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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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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