4th Week of Lent, Tuesday, 01-04-2025

Ezekiel 1-9, 12 / John 5:1-3, 5-16   

As human beings, we will fall sick at one time or another.

And when necessary, we will consult a doctor and will be given medication.

And if the illness is serious, then we may have to be hospitalized for medical treatment.

But if there is a place where miraculous healing is said to have taken place, a sick person may consider going there to take a chance.

One such place that we may know of is the healing waters at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France.

In the gospel, the Sheep Pool in Jerusalem also had the reputation of healing illnesses and diseases.

Jesus asked the man who had an illness for 38 years if he wanted to be well again.

Although that man gave a number of reasons why he could not receive the healing, Jesus still healed that man of his illness.

The 1st reading describes the Temple as the source of water that brings about life and healing.

Jesus is the fulfillment of that Temple and He is our Healer and Saviour.

Let us have faith that Jesus will heal us of our illnesses and He will also give us the strength to bear our sickness.

4th Week of Lent, Monday, 31-03-2025

Isaiah 65:17-21 / John 4:43-54  

When we say that we like someone, there are many reasons for doing so.

It may be that person’s appearance, the manner of speech or the style of speaking, the sense of humour, the abilities, the resourcefulness, etc.

That person may also be popular and influential, and so we would like to be in the company of that person.

In the gospel, it was rather surprising that the Galileans received Jesus well, although He had faced rejection from them before.

But this time round, the Galileans were probably impressed with what they had seen Jesus did in Jerusalem during the festival which they too had attended.

The Galileans received Jesus well because they too wanted to get something out of Him.

So when the court official came up to Jesus to ask Him to cure his son who was at the point of death, Jesus made a rather sharp statement:

“So, you will not believe unless you see signs and portents.”

Jesus said that because the Galileans were only interested in what benefits they can get out of Him and not because they want to believe in Him.

Nonetheless, He cured the court official’s son by the authority and the power of His Word.

And the court official and his household believed in Jesus.

We believe in Jesus not only because we want Him to answer our prayers.

We believe in Jesus because only He can give us that “Joy” and “Gladness” that is mentioned in the 1st reading.

We have our needs in this world, but joy and gladness and believing in Jesus will carry us to the next world.

4th Sunday of Lent, Year C, RCIA 2nd Scrutiny

1 Sam 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 / Ephesians 5:8-14 / John 9:1-41 (Year A readings)

When it comes to the sensitive and fragile parts of our body, we will certainly take extra care of them. 

So, to protect the soles of our feet, we have footwear. 

And if our skin is sensitive to strong sunlight, we can wear protective clothing and apply skin lotion. 

But there is a rather sensitive and fragile part of our body that is often left unprotected and exposed. 

It is none other than our eyes.

For those who don't need to wear spectacles, then the eyes are quite exposed and vulnerable. 

On the other hand, there are those who wear dark glasses for one reason or another. 

There is something about our eyes that is necessary in our function as a human being, and in our relationship as a person. 

Our sight is one of our senses, and we use our eyes to see, and then we judge, and then we act. 

But there is something more about our eyes. The eyes are the windows to the soul. 

We look into the eyes of a person whom we are in a comfortable relationship. 

But we avoid eye contact with a person whom we feel uneasy with, or that we just want to keep a distance from. 

The gospel began by saying that as Jesus went along, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 

Whenever the Scriptures mentions a seemingly ordinary sentence, like the verse earlier, then usually a divine revelation is about to happen. 

When the gospel mentions that Jesus saw the blind man, that also brings us back to the 1st reading. 

In the 1st reading, God says this to Samuel: God does not see as man sees. Man looks at appearances, but the Lord looks at heart. 

Jesus saw the heart of the blind man, and He saw a man of faith and courage, despite his blindness. 

And indeed, after when the man received his sight, he bore witness to Jesus and spoke up for Him, despite being ridiculed and rejected. 

As the RCIA Elects enter deeper into the period of Purification and Enlightenment with the Second Scrutiny, the Lord is also looking into their hearts, and the Lord is also looking into our hearts. 

But the Lord looks into our hearts to strengthen our faith and courage, so that we can purify our hearts and to make a home in our hearts for Jesus. 

And the Lord also looks into our hearts to enlighten us, so that with our hearts that are filled with light, we will be able to see clearly. 

To see clearly is to see as God sees, and not as man sees. Man looks at appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart. 

So, with our eyes purified and enlightened, let us look at our own hearts. 

And may we look from the things of earth, to the things of above, where God is. 

May we see clearly, may we act wisely, and may we be holy.

4th Sunday of Lent, Year C, 30.03.2025

 Joshua 5:9-12 / 2 Cor 5:17-21 / Luke 15:1-3, 11-32  

Whenever we think about jewellery, a few things will come to mind. 

One of which is the precious metals that make up most of the jewellery. 

And these precious metals are mostly gold and silver. So, there are earrings, bracelets, necklace, rings and brooches that are made from these precious metals. 

Besides that, there are also jewellery made with precious stones, and it is usually diamonds, as well as other precious stones. 

These precious metals and stones are not just valuable, they are also beautiful. 

But in the original form, they look far from precious or beautiful. 

For example, gold and silver are mined from the Earth. They go through a long process of purification before becoming precious and beautiful. 

Similarly for diamonds, they are also mined from the Earth. 

In the raw form, they are rough stones, which will go through a process of cutting and polishing before becoming valuable and beautiful. 

The gospel parable, which is also known as the parable of a prodigal son, began on a rather tensed situation. 

The tax collectors and sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what He had to say to them. 

The Pharisees and the scribes complained about Jesus being in the company of sinners, and so He told them this parable. 

