DAILY- HOMILY

March 23, 2018 – FRIDAY, 5th Week of Lent 

St. Toribio de Mogrovejo, Bishop 

Violet

Jer 20: 10- 13 / Jn 10: 31 – 42

Born in Spain, St. Toribio de Mogrovejo (1538 -1606) established ecclesiastical discipline in Latin America as Archbishop of Lima.

FROM THE FIRST READING:          Jer 20: 11 -12a

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.

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 in the life of the prophet Jeremiah 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." (Jn 10:33)

Similarly when we follow Christ, we may be subjected to rejection and derision. As followers of Christ we are chosen as his prophets and messengers. As prophets like Jeremiah, do we preach righteousness and denounce evil and injustice? How often have we not done so, because of opposition or convenience? As with the Prophet Jeremiah, God promises to support and strengthen us. We live not to please others but to please God. The path is narrow to holiness and heaven, 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 

     Federico Calero

     Mary Clarence Carpio

     Dennis Sy Masigan

     Aileen Serrano

     Rose Marie Tiu 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 

     Raul & Susan Aquino

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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