DAILY- HOMILY

December 4, 2015 FRIDAY, 1st Week of Advent

St. John of Damascus, 

Priest and Doctor of the Church        

Violet 

Is 29:17 – 24 / Mt 9:27 – 31

[St. John of Damascus (675 – 749), a defender of the use of images in relgious worship, is considered the last Father of the Church.]

Reading: Is 29:17 - 24

     In a very short time, Lebanon will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field will be as a forest.

     On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see.

     The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

     For the tyrant will be no more and the scoffers gone forever, and all who plan to do evil will be cut down – those who by a word make a you guilty, those who for a bribe can lay a snare and send home the just empty-handed.

     Therefore Yahweh, Abraham's redeemer, speaks concerning the people of Jacob: No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will his face grow pale. When he sees the work of my hands, his children again in his midst, they will sanctify my name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit will understand; those who murmur will learn.

Gospel: Mt 9:27 – 31

     As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed him, shouting, "Son of David, help us!" When he was about to enter the house, the blind men caught up with him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?" They answered, "Yes, sir!"

     Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "As you have believed, so let it be." And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, "Be careful and let no one know about this." But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.

Reflection:

     The first reading from Isaiah assures Israel of a hopeful future when the God's redemption comes: "On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see. The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the scoffers gone foreveris." These very words of Isaiah Jesus read at the synagogue in his hometown Nazareth, "Today these prophetic words come true even as you listen." (Lk 4:21)

     His own people in Nazareth would not believe Jesus, "Who is this but Joseph's son?" (Lk 4:22) and "became indignant. They rose up and brought him out of the town, to the dege of the hill on which Nazareth is built, intending to throw him down the cliff." (Lk 4:28b -30a) 

     What a shameful response to the Good News Jesus preached!

     In the Gospel reading, Jesus cures two men of their blindness. We too must be cured of our blindness – selfishness, greed, violence, lust, pride.  

     We pray that unlike the people of Nazareth God may give us the grace and light to see and accept the Good News our Lord brings to us.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     V SERGIO DATOR

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     WILLIAM & CAROLINE ONG

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the healing and recovery of Agnes Bacani and JP Ramos.

For the healing and fast recovery of Nick Iscala, Jr. and Rosalie Imperial.

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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