DAILY- HOMILY

December 12, 2014

Friday 2nd Week of Advent

[Memorial, Our Lady of Guadalupe]

Zechariah 2:14-17 or Rev 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab / Jdt 13:18bcde, 19 / Luke 1:26-38 or Lk 39-47

Reading: Zechariah 2:14-17

"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for I am about to come, I shall dwell among you," says Yahweh. "On that day, many nations will join Yahweh and be my people, but my dwelling is among you." The people of Judah will be for Yahweh as his portion in his holy land. He will choose Jerusalem again. Keep still in Yahweh's presence, for he comes, having risen from his holy dwelling."    

Gospel: Luke 1: 39-47

Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, "You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord's word would come true!" And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior!"

Reflection:

     To be chosen by God to carry our His plans is a tremendous privilege and responsibility.  There is no prerequisite to being picked, only complete faith in Him. He did not choose an earthly queen or an aristocratic woman to be the vessel of salvation. He chose a humble young virgin who burned with hope and trust in His promises.

     When God chooses someone to do His will, He showers awesome grace and joy on those who say "yes" and put their trust in Him. Mary was full of this grace and joy, which is why Elizabeth and the child in her womb knew at once that the Savior was with her.  She believed and the Lord filled her with the Holy Spirit – a gift to know and experience the presence of God. The Holy Spirit is the way in which God reigns within each of us.

     Do you live in the joy and knowledge of God's presence in you through the Holy Spirit? As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, ask the Holy Spirit to come into your heart that you may feel and experience the presence of God in your life today.

     'Come Holy Spirit, I need you. Come, Holy Spirit, I pray. Come with your strength and your power. Come in your own special way.' 

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 the birthday intentions of Susan Yambao

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

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  Distributed free and for personal use only.  

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