DAILY- HOMILY

December 7, 2018 – FRIDAY, 1ST Week of Advent

St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Memorial. White.

Is 29: 17- 24 / Mt 9: 27- 31

St. Ambrose (340- 397), Bishop of Milan, opposed Arianism in the West. He converted and baptized St. Augustine of Hippo (354- 430).

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Is 29: 17- 19

In a very short time, Lebanon will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field will become a forest. On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see. The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

GOSPEL READING:           Mt 9: 27- 31

As Jesus moved from there, two blind men followed him, shouting "Jesus, Son of David, help us!" When he was able to enter the house, the blind men caught up with him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?" They answered, "Yes, sir!"

Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "As you have believe, so let it be." And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, "Be careful and let no one know about this." But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.

REFLECTION

Sickness is part and parcel of human life. We get sick because of our genetic heritage; bacteria and viruses can bring serious sickness and disorder in our bodies. Indeed good health is a great gift from God.

Sickness, though difficult, provides opportunities for others to help and serve the sick. Mothers and families provide incessantly to restore sick members to health. Hospitals, doctors and nurses provide professional care for the more seriously ill.

In earlier times, as in the time of Jesus, many saw illness as a punishment from God. Lepers were isolated from society to avoid contamination and spread of leprosy.

In the first reading the prophet Isaiah tells us that among the signs and gifts of the coming of the Messiah will be to restore sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and mute, even life to the dead and the preaching of the Good News to the poor. Messianic times will be time for order, peace and beauty.

In the Gospel reading Jesus shows to all that the Kingdom of God has come through the cure of the two blind men. The two blind men cured could not but share their joy with their neighborhood and the world, despite Jesus' warning to keep their cure to themselves. The two men praised and thanked God for his goodness to them.

We thank God for our lives, for good health. We have the duty to properly take care of ourselves. And when sick and ill, we hope we continue to have faith in the care and love of our heavenly Father.

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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   |  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.  

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