DAILY- HOMILY

September 12, 2015 SATURDAY, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

Holy Name of Mary   

Green         

1 Tm 1:15 – 17 / Lk 6:43 - 49 

[Pope Innocent XI added the celebration of the Holy Name of Mary in 1684 to commemorate victory at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. According to the Roman Martyrolody, "The Holy Name of Mary, a day on which the inexpressible love of the Mother of God for her Holy Child is recalled, and the eyes of the faithful are directed to the figure of the Mother of  the Redeemer, for them to invoke with devotion."]

Reading: 1 Tm 1:15 – 17 

     This saying is true and worthy of belief: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. Because of that I was forgiven; Christ Jesus wanted to display his utmost patience so that I might be an example for all who are to believe and obtain eternal life. To the King of ages, the only God who lives beyond every perishable and visible creation—to him be honor and glory forever. Amen!

Gospel:  Lk 6:43 – 49

     No healthy tree bears bad fruit, no poor tree bears good fruit. And each tree is known by the fruit it bears: you don't gather figs from thorns, or grapes from brambles. Similarly the good person draws good things from the good stored in the heart, and an evil person draws evil things from the evil stored in the heart. For the mouth speaks from the fullness of the heart.

     Why do you call me: 'Lord! Lord!' and not do what I say? I will show you what the one who comes to me and listens to my words and acts accordingly, is like. That one is like the builder who dug deep and laid the foundations of his house on rock. The river overflowed and the stream dashed against the house, but could not carry it off because the house had been well built. 

     But the one who listens and does not act, is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The flood burst against it, and the house fell at once: and what a terrible disaster that was!"

Reflection: 

     My family's spiritual journey with our Lord started when we joined the Christian Life Program (CLP) of Couples for Christ (CFC) in 2008. 

     Before joining CFC, I was lived a very secular life: late nights with  officemates, bar-hopping and enjoying life. In 2000, I was diagnosed with a peripheral artery disease. An angiogram procedure showed that all my limbs had poor blood circulation due to inflammation of arteries. With symptoms was progressing. I was also told that the inflammation could go up to my brain and in 2 years time, I could end up in a coma or worse, death at a young age. 

     Due to varied diagnoses and medicsl opinions, I decided not to see my doctor again, leaving everything in the hands of our Lord. By God's grace I am still in good health and have bcontinued to be very active in various parish pastoral and social programs.

     Bad tree that I was, I could have been raising bad fruit through our children because of the way I behaved, but God did not allow that to happen. He has changed me into a better person with very good relationship with him and with my family.

     Our two daughters are doing very well in school. Our family still faces many trials and we know that many more are coming but these cannot overshadow the great love of our Lord. We will always be challenged by decisions we have to make on circumstances we face each day but let this parable of  the tree and its fruits be our reference always. 

     We can be the best fruits for we are connected to the Best Tree ever ! Amen!

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     DAVID M. DELACRUZ

     SUSANA

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     CRISTINA MABASA UYTENGSU

     TIRSO UYTENGSU, JR.

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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