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Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (17th February, 2017) on the Gospel
(The Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, Opt. Mem)

Gen 11:1-9;
Ps 32:10-15 (R. v.12);
Mk 8:34–9:1.
Topic: Reconsidering our call.
We often preach, or heard others preach those passages like:
...these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink deadly thing, it will not hurt they; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover (Mk 16:17-18)
Many see these as the criteria of knowing true disciples. Certainly, if God wills, these might even be least of the signs of believers. However, Christ warned in today’s gospel,
If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it (Mk 8:34-35).
Denying oneself include surrendering completely to God’s will; seeking God’s will even in most terrible situations, cf. Lk 22:42. And one’s cross refers to those things one does not want in his/her life. Imagine someone in a real terrible situation praying for the will of God to be done.
It is important to note that even those who openly reject Christ perform signs, cf. Ex 7:11, 22.8:7. Hence, Jesus warned, “...false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matt 24:24; cf. Mk 13:22).
Bible Reading: 1Cor 2:6-16.
Thought for today: Be warned, cf. Matt 24:25.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to be truly Christians in words and in deeds – Amen.

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