The parable touches on family relationships and the main focus is on that younger son. 

That younger son was rough enough to ask for his share of the inheritance, and then went on to squander it away in a far off country. 

He had to go through a cutting and grinding experience of hunger and humiliation that made him come to his senses. 

And he had the humility and the sensibility to go back to his father in repentance and ask for forgiveness. 

There is no doubt that the younger son was a pain for the father, as well as for the elder brother. 

But pain can be transformed into something precious. 

It made that prodigal son realized how precious is his father's love for him. 

As for the father, the pain of his son leaving him transformed it into a precious lesson for us. 

So out of pain, something precious can come about. 

This is what the parable is teaching us, and this is also the reality of how those precious pearls come about. 

We may know that pearls are produced by oysters, and those pearls are produced because the oyster experience some kind of pain, or because it was irritated in some way. 

A pearl is actually a healed wound. It is formed when an irritant, like a grain of sand or a parasite, enters into the shell of the oyster. 

To protect itself, the oyster secretes layers of a smooth, shiny substance called nacre, coating the intruder over time. 

Layer by layer, this process continues until a beautiful pearl is formed. 

So, those beautiful pearls are a product of pain. 

It is about transforming something unwanted into something precious and beautiful. 

This also brings to mind the pain and the suffering of Jesus that He went through for us. 

By His wounds we are healed, and His pain brought about the precious love of God for us. 

Let us put the pains of our lives into the hands of Jesus, so that He can transform those pains into beautiful pearls of blessings for us.

3rd Week of Lent, Saturday, 29-03-2025

Hosea 5:15 - 6:6 / Luke 18:9-14 

One of the preparations before going for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is to use the 10 Commandments for the examination of conscience.

Breaking any of the 10 Commandments is indeed a grave sin.

Hence not going for Mass on Sundays, disrespect for parents, stealing, adultery, all these are grave sins. Blatantly grave.

But what is blatant can be equally destructive as what is subtle.

We avoid obvious grave sins, yet we can forget that there are sins that are not so obvious that will cause us to trip and fall.

In today's gospel parable, the Pharisee was proud that he did not commit any grave sin ; in fact he did credible deeds.

But why was he not at rights with God?

As always, pride comes before the fall.

His problem was spiritual pride - he called another person a sinner without acknowledging to be one himself.

He propped himself up, at the expense of another person.

It was subtle, but evil. So we need to watch ourselves.

If we think we are virtuous, are we also getting self-righteous?

We can make sacrifices and perform credible deeds.

But what the Lord wants is not sacrifice. What He wants is our love for Him and for those around us.

And if we should fall, then we only need to turn to God and say : God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

3rd Week of Lent, Friday, 28-03-2025

Hosea 14:2-0 / Mark 12:28-34  

There are moments in life which can be called moments of enlightenment.

We may have seen something or heard something many times over, and they seem ordinary and casual.

But there may come a moment when the ordinary and the casual has a revelation for us, and sometimes we call it the “Oh I see … “ moment.

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

As a scribe, he should know what is the first of all the commandments.

He may have had a motive for asking that question but it is not stated.

So, Jesus replied with a quote from the Law that stated about the love for God and for neighbour.

The scribe seems to be enlightened by how Jesus stated that Law.

Even Jesus saw how wisely the scribe had spoken, and He even told the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of God.

As we journey on in the season of Lent, let us also take time to reflect on our prayer and the other spiritual disciplines like penance, fasting, almsgiving and works of charity.

May we, like the scribe, be granted the wisdom and the understanding to receive God’s revelation, and may we also continue to walk closer to God.

3rd Week of Lent, Thursday, 27-03-2025

Jeremiah 7:23-28 / Luke 11:14-23   

A reflection about life can make us see a few realities.

One reality is that life is not as clear as black and white.

There are many grey areas that cannot be simply determined by laws and regulations.

That is because we have the power and the freedom of choice.

So, even if we ought to obey a law or a rule, we can choose to disobey.

And that is what the Lord God is saying about His people.

His orders to them were to listen to Him, and follow His ways that are marked out for them.

But the people refused to obey and even turned away from God, despite having prophets being sent to them to call them back to repentance.

In the gospel, after Jesus had cast out an evil spirit from a dumb man, there were people who questioned and even accused Him of being one with the devil.

So in the end, Jesus had to make this statement: He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.

The reality of the spiritual life is that there are no grey areas.

Either we are with Jesus or we are against Him.

Let us choose to be with Jesus and we will be able to see life clearly.

3rd Week of Lent, Wednesday, 26-03-2025

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 / Matthew 5:17-19  

It is said that life is like a fashion show, and there are those who like to keep up to the current fashions. 

Fashions can be in or out, but in one way or another, fashions come in and out.

Fashions reflect something about life, in that some things come in and then go out, and the cycle repeats itself.

Some present-day thoughts and practices seem to be fashionable, and people get on into it and go with the flow.

But there are also some values and principles about life that have withstood the test of time as well as the test of life.

What comes to mind are virtues like humility, honesty, integrity, charity, kindness, compassion, etc.

In the 1st reading, Moses urged the people to observe the laws and customs that God has given to them.

In keeping those divine laws and customs, others will recognize them as God’s chosen people.

Those divine laws and customs will show the wisdom and understanding of those who keep and observe them, and live their lives according to it.

In the gospel, Jesus reiterated the importance of the divine Law and great is the person who keeps it.

But more importantly, when we keep God’s Law, God will also keep us in His care.

When we call out to Him, He will be there is us.

Unlike fashions, God’s Law and His promises are eternal. 

