1st Sunday of Advent, Year C, 01.12.2024

Jeremiah 33:14-16 / 1 Thess 3:12 -4:2 / Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 

Human beings are such that they will usually follow what the majority or what the crowd is doing, or where the majority or the crowd is going. 

That is also sometimes called the “herd  mentality”. 

To follow the majority or the crowd would be certainly a safer option. 

At least we won't feel left out, or left alone. It is always safer to be with a crowd or in a crowd. 

But doing what the crowd is doing, or going where the crowd is going, would make us lose something. 

It would make us lose our sense of judgment, as we would do without thinking and go without looking. 

Then there is also the peer pressure that will numb our discernment and judgment. 

But that would be what we have to give up if we want to be with the “in-crowd” and so as not to be left out. 

So, when the crowd says that that is the way, then we will also follow along and say that is the way. 

And when the crowd is in chaos and panicking because of some danger, then we too will also be frightened and begin to panic. 

In the gospel, Jesus talks about disturbing and frightening signs and happenings. 

But He also says that in those fearful and frightening times, He will come with power and great glory. 

Jesus tells us to stand erect, and hold our heads high, because our liberation is near at hand. 

Jesus wants to liberate and free us from the conformity and the confusion of this world. 

So, the world says that we must stay low and protect ourselves, and to take cover from danger. 

But Jesus tells us to stand erect and hold our heads high. 

Practically, it means that we must know what is right and wrong. 

Right is right even if nobody is doing it. And wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it.

But, that would be challenging and difficult because of the herd-mentality and the peer pressure. 

As we begin the season of Advent, the first candle of the Advent wreath is lighted. 

It is just one lighted candle, but that one little light is sufficient to make us think and reflect. 

As we journey further into Advent, eventually all the four candles of the Advent wreath will be lighted. 

And it began with just one lighted candle. 

So when we stand up for what is right and true, and what is good and loving, we also must stand erect and hold our heads high. 

We do what is right and true, what is good and loving, even if no one is doing it. 

We stand on the promise of Jesus, and we hold our heads high because Jesus will shine His light on us and liberate and light up our lives. 

We don't follow the crowd, because we follow Jesus. 

We can only follow Jesus when we stay awake and pray. 

With the light of Jesus shining on us, we will be able to stand erect and hold our heads high. 

And we will be able to do what is right and true, and what is good and loving, even if nobody is doing it.

St. Andrew, Apostle, Saturday, 30-11-2024

Romans 10:9-18 / Matthew 4:18-22   

The New Testament states that Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter. The gospel of John states that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist who pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God to him.

Andrew followed Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah, and hastened to introduce Him to his brother Simon Peter, and from then on the two brothers became disciples of Jesus.

But in today's gospel, we heard Jesus called them, while they were casting their nets in the lake, for they were fishermen.

Jesus called them to be His disciples, saying that He will make them "fishers of men".

Yet both gospel accounts complement each other in that we can see the faith of St. Andrew and his openness to the mission of a higher calling than just being a mere fisherman.

Besides bringing Peter to see Jesus, St. Andrew also accepted that he was to bring others to encounter the person of Jesus and that would be his mission and purpose in life from then on.

Of course as the 1st reading puts it, everyone (and anyone) who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

But, they will not ask for His help unless they believe in Him, and they will not believe in Him unless they have heard of Him, and they will not hear of Him unless they get a preacher, and they will never have a preacher unless one is sent.

Like St. Andrew, we too are called and sent to the deep and cast the net of the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Like St. Andrew, we too must speak about our Lord Jesus Christ.

We speak about our Lord Jesus Christ, because we believe, and we speak so that others will believe.

34th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 29-11-2024

Apocalypse 20:1-4, 11 - 21:2 / Luke 21:29-33

Life is like drawing a line with a pen.

The line may not be that straight, but such is life.

As much as we try to draw it straight, life is curly and wavy.

Nonetheless, we still continue to draw that line as best as we could and as straight as we could.

But the time will come when that pen which we are using to draw the line runs out of ink.

That is where the line stops, and as much as we may want to continue drawing, the ink in the pen has run out.

That also tells us that our life on this earth will run out sooner or later.

But unlike the pen that had run out of ink, our life does not run out and come to a dead stop.

Because the God of life and love has saved us and we continue into eternal life.

That is the promise of Jesus to us who are faithful to Him.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but the promise of Jesus and His Word to us will never pass away.

34th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 28-11-2024

Apocalypse 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9 /  Luke 21:20-28   

No one likes to face a disturbing and distressful time. Even just thinking about it makes us uneasy and anxious.

Yet, if we do not have a good grip on our faith, we might just fall into the two-pronged trap of the devil.

This two-pronged trap is called deception and disappointment.

