DAILY- HOMILY

December 12, 2013

Thursday 2^nd Week of Advent - Year I

Memorial, Our Lady of Guadalupe

Is 41:13-20 / Ps 145:1, 9-13 / Mt 11:11-15

Isaiah 41:13-20

For I, Yahweh, your God, take hold of your right hand and say to you: "Fear not, I am your assistance." Fear not, Jacob, poor worm, and you, people of Israel, so frail. I am your redeemer, says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, your helper. I will make you a thresher, new and with sharp double teeth: you will thresh hills and mountains, crushing them and reducing them to chaff. You will winnow them, the wind will carry them off and the storm will scatter them. But you will rejoice in Yahweh and glory in the Holy One of Israel. The poor and the afflicted seek water, and find none. Their tongues are parched with thirst. But I, Yahweh, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open up streams over the barren heights and let the rivers flow through all the valleys; I will turn the desert into lakes and brooks and the thirsty earth into a land of springs. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle and the olive; I will plant in the wasteland fir, cypress and pine—that all may see and know, consider and understand, that the hand of Yahweh has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Matthew 11:11-15

I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has come forward from among the sons of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven is something to be conquered, and violent men seize it. Up to the time of John, there was only prophesy: all the prophets and the Law. And if you believe me, John is that Elijah, whose coming was predicted. Let anyone with ears listen!

Reflection

In this Gospel, Jesus presents us with the message of John the Baptist. The people revered him and accepted his teaching, freely receiving his baptism of repentance. Those who knew the Jewish law and unkindly imposed it on the poor would be found wanting. But those who listened to John the Baptist's teaching about repentance, love, and forgiveness would reap the benefits of this practice. Jesus invites those who have ears to listen to John's message, which is to pave the way in our hearts for Jesus' coming.

This Advent, let us pray for the grace to fully accept the teaching of John the Baptist, to prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts, making room for Jesus when he is born to us anew this Christmas.

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

… for the personal intentions of

Pauline

Beny Chua

Joshua Chua

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

Wedding Anniversary: Al & Cita Conception

Wedding Anniversary: James & Julie Marantan

In Memoriam (+): Benito Yap So

… 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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