DAILY- HOMILY

06 June 2016

Monday, 10th Week in Ordinary Time 

St. Norbert, Bishop;

St. Marcellin Champagnat, Priest

Green.       

1 Kgs 17:1 – 6 / Mt 5:1 – 12

St. Norbert (1080 – 1134), born in Germany, was consecrated Archbishop of Magdeburg; he preached religious and moral reforms.

A French priest, St. Marcellin Champagnat (1789 – 1840) founded the Marist Brothers (FMS) for the education of the youth in 1817. Beatified in 1955, he was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 1999. 

Gospel Reading: Mt 5:1 - 12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. He sat down and his disciples gathered around him then he spoke and began to teach them: "Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.  Fortunate are the gentle, they shall possess the land. Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied. 

"Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. Fortunate are those with a pure heart, for they shall see God. Fortunate are those who work for peace, they shall be called children of God. Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers.  Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God. This is how this people persecuted the prophets who lived before you."

Reflection

Today's Gospel reading is the beginning of Matthew's version of the Lord's Sermon on the Mount. To many the "Beatitudes" may seem unwise and impractical; yet I understood fully and deeply reflected upon, they are indeed fruits of great wisdom. 

In a way these ideals may provide keys to solve many of the problems in our broken world. The reality is that everyone is poor and broken in so many different ways. 

These beatitudes or blessings describe those who are open to the grace of God and allow the reign of God to become active in their lives in the midst of the brokenness and sinfulness of the world. 

Given only in the Matthean version, Our Lord warns his disciples of persecutions to come; at the same time he consoles them, comparing them to the prophets of old who were also persecuted for their work. 

Indeed in our lives, we may find it so difficult to live by what the beatitudes teach us, especially if what we do goes against "conventional wisdom."  However, it is possible, if we will allow the Holy Spirit into our lives to enable us to live in the spirit of the beatitudes.  

As we reflect on the way we live and the way we deal with others, can we truly say that we live out the beatitudes in our lives?

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Timothy Gotamco Tan

     Victor Tan

     Bien Delgado

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     Jose & Linda Bautista

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     Willing Sioco Luy (Jun 18, 1954 – Jun 6, 1995)

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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