In the midst of trials and turbulent times, it is easy to be deceived by false promises of security and safety, and we may be disappointed when these securities and safety nets break and fail us and we begin to lose our faith in God.

Yet, in the midst of this fear and disappointment, Jesus comes to proclaim the Good News.

He tells us that we see disturbing and distressful things happening around us, that is a sign that the kingdom of God is approaching.

Even the 1st reading gives a similar portrayal - after the persecutions, those who suffered are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.

So let us overcome the deception and the disappointment of the evil one by asking the Lord to renew our hope and strengthen our faith.

Only in trusting in the Lord do we dare to look hopefully into the future and journey on in faith.

34th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 27-11-2024

Apocalypse 15:1-4 / Luke 21:12-19  

We will remember with embarrassment or regret those occasions when we use the wrong words and said the wrong things.

We think about why those kind of words come out of our mouths and try to understand so as not to make the same mistake again.

One of the reasons could be that we talk before we think.

Another reason is that in order to get out of a tight situation, we say things that are either half-truths or not true at all.

In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us in the face of persecution and opposition, we must keep this carefully in mind:

We are not to prepare our defence, because Jesus Himself will give us an eloquence and a wisdom that none of our opponents will be able to resist or contradict.

But that means that we need to pray before we speak so that the Lord will speak through us.

It also means that we will always stand on the side of truth and speak the truth.

And it also means that we let our “yes” be a yes and our “no” be a no.

May we always let the Lord speak to us first before we speak to others.

34th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 26-11-2024

Apocalypse 14:14-19 / Luke 21:5-11  

Generally speaking, we are quite slow to respond to warnings.

But in the first place, our attitude towards warning can be one of indifference.

So if it is a recurring pain in some part of the body, we will still try to self-medicate instead of going to consult the doctor.

But often, we delay for too long and then it is too late and we can only regret.

In the gospel, Jesus sounded out a warning when He said that the time will come when the things that the people were admiring will all be destroyed.

But instead of getting alarmed and turning to God for mercy and forgiveness, the people asked about when would it happen, and what are the signs.

If there are some indifferences about judgement and punishment, it could be because we are taking God’s mercy and forgiveness for granted.

The 1st reading is a reminder that eventually there will be punishment for sin and wickedness.

There are already enough of warning signs to wake us up and to repent.

Let us heed those signs and turn to God for mercy and forgiveness.

34th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 25-11-2024

Apocalypse 14:1-5 / Luke 21:1-4   

To redeem something means that in the first place, that something was given up for a price.

Whatever the reasons for giving up that something, to want to redeem it means that it has a value.

When we think about redemption and salvation, then we know that Jesus redeemed us by giving up His life on the Cross.

On the Cross, Jesus sacrificed His life for our salvation.

That makes us think about the value of our life.

We are precious to God and He willingly gave up His only Son to save us.

In the 1st reading, the redeemed are described as those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

They also never allowed a lie to pass their lips and no fault can be found in them.

We need to constantly reflect on what God did to redeem us from slavery to sin and save us from eternal death.

And may we also live the life of the redeemed so that we won’t fall into sin and be trapped by the devil.

And like the widow in the gospel, may we give our lives totally to Jesus and follow Him as He leads us to heaven.

Christ the King, Year B, 23.11.2024

We live in the world that is always changing. Almost nothing remains the same. Over time, there will be some changes. 

Buildings undergo renovation to have a new look or layout. Some buildings may even be demolished and an entirely new building comes up, and that also changes the landscape. 

In the name of progress and development, natural landscapes are changed, regardless of for better or for worse. 

People also grow in change. Children grow into adults and become parents. Their parents go on to become grandparents. 

So, the world around us, as well as ourselves, are constantly undergoing change. 

Change maybe an indication of growth and progress. 

We also hope that we can change for the better, in that we grow in wisdom and understanding. 

As we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, we celebrate the almighty power and glory of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus Christ is the King of the universe, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. 

His almighty power is eternal and everlasting. 

And His almighty power can change people, can change thinking, as well as situations and circumstances. 

In the gospel, Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews. 

And at the end of the gospel passage, Pilate answered his own question when he said to Jesus: So, you are a king then. 

In between, something about Pilate has changed. At first, he interrogated Jesus, then he pondered about Jesus, and in the end, he was rather intrigued about Jesus. 

It was Pilate who wrote that inscription on the Cross: Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews. 

Pilate may not have intended it, but he declared it in writing that Jesus is the King of the Jews. 

So, in the gospel passage, the encounter and exchange between Jesus and Pilate revealed something.

Pilate had the power, but Jesus is the Divine Authority. 

Pilate had the first say, but Jesus had the last Word. 

Pilate had the status, but Jesus has the truth. 

In fact, Jesus is the Truth as He tells Pilate this: Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this, to bear witness to the truth, and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice. 

