DAILY- HOMILY

December 6, 2013

Friday 1st Week of Advent - Year I

Memorial, Saint Nicholas, bishop

Is 29:17-24 / Ps 27: 1. 4. 13-14 / Mt 9:27-31

Isaiah 29:17-24

In a very short time, Lebanon will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field will be as a forest. On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see. The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the scoffers gone forever, and all who plan to do evil will be cut down—those who by a word make you guilty, those who for a bribe can lay a snare and send home the just empty-handed. Therefore Yahweh, Abraham's redeemer, speaks concerning the people of Jacob: No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will his face grow pale. When he sees the work of my hands, his children again in his midst, they will sanctify my name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit will understand; those who murmur will learn.

Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed him, shouting, "Son of David, help us!" When he was about to enter the house, the blind men caught up with him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?" They answered, "Yes, sir!" Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "As you have believed, so let it be." And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, "Be careful that no one knows about this." But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.

Reflection

In the gospel today, we find Jesus healing two blind men. When we reflect on this, there are at least two images that come to mind.

The first is the image of the two blind men. Fumbling, unsure, desperate, in a hurry to catch up with Jesus. At the same time, determined and hopeful that Jesus would stop for them. How did they know that Jesus was near? They must have felt Jesus was walking in front of them and so they desperately tried to catch up with him and called out loud for help. One senses the overwhelming feeling about them, that beneath their seemingly helpless lot was their hope and trust in Jesus to heal.

The second image is that of our Lord taking time to stop and listen to them. He knew what was in their hearts and asked them if they believed he could do what they asked from him. Jesus looked at them with love, and moved with compassion, he healed them. They believed, and he made them whole.

Many times in our own lives, we find ourselves in situations similar to that of the two blind men – in darkness, despair and uncertainty. But, like the two blind men, we are invited to trust and hope in Jesus. To call out to him unceasingly because he wants to take us out of our darkness, comfort us in our difficulties and pain. He looks to us with love and compassion and wants to make us whole.

My Lord, grant me the grace to trust and hope in you whatever the circumstance of my life. Keep me close to your heart and grant me the grace to be faithful to you. Make me whole Lord and grant me the courage to proclaim your healing love.

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

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

-                  Joy Droke

… for the personal intentions of Beny Chua

… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.

Wedding Anniversary: John & Terry Lo

Wedding Anniversary: Chu Arthur & Chu Angela

In Memoriam (+): Miguel Ymaz (Aug 12, 1943 - Dec 6, 2010)

… 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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