DAILY- HOMILY

October 25, 2014

Saturday 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Eph 4: 7-16/ Ps 122: 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 / Lk 13: 1-9 

Reading: Eph 4: 7-16

But to each of us divine grace is given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said: When he ascended to the heights, he brought captives and gave his gifts to people. He ascended, what does it mean but that he had also descended to the lower parts of the world? He himself who went down, then ascended far above all the heavens to fill all things. As for his gifts, to some he gave to be apostles, to others prophets, or even evangelists, or pastors and teachers. So he prepared those who belong to him for the ministry, in order to build up the Body of Christ, until we are all united in the same faith and knowledge of the Son of God. Thus we shall become the perfect Man, upon reaching maturity and sharing the fullness of Christ. Then no longer shall we be like children tossed about by any wave or wind of doctrine, and deceived by the cunning of people who drag them along into error. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we shall grow in every way towards him who is the head, Christ. From him comes the growth of the whole body to which a network of joints gives order and cohesion, taking into account and making use of the function of each one. So the body builds itself in love.

Gospel: Luke 13: 1-9 

One day some persons told Jesus what had occurred in the Temple: Pilate had Galileans killed and their blood mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus replied, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this? I tell you: no. But unless you change your ways, you will all perish as they did. And those eighteen persons in Siloah who were crushed when the tower fell, do you think they were more guilty than all the others in Jerusalem? I tell you: no. But unless you change your ways, you will all perish as they did." And Jesus continued with this story, "A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none. Then he said to the gardener: 'Look here, for three years now I have been looking for figs on this tree and I have found none. Cut it down, why should it use up the ground?' The gardener replied: 'Leave it one more year, so that I may dig around it and add some fertilizer; and perhaps it will bear fruit from now on. But if it doesn't, you can cut it down."

Reflection:

     The barren fig tree can be likened to sinful individuals who do not bear fruits of the

Spirit.  Their lives are not aligned with God; therefore they do not exhibit righteousness, holiness or the grace that comes from following Him.  

     Today's parable depicts God's mercy and patience, since the fig tree was spared, but it also comes with a warning that we are living on borrowed time.  While God gives us sufficient time to turn away from our sinful habits and relationships, we will all eventually be judged and purified.  There is no better time than now, to get right with Him.  Throughout the gospels we are reminded that we should always be ready, because we know not the hour of the Master's return.

     May the Holy Spirit fill you with the desire to repent and reconcile yourself to Jesus.  You may not feel strong enough to break the chains of whatever sin may be binding you, but through daily prayer and the sacraments, your soul will be nourished and strengthen against sin and temptation.

     Soul of Christ, sanctify me

     Body of Christ, save me

     Water from the side of Christ, wash me 

     Passion of Christ, give me strength

     Hear me Jesus

     Hide me in thy wounds, that I may never leave thy side

     From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me 

     And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to thee

     That I may praise thee with thy saints forever

                         Anima Christi, Bukas Palad

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

     * Karen Tuala and Lisette Mandocdoc who will take the bar exams on the four (4) consecutive weekends of October

     * Elmer and Liza who will take their exams on October 25, 26, 28

... for the repose of the soul of Jess Aragon

... for Lawrence - courage and guidance to overcome the trials of his life

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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