DAILY- HOMILY

November 18, 2014

Tuesday 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

[Dedication of the Churches of Peter and Paul; Memorial, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne]

  

Rv 3: 1-6, 14-22 / Ps 15: 2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5 / Lk 19: 1-10

Reading: Rv 3: 1-6, 14-22

Write this to the angel of the Church in Sardis, "Thus says he who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your worth: you think you live but you are dead. Wake up and strengthen that which is not already dead. For I have found your works to be imperfect in the sight of my God. Remember what you were taught; keep it and change your ways. If you do not repent I will come upon you like a thief at an hour you least expect. Yet, there are some left in Sardis who have not soiled their robes; these will come with me, dressed in white, since they deserve it. The victor will be dressed in white and I will never erase his name from the book of life; instead, I will acknowledge it before my Father and his angels. Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches." Write this to the angel of the Church in Laodicea, "Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation: I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! You are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold so I will spit you out of my mouth. You think you are rich and have piled up so much that you need nothing, but you do not realize that you are wretched and to be pitied, poor, blind and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold that has been tested by fire, so that you may be rich, and white clothes to wear so that your nakedness may not shame you, and ointment for your eyes that you may see. I reprimand and correct all those I love. Be earnest and change your ways. Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my call and open the door, I will come in to you and have supper with you, and you with me. I will let the victor sit with me on my throne just as I was victorious and took my place with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches."

Gospel: Luke 19: 1-10

When Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the city, a man named Zaccheus was there. He was a tax collector and a wealthy man. He wanted to see what Jesus was like, but he was a short man and could not see because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree. From there he would be able to see Jesus who had to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zaccheus, come down quickly for I must stay at your house today." So Zaccheus hurried down and received him joyfully. All the people who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to the house of a sinner as a guest." But Zaccheus spoke to Jesus, "The half of my goods, Lord, I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much." Looking at him Jesus said, "Salvation has come to this house today, for he is also a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost

Reflection:

     Early Christians during the persecutions of the first three centuries A.D. would adorn the tombs of Christian martyrs where they would gather to pray and even to celebrate the Eucharist. Churches are usually erected and dedicated to God although they are often put under the patronage of some saints. Today we commemorate the dedication of the churches of Sts. Peter and Paul. Their churches are built over the places of their martyrdom. Peter, an apostle of Christ, was a simple fisherman. Despite denying Christ three times during the Passion, Jesus made him the Rock on which our Church was founded. He was martyred on Vatican Hill. Paul, on the other hand, before his conversion, was a zealous Christian persecutor. But he was later commissioned to evangelize the Gentiles. He was martyred on the Ostian Way where his church now stands.  We realize that the Christian tradition of honoring a martyr by building a church over the place of his martyrdom is a wonderful tradition because in that place they gave their supreme testimony of faith by shedding their blood.

     In the gospel, Zacchaeus invites Jesus to enter into his house.  Despite the fact that Zacchaeus was a tax collector and hated by the Jews, Jesus pays him a visit.  We know how overjoyed he was that he promised to make restitution for all his past misdeeds. Have you ever invited Jesus to enter your "house," your life, your daily activities, etc.?  Has Jesus ever entered our "house"?  Were not those occasions moments of extreme happiness for you?  Let us always invite Jesus into our lives and dedicate our existence to him who is always loving us and forgiving.

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 the healing of Joy Droke

     * for Jenny 

     * Norma Sy, 

... for world peace and reconciliation

... for the special intentions of Jennette Pe, Beny Chua

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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