Let us believe it and live our lives accordingly.

Annunciation of the Lord, Tuesday, 25-03-2025

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 / Hebrews 10:4-10 / Luke 1:26-38 

The obvious response to a formal request or invitation is either a “yes” or a “no”.

There may or may not be a time given for consideration.

And even if there is, it is also a limited time.

In this feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, we recall that moment when Mary said “yes” to be the mother of the Son of God.

With Mary’s “yes” the promise of salvation begins its fulfillment towards the Incarnation, the Word became flesh, God became man.

But it also must be remembered that it was the Son who said “yes” to the Father.

Jesus, the Son of God, consented to come down to the world in obedience to the Father.

It was the “yes” of Jesus that set the way for the “yes” of Mary.

The “yes” of Jesus and Mary also sets the way for us when it comes to the will of God.

Like Jesus and Mary, let us say “yes” to God and obey His will.

Because in the end, it is our salvation and the salvation of the world that matters.

3rd Week of Lent, Monday, 24-03-2025

2 Kings 5:1-15 / Luke 4:24-30   

No one likes to hear unpleasant things be said, especially when it is directed at them.

And it is difficult to ignore those unpleasant and cutting words that make demands or point out faults, especially when they are directed at us.

We will certainly be affected by it, and we will also react and even react immediately.

In the 1st reading, when the king of Israel was presented with the letter from the king by Aram, he immediately flew into a rage and accused the king of Aram for picking a quarrel with him.

But the Word of God from the prophet Elisha calmed down the king, and so Naaman was sent to the Elisha.

In the gospel, it was Jesus who pointed out to the people what the problem was.

The people had rejected prophet after prophet because they spoke the Word of God.

The Word of God called them to repentance but they still turned away from God and did what was displeasing to Him.

As it was with the prophets of the past, so it was with Jesus, and the people rejected Him and even wanted to kill Him.

When we hear words that irritate and upset us, let us take a moment before we react.

Could it be the Word of God that is pointing out to us something that we have been avoiding, or hiding or denying.

Whatever it is, let us bring it to prayer, and may we listen to the truth and see what God is showing us.

3rd Sunday of Lent, Year C, 23.03.2025

Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15 / 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 / Luke 13:1-9

There is one common characteristic in all living beings. 

And that is all living beings can feel pain.

This is most evident in human beings and animals. 

Plants are living things and they may not feel pain like the sentient beings. 

But something usually happens when a branch or stem is cut off from a plant or tree. 

That part of the plant or tree oozes out some sap or liquid. 

We may wonder if that is a sign of pain from the plant or tree. 

Generally speaking, pain is a sign that is calling for attention. 

So, if it is physical pain, then medical consultation is needed. 

And there are also other pains like mental or psychological pains. 

It is said that when we can feel pain, we are alive. And when we can feel other people's pain, then we are human. (Leo Tolstoy) 

So, as much as we want to avoid pain, yet, pain makes us human, and enables us to empathize and have compassion for others who are in pain. 

In the gospel parable, the owner of the vineyard told the gardener to cut down that fig tree that did not bear fruit for 3 years. 

But the gardener felt for that fig tree and asked for one more year. 

In a way, that parable tells us that God is like the gardener who feels our pain. 

Jesus was sent to save us and heal the pain caused by our sins. 

As for us, we can choose to ignore, or to pay attention to our physical and spiritual pains. 

To ignore is to be indignant and to even ask for trouble. 

To pay attention to our pains would make us alive and also to be attentive to what the Lord is showing and telling us. 

And when we heed the call to repentance, then we are also becoming more human. 

We begin to feel the pain of the faults and failings of others, and to feel compassion for them. 

And we have also become like the gardener in the parable; we will also pray and plead for mercy and forgiveness for others and especially for sinners. 

In doing so, we unite ourselves to Jesus in His pain and suffering on the Cross, to save humanity from their sins.

3rd Sunday of Lent, Year C (RCIA 1st Scrutiny), 23.03.2025

 Exodus 17:3-7 / Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 / John 4:5-42 (Year A readings)

There are photographs of the planet Earth taken from outer space. 

These photos show a beautiful planet with bluish and whitish shades. 

The reason for this is that our Earth is covered by a large amount of water. About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, which gives it a beautiful appearance from outer space. 

Indeed, our Earth, the blue planet, is beautiful because of the water in it. 

Not only is the Earth beautiful because of the water in it, the human body has about 70% of water, and so, human beings, like the Earth, are beautiful. 

Water is a common substance, and yet, it is so vital for life. 

Water washes and cleanses, it also refreshes and hydrates the human body. 

Besides that, other interesting and fascinating aspects of water is that it can exist in three states, that is, as a liquid, as a gas and as ice. 

And water is also flexible in that it takes on the shape of the vessel that it is poured into. 

Indeed, there are many lessons about life that we can learn from water. 

In the gospel, Jesus began conversation with a Samaritan woman by asking for water to drink. 

And from her understanding of water as vital for life, Jesus then talked about living water. 

From her need of water to quench her thirst, she became interested in the living water that will give her eternal life. 

On this third Sunday of Lent, the RCIA Elect begin the period of purification and enlightenment, by reflecting on the physical and spiritual meaning of water as they prepare for baptism. 

They will be baptized with water which will wash away their sins. 

The waters of Baptism is also a living water that will give them eternal life. 

For the Elect, and for us the baptized, we reflect deeper on this common substance of water, as well as Baptism. 

At Baptism, we become like who we are baptized in, and we are baptized in Christ, and therefore we become like Christ. 

We also become like what we are baptized with, and we are baptized with water, and so, we become like water. 

We become not like ordinary water, we become like living water. 

