DAILY- HOMILY

September 14, 2013

Feast, Triumph of the Holy Cross

Saturday 23^rd Week in Ordinary Time – Year I

1 Tim 1:15-17 / Ps 78: 1bc-2. 34-35. 36-37. 38 / Lk 6:43-49

1 Timothy 1:15-17

This saying is true and worthy of belief: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. Because of that I was for- given; Christ Jesus wanted to display his utmost patience so that I might be an example for all who are to believe and obtain eternal life. To the King of ages, the only God who lives beyond every perishable and visible creation—to him be honor and glory forever. Amen!

Luke 6:43-49

No healthy tree bears bad fruit, no poor tree bears good fruit. And each tree is known by the fruit it bears: you don't gather figs from thorns, or grapes from brambles. Similarly the good person draws good things from the good stored in his heart, and an evil person draws evil things from the evil stored in his heart. For the mouth speaks from the fullness of the heart. Why do you call me 'Lord! Lord!' and do not do what I say? I will show you what the one is like, who comes to me, and listens to my words, and acts accordingly. That person is like the builder who dug deep, and laid the foundations of his house on rock. The river overflowed, and the stream dashed against the house, but could not carry it off because the house had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act, is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The flood burst against it, and the house fell at once: and what a terrible disaster that was!"

Reflection

Our gospel is part of our Lord's discourse in the "Sermon on the Plain." Therefore, it serves as a background to our reading today. Our Lord wanted his hearers (us now) to really look deep into their (our) hearts to see what really has the central place in their (our) lives. In similar manner, in the fifth chapter of his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul wrote, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc." He contrasted these personal traits with other less desirable traits or vices which he attributed to the flesh in the preceding verses. What is there in all these readings as well as in the parable of the wise builder? If we pay attention to Paul, then we can see that it is the Holy Spirit and His power that enables the "tree" to be healthy and bear good fruit. Likewise, it is wisdom, a gift of the Holy Spirit, that guides the builder to lay a deep foundation for his house, thus allowing it to withstand the raging floods. The Holy Spirit is the creative power of God that enables us to live according to His plans for us. However this same power of our loving God will work in us only if we allow Him to enter into our lives. So we ask ourselves: Are there any things in us which prevent the Holy Spirit from acting in our lives? Even if there are, we can still be consoled by the story of St. Paul. The triumph of the Cross enabled Paul to be transformed to become a disciple of Christ, despite his past attitude towards the Church. Will we allow the Holy Spirit entry into our lives?

Prayer Requests

We pray …

…for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.

… for the speedy recovery and healing of

Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, and Fleur Torres

Deacon Nick Vietri, Annette Sturhmans

… for the eternal repose of the souls of Dindo Quilona. 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: Alexis Christian Erno V. Manzano

Birthday: Vanessa Nañagas

Birthday: Kevin Patrick Ching Syling

Birthday: Cherry Onglatco

Birthday: Harold Douglas Uy

Wedding Anniversary: Ophelia & Ben Adapon

Wedding Anniversary: Eric & Eunice Yu Ampil

Wedding Anniversary: Estella & David Soon Eng Sin

In Memoriam (+): Edison Co Yu (Mar 4, 1952 - Sep 14, 1993)

In Memoriam (+): David Y. Tan (Nov 9, 1951 - Sept 14, 1981)

… 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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