DAILY- HOMILY

January 12, 2017 – THURSDAY, 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Green

Heb 3: 7- 14 / Mk 1: 40- 45

1ST READING:     Heb 3:7- 14

     Listen to what the Holy Spirit says: If only you would hear God's voice today Do not be stubborn, as they were in the place called Rebellion, when your ancestors challenged me in the desert, although they had seen my deeds for forty years. That is why I was angry with those people and said: Their hearts are always going astray and they do not understand my ways. I was angry and made a solemn vow: They will never enter my rest.

     So, brothers, be carefullest some of you come to have an evil and unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Encourage one another day by day, as long as it is called today. Let no one become hardened in the deceitful way of sin. We are associated with Christ provided we hold steadfastly to our initial hope until the end.

GOSPEL READING:     Mk 1: 40- 45

     A leper came to Jesus and begged him, "If you so will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean. As Jesus sent the man away, he sternly warned him, "Don't tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest and for the cleansing bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way you will make your declaration."

   However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in the rural areas, people came to him from everywhere.

REFLECTION

     In the first reading we are encouraged not to tire of listening to God's word, even in the midst of trials. We are encouraged not to be stubborn and with hardened hearts.

     Jesus performed many miracles, including that of healing lepers and restoring their dignity and integration into the community from a miserable life as outcasts. Jesus was not looking for people to "advertise" his miracles; he wanted people to trust in God's love and see the deeper meaning of the miracle rather than just be awed at a spectacle. The greater miracle was in their faithfulness and belief which transformed their lives.

   The Church prays at daily Mass, "Look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church." God's mercy should not be abused but appreciated as we reciprocate God's love in order to receive his reward. We continue to work for and hope to eventually enter into God's rest.

     How is our faith in God? If Jesus returns now, will he find faith in us?

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     BENITAANG

     CHARINA PINTO

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!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following: 

  +================================================+

   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

  +================================================+