Like water that takes the form of the vessel that it is in, we are like living water that will flow to where and to who Jesus will send us to. 

Also, in the encounter between a stone and water, the lesson that we learn is that the water will prevail. 

The flowing water will smoothen out the rough edges of the stone, and even make the stone beautiful. 

May we let the Living Water from Jesus Christ flow into our minds and hearts, and quench the thirst of our lives. 

And may the Living Water from Jesus Christ cleanse and purify us and also enlighten us. 

May we see that in the soft and gentle water is the power of the love of God, which will forgive us, heal us, sanctify us and make us into living waters for others.

2nd Week of Lent, Saturday, 22-03-2025

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 / Luke 15:1-3, 11-32  

It is said that when you feel pain, you are alive.

And when you feel other people’s pain, you are a human being (Leo Tolstoy)

To be able to feel pain is truly a profound experience.

Whether it is human beings or animals, the feeling of pain is a sign that help is needed from others.

In the gospel, the tax collectors and sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what He had to say.

They wanted to hear Jesus and His words of comfort and consolation for the pains that they feel in life because of their sins and from being rejected.

But the Pharisees and the scribes were rather upset and irritated that Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them.

Jesus responded to that by telling them the parable which is known to us as the parable of the prodigal son.

It is a parable that has many human emotions and it lets the listener decide how to feel those emotions.

We will certainly have some feelings when we listen and reflect on that parable.

May we feel the voice of God in that parable and learn how to feel like Jesus.

Jesus felt our pain and He healed our pain by His suffering on the Cross.

May we also feel the pain of others and bring the healing love of Jesus to them.

2nd Week of Lent, Friday, 21-03-2025

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28 / Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46  

Whenever we are faced with a problem, we would want to solve it as quickly as we can.

When the problem is with a thing, we can look for help or assistance for solutions.

But when the problem is with a person, then what are the options?

Of course, in a civilized manner, we may want to dialogue with that person and see how to resolve the problem.

But we are impatient, and when the dialogue is getting nowhere, then we may think of other options for a quick solution.

Ever since Cain resorted to violence and took the life of Abel, the shedding of blood has become a recurring solution to an irritating problem.

In the 1st reading, the brothers of Joseph hated him so much that the idea of killing Joseph was considered as a solution.

In the gospel parable, the greedy tenants killed the landowner’s servants and even the landowner’s son.

And when Jesus became too much of a problem for the chief priests and elders, they also decided to get rid of Him by putting Him to death.

Yet, it was by the death of Jesus that God wanted to put an end to the hated, violence and killing.

Jesus shed His blood on the Cross so that He could put an end to bloodshed in humanity.

It is with love and forgiveness that bloodshed can be stopped.

Let us love and forgive others, and in doing so, we unite ourselves with Jesus in bringing peace and reconciliation to the world.

2nd Week of Lent, Thursday, 20-03-2025

Jeremiah 17:5-10 / Luke 16:19-31    

Our perceptions of others are usually based on appearances.

As much as a book is not to be judged by its cover, but how we perceive the cover will lead us to open the book and read on or ignore it.

So, by a person’s appearance we will form our opinions and even make our judgements.

In the gospel, Jesus told of a parable that have a rich man whose name was not given.

There is also a poor man by the name of Lazarus.

The parable ends with the rich man suffering in Hades, and Lazarus in heaven.

In life, we see rich people as well as poor people.

Whatever opinions or judgements about them are formed by our perceptions.

But as the 1st reading says, the heart of a person is more devious than any other thing, perverse too.

But the Lord searches the heart and probe the loins to give each man what his conduct and actions deserve.

Let us not spend our time with our perceptions about others, or how other perceive us.

It is the Lord who knows us through and through.

Let us do what is pleasing before the Lord, and we will be at peace with others and with ourselves.

St. Joseph, Spouse of the BVM, Wednesday, 19-03-2025

2 Sam 7:4-5, 12-14, 16  / Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 / Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 or Luke 2:41-51 

There is a choice for the gospel reading for today’s feast: it can either be from Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24, or it can be Luke 2:41-51.

The gospel from Matthew begins with this verse: Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of her was born Jesus who is called Christ.

In stating that Joseph was husband of Mary, it also declared, in not so many words, the most eminent status of Joseph.

Though Joseph didn’t quite understand what was meant by Mary conceiving by the power of the Holy Spirit, he still submitted to God’s plan, and took Mary home to be his wife.

As the husband of Mary, he took care of her, and provided and protected her and the child Jesus.

It was difficult for Joseph to understand the will and the plan of God in his life.

First, he took Mary home to be his wife and he wondered about the mystery of her pregnancy.

Then came the journey to Bethlehem to register for the census.

In the middle of all that, the time came for Mary to deliver her child.

Then came the wise men, and then he had to quickly bring Mary and the Child to flee to Egypt.

That would be too much for an ordinary man, but Joseph persevered and trusted in God.

Let us ask St. Joseph to pray for us, that like him, we will ponder upon God’s plan and like St. Joseph choose to carry out God’s will in our lives.

2nd Week of Lent, Tuesday, 18-03-2025

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 / Matthew 23:1-12  

It is not surprising that to do good and to be good takes a lot of effort and hard work.

On the other hand, it seems so easy and even effortless to do bad and to be bad.

Our human nature, weakened by sin, is prone to sin and hence we slip and slide into sin so easily.

We may want to do good, we may even talk about wanting to do good.

But as it is, actions speak louder than words.

In the gospel, Jesus told the people and His disciples that since the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses, they are to listen to what they say and do what they are told.

But the problem was that the Pharisees only talked about what the people should do.

