DAILY- HOMILY

February 5, 2015 THURSDAY, 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Memorial, Red

Heb12:18-19, 21–24 / Mk 6: 7-13

[St. Agatha (d. c251) was martyred in Sicily during the time of Decius.]

Reading: Heb12:18-19, 21–24

     What you have come to is nothing known to the senses: nor heat of a blazing fire, darkness and gloom and storms, blasts of trumpets or such a voice that the people pleaded that no further word be spoken.

     The sight was so terrifying that Moses said: I tremble with fear.

     But you came near to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem with its innumerable angels. You have come to the solemn feast, the assembly of the firstborn of God, whose names are written in heaven. There is God, Judge of all, with the spirits of the upright brought to perfection. There is Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, with the sprinkled blood that cries out more effectively than Abel's.

Gospel: Mk 6: 7-13

     He called the Twelve to him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over evil spirits. And he ordered them to take nothing for the journey except a staff; no food, no bag, no money in their belts. They were to wear sandals and were not to take an extra tunic.

     And he added, "In whatever house you are welcomed, stay there until you leave the place. If any place doesn't receive you and the people refuse to listen to you, leave after shaking the dust off your feet. It will be a testimony against them."

     So they set out to proclaim that this was the time to repent. They drove out many demons and healed many sick people by anointing them.

Reflection:

     Jesus Christ shows his intention of founding his Church by choosing the twelve apostles. He instructs them on how to do their mission. He also gives them authority over unclean spirits, and ability to cure people with ailments. Today Jesus is sounding off this same call to us – to be his messengers of the Good News. We can do this mission first by making our personal lives a living testimony to the love and goodness of God. Then some of us may be called to be catechists or missionaries like the apostles.

     In the Gospel reading, Jesus instructs the apostles not to bring anything – clothes, food or money – for the journey. Why? Because Jesus wants them to experience God's providence and trust in Him. So whatever role in the Church God is calling you to do, remember that Jesus will be with you till the end of time as he promised. Do not be afraid and trust in the providence of God. And do not think that you are unworthy of the call. Remember that among the apostles, one denied Jesus three times, another doubted in his resurrection and a third betrayed him. The Lord knows each one of us. He knows our weaknesses. So just trust in him and the Holy Spirit to give you the grace and strength to fulfill your mission.

     And when you have fulfilled your mission and depart from this world, you can be sure that you will be in good company – saints, angels, martyrs, etc. – all worshipping God, the supreme Judge and Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Saviour. We will be constantly feasting in heaven and our happiness will have no end because the Holy Spirit will be everywhere.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     VERONICA LIM GOTAMCO

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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