DAILY- HOMILY

AUGUST 22, 2013
MEMORIAL, QUEENSHIP OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
THURSDAY 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

Is 9:1-6 / Ps 40: 5. 7-8a. 8b-9. 10 / Lk 1:26-38

READINGS
Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. A light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death. You have enlarged the nation; you have increased their joy. They rejoice before you, as people rejoice at harvest time as they rejoice in dividing the spoil. For the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken it as on the day of Midian. Every warrior's boot that tramped in war, every cloak rolled in blood, will be thrown out for burning, will serve as fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder, and his name is proclaimed: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." To the increase of his powerful rule in peace, there will be no end. Vast will be his dominion, he will reign on David's throne and over all his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forever. The zealous love of Yahweh Sabaoth will do this.

Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a young virgin, who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, "Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you." Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean. But the angel said, "Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great, and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his reign shall have no end." Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born of you shall be called Son of God. Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child; and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible." Then Mary said, "I am the hand- maid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said." And the angel left her.

REFLECTION
Mary is the first disciple. In St. Ignatius' "Call of the Kingdom," Jesus asks his would-be followers to follow him in suffering, and so follow him in glory. This is precisely what Mary did in her life. Her status as a woman in Jewish society was low, but she allowed the Spirit to lead her, beginning at the Annunciation, and her whole life unfolded as a series of unfathomable events.

She gives birth in a stable, becomes a refugee when Herod goes after her infant son, is puzzled at Simeon's words in the temple and Jesus' own words after he is found there; she journeys with her son despite not understanding everything, and she ends up at the foot of the cross. This is not about having trials in life. It is a lifetime of trials; yet Mary remained steadfast in the hope that God's promise to her would be fulfilled.

So when Jesus is raised from the dead, is it any wonder that he appears to his mother so that she can also share in his glory, she who has shared so much of his suffering? This is the meaning of Mary's queenship. She is our model of discipleship and hope.

If we follow Jesus in his life, death, and resurrection; if we allow the Spirit to work in us; then we shall have a share in the glory that God has reserved for those who love him.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of Chief Samrose Anyaugo
… for the personal intentions of
- Dr Ugo Anyaugo, Oge Anyaugo, Barr (Mrs) adaugo Barbara Okoronkwo, Engr. Ifeanyi Matt Anyaugo, Chuba Anyaugo and Ezinne Cordelia Anyaugo
- Beny Chua
- Rosemarie Reyes
- Pauline
… In Thanksgiving for the birthday of Mary Jane Billanes
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Jed Elezier J. Agbo
- Birthday: Aleli Briones
- Birthday: Nicole Elise Yu
… 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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