DAILY- HOMILY

November 19, 2015 THURSDAY, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time    

Green     

1 Mc 2:15-29 / Lk 19:41-44

Reading: 1 Mc 2:15-29

     In the meantime, the king's representatives, who were forcing the Jews to give up their religion came to Modein to organize a sacred gathering.

     While many Israelites went to them, Mattathias and his sons drew apart.

     The representatives of the king addressed Mattathias, and said to him: "You are one of the leaders of this city, an important and well-known man, and your many children and relatives follow you. Come now and be the first to fulfill the king's order, as the men of Judah have already done, and the survivors in Jerusalem as well. You and your sons will be named Friends of the King and the king will send you gold, silver and many other gifts."

     But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: "Even if all the nations included in the kingdom should abandon the religion of their ancestors and submit to the order of King Antiochus, I, my sons and my family will remain faithful to the Covenant of our ancestors. May God preserve us from abandoning the Law and its precepts. We will not obey the orders of the king nor turn aside from our religion either to the right or to the left."

     When he finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of everyone to offer incense on the altar that was built in Modein according to the king's decree. When Mattathias saw him, he was fired with zeal, his heart was stirred, and giving vent to his righteous anger, he threw himself on the Jew and cut the man's throat on the altar. At the same time, he killed the king's representative who was forcing the people to offer sacrifice, and then tore down the altar. In doing this he showed his zeal for the Law, as Phinehas had done with Zimri, son of Salu.

     Mattathias then began to proclaim loudly in the city: "Everyone who is zealous for the Law and supports the Covenant, come out and follow me!" Immediately he and his sons fled to the mountains and left behind all they had in the city.

     Many Jews who looked for justice and wanted to be faithful to the Law went into the desert; 

Gospel: Luke 19:41-44

     When Jesus had come in sight of the city, he wept over it  and said, "If only today you knew the ways of peace! But now your eyes are held from seeing. Yet days will come upon you when your enemies will surround you with barricades and shut you in and press on you from every side. And they will dash you to the ground and your children with you, and leave not a stone within you, for you did not recognize the time and the visitation of your God."

Reflection:

     In the first reading, Mattathias, a devout Jew, reacts to the invitation of a Gentile official to offer sacrifice to pagan idols. He kills the Gentile and his followers in a fit of righteous anger. We are not called to kill unbelievers in our times. But we are called to resist temptations from men and enticements from the devil to be immoral, selfish, corrupt, lazy, violent, etc. To do this we must do violence against our sinful human desires.  

     The gospel today hopes to finds us able to recognize God when He visits us. Jesus wept for Jerusalem because he knew the city will not recognize him as the Messiah, will crucify him and eventually be brought to justice for her unbelief. All too often we hear the words "God will understand" and "it's between me and my God" to justify acts that would otherwise be objectionable. But today's readings are clear – there will be justice. We should not be afraid, however, because God's justice is His mercy. He recognizes what is in our hearts, and takes into account the desire we have to change. Indeed, despite our inability to love and do what is good, He will always give us another chance if we are humble and contrite of heart. Let us ask God to give us a repentant heart and the strength to reform our evil ways. It is not too late.      

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     EMELINDA & DR. TIMOTEO L. YU

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     ESPERANZA V. AUSTRIA

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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November 18, 2015 WEDNESDAY, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Dedication of the Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul in Rome 

Green

2 Mac 7:1, 20–31 / Lk 19:11–28

[Originally built in the fourth century, the basilica of St. Peter was built over the tomb of St. Peter and the basilica of St. Paul on the Ostian Way over St. Paul's tomb.]

Reading: 2 Mac 7:1, 20–31

     It happened also that seven brothers were arrested with their mother. The king had them scourged and flogged to force them to eat the flesh of a pig which was prohibited by the Law.

     More than all of them, their mother ought to be admired and remembered. She saw her seven sons die in a single day. But she endured it even with joy for she had put her hope in the Lord. Full of a noble sense of honor, she encouraged each one of them in the language of their ancestors. Her woman's heart was moved by manly courage, so she told them:

     "I wonder how you were born of me; it was not I who gave you breath and life, nor I who ordered the matter of your body. The Creator of the world who formed man in the beginning and ordered the unfolding of all creation shall in his mercy, give you back breath and life, since you now despise them for love of his laws."

