DAILY- HOMILY

October 7, 2014

Tuesday 27th Week in Ordinary Time

Our Lady Of The Rosary  

Gal 1: 13-24 / Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 / Lk 10: 38-42    

Reading: Gal 1: 13-24   

You have heard of my previous activity in the Jewish community; I furiously persecuted the Church of God and tried to destroy it. For I was more devoted to the Jewish religion than many fellow Jews of my age, and I defended the traditions of my ancestors more fanatically. But one day God called me out of his great love, he who had chosen me from my mother's womb; and he was pleased to reveal in me his Son, that I might make him known among the pagan nations. Then I did not seek human advice nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me. I immediately went to Arabia, and from there I returned again to Damascus. Later, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to meet Cephas, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. But I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord's brother. On writing this to you, I affirm before God that I am not lying. After that I went to Syria and Cilicia. The churches of Christ in Judea did not know me personally; they had only heard of me: "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he tried to uproot." And they praised God because of me.

Gospel: Luke 10: 38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he entered a village and a woman called Martha welcomed him to her house. She had a sister named Mary who sat down at the Lord's feet to listen to his words. Martha, meanwhile, was busy with all the serving and finally she said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the serving?" But the Lord answered, "Martha, Martha, you worry and are troubled about many things, whereas only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her."

Reflection:

     Martha and Mary were sisters whom Jesus visited at Bethany. They both loved Jesus but they showed their respect and love for him in different ways.  Martha made herself busy, making preparations in the kitchen for Jesus' arrival. Mary, on the other hand, simply sat and listened to Jesus. When Martha asked Jesus to tell her sister Mary to help her around the house, Jesus simply told her not to worry about too many things whereas only one thing is needed. "Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her."  

     In our daily lives, we tend to have Martha's mindset:  we are so busy and we look to God and ask Him to send some signs that he is acting in our lives. We are so involved with our work, organizations, causes and involvements that we believe that these should be enough to please God. We seek recognition from God, our families, spouses, loved ones and friends that the things we do are important. But Jesus does not need us to move busily from one involvement to another, seeking to please Him and our loved ones at all times.  In fact, Jesus said that Mary, unlike Martha, had it right all along. Sometimes the one thing we need to do the most is to be still and to listen to Him. We need to free ourselves from the voices that move our daily lives, and to contemplate God's love for us in all that we do.       

     It is appropriate that this gospel guides us as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Mother Mary also listened and accepted the events in her life and kept them in her heart. She was humble to do God's will. She did not seek to please God through accolades or achievements. She simply said "yes" to the plan of God in her 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 especially in war-torn areas

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

     * Karen Tuala who takes 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!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following: 

  +================================================+

   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |            http://www.marythequeen.org

   |  Distributed free and for personal use only.  

  +================================================+