One of the images of Christ the King is then he is carrying the cross with the left hand, and his right hand is raised to impart a blessing. 

That image tells us that the Cross is the truth of our lives if we want to be disciples of Jesus our king. 

Like Jesus, we will carry the cross of truth and stand on the side of truth and to bear witness to the truth. 

And in carrying the cross of truth, Jesus blesses us with His right hand of power and glory. 

Yes, we listen to the voice of Jesus Christ our King and we carry the cross of truth and bear witness to it. 

And in carrying the cross of truth, Jesus Christ will bless us with His almighty love. 

Yes, we believe and we follow Jesus Christ the King of Truth and Love. 

The world will keep changing, but the truth and love of Jesus Christ Our King will never change.

And the eternal truth is that Jesus Christ our King will love us and He will love us forever.

33rd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 23-11-2024

Apocalypse 11:4-12 / Luke 20:27-40  

When we talk about death and the after-life and heaven, we are obviously talking about matters  that are beyond human comprehension.

But at the same time, we also try to use human understanding and experience to describe the after-life and heaven.

So we will use terms like eternal rest, eternal joy and happiness, the heavenly banquet, in order to have an idea of what it is like.

But one of the most difficult topics to discuss is about relationships in the after-life.

What will happen to family relationships and spousal relationships and friendships in the after-life?

It is truly intriguing and we can speculate and wonder about the question that the Sadducees posed to Jesus.

But if we are going to speculate on that question and try to formulate possible answers, then we may have missed the point.

The important point is that in the after-life in heaven, everything is focused on God. Nothing else matters.

God is the God of life, for in God all are alive, and it is from Him that all will continue to draw life, even in the after-life.

Even on earth, it is the God of life that unites us together with His love.

So our relationships must be rooted in God who gives us the fullness of life and love.

Only in God will we be fully alive and our relationships will also be loving and life-giving.

33rd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 22-11-2024

Apocalypse 10:8-11/ Luke 19:45-48   

The phrase “Actions speak louder than words” is truly a profound saying.

And if people believe a person’s words, then it is because of that person’s actions.

The gospel noted that the chief priests and the scribes tried to do away with Jesus.

But they couldn’t do that because the people as a whole hung on His words.

The people hung on the words of Jesus because they saw what He did.

They saw Him went to the Temple and began driving out those who were doing unfair business.

And Jesus took to the Scriptures to emphasize that the House of God is to be a house of prayer.

Yet, those who were doing business there were turning it into a robbers’ den.

What Jesus said were not sweet words, and for those who heard it, certainly made their stomachs sour.

May the words of Jesus make us realise the truth of our lives.

And if we truly believe in the words of Jesus, then let our actions speak louder than our words.

Presentation of the B. V. Mary, Thursday, 21-11-2024

Zechariah 2:14-17 / Matthew 12:46-51

The feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an event that is not recorded in the gospels.

But it is found in an extra-biblical source called the Infancy Narrative of James.

According to that text, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anne had been childless, but then they received a heavenly message that they would have a child.

In thanksgiving, they brought the child Mary to the Temple to consecrate her to the Lord.

It was believed that Mary remained in the Temple to be formed and prepared for her role as the Mother of God.

The focus of this feast is to show that even in her childhood Mary was completely dedicated to God. It is from this account that arose the feast of Mary's Presentation.

A further reflection on this feast would also make us think about the environment at home and the formation that we are giving our children and our family members.

The Christian home is to be a sanctuary of prayer where the members can grow in holiness and in the ways of the Lord.

When our will is nothing less than to do the will of God, then together with Mary, we will present our lives as an offering that is pleasing to God.

33rd Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 20-11-2024

Apocalypse 4:1-11 / Luke 19:11-28   

We have to be careful about what we put into our mouths.

Of course it is food that we put into our mouths, and the food goes into our digestive system.

If we are not careful and we consume bad or spoilt food, then we are going to be in trouble.

But if we are careful about what goes into our mouths, then we may be quite careless about what comes out of our mouths.

What comes out from our mouths is what is in our hearts.

So, from the words that come out of our mouths, we will know the state of our hearts.

In the gospel parable, the king said this to the third servant: Out of your own mouth I condemn you.

It can also be said that out of that servant’s mouth, he condemned himself.

So let us watch what is in our hearts so that our words will be gracious and loving.

Let us also remember that what comes out of our mouths to praise God cannot also be use to say what is displeasing to Him and to others.

33rd Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 19-11-2024

Apocalypse 3:1-6, 14-22 / Luke 19:1-10  

It is the time of the year for appraisals to be done.

Appraisals are usually done by the superior on the subordinate, or by the boss on the workers.

Appraisals are done to gauge the workers on their work performance and attitude.

But it can also be a time when the superior and subordinate, or the boss and the worker can have a conversation about their views and suggestions about the work environment.

