Gospel Reflection

July 14, 2012

Saturday
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin (Memorial)

Anticipated Sunday Mass (Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Greenbelt

First Reading:               Amos 7:12-15

Psalm:                         Psalm 85:9-14

Second Reading            Ephesians 1:3-14, or 1:3-10
Gospel:                        Mark 6:7-13

7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

HOMILY

Like the apostles, we are modern-day missionaries and should continue God’s loving presence to those around us. But before we do that, in Tagalog he said, “Tulad ng mga Apostoles, dapat  tayong maglaan ng panahon para kilalanin ang Diyos at maranasan ang kanyang pagmamahal bago tayo tumugon sa Kanyang paanyayang magpatuloy ng Kanyang misyon”.

There are three things by which we can respond to God’s call and to share His mission to others. First, like the apostles, we should help in expelling demons and evil spirits that prevent others from being close to God.

It does not mean that we need to be exorcists or authorities in expelling demons. In our own simple way, we can do that by being a GOOD influence and not a bad example to others. We should remind others to stop their bad habits at “huwag maging konsintidor”. We should remind others of their obligation to do good and to be constant witnesses of our faith. Hindi ‘yong tayo pa ang magyayayang mamasyal na lang o manood ng sine kaysa magsimba (Father's example).

Second, like the apostles, we should preach the good news BOTH in word and in deed. Hindi natatapos sa salita lang ang pagshare ng Good News. We should be living witnesses of Christ’s love by our good actions and willing sacrifice for others.

Third, like the apostles, we should bring healing and comfort to others. People have frailties, struggles, and problems. We should comfort our brothers/sisters to alleviate their pain, to give hope and encouragement, and to uplift the spirit. We should extend to them our prayer, care and concern by being present for them and making them feel loved and important.

We should pray for the grace to continue to be modern-day missionaries like the Apostles. We should listen to God’s call and give an affirmative response, by saying “Here I am Lord; I will extend your mission to others and respond to their needs all for Your glory”.