     Antiochus thought that she was making fun of him and suspected that she had insulted him. As the youngest was still alive, the king tried to win him over not only with his words, but even promised to make him rich and happy, if he would abandon the traditions of his ancestors. He would make him his Friend and appoint him to a high position in the kingdom. But as the young man did not pay him any attention, the king ordered the mother to be brought in. He urged her to advise her son in order to save his life. After being asked twice by the king, she agreed to persuade her son. She bent over him and fooled the cruel tyrant by saying in her ancestral language:

     "My son, have pity on me. For nine months I carried you in my womb and suckled you for three years; I raised you up and educated you until this day. I ask you now, my son, that when you see the heavens, the earth and all that is in it, you know that God made all this from nothing, and the human race as well. Do not fear these executioners, but make yourself worthy of your brothers – accept death that you may again meet your brothers in the time of mercy."

     When she finished speaking, the young man said, "What are you waiting for? I do not obey the king's order but the precepts of the Law given by Moses to our ancestors. And you who have devised such tortures against the Hebrews, shall not escape the hands of God. 

Gospel: Lk 19:11 - 28

     Jesus was now near Jerusalem and the people with him thought that God's reign was about to appear. So as they were listening to him, Jesus went on to tell them a parable. He said, "A man of noble birth went to a distant place to have himself appointed king of his own people, after which he would return. Before he left, he summoned ten of his servants and gave them ten pounds. He said: 'Put this money to work until I get back.' But his compatriots who disliked him sent a delegation after him with this message: 'We do not want this man to be our king.'

     He returned, however, appointed as king. At once he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, to find out what profit each had made. The first came in and reported: 'Sir, your pound has earned ten more.'

     The master replied: 'Well done, my good servant. Since you have proved yourself capable in a small matter, I can trust you to take charge of ten cities.' The second reported: 'Sir, your pound earned five more pounds.' The master replied: 'Right, take charge of five cities.'

     The third came in and said: 'Sir, here is your money which I hid for safekeeping. I was afraid of you for you are an exacting person; you take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.'

     The master replied: 'You worthless servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew I was an exacting person, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow! Why, then, did you not put my money on loan so that when I got back I could have collected it with interest?'

     Then the master said to those standing by: 'Take from him that pound, and give it to the one with ten pounds.' They objected: 'But, sir, he already has ten!'

     'I tell you: everyone who has will be given more; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for my enemies who did not want me to be king, bring them in and execute them right here in my presence.'"

     So Jesus spoke, and he went on ahead of them, on his way to Jerusalem. 

Reflection:

     In our world today, everyone seems to be concerned about profit or return of investment. Most of the time we prefer to receive than to give. We want a return for what we have put in. We may even want to receive much more than what we have put in. In today's Gospel parable, is God teaching us about the importance of profit and return of investment?

     Indeed the parable tells us that God demands that we make good use, the best use, of gifts and talents given to us. God wants us to be happy and live our lives to the fullest with what we have been given. It is important that we see and appreciate what we have been given. His gifts have been given to us freely and with great love: we should be grateful and joyful in our use of them not only for ourselves but also for others.

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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November 17, 2015 TUESDAY, 33RD Week in Ordinary Time

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow    

Memorial, White           

2 Mac 6:18–31 / Lk 19:1-10 

[St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207 – 1231) was the daughter of the King of Hungary, devoted to caring for the sick, the poor and the aged.]

Reading: 2 Mac 6:18–31

     Eleazar, one of the prominent teachers of the Law, already old and of noble appearance, was forced to open his mouth to eat the flesh of a pig. But he preferred to die honorably than to live in disgrace, and voluntarily came to the place where they beat him to death. He spit out bravely the piece of meat, as should be done by those who do not want to do things prohibited by the Law, even to save their life.

