DAILY- HOMILY

November 28, 2013

Thursday 34^th Week in Ordinary Time- Year I

Dn 6:12-28 / Dn 3: 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74 / Lk 21:20-28

Daniel 6:12-28

So they went to the king and reminded him about the prohibition, "O king, did you not publish a decree that anyone who prays or makes petition to any god or man except to you would be thrown into the lions' den?" The king answered, "Yes, and the decree stands, in accordance with Medo-Persian laws which cannot be altered or annulled." Then they said, "But the Jewish exile Daniel pays no attention to you and to your decree. Three times a day he still prays to some god other than you." Greatly aggrieved at what he heard, the king decided to help Daniel. He made every effort till sundown to save him. But the men kept coming to him and insisting, "Remember, O king, that under the Medo-Persian laws every decree or prohibition issued by the king is irrevocable." The king, therefore, could not help giving the order that Daniel be brought and thrown into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve faithfully, save you." A stone was placed at the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with that of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might remain unchanged. Then the king returned to his palace and spent a sleepless night, refusing food and entertainment. Very early next morning, he rose and hurried to the lions' den. As he came near he called in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, did your God whom you serve faithfully save you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "Live forever, O king! My God sent his angel who closed the lions' mouths so that they did not hurt me. God did that because I am innocent in his sight. Neither have I wronged you, O king." The king felt very glad and ordered Daniel released from the lions' den. No wound was found on him for he had trusted in his God. At the king's order, the men who had accused Daniel were thrown into the lions' den, together with their wives and children. No sooner had they reached the floor of the den than the lions lunged at them and tore them to pieces. King Darius wrote to the nations, to peoples of every language, "Peace to you all! I decree that throughout my kingdom people should reverence and fear the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God, and forever he endures; his kingdom will not be crushed, his dominion will never cease. He rescues and he delivers; he performs signs and wonders both in heaven and on earth. And he came to Daniel's rescue saving him from the lions' tooth and claw." Daniel greatly prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Luke 21:20-28

When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that the Time has come when it will be reduced to a wasteland. If you are in Judea, flee to the mountains! If you are in Jerusalem, leave! If you are outside the city, don't enter it! For these will be the days of its punishment, and all that was announced in the Scriptures will be fulfilled. How hard will it be for pregnant women, and for mothers with babies at the breast! For a great calamity will come upon the land, and wrath upon this people. They will be put to death by the sword, or taken as slaves to other nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled upon by the pagans, until the Time of the pagans is fulfilled. Then there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations, perplexed when they hear the roaring of the sea and its waves. People will faint with fear at the mere thought of what is to come upon the world, for the forces of the universe will be shaken. Then, at that Time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. So, when you see things begin to happen, stand erect and lift up your heads, for your deliverance is drawing near."

Reflection

Indeed this gospel speaks of a foreboding danger. There is destruction everywhere - nations in tumult, wars, civil wars, nations fighting against each other. Are these not existing now? And look at nature in its revenge for the misuse of creatures and for lack of good stewardship. It cannot be reversed! So many tsunamis in other countries, earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes, hurricanes. Is this the end? Have we come to the end times?

It is reassuring ... the word of Christ. All will pass away, but his words will never pass away. We are reminded to watch and pray in order to be able to survive all that is going to happen. The time is short, time given to us to respect and take care of Mother Earth and to regain the creation which our hands have destroyed.

Our lives are in your hands, O Lord, protect the works of your hands.

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  

-                  Joy Droke

-                  Renan Lacida, Ramon Domingo, Karren Anne Domingo

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

… for the personal intentions of

-                  Beny Chua

-                  Pauline

In Thanksgiving: Castillo family

In Memoriam:  Soterania Santiago

… for the eternal repose of the souls of

-                  Elsa Supsup

-                  Bong Lacida, Rowena Lacida-Yap, Kaye Factoran, Jennifer Santos, XJ Javier, Jess Garces, Grace Mabunay-Bonggalo, Ernesto Apacible, Luding Grindulo, Gelic Red, Raul Lacida, Nellie Lacida

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.

… 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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