DAILY- HOMILY

APRIL 4, 2012
MEMORIAL, ST. ISIDORE
WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK

ISAIAH 50:4-9A
The Lord Yahweh has taught me so I speak as his disciple and I know
how to sustain the weary. Morning after morning he wakes me up to
hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord Yahweh has opened my ear. I
have not rebelled, nor have I withdrawn. I offered my back to those
who strike me, my cheeks to those who pulled my beard; neither did I
shield my face from blows, spittle and disgrace. I have not despaired,
for the Lord Yahweh comes to my help. So, like a flint I set my face,
knowing that I will not be disgraced. He who avenges me is near. Who
then will accuse me? Let us confront each other. Who is now my
accuser? Let him approach. If the Lord Yahweh is my help. who will
condemn me? All of them will wear out like cloth; the moth will devour
them.

MATTHEW 26:14-25
Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the
chief priests and said, "How much will you give me if I hand him over
to you?" They promised to give him thirty pieces of silver, and from
then on, he kept looking for the best way to hand Jesus over to them.
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples
came to Jesus and said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare the
Passover meal for you?" Jesus answered, "Go into the city, to the
house of a certain man, and tell him, `The Master says: My hour is
near, and I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples in your
house.'" The disciples did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the
Passover meal. When it was evening, Jesus sat at table with the
Twelve. While they were eating, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you: one
of you will betray me." They were deeply distressed, and they asked
him, one after the other, "You do not mean me, do you, Lord?" He
answered, "The one who dips his bread with me will betray me. The Son
of Man is going as the Scriptures say he will. But alas for that one
who betrays the Son of Man: better for him not to have been born."
Judas, who was betraying him, also asked, "You do not mean me, Master,
do you?" Jesus replied, "You have said it."

REFLECTION
Today's Gospel helps us to prepare for the Easter Triduum. We take a
moment to ask ourselves how well prepared we are to fully enter into
the Paschal Mystery with Jesus over these next three days. Are we
ready to be servants to one another, as Jesus was to us? Are we ready
to recommit ourselves to discipleship to Jesus?

In today's reading, Isaiah reminds us what it means to be a true
servant of God. We cannot enter into the glory of God without being
willing to pay the price. The servant willingly submits to
difficulties for the sake of God, realizing that God is present at all
times. Such brave endurance is echoed in our psalm today: "For your
sake I bear insult" and "Lord, in your great love, answer me."
Whatever our distress, whatever our trials and tribulations, we know
that we are not alone.

In today's Gospel, Jesus reveals that he will be betrayed by one of
his own disciples. The disciples never imagined that it would be one
of their own who would betray Jesus, and the enormity of the
disloyalty distressed them greatly. Only when the disciples fully
realize the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice do they become repentant and
their commitment to him becomes firm. But Jesus, in his great love,
always welcomes us back when we humble ourselves in asking for
forgiveness. Let us appreciate Jesus' mercy and friendship toward us.
Let us never acquire the miserly, blind heart of a betrayer.

In the next three days, for every cross we carry, there is a
resurrection. Let us allow ourselves to be renewed in faith. Pray for
strength like that of the Suffering Servant, and never be afraid to
walk hand-in-hand with Jesus.

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Ryan Nicholas
- Mon Torres
- Rakkie Villa
… for the personal intentions of Fran
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Sr. Teresita Canivel, MIC
- Virginia Anne Crumley
Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual light shine upon them.
May they and all the dearly departed rest in peace.
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Fiel Reyes
- In Memoriam (+): Carlos Chongson (July 8, 1925-Apr 4, 1999)+
- In Memoriam (+): Jorge S. Ochoa
… for families who are in need of healing
… for world peace and reconciliation.

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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