     Those in charge of this impious banquet took him aside, since they had known him for a long time, and tried to convince him to pretend to be eating the meat, but in reality, to eat something allowed by the Law and prepared by himself. In this way, he could escape death, and be treated with humanity for the sake of their long-time friendship.

     But he preferred to make a noble decision worthy of his age, of his noble years, of his shining white hair, and of the irreproachable life he had led from childhood. Above all, showing respect for the holy laws established by God, he answered that he would rather be sent to the place of the dead. And he added, "It would be unworthy to pretend at our age, and to lead many young people to suppose that I, at ninety years, have gone over to the pagan customs. If I led them astray for the sake of this short life I would bring disgrace to my old age. Even if I could now be saved from mortals, I cannot – whether living or dead – escape from the hands of the Almighty. I prefer to bravely sacrifice my life now, as befits my old age. So I shall leave an excellent example to the young, dying voluntarily and valiantly for the sacred and holy laws."

     Having said this, he gave himself over to death.

     Those who escorted him considered his words foolishness, so their previous gentleness turned into harshness.

     When he was almost at the point of death, he said groaning, "The Holy Lord, who sees all, knows that though I could have saved myself from death, I now endure terrible sufferings in my body. But in my soul, I suffer gladly because of the respect I have for him." In his death, he left a noble example and a memorial of virtue and strength, not only to the young but to the whole nation.

Gospel: Lk 19:1-10

     When Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the city, a man named Zaccheus was there. He was a tax collector and a wealthy man. He wanted to see what Jesus was like, but he was a short man and could not see because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree. From there he would be able to see Jesus who had to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zaccheus, come down quickly for I must stay at your house today." So Zaccheus hurried down and received him joyfully.

     All the people who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to the house of a sinner as a guest." But Zaccheus spoke to Jesus, "The half of my goods, Lord, I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much." Looking at him Jesus said, "Salvation has come to this house today, for he is also a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost."

Reflection:

     Eleazar's courage and faithfulness in the face of death as he refused to abandon the God of Israel and the prescriptions of the Law are the core of love of God: "voluntarily and valiantly for the sacred and holy laws, he gave himself over to death."

     We can only give praise to God for such love and loyalty.

     Seeing Zaccheus' great desire to see him as the sign of repentance and reform, Jesus invites himself to the house of a tax-collector, a sinner in the eyes of many, "Salvation has come to this house today, for he is also a true son of Abraham. The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost."   

     As a response to Jesus' saving kindness, Zaccheus gives to the poor, "The half of my goods, Lord, I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much." 

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     ATTY. ANIANO G. BAGABALDO

     CONNIE A. DY

     JASON ROY R. MERIBELES

     JOSE BIENVENIDO SALINAS

     OLIVIA TANG NG

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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November 16, 2015 MONDAY, 33RD Week in Ordinary Time

Sts. Roque Gonzalez, Juan Del Castillo 

and Alphonsus Rodriguez, Priests and Martyrs;

St. Margaret of Scotland, Widow; 

St. Gertrude, Religious          

Memorial, Red 

1 Mac 1:10 - 15, 41 - 43, 54 - 57, 62 - 63 / Lk 18: 35 - 43 

[Jesuit Sts. Roque Gonzalez (1576 – 1628), from Paraguay, Spanish missionary Juan del Castillo and Spanish Alphonsus Rodriguez (1598 – 1628) were martyred in the Jesuit reductions in Sourh America for their Christian faith.]

[Born in Hungary, St. Margaret of Scotland (1046 – 1093) married King Malcolm III of Scotland and was renowned for her concern for the poor and support of reform.]

[Born in Germany, St. Gertrude (1256 – 1301) joined the Cistercians and propagated devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.]

Reading: 1 Mac 1:10 - 15, 41 - 43, 54 - 57, 62 - 63

     From their descendants there came a godless offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus, who had been held as hostage in Rome. He became king in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the Greek era (175 B.C.).

     It was then that some rebels emerged from Israel, who succeeded in winning over many people. They said, "Let us renew contact with the peoples around us for we have had endured many misfortunes since we separated from them."

