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Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, P. (26th May, 2016) on the Gospel and the Memorial
(Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (II))

 

1Pt 2:2-5.9-12;
Ps 99:2-5. (R. v.2);
Mk 10:46-52.

Saint Philip Neri was born in Florence in the year 1515. He abandoned the chance to become a businessman and moved to Rome where he devoted his life and individuality to God. Philip Neri was ordained a priest at the urging of his confessor and soon became an outstanding confessor, gifted with the knack of piercing the pretences and illusions of others. He founded a religious institute, the Oratory. His characteristic virtues were humility and gaiety. Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity with piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and a disinterested clergy, the whole post-Renaissance malaise. He died in the year 1595.[1]

Topic: Take a stand.

Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside as Jesus was leaving Jericho in today’s gospel. Immediately he learnt that Jesus of Nazareth was passing, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The more the people ordered him to keep calm, the louder he shouted. Jesus stood still and asked them to call him. The same people who were ordering him to shut up said to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” And “...throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’”

We are constantly faced with different challenges (temptations) of life. The letter to the Corinthians reads,

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1Cor 10:13).

Bartimaeus regained his sight because he did not allow himself to be swallowed up by the crowd. Again, Saint Philip Neri followed God with his whole life against all odds. Let us follow the examples of Bartimaeus and Saint Philip Neri and never chicken out? Remember, unless one submitted him/herself to God and resist the devil, the devil will not flee from him/her, cf. Jas 4:7.

Bible Reading: 1Cor 10:6-22.

Thought for today: No one has a stand until he/she takes it.

Let us pray: Lord, help us to follow what is best always – Amen.

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Unknown said... 07:45:00

Thank God for the pulpit online. It's spectacular to spread the Gospel in this 21 century through social media. "Go and Make disciples of all nation"Mtt. 28:19

 
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