DAILY- HOMILY

AUGUST 11, 2013
19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – C

Memorial, Saint Clare, virgin
Wisdom 18:6-9 / Ps 33: 1. 12. 18-19. 20-22 / Heb 11:1-2,8-19 / Lk 12:32-48

Wisdom 18:6-9
That night had been foretold to our ancestors, and knowing in what promise they trusted, they could rejoice in all surety. Your people waited for both the salvation of the just and the downfall of their enemies, for the very punishment of our enemies brought glory to the people you have called—that is, to us. The holy race secretly offered the Passover sacrifice and really agreed on this worthy pact: that they would share alike both blessings and dangers. And forthwith they began to sing the hymns of their fathers.

Hebrews 11:1-2,8-19
Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see. Because of their faith our ancestors were approved. It was by faith that Abraham, called by God, set out for a country that would be given to him as an inheritance; for he parted without knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as a stranger in that promised land. There he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, beneficiaries of the same promise. Indeed, he looked forward to that city of solid foundation of which God is the architect and builder. By faith Sarah herself received power to become a mother, in spite of her advanced age; since she believed that he who had made the promise would be faithful. Therefore, from an almost impotent man were born descendants as numerous as the stars of heavens, as many as the grains of sand on the seashore. Death found all these people strong in their faith. They had not received what was promised, but they had looked ahead and had rejoiced in it from afar, saying that they were foreigners and travelers on earth. Those who speak in this way prove that they are looking for their own country. For if they had longed for the land they had left, it would have been easy for them to return, but no, they aspired to a better city, that is, a supernatural one; so God, who prepared the city for them is not ashamed of being called their God. By faith Abraham went to offer Isaac when God tested him. And so he who had received the promise of God offered his only son although God had told him: Isaac's descendants will bear your name. Abraham reasoned that God is capable even of raising the dead, and he received back his son, which has a figurative meaning.

Luke 12:32-48
Do not be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms. Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, and an inexhaustible treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Be ready, dressed for service, and keep your lamps lit, like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding. As soon as he comes and knocks, they will open the door to him. Happy are those servants whom the master finds wide-awake when he comes. Truly, I tell you, he will put on an apron, and have them sit at table, and he will wait on them. Happy are those servants, if he finds them awake when he comes at midnight or daybreak! Pay attention to this: If the master of the house had known at what time the thief would come, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." Peter said, "Lord, did you tell this parable only for us, or for everyone?" And the Lord replied, "Imagine, then, the wise and faithful steward, whom the master sets over his other servants to give them wheat at the proper time. Fortunate is this servant if his master, on coming home, finds him doing his work. Truly, I say to you, the master will put him in charge of all his property. But it may be that the steward thinks, `My Lord delays in coming,' and he begins to abuse the male servants and the servant girls, eating and drinking and getting drunk. Then the master will come on a day he does not expect, and at an hour he doesn't know. He will cut him off, and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful. The servant who knew his master's will, but did not prepare and do what his master wanted, will be soundly beaten; but the one who does unconsciously what deserves punishment, shall receive fewer blows. Much will be required of the one who has been given much, and more will be asked of the one who has been entrusted with more.

REFLECTION
In today's gospel, Jesus Christ has a band of apostles whom he cared for. He knows that he cannot be with them forever. He has to leave them. But how can he leave them if they will not be able to understand him. He has taught them using parables to deliver his message. Jesus wants them to be responsible for their actions. He instills in their minds to do good, especially in caring for each other and to know what is important in life. He sends his disciples in pairs to care for each other. He tells them to say peace to whatever house they enter, to eat what is offered, and be gracious to the people they meet. Jesus always has good words to his disciples. But he is also hard on them when they are stubborn. When they are sent on a mission, they have to be wise like serpents and kind like doves.

The words of Jesus bore fruits in the mind and hearts of his disciples. After his resurrection, the apostles continued his work. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they were able to convert their fellow Jews and Gentiles to accept Jesus as the Messiah. They formed a community and shared with one another whatever they had. They sold whatever they could sell and lived in common. Jesus even prepared them for his return by being watchful like a servant. "Be on guard therefore. The Son of Man will come when you least expect him."

Today as we reflect on the words of Jesus, let us be more aware of our actions especially in caring for one another. Let us set our priorities that we will not be tempted by the glitter of this world. Are our treasures still the treasures of the world? When the Lord comes, are we ready to make an accounting of the deeds we have done? How much love did we give? Have we forgiven the people who wronged us? Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, when we pray, when we attend masses, and most especially when we receive the Eucharist. At the end, we can say we have done our share. We want to be with Jesus.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Joy Droke
- Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, and Fleur Torres
… for the personal intentions of Netta, Jo, Luella, Bill, Denise, Debbie, Mary Ann M, Eugene R, Vita, Herb, Benny, Randy, Mary Ann R, Fr Larry & G
… for the eternal repose of the soul of Maricar Laquian Santos. 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: Enrique G. Cunanan
- Prayer Intention: Tomas Que & Family
… 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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