DAILY- HOMILY

October 20, 2014

Monday 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Eph 2: 1-10 / Ps 100: 1b-2, 3, 4ab, 4c-5 / Lk 12: 13-21 

Reading: Eph 2: 1-10

You were dead through the faults and sins. Once you lived through them according to this world and followed the Sovereign Ruler who reigns between heaven and earth and who goes on working in those who resist the faith. All of us belonged to them at one time and we followed human greed; we obeyed the urges of our human nature and consented to its desires. By ourselves, we went straight to the judgment like the rest of humankind. But God, who is rich in mercy, revealed his immense love. As we were dead through our sins, he gave us life with Christ. By grace you have been saved! And he raised us to life with Christ, giving us a place with him in heaven. In showing us such kindness in Christ Jesus, God willed to reveal and unfold in the coming ages the extraordinary riches of his grace. By the grace of God you have been saved through faith. This has not come from you: it is God's gift. This was not the result of your works, so you are not to feel proud. What we are is God's work. He has created us in Christ Jesus for the good works he has prepared that we should devote ourselves to them.

Gospel: Luke 12: 13-21

Someone in the crowd spoke to Jesus, "Master, tell my brother to share with me the family inheritance." He replied, "My friend, who has appointed me as your judge or your attorney?" Then Jesus said to the people, "Be on your guard and avoid every kind of greed, for even though you have many possessions, it is not that which gives you life." And Jesus continued with this story, "There was a rich man and his land had produced a good harvest. He thought: 'What shall I do? For I am short of room to store my harvest.' So this is what he planned: 'I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones to store all this grain, which is my wealth. Then I may say to myself: My friend, you have a lot of good things put by for many years. Rest, eat, drink and enjoy yourself.' But God said to him: 'You fool! This very night your life will be taken from you; tell me who shall get all you have put aside?' This is the lot of the one who stores up riches instead of amassing for God." 

Reflection:

     One time, I went to the airport to meet a friend who was coming for a visit. He came out with just two small bags, one of which he handed me immediately. This was a gift that was given to him and which he was passing on to me. I asked if he had other luggage. He told me then that he usually travels light as he had only three sets of clothes, few toiletries, his Bible and his prayer book. That struck me! He was living on what is essential for his life and not for what he wants.

     In this Gospel passage, Jesus told his listeners, "Be on your guard and avoid every kind of greed for even though you have many possessions, it is not that which gives you life." How would Jesus talk to us today about our attitude, of greediness that is affecting our world today?  Many put their security in having more and so make themselves slaves to money, material things and power. The riches of our country is in the hands of a few while millions are living in poverty.  And yet, many rich and powerful people still seek to have more.  Is this what gives us life? 

     Jesus is inviting us to let go of material things and live simple lives. But he also invites us to go further-to attend to others especially those who have nothing and who are suffering.  He wants us to share so others will also enjoy the goods of the earth.  He wants us to enjoy what gives life to us and to all.  So let us live on what will lead us to eternal life.

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 wisdom, perseverance and clarity of mind for those who prepare and take their exams:

     * Karen Tuala and Lisette Mandocdoc who will take the bar exams on the four (4) consecutive weekends of October

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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