DAILY- HOMILY

October 31, 2015 SATURDAY, 30TH Week in Ordinary Time

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, Religious      

Memorial, White    

Rom 11:1-2a. 11-12. 25-29 / Lk 14:1. 7-11 

Reading: Rom 11:1-2a. 11-12. 25-29

     And so I ask: Has God rejected his people? Of course not. I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. No, God has not rejected the people he knew beforehand. 

     Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall? Of course not. Their stumbling allowed salvation to come to the pagan nations and this, in turn, will stir up the jealousy of Israel. If Israel's shortcoming made the world rich, if the pagan nations grew rich with what they lost, what will happen when Israel is restored?

     I want you to understand the mysterious decree of God, lest you be too confident: a part of Israel will remain hardened until the majority of pagans have entered. Then the whole of Israel will be saved, as Scripture says: From Zion will come the Liberator who will purify the descendants of Jacob from all sin. And this is the covenant I will make with them: I will take away from them their sins. 

     Regarding the Gospel, the Jews are opponents, but it is for your benefit. Regarding election, they are beloved because of their ancestors; because the call of God and his gifts cannot be nullified.

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

     On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.: When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, "Give this person your place", and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, "Friend, move up higher"; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Reflection:

     Over and over again we see scriptures addressing pride but the question is why does God have a problem with pride? Pride leads us to forget who we are as fallen people and instead we think we deserve places of honor. Pride leads us to forget our absolute dependence upon God and so we decide where we stand. If you sense pride in your life, do not get discouraged but allow Jesus to teach you to humble yourself.  

     What is true humility and why should we make it a characteristic mark of our life and action? True humility is not feeling bad about yourself, or having a low opinion of yourself, or thinking of yourself as inferior to others. Humility is the queen or foundation of all the other virtues because it enables us to see and judge correctly, the way God sees. Humility leads to knowledge, honesty, realism, strength, and dedication to give ourselves to something greater than ourselves.  Humility frees us to love and serve others selflessly, for their sake, rather than our own.  

     The Lord gives grace to those who seek him humbly and when God lifts you up you will be free from the need of approval from man. When God exalts you, you will begin to understand the great value you have in his eyes not because of what you have but because of who you are in Him. Although pride is very difficult to overcome, God has made us a promise that if we are determined to humble ourselves in our hearts and actions, He will exalt us. 

     Do you struggle to put the needs of others before your own, and do you think it ever becomes easier as we mature in our relationship with Christ?

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     FARRAH LYRA Q. DEALA

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     BOBBY SERRANO

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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