But appraisals can be difficult when there is something sensitive to be pointed out.

But when it is the Lord who is going to point out the faults of His people, as in the 1st reading, there can be no avoiding or denying.

But more than just pointing out the faults of His people, the Lord wants to point His people to heaven.

But in order to make them look to heaven, the people must come down and see their faults and acknowledge them.

In the gospel, Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down from that sycamore tree so that he will come down to the reality of his life.

The Lord does not do an appraisal on us.

Rather He speaks to us in a soft gentle voice and prompts us to look at the signs.

May we hear His voice calling us to repentance so that we can look at heaven and journey towards there.

33rd Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 18-11-2024

Apocalypse 1:1-4; 2:1-5 / Luke 18:35-43 

 

The word “again” implies a repetition.

So to do something again and again means that the task is done repeatedly.

That sounds rather mundane and monotonous.

But in life, there are a lot of things that we keep doing repeatedly and it becomes a routine for us.

And after some time, that routine is becomes so familiar that we don’t even need to think about it anymore.

In the gospel, Jesus asked the blind man what does he want.

The blind man replied, “Sir, let me see again”.

Probably that man could see but something happened and he became blind.

And now he desired to see again and this time he will cherish and treasure his eyesight.

In the 1st reading, the message to the church in Ephesus is this: You have less love now than you used to. Think where you were before you fell; repent and do as you used to at first.

That is also the message for us, that our love for God is not to be routine or mundane.

Let us ask the Lord to help us love again, so that our love will be deepened.

And as we love again and again, may we always cherish and treasure God as our first love.

33rd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 17.11.2024

Daniel 12:1-3 / Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 / Mark 13:24-32

One of the questions about life that we rather not think about is this: 

What is it that I am afraid of? 

Of course, there are many things in life that we are afraid of. 

When it comes to insects and such, some are afraid of lizards, others are afraid of cockroaches, and others are afraid of spiders. 

But those are just a part of the spectrum of fears. 

There are some who are afraid of heights, while others have stage-fright and others are afraid of crowds. 

To put it plainly, there is always something in life that we are afraid of. 

In Singapore, there is this general phenomenon of “kia-su” the fear of losing out. But whatever form of fears, the fact is that when it happens, we will lose control, we may even melt down and chaos can set in. 

It is like when the lights suddenly go off, and it is total darkness, and we begin to panic. 

In the gospel, Jesus talked about a rather disturbing and frightening situation. 

He said that in those days, after a time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will fall from heaven and other frightening sights. 

As we think about it, distress is already bad enough. 

Distress means that our lives are disturbed and we are displaced by all sorts of problems.

And it is not just about lizards or spiders, and it is more than the fear of heights or crowds. 

It is about chaos and confusion, and our faith is shaken. 

And as if the distress is not bad enough, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness and the stars will fall from heaven. 

In other words, after the distress, there will be darkness, a deep darkness that brings out all the fears in us. 

It is like one bad thing happening after another. 

As we think about it, this is not something new that Jesus is talking about. 

We have experienced bad things happening in our lives, and it is one bad thing after another. 

It is like being retrenched, and then getting into debt, and then a serious illness comes along. 

It is one distress after another, and the darkness becomes deeper and tighter. 

But in times like these, let us remember that verse from Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.” 

Yes, we need to be still and that all the distress and darkness will pass. 

Once a powerful king called upon all of his wise men and asked them, "Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance, in every place and in every time. In every joy, every sorrow, every defeat and every victory? One answer for all questions? Something that can help me when none of you is available to advise me? Tell me is there any mantra?"  

All the wise men were puzzled by the King’s question. They thought and thought. After a lengthy discussion, an old wise man suggested something that appealed to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper, with a condition that the king was not to see it out of curiosity. 

Only in extreme danger, when the king finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he can see it. The king put the paper in his bracelet. 

Some time later, the enemies attacked the kingdom. The king and his army fought bravely but lost the battle. The king had to flee on his horse. The enemies were following him, and they were getting closer and closer. 

Suddenly the king found himself at the edge of a cliff. Underneath there was a rocky valley thousands of feet deep. If he jumped down, he would be finished, and he could not return because it was a small road, and the sound of enemy’s horses was approaching fast. The king panicked. There seemed to be no way out.

Then suddenly he saw his bracelet shining in the sun, and he remembered the message hidden in the bracelet. He opened the paper and read the message. The message was – “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”

The king read it again and again. Suddenly something struck him - Yes! This too will pass. Only a few days ago, he was enjoying his kingdom. He was the mightiest of all the kings. Yet today, the kingdom and all his pleasures have gone. He is now trying to escape from enemies. Like those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass. A calm came on his face. He kept standing there. The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his kingdom. 