     This proposal was well-received and some eagerly went to the king. The king authorized them to adopt the customs of the pagan nations. With his permission, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem in the pagan style. And as they wanted to be like the pagans in everything, they made artificial foreskins for themselves and abandoned the Holy Covenant, sinning as they pleased.

     Antiochus issued a decree to his whole kingdom. All the peoples of his empire had to renounce their particular customs and become one people. All the pagan nations obeyed and respected the king's decree, and even in Israel many accepted the imposed cult. They offered sacrifices to idols and no longer respected the Sabbath. 

     On the fifteenth day of the month of Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, Antiochus erected the "abominable idol of the invaders" on the altar of the temple. Pagan altars were built throughout the whole land of Judea; incense was offered at the doors of their houses and in the squares. There wicked men tore up the books of the Law they found and burned them. They killed anyone they caught in possession of the book of the Covenant and who fulfilled the precepts of the Law, as the royal decree had ordered. 

     But in spite of all this, many Israelites still remained firm and determined not to eat unclean food. They preferred to die rather than to make themselves unclean with those foods (prohibited by the Law) that violated the Holy Covenant. And Israel suffered a very great trial.

Gospel: Lk 18: 35 - 43

     When Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the road, begging.  As he heard the crowd passing by, he inquired what was happening, and they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. Then he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The people in front scolded him, "Be quiet!" but he cried out all the more, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

     Jesus stopped, and ordered the blind man to be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the man said, "Lord, that I may see!" Jesus said, "Receive your sight, your faith has saved you." 

     At once the blind man was able to see, and he followed Jesus, giving praise to God. And all the people who were there also praised God.

Reflection:  

In today's first reading, despite the abominable order of King Antiochus "to renounce their particular customs and become one people," in violation of the prescriptions of the Covenant, many Israelites remained faithful to their God, even to death.  

     In the Gospel reading the blind man from Jericho, though scolded by others, insisted on getting to Jesus: "What do you want from me?" To this, the blind man answered, "Lord, that I may see!" Jesus answered his prayer, "Receive your sight, your faith has saved you."   

     Both readings speak of faith in God. Despite danger, persecution and even death, many Israelites refused to give up their religion and required religious practices. They refused to abandon the God of Israel, to sacrifice to false gods and to eat unclean food. They trusted that their God would reward their faith and loyalty.

     From all he had heard about the miracle-worker Jesus, the blind man had faith in his mercy, that he would give him back his sight.

     How strong is our faith in God?

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     ATTY. MARINELLE O'SANTOS

     JOSE CARLOS P. MARIN

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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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: 

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November 15, 2015 - 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Cycle B, Green     

Dn 12: 1 – 3 / Heb 10: 11 –14, 18 / Mk 13: 24 - 32 

First Reading: Dn 12: 1 – 3

     At that time, Michael will rise, the Great Commander who defends your people. It shall be a time of anguish as never before since the nations first existed until this very day.

     Then all those whose names are written in the Book will be saved. Many of those who sleep in the Region of the Dust will awake, some to everlasting life but others to eternal horror and shame. Those who acquired knowledge will shine like the brilliance of the firmament; those who taught people to be just will shine like the stars for all eternity.

Second Reading: Heb 10: 11 –14, 18

     So, whereas every priest stands daily by the altar offering repeatedly the same sacrifices that can never take away sins, Christ has offered for all times a single sacrifice for sins and has taken his seat at the right hand of God, waiting until God puts his enemies as a footstool under his feet. By a single sacrifice he has brought those who are sanctified to what is perfect forever. 

     So, if sins are forgiven, there is no longer need of any sacrifice for sin.

Gospel: Mk 13: 24 – 32  

     Jesus said, "Later on, in those days after that disastrous time, the sun will grow dark, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall out of the sky and the whole universe will be shaken. Then people will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.  And he will send the angels to gather his chosen people from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.

     "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. As soon as its branches become tender and it begins to sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the time is near, even at the door. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all this has happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

     "But, regarding the Day and that Hour, no one knows when it will come, not even the angels, not even the Son, but only the Father." 

