DAILY- HOMILY

April 7, 2017 – FRIDAY, 5th Week of Lent 

St. John Baptist de Ia Salle, Priest and Religious Founder

Violet

Jer 20: 10- 13 / Jn 10: 31 - 42

   Born in Belgium, St. John Baptist de Ia Salle (1651 - 1719), a priest, organized the Brothers of the Christian Schools and is known as the Father of Modern Pedagogy.

FROM THE 1ST READING:     Jer 20: 11 - 13

     But Yahweh, a mighty warrior, is with me. My persecutors will stumble and not prevail; that failure will be their shame and their disgrace will never be forgotten. Yahweh, God of hosts, you test the just and probe the heart and mind. Let me see your revenge on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to Yahweh! Praise Yahweh and say: he has rescued the poor from the clutches of the wicked!

FROM THE GOSPEL READING:     Jn 10: 31 - 38

     The Jews then picked up stones to throw at him; so Jesus said, "I have openly done many good works among you which the Father gave me to do. For which of these do you stone me?"

     The Jews answered, "We are not stoning you for doing a good work but for insulting God; you are only a man and you make yourself God."

     Then Jesus replied, "Is this not written in your Law: I said: you are gods? So those who received this word of God were called gods and the Scripture is always true. Then what should be said of the one anointed and sent into the world by the Father? Am I insulting God when I say: 'I am the Son of God'?

     "If I am not doing the works of my Father, do not believe me. But if I do them, even if you have no faith in me, believe because of the works I do, and know that the Father is in me and I in the Father."

REFLECTION

     In the first reading we are reminded that following Yahweh is truly challenging and many will despise those who adhere to God's commandments. Attempts to live God's values are often met with skepticism, doubt, even mockery: by telling the truth, our intentions are questioned; in showing compassion, we are accused of weakness; in standing for what we believe in, we are mocked. It is so easy for those who follow God to be discouraged.

     The miracle-worker Jesus was despised by the leaders of the Jews: "We are not stoning you for doing a good work but for insulting God; you are only a man and you make yourself God."

     Similarly when we follow Christ, we may be subjected to rejection and derision. As with the Prophet Jeremiah, God promises to support and strengthen us. We live not to please others but to please God. The path to holiness and heaven is narrow, as Jesus told us, with many obstacles and challenges. But God promises help and a worthwhile everlasting reward for those who place their hearts and trust in him.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY 

     ANDREA DOMINIQUE YU

     J. RAMON R. MARIN

IN MEMORIAM (†)

     NICA C. ENRILE

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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