DAILY- HOMILY

June 24, 2018 – 12TH SUNDAY in Ordinary Time

NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Solemnity. White

Vigil: Jer 1:4- 10 / 1 Pt 1:8- 12 / Lk 1: 5 - 17

Day: Is 49:1 – 6 / Acts 13: 22- 26 / Lk 1: 57- 66, 80

FROM THE 2ND READING (DAY): Acts 13: 23- 25

It is from the descendants of David that God has now raised up the promised Savior of Israel, Jesus. Before he appeared, John proclaimed a baptism of repentance for all the people of Israel. As John was ending his life's work, he said: "I am not what you think I am, for after me another one is coming whose sandal I am not worthy to untie."

FROM THE GOSPEL READING:     Lk 1:13, 17, 76-77

But the angel said to Zechariah, "Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you shall name him John.... He himself will open the way to the Lord with the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah; he will reconcile fathers and children, and lead the disobedient to wisdom and righteousness, in order to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."

"And you, my child, shall be called prophet of the Most High, for you shall go before the Lord to prepare the way for him and enable his people to know of their salvation when he comes to forgive their sins."

REFLECTION

Fr. Alfredo Alingal S.J., a Jesuit priest ordained in 1953, was assigned as Parish Priest in Kibawe, Bukidnon, at a time of rapid social changes and upheavals in Mindanao which had been often called "the land of promise.." Politics were rough and serious, peasants were oppressed by their landlords and the powerful because of wealth or position ruled the land.

Fr. Ling, as he was called, did what he could to help his parishioners. He organized credit unions and a grains cooperative for his people. He helped found a chapter of the Federation of Free Farmers. He hoped to help his people, mostly farmers, to protect their rights and enjoy the full benefits of their labor.

What got Fr. Ling in real trouble was his speaking against electoral fraud and harassment of the military against the poor. This did not sit well with the local political lords and the military commanders who not only allowed but themselves perpetuated crimes against the people they were bound to protect.

When the diocesan radio station which was a vehicle for preaching his message was closed by the government, he put up huge billboards outside the parish church to continue to broadcast the abuses of the military and political leaders against the people.

In the evening of 13 Aprl1981, three men entered Fr. Ling's rectory, found Fr Ling in his room and shot him dead. Fr. Ling had given up his life for the poor and defenseless of his parish community.

There was nothing to stop Fr. Ling from speaking the truth for the rights of his flock: he was willing to offer his life for the good of his people. Like St. John the Baptist who prepared for the coming of the Christ, Fr. Ling was a ceaseless voice in a land where money and power reigned. His enemies could not tolerate his existence and message of truth and therefore had to silence him.

Like John the Baptist, Fr. Ling died because he spoke for truth and justice. Though we may not be called to martyrdom as St. John the Baptist and Fr. Ling were, we are all called to lead lives of fidelity to God by honesty and truth.Promises made are to be kept and not forgotten when convenient. Fidelity to one's word is an absolute necessity for union with God. Dishonesty has no place in our daily lives.

We live in a world where personal attacks however false are used to destroy the opposition. To silence critics with false news and violence shows a basic disregard for the basic rule of truth and honesty. Dishonest people have no place in the kingdom of God.

We pray for the gift of courage to speak and live the truth at all times, no matter what the cost may be.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY 

     Elaine Margaret W Cuyegkeng

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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