The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about those following him. After a few minutes he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They moved into some other part of the mountains and were nowhere near him.

The king was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regained his empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fanfare. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. 

Everyone was in a festive mood. Flowers were being showered on king from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment the king said to himself, “I am one of the bravest and greatest kings. It is not easy to defeat me.” With all the reception and celebration, an ego was emerging in him.

Suddenly his bracelet flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He opened it and read it again: “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”. 

Yes, all the distress and darkness will pass but God's Word will not pass away. 

Even heaven and earth will pass away, but God's Word will never pass away. 

So, when we are faced with distress after distress, and the fear and darkness gets deeper and tighter, let us remember this. 

Let us remember to be still and know that God is with us. 

The distress and the darkness and the fear will pass away, but God's Word and His promises will not pass away. 

And God's Word and promise to us is this: God is here to stay, and He will not go away.

32nd Week, Saturday, 16-11-2024

3 John 5-8 / Luke 18:1-8  

To believe in God is to put our trust in Him.

We trust that God will always provide for our needs.

God created us and He will sustain us and provide for us.

In the 1st reading, the early missionaries went about proclaiming Jesus and the Good News of salvation.

The 1st reading reminds the Christian community that it is their duty to welcome these missionaries and contribute to their work for the truth.

It is only right and just in doing so.

And in the gospel, Jesus told a parable that God will provide especially when it is right and just.

God will see justice done to His chosen ones who cry out to Him.

And Jesus promises that God will see justice done and done speedily.

We turn to God and put our trust in His providence.

We also turn to God when injustice or some wrong is done to us.

Justice belongs to God. We only need to put our trust in God who will do what is right and just.

32nd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 15-11-2024

2 John 4-9 / 17:26-37  

There is one thing about life that can unsettle us.

And that is change. Change can disrupt our routines and schedules.

But change is inevitable, and it happens in fashion, styles, language, etc.

While change can be for the better, it may not be necessarily so.

In the 1st reading, the author says that there is no new commandment but the one which we were given from at the beginning.

And that commandment is as simple and understandable as it can be, and that is: let us love one another.

But the author of the 1st reading also warns of the many deceivers who would try to distract us from that fundamental commandment of love.

These deceivers would deviate from the commandment of love and introduce new ideas and thinking, which would contradict and change God’s commandment of love.

And in the gospel, Jesus also warns of distractions that make us lose focus on God’s commandment of love.

So in the midst of changes in lifestyle, in ideas and in practices, let us keep focused on God’s commandment of love.

God’s love for us will not change because it is an everlasting love.

May God’s love change us to make us love others as God loves us.

32nd Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 14-11-2024

Philemon 7-20 / Luke 17:20-25  

We have heard it said so often, that the ways of God are not the ways of man.

In fact God’s ways are so much higher that the ways of man.

But so often, man thinks that he is smarter than God, and at times man even thinks that he is God.

And so mankind goes about doing things their way and thinks that their way is the best way.

But when things begin to go wrong and really wrong, then mankind starts blaming each other and may also blame God.

In the gospel, Jesus says that the kingdom of God does not admit of observation, and there will be no one to say “Look here, look there!”

And even if there is anyone who tells us to “Look there!” or “Look here!”, Jesus tells us to make no move, and do not set off in pursuit.

So, when everyone is running around looking for solutions to the problems of this world, what we need to do is to be still.

Yes, to be still and to know where God is, and Jesus tells us that God is among us.

And God is truly among us when two or three are gathered to pray for God to reveal His plans for us.

God’s plans may not be a path of roses. Jesus tells us there will be suffering and rejection when we say “yes” to God’s plan.

But we will go with God’s plan, because God loves us and His plans are for our good.

Let us put our faith and trust in God and we will be at peace.

32nd Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 13-11-2024

Titus 3:1-7 / Luke 17:11-19   

Human beings are the most intelligent of all creatures on earth.

We have the ability to be creative and innovative.

But at the same time, human beings also have the tendency to be oppressive and destructive.

In the 1st reading, St. Paul reminds us that there was a time when we too were ignorant, disobedient and misled and enslaved by different passions and luxuries.

We lived then in wickedness and ill-will, hating each other and hateful ourselves.

It was the kindness and love of God our Saviour that woke up us from our sinfulness and we want to be saved and look forward to eternal life.

And that means that we will be obedient to the officials and representatives of the government, and ready to do good at every opportunity.

And we would not want to slander others or picking up quarrels, but to be courteous and always polite to all kinds of people.

The profound expression of our desire for salvation is when we want to always give thanks to God for His abundant love and blessings.

Like the Samaritan leper who came back to Jesus to express his thanks and gratefulness, let us ask God for a thankful heart.

With a grateful and thankful heart, God will grant us His abundant blessings and mercy for us and for the whole world.