They themselves do not practise what they preach.

As for us who are Christians and disciples of Jesus, we have a responsibility and a duty.

We are to teach the way of love to the ignorant and guide those who are weak and wayward.

But it is our actions that speak and show clearly what the way of love is and how to do good.

Let us act justly and humbly, and be loving and do good always.

It is hard work, but God will always bless and help those who want to be loving and learn to do good.

2nd Week of Lent, Monday, 17-03-2025

Daniel 9:4-10 / Luke 6:36-38 

To be able to hear is to be aware of the different sounds around us.

Some sounds may be louder than others, and that may overcome the softer sounds.

But in our ability to hear, there is also a further aspect that is called selective listening.

In selective listening, we focus on what we want to listen to and we cut out the rest of the sounds.

But more than just listening to sounds, we listen to what others are saying.

And we must listen to understand what others are saying.

In order to listen so as to understand, then we must also be silent.

In the 1st reading, the prophet Daniel pointed out the main fault of the people.

And that is they have not listened to God’s prophets who were the voice of God.

On the first Sunday of Lent, the gospel reading invites us to follow Jesus into the desert to pray and to fast.

On the second Sunday of Lent, we follow Jesus up the mountain, and there we were told to listen to Him, for He is the Beloved Son of the Father.

Let us ask Jesus to silence our hearts so that we can truly listen and understand His teaching of love, compassion and forgiveness.

2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C, 16.03.2025

 Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 / Philippians 3:17 – 4:1 / Luke 9:28-36 

There are quite a few occasions that occur annually. 

We will surely know what they are because it usually comes with a public holiday. 

So, that will be New Year's day, Chinese New Year (and that's two public holidays), Hari Raya Puasa (and that is coming up soon), etc. 

We can't miss those occasions because it will come with a public holiday, and we like holidays because we don't have to go to school or to work. 

But other than those public occasions, there are also personal occasions that come about annually. 

So, there are birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Whether we celebrate those occasions or not, we will still remember those dates because those are our personal dates. 

But it might be a bit more difficult to remember other people's dates, like the birthday of the spouse, and that can mean some trouble. 

Or, the date of the wedding anniversary, and that can be quite embarrassing, especially when obvious hints are given. 

Today's Gospel is also known as the gospel of the Transfiguration. 

And we may also notice that every year on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading is about the Transfiguration. 

Adding on to that, the Feast of the Transfiguration is also celebrated on the 6th of August in the Church calendar. 

That is telling us something, and that is, the Transfiguration is an important event in the life of Jesus. 

On that mountain, the glory of Jesus was revealed, that He is the beloved Son of God. 

The presence of Moses and Elijah witnessed to Jesus, that He is the Divine Law Giver and the Prophetic Voice of God. 

As for the disciples, Peter, James and John, they were overwhelmed with awe. 

Peter said something about building three tents, but he actually didn't know what he was saying. 

But whatever it is, the Transfiguration of Jesus on that mountain was an experience and an encounter that was seared deep into the hearts of the disciples. 

They didn't talk about it then, but later on, they will speak about it as it was an occasion that pointed to Jesus as the Divine Son of God. 

So, why is the Transfiguration being mentioned during the season of Lent and again in August. 

Well, for the RCIA Elect, the season of Lent is the period of their final preparation for baptism at Easter.

This Sunday’s Gospel of the Transfiguration leads them to reflect on how the Lord Jesus has revealed Himself to them in their faith journey. 

There was a sharing by one of the Elect which is rather amusing and amazing. 

In her childhood days, one of her Catholic relatives brought her to a Catholic Church, but only for a few occasions, and that is to pray for the exams. 

That was her first encounter with the Catholic Church. Later on, she got married and she didn't think much about God or about going to Church. 

And then her husband injured his back and was bedridden for a few months. 

She was so stressed as there was no cure despite having treatment after treatment. 

One morning, when she was about to go marketing, one of her friends called her up. She shared with that friend about her husband's condition, and that friend told her to pray to Jesus. 

She asked her friend how to pray, and that friend told her to look up at the sky and say: Jesus, please help me, please cure my husband. 

Well, she did that, she looked up in the sky, and said: Jesus, please help me, please cure my husband.

And then she carried on with her marketing. That very afternoon, when she was preparing dinner, she thought that she saw her husband walking slowly from the bedroom to the toilet. 

She was very surprised and amazed, and her husband slowly recovered and was able to walk. 

But what was even more surprising was that, when asked who was that friend who told her to look at the sky to pray to Jesus, she couldn't remember.

How could she not remember who it is? 

But in life, there are many experiences and encounters that are beyond explanation. 

We can call it a mystery, but that is how God reveals Himself to us, just like how Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples in the Transfiguration. 

On this second Sunday of Lent, we and the RCIA Elect are led to reflect and recall how God has revealed Himself to us.

It may not be a spectacular experience or a dramatic encounter. 

But certainly, God is speaking to us through Jesus His Son.

May we listen, may we believe, and may our faith be strengthened.

1st Week of Lent, Saturday, 15-03-2025

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 / Matthew 8:43-48  

There are two life-long processes that shapes and forms us.

One is the growing process, and this would usually be the physical.

The other is the learning process, and this would be usually be the intellectual.

So, life is a continual growing and learning process.

In order to grow well and be strong physically, it would mean that we have a proper diet and eat well.

In order to be grow intellectually, we would need to be taught well and have a good upbringing.

In the 1st reading, Moses reminded the people that they have received the teachings from the Lord God in the form of Commandments.

And when they obey the Lord’s teaching, then He will declare that they are His people, a consecrated nation above all other nations.

