DAILY- HOMILY

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

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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!

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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: 

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   |  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.  

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

January 1 1. 2017 – WEDNESDAY, 1st Week in Ordinary Time

Green

Heb 2: 14- 18 / Mk 1: 29 - 39

FROM THE 1ST READING:     Heb 2:16-18

     Jesus came to take by the hand not the angels but the human race. So he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every respect, in order to be the High Priest faithful to God and merciful to them, a priest able to ask pardon and atone for their sins. Having been tested through suffering, he is able to help those who are tested.

FROM THE GOSPEL READING:      Mk 1: 29- 38

     On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the home of Simon and Andrew with James and John. As Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever, they immediately told him about her. Jesus went to her and taking her by the hand raised her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

     That evening at sundown, people brought to Jesus all the sick and those who had evil spirits; the whole town was pressing around the door. Jesus healed many who had various diseases, and drove out many demons; but he did not let them speak, for they knew who he was.

     Very early in the morning, before daylight, Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed. Simon and the others went out, too, searching for him, and when they found him they said, "Everyone is looking for you."  Then Jesus answered, "Let's go to the nearby villages so that I may preach there too; for that is why I came."

REFLECTION

     In many instances during his public ministry, the Gospels tell us that Jesus went off to a quiet place to pray, to commune with his heavenly Father. At the night before his arrest, trial, condemnation and death on the cross, "filled with anguish and distress," Jesus prayed to his Father at Gethsemane, "Father, if it is your will, remove this cup from me; still not my will but yours be done."  (Lk 22:42) In prayer he was in complete union with his Father.

     The Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice as our great prayer to the Father; participation at Sunday Mass is very important in the life of all members of the Church. The Church stresses the importance of prayer: ordained ministers and religious are required daily prayer. We are all urged to pray and to pray unceasingly.

     St. Augustine of Hippo is quoted as saying, "Every Christian must spend an hour daily in prayer; but, if he is too busy, then he should spend at least three hours."

     Are we too busy to spend time with God in daily prayer?

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     LILIA MARQUEZ

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.