32nd Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 12-11-2024

Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 / Luke 17:7-10  

The one undeniable reality in life is that we go on in years, we will age.

In the younger days, we won’t think much about it.

But as we come to the senior years, we will feel the age in our bodies and in our bones.

And we hope that we will age gracefully.

In the 1st reading, St. Paul urges the older men and women to be dignified in their behaviour, and to be sound in faith and love.

And they are to be teachers of right behaviour and be an example of the message of God to the younger people.

In short, the seniors are to teach the younger people that what they have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God.

That is the duty of the seniors and they must see themselves as servants of God who are merely doing their duty.

It is in carrying out that duty with love and constancy that we will age gracefully.

It is in aging gracefully and lovingly that we will be an example and a model for the younger generation.

32nd Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 11-11-2024

Titus 1:1-9 / Luke 17:1-6 

To be a Christian is difficult because others will observe or even scrutinize our behaviour.

And if we don’t behave as a good Christian, then there will certainly be criticisms.

To be a Christian leader can be even more challenging and demanding.

In the 1st reading, St. Paul listed out for Titus the requirements for choosing and appointing elders for the Christian community.

And the requirements are so demanding that it would be like a miracle if anyone could ever be chosen.

And if anyone dares to accept the appointment of being an elder in the Christian community, he must be able to accept correction and even criticism.

And if he ever stumbles and falls, and becomes an obstacle for others, then, as Jesus said in the gospel, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck.

But the critical test for any Christian, and more so for a Christian leader, is in the virtue of forgiveness.

If a Christian cannot forgive others, then being a Christian is a contradiction.

May we always forgive others, just as God has forgiven us in Chirst.

32nd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 10.11.2024

 1 Kings 17:10-16 / Hebrews 9:24-28 / Mark 12:38-44

Whether people believe in God or not, it cannot be denied that everyone has a conscience. 

Although it also cannot be denied that there are some people who are able to suppress their conscience.

So, their conscience becomes numbed to the bad that they do to others, and evil they commit against others. 

But even with the conscience suppressed, the eyes and the ears cannot be shut off from the realities of life. 

And there is one reality that cannot be denied and that is the reality of retribution. 

Retribution is commonly understood as some kind of “payback”, and it is usually about a punishment that is inflicted for some wickedness or evil that was done in the past. 

The reality of retribution is often portrayed in stories, movies and dramas. 

It is also something that we would talk about in order to dissuade someone from doing something wicked. 

And it may also be something that we have experienced in our lives or in the lives of people we know. 

In the gospel, Jesus did not use the word retribution. 

But in His teaching, He told the people to beware of the behaviour of the scribes. 

Jesus also said that because they swallow the property of widows while making a show of lengthy prayers, the more severe will be the sentence they receive. 

So, Jesus is issuing an unmistakable warning for those who commit wickedness and evil against others. 

More than just retribution, the wickedness and evil committed against others is done before God. 

Yes, God sees, God knows and God waits. 

But even as Jesus issued the warning against the wicked and the evildoers, He also pointed out something inspiring and enlightening. 

No one really noticed that poor widow who dropped the two small coins into the Temple treasury, but Jesus did. 

And how did Jesus know that the two small coins were all that the poor widow had to live on? 

There could be a couple of explanations, but in the end it comes down to this:

God sees, God knows and God waits. 

But if God sees and God knows, then what is God waiting for? 

Well, that poor widow dropped in the two small coins, everything she had to live on, and there were no immediate rewards for her. 

But we believe, that God will bless her and provide for her and that God will sustain her because of her faith and generosity. 

So, God sees, God knows and God waited, so that His blessings will be more than we can expect. 

So, for the good we do, let us do it quietly and humbly, like that poor widow. 

Our reward is not in man's praises and admiration, but in the blessings of God, the blessings of His love and peace. 

As for those who commit wickedness and evil, let us not threaten them with retribution or punishment.

Because God sees, God knows and God waits. 

God waits for our two small coins of prayer for sinners as He waits for their repentance and conversion.

Yes, God sees, God knows and God waits. 

God waits to grant sinners forgiveness, and God waits for our two small coins of prayers, prayers for the conversion of sinners.

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Saturday, 09-11-2024

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 / 1 Cor 3:9-11, 16-17 / John 2:13-22 

The Lateran Basilica was built around 324 by the Roman emperor Constantine, and it is the cathedral of the city of Rome.

The Lateran Basilica is the official church of the Pope since the 4th century.

It is also called the "Mother of all churches" and on Holy Thursday, the Pope and priests will celebrate the Eucharist there.

This feast reminds us that we belong to the universal church, with Christ as the Head of the Church which is His Body.

Hence we acknowledge that the Church is not just a building, but the body of believers who are scattered all over the world, yet spiritually united in the body of Christ.

