DAILY- HOMILY

December 30, 2013

Monday 6th day Octave of Christmas - Year I

1 Jn 2:12-17 / Ps 96: 7-8a. 8b-9. 10 / Lk 2:36-40

1 John 2:12-17

My dear children, I write this to you: you have already received the forgiveness of your sins through the Name of Jesus. Fathers, I write this to you: you know him who is from the beginning. Young men, I write this to you: you have overcome the Evil One. My dear children, I write to you because you already know the Father. Fathers, I write to you because you know him who is from the beginning. Young men, I write to you because you are strong and the Word of God lives in you who have indeed overcome the Evil One. Do not love the world or what is in it. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world— the craving of the flesh, the greed of eyes and people boasting of their superiority— all this belongs to the world, not to the Father. The world passes away with all its craving but those who do the will of God remain forever.

Luke 2:36-40

There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After leaving her father's home, she had been seven years with her husband, and since then she had been continually about the Temple, serving God as a widow night and day in fasting and prayer. She was now eighty-four. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to God, and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their town, Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew in stature and strength, and was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.

Reflection

God honors faithfulness. The prophetess Anna epitomizes this through her continuing service at the Temple even if she was in her early 80's. At an age where she could just rest and stay in bed, she still opts to give her time for God. Because of her fidelity, she was ultimately rewarded by seeing the Holy Family. Her long wait to see Our Savior has come to an end. She can now truly find her rest and finally be at peace.

It is admirable that a good number of our senior citizens continue to serve the Church in their own unique way. They are the ones who handle the Mass collections, or they actively lend a hand to the various outreach programs of the Parish. Sometimes they help decorate the altar for special liturgical celebrations or they're just happily keeping the parish grounds neat and tidy. They even willingly give some monetary support for those who need a little assistance. Even if they can be excused to take a break or perhaps enjoy their sunset years travelling to different countries or just staying at home with their loved ones, they generously want to be of service for others.

It is challenging to move about as you get older, but they ignore any health challenges they might have in order to make themselves available for those who might need their help. It's easy to disregard them because their pace may have slowed down a bit. Yet, that doesn't diminish the love and the passion to give their all for God. Who can fault them for wanting to give their time and energy for such worthy causes?

May we all yearn to be that faithful as we grow old ourselves. Let us always be of service to God in whatever way He sees fit. And as we approach our final destination, may we be as fortunate and blessed to be welcomed into the loving arms of the Holy Family.

May we be as passionate as our senior citizens and may we be inspired by their example. When we've put in the time, when we've given so many years for God's greater glory, may we be as fortunate as Anna who was given the chance to see the Holy Family.

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

… for the personal intentions of

-               Pauline

-               Jacob H.

-               Cherie Torres

-               Maricar H. de Guzman

… In Memoriam (+): Rex Owen Lucena

… for the eternal repose of the soul of Cecilia C. Katigbak. 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: Allan N. Garcia

-               Birthday: Rizalito R. Reyes

-               Birthday: Christopher S. Lim

-               Wedding Anniversary: Joseph & Leslie Peralta

-               Prayer Intention: Honorato C. Go

-               In Memoriam (+): Peggy Lim Furukama (Jan 4, 1941 - Dec 30, 2011)

-               In Memoriam (+): Narciso Yu, Sr.

-               In Memoriam (+): Mrs. Luy Tan Ban

… 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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