DAILY- HOMILY

September 10, 2015 THURSDAY, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

Bl. Francisco Garate, Religious                     

Green          

Col 3:12 – 17 / Lk 6:27 - 38

[Born near Loyola in Spain, Bl. Francisco Garate (1857 – 1929) was a Jesuit lay brother who spent his life in humble tasks.]

Reading: Col 3:12-17

     Clothe yourselves, then, as is fitting for God's chosen people, holy and beloved of him. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience to bear with one another and forgive whenever there is any occasion to do so. As the Lord has forgiven you, forgive one another. Above all, clothe yourselves with love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. May the peace of Christ overflow in your hearts; for this end you were called to be one body. And be thankful.

     Let the word of God dwell in you in all its richness. Teach and admonish one another with words of wisdom. With thankful hearts sing to God psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise. And whatever you do or say, do it in the Name of Jesus, the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Gospel: Lk 6:27 - 36  

     Jesus said, "But I say to you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who treat you badly. To the one who strikes you on the cheek, turn the other cheek; from the one who takes your coat, do not keep back your shirt. demand it back. . . . 

     "Do to others as you would have others do to you. If you love only those who love you, what kind of graciousness is yours? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do favors to those who are good to you, what kind of graciousness is yours? Even sinners do the same. If you lend only when you expect to receive, what kind of graciousness is yours? For sinners also lend to sinners, expecting to receive something in return.

     "But love your enemies and do good to them, and lend when there is nothing to expect in return. Then will your reward be great and you will be sons and daughters of the Most High. For he is kind towards the ungrateful and the wicked.  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." 

Reflection:

     One of the greatest challenges we face as Christians is to forgive and love  our enemies. It goes against our deepest natural instincts which are to protect ourselves, to defend ourselves from elements that may harm us. 

     The greatest sign of Jesus' forgiveness and genunie love for mankind was during his passion and death on the cross: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do." (Lk 23: 34)

     His seeming defeat at the hands of his enemies was the key to his ultimate victory. The resurrection and the new life that followed transformed the history of mankind, and gave new spirit to his apostles almost all of whom had abandoned him in his moment of death. His example, which they then followed, has laid the foundations for our Church today.  

     Do we have enemies? Are there people we cannot accept because of how they make us suffer? With our own strength alone, it is impossible to do what goes against human nature. But this commandment carries with it the Spirit that gives divine strength. By allowing his Spirit to intervene in this area of our lives, we can show the world what Christianity is really about, we can show the face of Christ himself.      

     And do not forget what pray in the Lord's prayer, "Forgive us our debts just as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us:" (Mt 6: 12) 

     "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." 

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     MARIO PONCE DELEON

     SAMMIE GATONG

     WALLACE CHAMSAY

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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