DAILY- HOMILY

October 4, 2014

Saturday 26th Week in Ordinary Time

[Memorial, St. Francis of Assisi]

Jb 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17 / Ps 119: 66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130 / Lk 10: 17-24 

Reading: Jb 42: 1-3, 5-6, 12-17

This was the answer Job gave to Yahweh: I know that you are all powerful; no plan of yours can be thwarted. I spoke of things I did not understand, too wonderful for me to know. My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I retract all I have said, and in dust and ashes I repent. The end of Job's poem Yahweh blessed Job's latter days much more than his earlier ones. He came to own fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-donkeys. He was also blessed with seven sons and three daughters. The first daughter he named Dove, the second Cinnamon, and the third Bottle of Perfume. Nowhere in the land was there found any woman who could compare in beauty with Job's daughters. Their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers. Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. He died old and full of years.

Gospel: Luke 10: 17-24

The seventy-two disciples returned full of joy. They said, "Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we called on your name." Then Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. You see, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the Enemy, so that nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, don't rejoice because the evil spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven." At that time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and made them known to the little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. I have been given all things by my Father, so that no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and he to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said to them privately, "Fortunate are you to see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings would have liked to see what you see but did not, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

Reflection:

     In today's gospel, Jesus tells us not to rejoice in our own success.  He points out that true joy should stem from knowing we are children of God.  He reminds us that our "names are written in Heaven!"

     While the Lord is certainly not against accomplishments or victories; the reading for today serves as a warning against pride, which often turns us into self-centered individuals. When we put so much faith in ourselves, believing we can achieve anything because of our own talents and abilities, we often cease seeking the Lord, and forget that everything stems from Him, and should end with Him.  Nothing should give us greater joy than the knowledge that we are God's beloved. 

     Pray to the Lord for humility, and the child-like joy of knowing your name is written on the palm of our Heavenly Father's hand. 

          Lord, let me have too deep a sense of humor ever to be proud. 

          Let me know my absurdity before I act absurdly. 

          Let me realize that when I am humble 

          I am most human, most truthful, and most worthy 

          of your serious consideration. Amen.                          

                       -Daniel A. Lord, SJ

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 as they prepare and take their exams:

     * Dennis Puno who takes the Mechanical Engineering Board Exams on October 3 - 4, 2014

     * Karen Tuala who takes the bar exams on the coming 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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