DAILY- HOMILY

October 6, 2015 TUESDAY, 27th Week in Ordinary Time

St. Bruno, Priest         

Green   

Jon 3:1-10 / Lk 10:38-42

Reading: Jon 3:1-10   

     The word of Yahweh came to Jonah a second time: "Go to Nineveh, the great city, and announce to them the message I give you."

     In obedience to the word of Yahweh, Jonah went to Nineveh. It was a very large city, and it took three days just to cross it. So Jonah walked a single day's journey and began proclaiming, "Forty days more and Nineveh will be destroyed."

     The people of the city believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

     Upon hearing the news, the king of Nineveh got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, put on sackcloth and sat down in ashes. He issued a proclamation throughout Nineveh:

     "By the decree of the king and his nobles, no people or beasts, herd or flock, will taste anything; neither will they eat nor drink. But let people and beasts be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call aloud to God, turn from his evil ways and violence. Who knows? God may yet relent, turn from his fierce anger and spare us."

     When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened upon them. 

Gospel: Lk 10:38 - 42

     As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Reflection:

     In today's Gospel we see two types of Christians, Martha who seeks to please the Lord through her work and action; and Mary who chooses to honor Christ by sitting at his feet and putting him before everything else. Is an active type of service less noble than one who sits quietly listening to what our Lord has to say?

     There has been much discussion about these two sisters, with Martha oftentimes criticized as being the lesser disciple. However, there are great lessons to be learned from both women. Martha had pure intentions. Wanting the Lord's visit to be perfect, she immersed herself in preparations and chores, hoping to please him. She was being a faithful servant, she wanted all the details in order; everything should run smoothly. As much as possible, there should be no faux pas. Instead of carrying on with the work she was doing for Jesus, she needed the extra help from her sister, so she implored our Lord to instruct Mary to assist her.

     Mary on the other hand chose to keep herself in the Lord's presence, and to focus on his teaching. She made the most out of the special moment to be in the actual presence of Jesus.

     I'm sure our Lord appreciated the efforts of both sisters.  Perhaps, he was quietly advising Martha not to be too caught up in all the prep work she was doing. It would be good to take a break and listen like Mary to what he was sharing. Who knows when an opportunity like this would happen again?

     Which of the sisters do we identify with the most?  

     Dearest Lord, give us a heart of service and humility, and the grace to keep you at the front and center of our daily life. Amen. 

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     ANNIKA BERNICE L. SALONGA

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the thanksgiving and special intentions of 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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