But along the way, the Lord’s teaching was distorted and misinterpreted, and the people also came out with their own teaching for their own advantage.

So, in the gospel, Jesus brought back the origins of the divine teachings that was handed to the people.

All in all, Jesus teaches us that we are to be perfect, just as the heavenly Father is perfect.

When we understand that we are called to be like God, then we will want to learn to be like God and grow to be the love expressions of God to others.

1st Week of Lent, Friday, 14-03-2025

Ezekiel 18:21-28 / Matthew 5:20-26  

The difference between obedience and defiance is in that thin blurry line.

When it is to human authority and instructions, we can oscillate between obedience and defiance.

Because as human beings, we are fickle and it depends on how the instructions suit us.

So if we are agreeable and it is convenient to us, we will obey or accept it.

Otherwise we will disregard or defy it. But we must be prepared to accept the consequence of our defiance.

In the 1st reading, what is presented to us is the repentance of a wicked person, as well as the renouncement of an upright man.

While the repentance of a wicked person has its rewards, the renouncement of an upright person deserves punishment.

But in the gospel, Jesus tells us that if our virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and the Pharisees, then we will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

So, when it comes to God’s Commandments, there should be no question about our obedience.

Because when we disobey or defy God’s Commandments, then we are asking for punishment.

But why do we want to disobey or defy and get punished when we just have to obey and receive blessings.

Let us ask the Lord to deepen our virtue so that we will obey His Commandments and live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and be blessed with His love and peace.

1st Week of Lent, Thursday, 13-03-2025

Esther 4:17 / Matthew 7:7-12  

When it comes to protection, we want the best and nothing less.

So, when it comes to the anti-virus for our computers, we want the best anti-virus, the best and nothing less.

Because if we want something to protect us, we won’t settle for anything less, we want the best.

And if we want somebody to protect us, then we want someone who is strong and able to protect us.

We want someone who is reliable and will always be there for us.

In the 1st reading, queen Esther found herself in a mortal peril that has overtaken her.

She was going to lose her life and there is no one who could save her.

Yes, no one could save her, until she remembered that she had been taught from her earliest years about the Lord God who saved her people.

Her prayer is this: My Lord, our King, the one, come to my help, for I am alone and have no helper but you.

And the Lord answered her prayer and saved her as well as her people, and revealed His power and might in their time of distress.

In the gospel, Jesus taught us to ask and it will be given, search and we will find, knock and the door will be opened for us.

So, to the Lord our God, our protector and Saviour, let us ask, let us seek the Lord and knock on His door of mercy.

Whether in distress or in our difficulties, let us turn to the Lord our God and He will reveal to us His saving power.

1st Week of Lent, Wednesday, 12-03-2025

Jonah 3:1-10 / Luke 11:29-32   

Our human ability to understand and comprehend what is around us is usually through our five senses.

Then our intelligence will discern and judge what our situation is and what we need to do.

But of course, we want the process of understanding and comprehending, as well as discerning and judging to be quick.

We want things moving and done, as we don’t want to waste too much time thinking and thinking.

So we want things to be clear and obvious, and we don’t want to look and search for information and details.

But very often, the very thing that we are looking for is that thing that we overlook and don’t think much about it or even reject it.

In the gospel, the people seems to be looking for signs, signs that are dramatic and spectacular, signs that are loud and big.

But Jesus made them look at the signs that were already there: the sign of Jonah and the Ninevites, and the sign of king Solomon and the Queen of the South.

The sign of Jonah and the Ninevites is an obvious sign of the mercy and compassion of God for a people who are repentant.

That is also the sign of God’s love, mercy and compassion for us in this season of Lent.

There is no need for more signs. Rather let us repent with prayer, penance and almsgiving.

1st Week of Lent, Tuesday, 11-03-2025

Isaiah 55:10-11 / Matthew 6:7-15  

The season of Lent is a time of renewal, a spring-time of our faith.

It may also entail some spring-cleaning of our souls.

That is why the season of Lent has a penitential character.

We reinforce our prayer so that we can deepen our faith and relationship with God.

We do penance and give alms so that we detach from our possessions and turn away what leads us to sin.

In all that, we go back to the basics of our faith, to the basics of what we believe in and to the basics of how to live it out in our lives.

The 1st reading tells of a rather basic process of nature, and that is, the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return without watering the earth, and giving growth.

So too the Word of God does not return empty without carrying out the will of God and fulfilling it.

And the Word of God in the gospel teaches us the basic prayer of the “Our Father”.

As we pray that prayer, may we also carry out the will of God and fulfill the plans of God in our lives.

1st Week of Lent, Monday, 10-03-2025

Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 / Matthew 15:31-46  

One of the early Church Fathers, St Irenaeus (130 – 202 AD) was quoted as saying this: "The glory of God is man fully alive."

Mankind is made in the image of God, and mankind reflects the goodness and the love of God.

But sin has disfigured and distorted the image of God that man is created in.

And when sin continues to manifest, then mankind becomes more and more ugly and wicked.

But that is because mankind has forgotten what goodness and love is about.

In the 1st reading, God instructs Moses to declare to the people that they are to be holy, just as God Himself is holy.

So, to be human and to be fully alive is to be like God, to be holy, to do good and to be loving.

In the gospel, Jesus tells a parable that expresses what being human is about.

It is as fundamental and essential as sharing food and drink with those who are hungry and thirsty, to welcome the stranger, to care for the sick, to visit those who are neglected and forgotten.

In other words, to be human is to share the goodness and love of God with those in need.

That is the core of being human. When we express that core human goodness and love, then we have become truly alive.

