DAILY- HOMILY

27 October 2016

Thursday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time 

Green.         

Eph 6:10 – 20 / Lk 13: 31 – 35

From the 1st Reading: Eph 6: 10 – 11, 13 - 18

Finally, be strong in the Lord with his energy and strength.  Put on the whole armor of God to be able to resist the cunning of the devil. . .  . 

Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that in the evil day, you may resist and stand your ground, making use of all your weapons.  Take truth as your belt, justice as your breastplate, and zeal as your shoes to propagate the Gospel of peace.  Always hold in your hand the shield of faith to repel the flaming arrows of the devil.  Finally, use the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, that is the Word of God.

Pray at all times as the Spirit inspires you.  Keep watch, together with sustained prayer and supplication for all the holy ones.

From the Gospel Reading: Lk 13: 31 - 35 

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and gave him this warning, "Leave this place and go on your way, for Herod wants to kill you." Jesus said to them: Go and give that fox my answer: 'I drive out demons and heal today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my course.'  Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and for a little longer, for it would not be fitting for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the prophets and stone your apostles! How often have I tried to bring together your children, as a bird gathers her young under her wings, but you refused!  From now on you will be left with your temple and you will no longer see me until the time when you will say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

Reflection

In the first reading, writing to the Ephesians, Paul reminds us to have complete trust in God in our lives:  "be strong in the Lord with his energy and strength.  Put on the whole armor of God to be able to resist the cunning of the devil."  (Eph 6: 10)   Through prayer and the guidance and inspiration of the Spirit, we are assured of God's loving care and protection against evil and in the pursuit of goodness and holiness.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus bewails the hardness of heart of many in Jerusalem, led by their leaders and  teachers: "How often have I tried to bring together your children, as a bird gathers her young under her wings, but you refused! " (Lk 13: 34b)  Jesus compares his love and concern for Jerusalem, the City of God, and its people, to a mother-hen gathering its young under her protective wings. And yet, Jerusalem and its leaders and people have refused to listen to Jesus, and will indeed even condemn him to death on the cross.  

How different and contrasting are the people of Jerusalem in hearing and accepting the Good News from the young Church at Ephesus in their joyful acceptance of the Gospel message and living out in Christ and the Spirit!  How enthusiastic are we in listening and accepting the Good News?  How ready and enthusiastic are we in living out its consequences in our lives?  

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     Gilbert & Sandra Co

THANKSGIVING

     Joy and Tim Bautista

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     Adelaida M. Tejada

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the eternal repose of the soul of Rex Owen.

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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