We also acknowledge, in the celebration of this feast, that the Pope is the head of the Church and we pledge our obedience to him and our unity with the whole Church.

May we continue to be united as Church and as the Body of Christ and be a sign of salvation to the world.

31st Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 08-11-2024

Philippians 3:17 - 4:1 / Luke 16:1-8   

Many a times, some of our best ideas come about out of a desperate situation.

It takes some urgency or emergency to get us to try out ideas and options that we would not have considered before.

Such was the case with the dishonest steward in today's gospel.

This parable can be difficult to interpret and understand if we don't understand the point that Jesus was making.

Jesus was focusing on the urgency and energy with which a worldly man secures his future when it is in jeopardy.

Jesus is even urging us, the children of light, to have an urgency when it comes to our eternal future.

Otherwise, as the 1st reading puts it, we might end up making food into our god and can even be proud of something that we ought to be shameful and worldly things are the only important things to us.

St. Paul urged his people not to give way but to remain faithful to the Lord.

Hence the urgency is not to get into a flurry of activity to prepare for our eternal destiny.

Rather the urgency is in the ordinary and the monotony of life.

When we can be faithful to the Lord in the small ordinary things and remain focused on the Lord despite the monotony of life, then we are prepared for eternal life.

31st Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 07-11-2024

Philippians 3:3-8 / Luke 15:1-10   

There had been many suggestions as to what is the most important verse or phrase in the Bible.

Well, the top contender seems to be John 3:16-17, followed by a host of profound Bible verses and passages.

Chapter 15 of the gospel of St. Luke may sound rather ordinary and today's gospel passage may just be about parables.

But nonetheless, today's gospel passage reflects the essential message of the Bible, and that is, it emphatically illustrates God's inexplicable and infinite love to save every man and woman whom He created in His image and likeness.

There are only 3 parables in Chapter 15 of the gospel of Luke - the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, the Prodigal Son.

The scribes and Pharisees criticized Jesus for always being in the company of sinners and ritually impure people and the so-called bad company.

But Jesus always had a very deep compassion towards these so-called sinners. He even said that it is not the well who need a doctor but the ill.

Even this aspect of Jesus is not often understood by us who are His disciples.

Because we too have this tendency to criticize and judge others according to our standards or beliefs.

Certainly this is not something new, because even the 1st reading reminds the Romans, as well as reminds us, not to pass judgement on a brother or treat him with contempt.

We may be able to quote the profound verses and remember the important passages of the Bible.

May we also remember to put the core message of love in the Bible into our lives as disciples of Jesus.

31st Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 06-11-2024

Philippians 2:12-18 / Luke 14:25-33  

There is this story about two university professors  who were talking about their students.

One professor said that he has about 200 students who come for his lectures.

The other professor thought for awhile and then he said :

I also have about 200 people who come for my lectures, but I don't really know how many of them are my students.

We might ask : How can one come for the lecture of a professor and not be his student? What is the difference anyway?

That is the same question that Jesus is asking us also : What is the difference between a follower and a disciple?

Great crowds followed Jesus, but He was not just interested about how many people were following Him.

He was more interested about who really wanted to be His disciple.

To be a disciple of Jesus means to learn from Him, to give up everything for Him and to have Him as the center and sole-Master.

So the word "hate" that Jesus used as a condition for being His disciple is not to be understood in the emotional or relational sense but in the degree of priority.

In other words "hate" in that context is understood as to love lesser or to give a lower priority.

So Jesus never meant that to follow Him meant that we must hate our parents or family members.

Our love for Jesus must also be reflected in our love for others. It is a love that will not hurt or harm or hate.

Because it is a sacrificial love. That is the love of a true disciple of Jesus.

So the price of discipleship has to be carefully considered. Because for one to be a disciple, either Jesus is Master of all, or He is not master at all.

31st Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 05-11-2024

Philippians 2:5-11 / Luke 14:15-24   

Happiness and sadness are the two emotions that seem to dominate our lives.

We desire for happiness and we do experience happiness when good things come our way.

But we also know that happiness will just come and go, and the next moment something bad may happen and we sink into sadness and disappointment.

But we also need to remember that sadness and disappointment also will just come and go, and that it won’t remain for a prolonged period of time.

In the gospel, someone said to Jesus that happy the man who will be at the feast of the kingdom of God.

And then Jesus told a parable in which a man gave a great banquet and invited many guests.

But surprisingly, the invited guests turned down the invitation for such a happy occasion.

It goes to show that we may not truly understand what true happiness is about.

The 1st reading tells us that though Jesus is divine, yet He emptied Himself to become a man and subjected Himself to the human condition, and even accepted a painful death.

But because He was obedient, God raised Him up and all creation should bend the knee at His name.

In our happiness and sadness, let us be like Jesus who showed us how to be obedient to God.