1st Sunday of Lent, Year C, 09.03.2025

Deuteronomy 216:4-10 / Romans 10:8-13 / Luke 4:1-13 

We may have felt that many things have happened rather quickly since the start of the year. 

There was the Chinese New Year that came and went, and it was not that long ago.

And then the season of Lent has begun with Ash Wednesday. 

Now that the season of Lent has begun, we may be thinking of what to do and how to do it. 

So, we might be thinking about making more time for prayer, maybe waking up earlier in the morning to pray. 

We may be thinking of going for some weekday Masses, besides the Sunday masses. 

We may be thinking of going for the Stations of the Cross every Friday of Lent. 

And then there is also the practice of fasting and abstinence on Fridays, or we may want to do more for season of Lent. 

Whatever it may be, the season of Lent seems to be like a busy spiritual season with many spiritual practices to consider. 

But before we think of what we want to do for the season of Lent, let us take a look at Jesus in today's Gospel. 

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus left the Jordan, but He didn't immediately launch into His mission of salvation. 

Rather, He was led by the Holy Spirit through the wilderness, being tempted there by the devil for 40 days. 

It seems like Jesus didn't decide what to do after His baptism. It was the Spirit who decided for Him. 

And so, the Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness, or, also known as the desert. 

The desert is a harsh place, where hunger and thirst are felt to the extremes, and that is nothing that can be done about it. 

Besides, there's also nothing else to do. 

And as if that is not terrible enough, it was also there that the devil tempted Jesus.

So, it was a rough start for Jesus, firstly going to a very uncomfortable place, and then being unsettled by the devil. 

The Church began the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday which was a few days ago. 

On that day, the Church use an ordinary, or a rather useless substance, to mark our foreheads, and that is ashes. 

Ashes are messy, and they can also cause irritation to our skin.

The ashes are marked on our foreheads to remind us of three realities, and that is our frailty, our mortality and our eternity. 

With the ashes, we are reminded of our frailty, that we are weak human beings. 

We feel pain, we fall ill, we worry about our problems and difficulties, and we get anxious about losing what we consider as precious. 

The ashes also remind us of our mortality. There's nothing as certain as death. 

One of the phrases that is used when the ashes are marked on our foreheads is this: Remember, you are dust, and unto dust you shall return. 

Yes, returning to dust is the stark reality and the certainty, and that is nothing that we can do about it, nor can we avoid it. 

But in our frailty and mortality, God promises an eternity of glory for those who hope and trust in Him. 

Ash Wednesday reminds us that everything will pass.

Our hunger will pass, our wealth and our health will pass, our success and our failures will also pass. 

But the season of Lent makes us pause, and pause for 40 days. 

Yes, we pause to pray about our frailty and our mortality. 

In our frailty and mortality, may we also come to see eternity. 

And we also see that everything will pass away, but God will not pass away.

And when we put our hope and trust in God, He will also not let us pass away. 

God will raise us up from the ashes of our frailty and mortality, and He will lead us into eternity.

We just need to pause, and with prayer, we will see how God is doing this for us.

Saturday after Ash Wednesday, 08-03-2025

Isaiah 58:9-14 / Luke 5:27-32  

At any point in time, we can surely think of a person or persons that we have difficulties relating with.

We may just feel uncomfortable about that person, or cannot accept certain qualities about that person, or that person may have hurt us before.

Hence human relationships are often laced with anything from indifference to intolerance.

Of course, we being the disciples of Jesus will try and strive to resolve our differences.

But the moment we get hurt again or feel that it is pointless or feel that there can be no change for the better, we will immediately and conveniently give up.

But in today's gospel, we see Jesus approaching someone whom we would automatically ostracize in our lives, especially if that person has betrayed us and sold us out.

Levi was such a person and yet Jesus not only approached him, but even called him to follow Him.

Jesus came to bring together all peoples into the peace and unity of God's kingdom.

In our Lenten journey ahead, let us heed the word of the Lord from the 1st reading.

Let us release our clenched fists and drop the wicked word.

Then our light will begin to shine for others and our own shadows will be shortened.

Friday after Ash Wednesday, 06-03-2025

Isaiah 58:1-9 / Matthew 9:14-15  

What we do and say express who we are as well as our values.

In other words, what fills our hearts will be expressed in our words and actions.

It can also be said that our spirituality is expressed in our activity.

So, if we do a religious act, then it should express what we believe in.

When we pray, it means that we are close to God and want to be like God in what we do and say.

When we fast, it means that we want to detach ourselves from earthly desires and also to express our need for God.

But if we pray, and yet do not live holy lives, then there is a contradiction.

If we fast, and yet we are dishonest and tell lies, then there is a contradiction.

That is what the 1st reading is saying about fasting:

You do business on your fast days, you oppress all your workmen.

Look, you quarrel and squabble when you fast and strike the poor man with your fist.

In the season of Lent, there is an emphasis on prayer, penance and almsgiving.

We do this because we want to draw nearer to God and repent of our sins.

May these spiritual disciplines also be a means for us to express our love for God and for others.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday, 06-03-2025

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 / Luke 9:22-25  

One of the versatile human abilities is to imagine.

With some imagination, we go beyond the confines of the present reality to a future possibility.

In fact, some of the modern day inventions are a result of creative imaginations.

So, even when we think about the good and the bad, some imagination can help us to see what good and bad means in the reality of life.

In the 1st reading, Moses said this to the people:

See, today I set before you life and prosperity, death and disaster.

Moses tells the people to “see” what he means as he tells them to obey the Lord’s commandments and to be faithful to the Lord.

They will live and increase, and the Lord will bless them and they will posses the land.

