DAILY- HOMILY

March 4, 2014
Tuesday 8th Week in Ordinary Time
[St. Casimir]

1 Pt 1: 10-16 / Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 / Mk 10: 28-31

Reading: 1 Pt 1: 10-16 
This was the salvation for which the prophets so eagerly looked when, in days past, they foretold the favor of God with regard to you. But they could only investigate when the Spirit of Christ present within them pointed out the time and the circumstances of this-the sufferings of Christ and the glories which would follow. It was revealed to them that they were working not for themselves but for you. Thus, in these days, after the Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven, the Gospel's preachers have taught you these mysteries which even the angels long to see. So, then, let your spirit be ready. Be alert, with confident trust in the grace you will receive when Jesus Christ appears. Like obedient children, do not return to your former life given over to ignorance and passions. Imitate the one who called you. As he is holy so you, too, be holy in all your conduct, since Scripture says: Be holy for I am holy.

Gospel:  Mk 10: 28-31
Peter spoke up and said, "We have given up everything to follow you." Jesus answered, "Truly, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time and in the world to come eternal life. Do pay attention: Many who now are first will be last, and the last, first."

Reflection
     In the first reading, St. Peter reminds us to be holy. Our salvation was brought about by the holy acts of our Savior. He gave us many spiritual discourses, performed supernatural miracles and offered his life as atonement for all our sins. This, then, is the reason for us to be holy. We must realize that the spiritual graces that we have received were meant to help us live holy lives. St. Paul in the letter to the Romans says, "The reward of sin is death while the reward of holiness is eternal life." When we sin, we die, but when we do good to others, we live. Though it is not easy to be holy, we must be convinced that the path of holiness leads to eternal life. And our model of holiness is the Lord himself. 
     In the gospel, Jesus tells the apostles the reward of renunciation is eternal life. This gospel may seem to be directed solely to priests, nuns and missionaries. But it could also be applicable to us who decide to live a life according to the gospel, forsaking many pleasures and serving others in our work. There are many lay people such as teachers, doctors, catechists, domestic helpers, laborers, who offer their lives for their families, students, patients, etc. They live simply and their lives are not easy but God will reward them for their selflessness. He will give them inner happiness and bless their endeavors with a good family life and sometimes even financial success. The point is that God rewards his disciples who seek holiness in their lives.
     The gospel ends with Jesus saying, "Many who are first will be last, and the last first."  We know that the apostles to whom Jesus said these words were all martyred (except for St. John) for preaching the gospel. The greatest renunciation a man can do is to renounce one's own life for God. Jesus did this first, and the apostles followed. After them came countless martyrs who died for the faith. 
     How about you? What are you willing to renounce for the Lord's sake?   

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.
     * Renan Lacida
... for personal intentions.
... for thanksgiving
     *  Nelson Billanes on his birthday
... 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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