DAILY- HOMILY

November 21, 2013

Thursday 33rd Week in Ordinary Time - Year I

Memorial, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1 Mac 2:15-29 / Ps 50: 1b-2. 5-6. 14-15 / Lk 19:41-44

1 Macabees 2:15-29

In the meantime, the king's representatives, who were forcing the Jews to give up their religion came to Modein to organize a sacred gathering. While many Israelites went to them, Mattathias and his sons drew apart. The representatives of the king addressed Mattathias, and said to him: "You are one of the leaders of this city, an important and well known man, and your many children and relatives follow you. Come now and be the first to fulfill the king's order, as the men of Judah have already done, and the survivors in Jerusalem as well. You and your sons will be named Friends of the King and the king will send you gold, silver and many other gifts." But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: "Even if all the nations included in the kingdom should abandon the religion of their ancestors and submit to the order of king Antiochus, I, my sons and my family will remain faithful to the Covenant of our ancestors. May God preserve us from abandoning the Law and its precepts. We will not obey the orders of the king nor turn aside from our religion either to the right or to the left." When he finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of everyone to offer incense on the altar that was built in Modein according to the king's decree. When Mattathias saw him, he was fired with zeal, his heart was stirred, and giving vent to his righteous anger, he threw himself on the Jew and cut the man's throat on the altar. At the same time, he killed the king's representative who was forcing the people to offer sacrifice, and then tore down the altar. In doing this he showed his zeal for the Law, as Phinehas had done with Zimri, son of Salu. Mattathias then began to pro- claim loudly in the city: "Everyone who is zealous for the Law and sup- ports the Covenant, come out and follow me!" Immediately he and his sons fled to the mountains and left behind all they had in the city. Many Jews who looked for justice and wanted to be faithful to the Law went into the desert;

Luke 19:41-44

When Jesus had come in sight of the city, he wept over it, and said, "If only today you knew the ways of peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Yet days will come upon you, when your enemies will surround you with barricades, and shut you in, and press on you from every side. And they will dash you to the ground, and your children with you, and not leave stone upon stone within you, for you did not recognize the Time and the visitation of your God."

Reflection

Jesus weeping over Jerusalem is a sight to behold. Didn't he say, 'How often have I longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings and you refused." Matt 23:37. The care, the concern of a heart longing for the love of the other. Are we not this Jerusalem? What have we done to grieve our Lord? Why turn a deaf ear to his summons? What kept us blinded to the truth? Many things are happening around us. Why the grumbling¸ the distortions, the killings even among parents, relatives and children? Indeed, the world is sick!

And yet in his depression¸ our Lord still offers a loving response from his compassionate and loving heart..." not a hair of your head will be lost; your perseverance will win your lives" (Chapter 21: 18-19). Our God is indeed a loving God and his love is unconditional.

Prayer Requests

We pray …

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

…for the speedy recovery and healing of

Lorenzo Meoli

Elsa Supsup

…for the personal intentions of Pauline

…for the eternal repose of the soul of Carmen Raffinan. 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: Cecilia C. Escobar

Birthday: Christine Braganza

Wedding Anniversary: Philip & Louciana Sy

In Memoriam (+): Ong Tee

… 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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