Isaiah 63:7-9 / Col 3:12-17 / Luke 12:22-31
As our country celebrates 53 years of independence, we as the Church in Singapore are certainly not just spectators or bystanders in this national celebration.
This is our homeland, this is where we are born, this is where we have grown up and lived, and this is also probably where we are going to live for the rest of our lives.
As the Church in Singapore, we can be proud of our forefathers of the faith who have contributed much to the country in the early years of independence, especially in the areas of education, medical care and social services to the poor.
As our country develops and progresses, we the Church must also remember that we need to progress and develop as a sign of God's blessings for our country.
On this day, we come together as Catholics and as Singaporeans to pray for our country, and we also join the Archbishop in his prayer intention "that the prosperity of peoples, assurance of peace, freedom of religion, be made secure through those who govern us with authority".
And as Catholics and as Singaporeans, we have a duty to our country in that we pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity
and progress for our nation.
On the spiritual realm, we also have a religious duty to set our hearts on the kingdom of God, so that the Church in Singapore will be able to accomplish its mission of being a sign of God's blessing for our country.
So we pray for God's blessings on Singapore so that we will continue to enjoy peace, harmony and prosperity.
May the Lord also protect our country and keep her safe in His love.