DAILY- HOMILY

October 29, 2013

Tuesday 30^th Week in Ordinary Time - Year I

Rom 8:18-25 / Ps 126: 1b-2ab. 2cd-3. 4-5. 6 / Lk 13:18-21

Romans 8:18-25

I consider that the suffering of our present life cannot be compared with the Glory that will be revealed and given to us. All creation is eagerly expecting the birth in glory of the children of God. For if now the created world was unable to attain its purpose, this did not come from itself, but from the one who subjected it. But it is not without hope; for even the created world will be freed from this fate of death and share the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pangs of birth. Not creation alone, but even our- selves, although the Spirit was given to us as a foretaste of what we are to receive, we groan in our innermost being, eagerly awaiting the day when God will give us full rights and rescue our bodies as well. In hope we already have salvation. But if we saw what we hoped for, there would no longer be hope: how can you hope for what is already seen? So we hope for what we do not see and we will receive it through patient hope.

Luke 13:18-21

Jesus continued speaking, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? Imagine a person who has taken a mustard seed, and planted it in his garden. The seed has grown, and become like a small tree, so that the birds of the air shelter in its branches." And Jesus said again, "What is the kingdom of God like? Imagine a woman who has taken yeast and hidden it in three measures of flour, until it is all leavened."

Reflection

What is the kingdom of Jesus like? Is it somewhere that is hidden? Something small and seemingly insignificant? Reflecting on this gospel, it seems that the kingdom of heaven is something enormous. A place where one can find rest. At first, it seems hidden and in time it becomes big, like the leavened bread. I think this kingdom is seen in the Christian communities. It is in the Church. When the Church was starting, it was composed of an insignificant group of fishermen. It was a community of simple people, persecuted by the Jews and later by the Romans. But their faith in the resurrected Christ could not be destroyed. They were being tortured, crucified, roasted alive, fed to the lions, etc., yet many were attracted to them. The more they tortured them, the more converts joined them. They saw peace and love among the Christians. They believed in eternal life, a life that is over-flowing, thus they had no fear of death for death has been conquered by Jesus Christ's resurrection.

This kingdom of God can be seen here in this earthly life whenever we witness this amazing love of Christians with one another. Even non-Christians who see this love are amazed for it is love that surpasses self. My late dad (a pagan) was looking at the face of Mother Theresa of Calcutta in Time Magazine and told me that he was seeing a beautiful face of a saint, and on that same day, he decided to contribute to her cause to help the poor.

Prayer Requests

We pray …

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

… for the speedy recovery and healing of

Brenda D. Solis and Sister Carmencita

Nick Lucena

Joy Droke

Lorenzo Meoli

… for the personal intentions of

Pauline

Joel(Jay) and Ma. Cecilia(Eya)

… for the eternal repose of the souls of

-               Rex Owen

-               Cynthia Ordona

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: Jun Arevalo

Wedding Anniversary: Rafael & Jeni C. Soon

Presbyterial Ordination: Felipe Santos

In Memoriam (+): Alice Sy Tan (1923-2005)

In Memoriam (+): Charles Lee Go (Nov 25, 1925 - Oct 29,2003)

In Memoriam (+): Corazon S. Aquino

… 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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