DAILY- HOMILY

November 18, 2013

Monday 33rd Week in Ordinary Time- Year I

Memorial, Dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

1 Mc 1: 10-15. 41-43. 54-57. 62-63 / Ps 119: 53. 61. 134. 150. 155. 158 / Lk 18: 35-43

1 Macabees 1: 10-15. 41-43. 54-57. 62-63

From their descendants there came a godless offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of king Antiochus, who had been held as hostage in Rome. He became king in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the Greek era (175 B.C.). It was then that some rebels emerged from Israel, who succeeded in winning over many people. They said, "Let us renew contact with the peoples around us for we had endured many misfortunes since we separated from them." This proposal was well-received and some eagerly went to the king. The king authorized them to adopt the customs of the pagan nations. With his permission, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem in the pagan style. And as they wanted to be like the pagans in everything, they made artificial foreskins for themselves and abandoned the Holy Covenant, sinning as they pleased. Antiochus issued a decree to his whole kingdom. All the peoples of his empire had to renounce their particular customs and become one people. All the pagan nations obeyed and respected the king's decree, and even in Israel many accepted the imposed cult. They offered sacrifices to idols and no longer respected the Sabbath. On the fifteenth day of the month of Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, Antiochus erected the "abominable idol of the invaders" on the altar of the temple. Pagan altars were built throughout the whole land of Judea; incense was offered at the doors of their houses and in the squares. There wicked men tore up the books of the Law they found and burned them. They killed anyone they caught in possession of the book of the Covenant and who fulfilled the precepts of the Law, as the royal decree had ordered. But in spite of all this, many Israelites still remained firm and determined not to eat unclean food. They preferred to die rather than to make themselves unclean with those foods (prohibited by the Law) that violated the Holy Covenant.

Luke 18: 35-43

When Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging. As he heard the crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening, and they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. Then he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The people in front scolded him, "Be quiet!" but he cried out all the more, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped, and ordered the blind man to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the man said, "Lord, that I may see!" Jesus said, "Receive your sight, your faith has saved you." At once the blind man was able to see, and he followed Jesus, giving praise to God. And all the people who were there also praised God.

Reflection

In the gospel of Mark, the blind man referred to in today's verse is named Bartimaeus. If only we could all see the Lord the way Bartimaeus did! Despite his physical blindness, he recognized that only Jesus could heal his affliction. He had what some bible scholars refer to as eyes of faith. So strong was his belief about the much talked about Jesus of Nazareth who could restore his vision that he did everything he could to get the Lord's attention. He braved the crowd, and even dared to interrupt Jesus while he was preaching. Bartimaeus knew that Jesus was the answer, and did what he could, to be in the Lord's presence.

All of us are like Bartimaeus in one way or another. We need healing in different areas of our lives. Believe like the blind man did, that Jesus is the only one who can meet our needs. Take some time everyday to rise above the crowd and simply be in His healing presence.

Prayer Requests

We pray …

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

… for the speedy recovery and healing of

Joy Droke

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

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

Birthday: Ehman G. Rioveros

Birthday: Paul Sim, Jr (Jody)

Prayer Intention: Elizabeth G. Pabilona

… 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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