Reflection:

     "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."  In the midst of disturbing prophecies about the end, about tribulations and destruction, we hear the reassuring words of Jesus that his "words will not pass away."

     The reassuring words of Jesus reinforce words of the prophet Isaiah, "'The mountains may depart and the hills be moved, but never will my love depart from you nor my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh whose compassion is for you."  (Is 54: 10) 

     We also recall a popular passage from Paul's Letter to the Romans, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Will it be trials, or anguish, persecution or hunger, lack of clothing, or dangers of sword?  . . .  I am certain that neither death nor life, neither the present nor the future, nor cosmic powers, were they from heaven or from the deep world below, nor any creature whatsoever will separate us from the love of God, which we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Rom 8:  35 – 38)

     During the month of November we remember those who have died, especially among our families and friends. We may recall how the death of loved ones or friends brought a sense of loss and sadness. Their death reminds us of our own mortality.

     We may also recall difficult moments in our lives when we experienced illnesses and accidents, crises and calamities, from nature and man-made, and many other problems. Whenever these crises come, let us be assured that God's words of love and care will never pass away, that we will never be forsaken by God and that his love for us will never end. 

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     MICHAEL SY

     WIL NICOLASORA

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     FE DIZON BARRIOS

     UY WILLIAM

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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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: 

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   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

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November 13, 2015 FRIDAY, 32ND Week in Ordinary Time

ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA, Religious;

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin     

Memorial, White         

Wis 13:1 - 9 / Lk 17:26 - 37  

[From Poland, St. Stanislaus Kostka (1550 – 1568) died as a Jesuit novice in Rome.]

[St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850 – 1917), from Lombardy in Italy, founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to care for poor children in schools and hosptals.]

Reading: Wis 13:1 – 9

     The natural helplessness of humans is seen in their ignorance of God. The experience of good things did not lead them to the knowledge of Him who is. They were interested in his works, but they did not recognize the author of them.

     Fire, wind, air, the sphere of the stars, rushing water and the lights in the sky were held as the rulers of the world.

     If, charmed by such beauty, they took them for gods, let them know how far superior is their sovereign. And if they were impressed by their power and activity, let them understand from this how much mightier is he who formed them. For the grandeur and beauty of creatures lead us to ponder on their Author, greater and more magnificent.

     No doubt these people are not to be blamed severely, for possibly they strayed though they searched for God and desired to find him. They pondered over the created things that surrounded them and were captivated by the sight of such beauty.

     Even so they are not to be excused, for if they were able to explore the world, why did they not discover first the world's Sovereign?

Gospel: Lk 17:26 - 37

     As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be on the day the Son of Man comes. Then people ate and drank; they took husbands and wives. But on the day Noah entered the ark, the flood came and destroyed them all. Just as it was in the days of Lot: people ate and drank, they bought and sold, planted and built. But on the day Lot left Sodom, God made fire and sulfur rain down from heaven which destroyed them all. So will it be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.  

     "On that day, if you are on the rooftop, don't go down into the house to get your belongings, and if you happen to be in the fields, do not turn back. Remember Lot's wife. Whoever tries to save his life will lose himself, but whoever gives his life will be born again. I tell you, though two men are sharing the same bed, it may be that one will be taken and the other left. Though two women are grinding corn together, one may be taken and the other left." 

     Then they asked Jesus, "Where will this take place, Lord?" And he answered, "Where the body is, there too will the vultures gather."

Reflection:

     In the first reading we are told that by looking at nature and the world around us, we are led to the magnificent Creator. The beauty of our world teaches us the awesomeness of God.  

     In the Gospel reading, Jesus reminds us to be always ready for the second coming of the Son of Man. His return will catch those not ready and, as surely as lightning flashes and vultures find bodies, the Son of Man reward the good with his presence.

     The Kingdom of God is now with us and at the same time we look forward to its fulfillment.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     ANNA MARIA PATRICIA SARREAL

     JOHN KEVIN M. AQUINO

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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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: 

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   |  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.  

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