DAILY- HOMILY

05 September 2015

Monday, 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, Religious

Green.         

1 Cor 5:1 – 8 / Lk 6:6 – 11

Originally from Albania, Bl. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) (1910 – 1997) spent her life in India working for the poor; she founded the Missionaries of Charity.

Gospel Reading: Lk 6: 6 - 11

On another Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and began teaching. There was a man with a paralyzed right hand and the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees watched him: Would Jesus heal the man on the Sabbath? If he did, they could accuse him. 

But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man, "Get up and stand in the middle." Then he spoke to them, "I want to ask you: what is allowed by the Law on the Sabbath, to do good or to do harm, to save life or destroy it?" And Jesus looked around at them all. 

Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored, becoming as whole as the other.  But they were furious and began to discuss with one another how they could deal with Jesus.

Reflection 

Mother Teresa, dubbed as the "living saint," came to Manila as an inspirational main guest speaker at a national gathering of leaders at a prayer breakfast at a hotel.  

Making arrangements for the visit, we called a Calcutta number with the usual opener, "May we speak to Mother Teresa." And immediately the response was, "This is she."  We talked and made arrangements with a   simple religious, a "living saint!" 

Simplicity and humility characterized her visit:  no special arrangements or living accommodations, no holding room, no special food at her table. no limousine service: "I will stay with the Missionaries of Charity."  

The hotel had to produce a stand for Mother Teresa, who was rather of short height,  at  the podium in order for her to be seen.  Recalling her visit and talk decades ago  bring  a deeper sense of renewal. What is it in the gospel that triggers freshness in spite of familiarity. What is in the attitude that reflects my inner self that is projected?  How can I improve at it as a Jesus follower? In the overall seeming distrust and cynicism, how can I see God in it all?

Blessed Mother Teresa, pray for us from your heavenly abode to enable us in faith "to stretch out our hands" in Jesus' name in service of others, inspired by your life and example.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Carissa P. Marin

     Rina C. Mendoza

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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