DAILY- HOMILY

March 29, 2014
Saturday Third Week of Lent 

Hos 6: 1-6 / Ps 51: 3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab / Lk 18: 9-14

Reading: Hos 6: 1-6   
Come, let us return to Yahweh. He who shattered us to pieces, will heal us as well; he has struck us down, but he will bind up our wounds. Two days later he will bring us back to life; on the third day, he will raise us up, and we shall live in his presence. Let us strive to know Yahweh. His coming is as certain as the dawn; O Ephraim, what shall I do with you? O Judah, how shall I deal with you? This love of yours is like morning mist, like morning dew that quickly disappears. This is why I smote you through the prophets, and have slain you by the words of my mouth. his judgment will burst forth like the light; he will come to us as showers come, like spring rain that waters the earth. For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice; it is knowledge of God, not burnt offerings.   

Gospel: Lk 18: 9-14
Jesus told another parable to some persons fully convinced of their own righteousness, who looked down on others, Two men went up to the Temple to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and said: 'I thank you, God, that I am not like other people, grasping, crooked, adulterous, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give the tenth of all my income to the Temple.' In the meantime the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying: 'O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.' I tell you, when this man went down to his house, he had been set right with God, but not the other. For whoever makes himself out to be great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be raised."

Reflection:
After reading this parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, we ask ourselves: what is the content of our heart's prayer?  The meek and humble tax collector acknowledges our Lord as the Almighty Being who offers forgiveness. He recognizes his faults and repents for them. The self-righteous Pharisee on the other hand believes that he has done nothing wrong and although he does thank the Lord, he becomes judgmental to the point of being proud in comparing himself with others. Humility is a difficult virtue to acquire. Most of us have a hard time exacting humility, especially in times when we become great and successful in overcoming things in our life. Pride destroys us and makes us weaker in due time. Rather than put our trust in our Lord, we put our trust in our abilities. Learning to be humble will be one step in having us get closer to God. One who has a humbled heart is called by our Lord to be with him.  

Prayer Requests:
We pray ...
... for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
... for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
... for families who are in need of healing.
... for world peace and reconciliation.
... for personal intentions
     * Zeny Balatbat
     * Alberto B. Cabrera

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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