DAILY- HOMILY

FEBRUARY 6, 2013
MEMORIAL, SAINTS PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS
WEDNESDAY 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR I

Heb 12:4-7,11-15 / Ps 103: 1-2. 13-14. 17-18a / Mk 6:1-6

HEBREWS 12:4-7,11-15
Have you already shed your blood in the struggle against sin? Do not forget the comforting words that Wisdom addresses to you as children: My son, pay attention when the Lord corrects you and do not be discouraged when he punishes you. For the Lord corrects those he loves and chastises everyone he accepts as a son. What you endure is in order to correct you. God treats you like sons and what son is not corrected by his father? All correction is painful at the moment, rather than pleasant; later it brings the fruit of peace, that is, holiness to those who have been trained by it. Lift up, then, your drooping hands, and strengthen your trembling knees; make level the ways for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but healed. Strive for peace with all and strive to be holy, for without holiness no one will see the Lord. See that no one falls from the grace of God, lest a bitter plant spring up and its poison corrupt many among you.

MARK 6:1-6
Leaving that place, Jesus returned to his own country, and his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and most of those who heard him were astonished. But they said, "How did this come to him? What kind of wisdom has been given to him, that he also performs such miracles? Who is he but the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? His sisters, too, are they not here among us?" So they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, "Prophets are despised only in their own country, among their relatives, and in their own family." And he could work no miracles there, but only healed a few sick people, by laying his hands on them. Jesus himself was astounded at their unbelief.

REFLECTION
Who among us likes suffering and punishment? None, I presume. In the first reading, we hear, "The Lord trains the ones He loves and punishes the ones He acknowledges as His sons." A saint who was being tried by God with many hardships once said, "Lord, if this is how you treat your friends, I wonder how many friends you still have left." It is true that God can sometimes be exacting and hard on us, but didn't He allow His only Son to die on the cross for us? A true disciple of Jesus knows that sufferings are necessary to test one's faith and love for God. It is also true we are often not able to cope, but God in His mercy will raise us up from our failures and give us renewed strength and courage to face our sufferings. We have not had to suffer till the point of dying for our sins (cf. He 12: 4) so let us stand up to do battle with the enemy using the weapons of light – prayer, faith in God, zeal to announce the gospel and a deep and intimate love for Jesus. The corrections and sufferings we have are meant to make us more holy, more humble. Also, trials and temptations keep our faith from becoming lukewarm.

Brothers and sisters, let our love for Jesus and Mary spur us on. Let us welcome daily trials and challenges as God's love for us and for the people for whom we suffer. Let us walk the hard and narrow path to reach the heavenly Jerusalem. This is what St. Paul Miki and his companions did. They willingly suffered and died for Christ who brought them immediately to his heavenly kingdom.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Agustina Fallaria
- Raymond Kahn
- Ivan Banaag
- Mon Torres
- Fleur Torres
- Paz
… for the personal intentions of
- Emma Quicho
- Maria Joshell
- Josheil Dapo
- Gloria Dorsey
… In Thanksgiving: Carlos and Emma Quicho and family
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Edna D. Fundan
- Gaspar C. Guevara
- Primitivo Atillano
- John Lino Centino
- Jovita Sy
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: Millet R. Mascarinas
- Birthday: Bayani R. Reyes
- Birthday: Victoria Nañagas & Gabriel Carino
- In Memoriam (+): Francis B. Ang (Jul 1, 1927 - Feb 6, 2005)
- In Memoriam (+): Luis Roleda
… 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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