to make him known. In this way Isaiah's prophecy was fulfilled: Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, and with whom I am pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him and he will announce my judgment to the nations. He will not argue or shout, nor will his voice be heard in the streets. The bruised reed he will not crush, nor snuff out the smoldering wick. He will persist until justice is made victorious, and in him all the nations will put their hope.

REFLECTION
Matthew wrote primarily for a Christian community where the majority were Jews. Therefore he quoted extensively from the Jewish scriptures which became the Old Testament of our Christian Bible. For today's gospel, we see Matthew quoting Isaiah's prophecy. The first reading, taken from Exodus, tells us about the circumstances concerning the departure of the Israelites from Egypt under the leadership of Moses. If we reflect upon this incident and our gospel scene above, we can see many common themes. So with these two stories serving as background for our reflection, we can briefly go through the preceding incidents prior to today's gospel reading. Then, we can better understand why the Pharisees decided to get rid of him. No wonder Jesus gave orders not to make him known publicly because what he did and taught was viewed as subversive by the authorities.

Similarly, we can see Moses leading his people away because they constitute further trouble to the Egyptian authorities. As we read in both the gospel account and the exodus account, we find that when Jesus and Moses left, many people followed them. However, we also know that not all of those who followed Jesus or Moses remained faithful to them. Now for us, what obstacles in our lives do we meet as we try to follow our Lord Jesus? Gentle as he is, he will not force us, but wants us to respond freely. Surely like the Israelites of Moses' time or the contemporaries of our Lord, we also experience many consolations and blessing. But when faced with severe trials, shall we give up because of fear like the friends and companions (apostles) of Jesus or even grumble like the Israelites in the desert? Or shall we persevere in faith and hope like Mary our Blessed Mother or Mary of Magdala?

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the personal intentions of Eric
… for the personal intentions of
- Carmel Joan
- Netta, Jo, Denise, Debbie, Gene L & Fr Larry
- Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, and Fleur Torres
- Anabelle Alves
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Rowena Lacida Yap, Rodney Lacida, Gelic Red, Ernesto Apacible, Luding Grindulo, XJ Javier, Jess Garces
- Severo Pacheco
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: Marlita Portes
- Birthday: Jaykie Ng
- In Memoriam (+): Eddie L. Uy (Aug 3, 1935 - Jul 20, 1990)
… 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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