DAILY- HOMILY

February 8, 2014 

Saturday 4th Week in Ordinary Time

1 Kgs 3: 4-13 / Ps 119: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14/ Mk 6: 30-34 

[St. Jerome Emiliani; St. Josephine Bakhita]

Reading: 1 Kgs 3: 4-13

The king used to sacrifice at Gibeon, the great high place; on the altar there he had offered a thousand burnt offerings. It was in Gibeon, during the night, that Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask what you want me to give you." Solomon answered, "You have shown your servant David my father a great and steadfast love because he served you faithfully and was righteous and sincere towards you. You have given him proof of your steadfast love in making a son of his sit on his throne this day. And now, O Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a young boy who does not know how to undertake anything. Meantime, your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen - a people so great that they can neither be numbered nor counted. Give me, therefore, an understanding mind in governing your people that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this multitude of people of yours?" Yahweh was pleased that Solomon had made this request. And he told him, "Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies; indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request. I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have. "I will also give you what you have not asked for, both wealth and fame; and no king shall be your equal during your lifetime.

Gospel: Mk 6: 30-34

The apostles returned and reported to Jesus all they had done and taught. Then he said to them, "Go off by yourselves to a remote place and have some rest." For there were so many people coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a secluded area by themselves. But people saw them leaving and many could guess where they were going. So, from all the towns they hurried there on foot, arriving ahead of them. As Jesus went ashore he saw a large crowd, and he had compassion on them for they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began a long teaching session with them.

Reflection:

Jesus is our shepherd and we are his sheep. If we want to be fed, if we need to have someone to take care of all our needs - we must follow him in order to survive. Without him, we will all be lost souls idolizing material things and false gods, finding ourselves in some dark desolate place.  He fed thousands with mere loaves of bread and some fish. He heals without the advantages of modern medicine and he loves you without asking anything in return (maybe just to have a little faith in him, but he doesn't impose that prerequisite). We must all follow him in order to find our way to heaven because with him, we will hopefully find paradise in our midst. This meaningful relationship can continuously be renewed, refreshed, and rediscovered by our daily prayer reflections. We need to find that quiet sacred space to be with our Shepherd so we can easily recognize his voice.  If we neglect to spend some time with Jesus, like any forgotten friendship, our contact with him might be diminished. But, he patiently waits for us to come home and return to his fold. He always looks upon us with such loving concern.  He only wants us to feel his reassuring presence in our lives. He desires for us to experience the immense love God the Father has for all of us. We are his children and he doesn't want to lose anyone to the depths of depression and despair.  We must continue to acknowledge Jesus as our Shepherd. Once we really truly believe this for ourselves, and when we pray to him and constantly keep in touch with his grace, through this real faith, we shall never find ourselves wanting.

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

     * Louie Relatado

... for special intentions

     * Almabelle A. Abapo

... for thanksgiving

     * Josephine Cebey Droke, Ma. Nenita A. Jumao-as

... 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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