Then we will know what is true happiness and in our sadness, God will be our comfort and consolation.

31st Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 04-11-2024

Philippians 2:1-4 / Luke 14:12-14  

In life, there will come about a crisis every now and then.

In happens in our personal life, in an organization and in a country.

Crisis brings along chaos and also a time of tribulation.

The thing about crisis is that it reveals character.

It reveals the character of the person, as well as the unity of the organization and the country.

St. Paul has this to say in the 1st reading:

If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind.

What keep us united as Christians and as Church is our love for Christ.

Our love for Christ is the fruit of our life in Christ and it is the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life.

That is our faith and our conviction, and that will also keep us united as Christians and as Church in the face of crisis.

We will face the chaos and the tribulations together when we are united in a common love, and that is our love for Christ.

Our love for Christ will also reveal who we are and how united we will be in a time of crisis.

31st Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 03.11.2024

Deuteronomy 6:2-6 / Hebrews 7:23-28 / Mark 12:28-34

No one can be forced to listen to a message that they are not prepared to receive. 

They may have heard the message many times over, but they do not respond to it, or act on it. 

They may even know the contents of the message, but they do not really put it into practice.

Over the past two days, the Church celebrated two feasts that have a profound impact on our lives. 

And these two feasts make us reflect on our lives and how we should go on living. 

The first is the feast of All Saints, in which we express our belief in the Communion of Saints. 

We are reminded of the call to holiness, that the Saints are praying for us to join them in heaven to praise God in eternity. 

The second is the feasts of All Souls, in which we remember our departed loved ones and all the faithful departed. 

We offer Mass and pray for them, so that they will be purified and rest in the eternal peace of God. 

So, the feast of All Saints reminds us of our eternity. 

And the feast of All Souls reminds us of our mortality. 

The message is plain and clear, and it grounds us down to this reality: 

We were born without bringing anything into this world. 

We die without taking anything with us. 

But the surprising thing is that in the interval between life and death, we fight for what we did not bring in, and we desire for what we cannot take away. 

In other words, we forget about our mortality and our eternity. 

We know the message, we have heard it numerous times, but we forget to put it into practice. 

In the gospel, the scribe asked Jesus about which is the first of all commandments. 

As a scribe, he should know the answer to his own question. 

For whatever motive he had in asking that question, Jesus replied plainly and clearly: “This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Then at that moment, the scribe seemed to be enlightened and he realized what the Commandment is about. 

Jesus seeing how wisely he had spoken said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” 

This gospel passage tells us that there will be an appointed time when we will realize the truth of life and the reality of love. 

For me, the appointed time has come in my last weekend of ministry and service in this parish. 

The truth of life is that there will be changes, but God has His plans for me and for this parish community. 

But in the midst of changes, the reality of love and blessing does not change. 

I came to this parish about 10 years ago wondering what is God's plan for you and me. 

As God’s plan unfolded, it was blessing upon blessing, and love upon love. 

From you, I have learned what is simplicity and humility, and to love God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.

And I hope that I have shown you how to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.

I have received abundant blessings from the Lord, and I also wanted to share God's blessings with you. 

Some of you may have received unique showers of blessings of Holy Water on your hair, running down your face, and maybe into your eyes and into your ears. 

Yes, God loves us and blesses us abundantly. 

May we also love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength. 

Then we will not be far from the kingdom of God.

All Souls Day, Saturday, 02-11-2024

Isaiah 25:6-9 / Romans 5:5-11 / John 6:37-40 

Today, we the Church observe All Souls Day and we commemorate the faithful departed and we remember them in our prayers and especially at Mass.

Yesterday, we the Church, joined with all the Saints who already rejoice in heaven, and today we unite ourselves spiritually with all those who are being purified in Purgatory, so that they may join the saints and angels of the heavenly city in time to come.

Today, as we remember our departed loved ones and the faithful departed, we not only call to mind their memory, but more importantly we also offer Mass and prayers for them.

That is indeed a great act of faith in that we believe that our prayers can help those in Purgatory and that one day they too, will enter the heavenly city and enjoy eternal rest and peace.

This act of faith stems from our belief in the Resurrection, that Jesus died and rose again, and that God is God not of the dead but of the living.

Indeed, the departed do not just vanish out of sight and hence out of mind. In faith and in prayer, we are connected to them and it is by the love of God that we the living are united with the departed.

Visiting the departed at the cemetery or at the columbarium is a very profound sign that we are still in relationship with the departed as well as an affirmation of the fact that they are spiritually alive.

Although death leaves a heartache no one can heal, yet prayers offered with love leave a memory for the departed that no one can steal.

Yet, let us remember that "death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come" (Tagore).

May our departed loved ones, and the faithful departed, rest in God's peace and may eternal light shine on them.