DAILY- HOMILY

January 17, 2015 SATURDAY, 1st Week in Ordinary Time

St. Anthony, Abbot (Memorial)

White

Heb 4: 12–16 / Mk 2: 13-17

[Called the Patriach of Monks, St. Anthony (251–356) retired to the desert at the age of 18; he was the first to establish rules for a community of monks.]

Reading: Heb 4: 12–16

     For the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart. All creation is transparent to Him; everything is uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we render account.

     We have a great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God, who has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess. Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sinning. Let us, then, with confidence approach the throne of grace; we will obtain mercy and, through his favor, help in due time.

Gospel: MK 2: 13-17

     When Jesus went out again beside the lake, a crowd came to him and he taught them. As he walked along, he saw a tax collector sitting in his office. This was Levi, the son of Alpheus. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And Levi got up and followed him.

     And it so happened that while Jesus was eating in Levi's house, tax collectors and sinners were sitting with him and his disciples for there were indeed many of them. But there were also teachers of the Law of the Pharisees' party, among those who followed Jesus, and when they saw him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, "Why! He eats with tax collectors and sinners!"

     Jesus heard them and answered, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Reflection:

     God knows us much more than we know ourselves. He knows what is good and what is not for all of us. In short, He knows best. Jesus understands the deepest longings and pains of being human. Being "God with us", he can sympathize with the whole of humanity.

     The purpose of Jesus' statement: "follow me" is a call to all of us who care to listen and acknowledge our need to be healed of our spiritual sicknesses and respond as a follower.

     However, being a follower of Jesus is not easy. We can see from the call of Levi (Matthew), that he left his lucrative trade as a tax collector and collaborator of the oppressors because he had found more meaning to life than the accumulation of wealth, power, special privileges and the luxurious lifestyle. This noble calling is a participation and new found collaboration with the plan of God to save mankind through Jesus Christ from the clutches of sin and death.

     Jesus stands before us knowing our sinfulness and shame, shielding us from

criticisms and persecution. He gives us the confidence and courage to follow him in his mission through the obstacles of life no matter how difficult and costly, and the Holy Spirit gives us the life of being in communion. He awaits our response. Have you considered lately becoming a follower – a true follower?

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     ESTER REYES TAGUD

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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   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

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