DAILY- HOMILY

16 September 2016 

Friday, 24th Week in Ordinary Time

Sts. Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

Memorial.       Red.          

1 Cor 15:12 – 20 / Lk 8:1 – 3

Sts. Cornelius (d 253), Pope, and Cyprian (190 – 258), Bishop of Carthage, defended the faith against heretics.

From the 1st Reading: 1 Cor 15:12 - 19

If Christ is preached as risen from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised.  And, if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is empty and our belief comes to nothing.  

And we become false witnesses of God, attesting that he raised Christ, whereas he could not raise him if indeed the dead are not raised.  If the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith gives you nothing, and you are still in sin. Also those who fall asleep in Christ are lost.  If it is only for this life that we hope in Christ, we are the most unfortunate of all people.

Gospel Reading: Lk 8:1 - 3

Jesus walked through through towns and countryside, preaching and giving the news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve followed him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary called Magdalene, who had been freed of seven demons; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; Suzanna and others who provided for them out of their own funds.

Reflection

The first reading talks about the very reason why we all choose to practice our faith.  Our faith hinges upon the resurrection of Christ, which signifies his triumph over the power of death.  It is a strong reminder of God's immense love for us and also his immense power.  

It is quite interesting though that this love of God seems to escape us at times.  We sometimes fail to realize that the Lord has undergone a lot of suffering for our sakes.  In the comforts or preoccupations of our daily lives, we can forget that the Lord has risen from the dead and that his love is being given to us every day.  Once we lose sight of this love because we are so preoccupied with ourselves, it is easy for us to think that everything in life should be in accordance with our own standards and that nothing should ever come in the way of plans and projects.  

But the Lord calls us to come and join him in proclaiming his love to others, we who are so unworthy of such a task.  Yet if we seriously look at our lives, we will realize how he has always been present to help and guide us in our personal journeys.  Therefore, with gratitude and the strength that comes from God, we are invited to announce the goodness of God to others.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Lucia Luci Ng Uy

     Lucia P. Uy

     Michael Mariano

     Gladys Santiago

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     Billie & Eileen Go

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the total healing of Mary Balilla, Emerita Balilla, Nicanor Iscala Jr., Rosalie Imperial, Genesis Francisco and Fr. Bill McGarry, SJ.

For the special intentions of Lisa Kardos.

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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