DAILY- HOMILY

April 13, 2015 MONDAY, 2nd Week of Easter 

St. Martin I, Pope and Martyr 

White 

Acts 4:23 - 31 / Jn 3:1 - 8

[An Italian, St. Pope Martin I (d. 656) was elected Pope in 649. Exiled by Emperor Constans II for his defense of Christ as true God and true man, he died in exile in Crimea.] 

Reading: Acts 4:23 - 31

     As soon as Peter and John were set free, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and elders had said to them.

     When they heard it, they raised their voices as one and called upon God, "Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth, of the sea and everything in them, you have put these words in the mouth of David, our father and your servant, through the Holy Spirit: Why did the pagan nations rage and the people conspire in folly? The kings of the earth were aligned and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah. 

     For indeed in this very city Herod with Pontius Pilate, and the pagans together with the people of Israel conspired against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. Thus, indeed, they brought about whatever your powerful will had decided from all time would happen. But now, Lord, see their threats against us and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and to work signs and wonders through the Name of Jesus your holy servant."

     When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered together shook, and they were all filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.

Gospel: John 3:1 - 8

     Among the Pharisees there was a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. He came to Jesus by night and said, "Rabbi, we know that you have come from God to teach us, for no one can perform miraculous signs like yours unless God is with him."

     Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again from above."

     Nicodemus said, "How can there be rebirth for a grown man? Who could go back to his mother's womb and be born again?" Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Because of this, don't be surprised when I say: 'You must be born again from above.'

     The wind blows where it pleases and you hear its sound, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Reflection:

     For the past 15 years, the Irish Jesuits have been running a daily prayer website which invites us to make a "Sacred Space" in our day to think and pray. This "sacred space" during our busy day is a great opportunity to pause and see where we are relative to where we want to be. We may be happy or sad depending on how near or far we are from the goals we have set for ourselves.

     As spiritually imperfect as we are, our good Lord has seen to it that whenever we need a boost, whenever we need a re-think to determine what is really important in our lives, he will always be with us with blessings of strength and wisdom to help us through. All it takes is for us to accept our frailties and in humility, pray to him for succor and support.

     In the First Reading, the apostles were panic-stricken and confused immediately after the death and resurrection of Jesus. On the other hand, today's Gospel reading tells of Nicodemus' search for answers on how to be closer to God. In both instances, the Holy Spirit breathed life to those in need, providing courage to proclaim the love of the one true God, and providing clarity of heart and mind to experience oneness with our Creator.

     Let us pray that we may be granted the precious gift of being born In The Spirit and be instruments of God's love.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     JAY BAUTISTA

     MAYETTE GAYARES

     SAMUEL TIU

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!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following: 

  +================================================+

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

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

  +================================================+