But if they sin and are unfaithful to the Lord, and worship other gods, then they will certainly perish and will not live long in the land.

To ensure the people “see” what he means, Moses calls upon heaven and earth to be witnesses.

In the gospel, Jesus said that if anyone wants to follow Him, that person must take up the cross every day and follow Him.

Let us reflect and meditate, or even imagine, about the cross that we must carry every day.

May we also “see” the reality of the cross of suffering, and at the same time, may we also “see” the cross of salvation.

Ash Wednesday, 05-03-2025

Joel 2:12-18 / 2 Cor 5:20 - 6:2 / Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 

The word "Lent" comes from an old English word meaning "springtime" or "lengthen"

It means that, as in springtime, the daylight hours are slowly getting longer, and therefore the word “lengthen”.

For the Church, the season of Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, penance, almsgiving and works of charity.

It is a time of spring-cleaning our hearts with prayer and penance, and turning back to the Lord in repentance.

It is also to turn away and to discard the impure and sinful habits that we have become addicted to.

Because these have covered up the light that we have received at our Baptism, leading us to live darkened lives.

On this Ash Wednesday, we are also reminded that our pleasures and desires will eventually turn to dust and ashes.

The imposition of the blessed ashes is a profound reminder of our earthly finality.

At the same time, the ashes also remind us of our eternity, that the Lord God our Saviour, will raise us up from the dustheap of ashes and to give us eternal life.

Let us joyfully begin the season of Lent, and to be faithful to the spiritual practices of prayer, penance and almsgiving.

The Lord our God will bless and reward us for being faithful to Him.

8th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 04-03-2025

Ecclesiasticus 35:1-12 / Mark 10:28-31  

Tomorrow the Church begins the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday.

The season of Lent is a time of renewal and there is an emphasis on the three spiritual disciplines, i.e. prayer, penance and almsgiving.

All that is to guide and help us to relook and also to revise what Christianity is about and what being Christian is about.

In fact, that is the core message of the Bible, and that is, God loves us, but we have sinned and strayed, and yet, God continues to call us back to Him.

The 1st reading also has this message of reconciliation with God, as well as conversion and repentance.

That message can be heard with these lines:

With from wickedness, and the Lord will be pleased.

With from injustice, and you will make atonement.

So, in essence, it is turning away from our sinful selves and leaving our former way of life.

We turn to God and to let Him embrace us with love and life.

In the gospel, Peter told Jesus that they had left everything and followed Him.

That is what we must continue to do – to leave our old sinful selves and former way of life.

And to embrace the new life of life and love. 

With that, our reward will not only be in this life, but also in the life to come.

8th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 03-03-2025

Ecclesiasticus 17:24-29 / Mark 10:17-27 

In hot and humid Singapore, going into an air-con place is truly something to look forward to.

So whether it is at home, or at the workplace or for dining or for leisure, a cool comfortable place with air-con would be nice to be in.

But with the air-con, setting a temperature to please everyone would be challenging.

At any temperature setting, some will find it too cold, others will find it too stuffy.

Such can be also said about love.

Some may find the expression of love from another person a heart-warming and even exhilarating experience.

Others may find it rather too expressive and too close for comfort.

In the gospel, when Jesus looked steadily at that wealthy man, that man could have felt uneasy and uncomfortable.

That wealthy man was focused on doing what the commandments of the Lord had stated.

But when it comes to loving God and others, he may have felt uncomfortable and unfamiliar.

Because to do something, there can be a measurement and a checklist.

But to be loving, it would mean that one has be vulnerable and to let go.

Jesus looked at the wealthy man with love, but that man could not let go and receive love.

Jesus is also looking at us with love. May we respond with love and not go away sad.

8th Ordinary Sunday, Year C, 02.03.2025

Ecclesiasticus 27:4-7 / 1 Cor 15:54-58 / Luke 6:39-45

We know this common saying: Do not judge a book by its cover. 

This is quite true because the cover of the book does not really say much about the contents of the book. 

Nonetheless, the cover of the book will still have some information like the title and who the author is. 

The title and the author might already give an idea or an indication about the contents of the book. 

Going by the title of a book, it is difficult to say what the book is about. 

But whatever the title of a book may be, the author will be the one who will give us the most information about the book. 

Because from the author, we will generally know the category of the book. 

So, from the author, we will generally know whether the book is about history, or fiction, or mystery, or self-help or self-improvement. 

And the author's background will also tell us about his character and his orientation. 

In a gospel, Jesus gave a teaching using a tree and its fruit as an example. 

A tree is not judged by its height and size, or by its branches and leaves. 

Rather, a tree is judged by its fruit. 

In fact, by its fruit, we will know the species of the tree. 

Using the tree and its fruit as an example, Jesus goes on to teach about how to tell the character of a person. 

Jesus says that no sound tree produces rotten fruit, nor would a rotten tree produce sound fruit. 

The point of the teaching is this: A good person draws what is good from the store of goodness in his heart. 

A bad person draws what is bad from the store of badness in his heart. 

Jesus then made this statement that summed up His teaching: 

For a man's words flow out of what fillls his heart. 

That should certainly make us think about the words that come out of our mouths. 

As Jesus said, our words are a reflection and an indication of what fills our hearts. 

In a way we are like a book. A book cannot be judged by its cover, nor can a person be judged by his looks and appearance. 

But when a person speaks, his words will reveal his character. 

So too, our words will reveal to others our character and integrity. 

And our words will also reveal whether we listen to respond, or we listen to understand. 

Because, quite often, even before the other person has finished speaking, we are already forming words to respond, instead of listening to understand. 

So, speaking and listening are like the two covers of a book. 

Let us speak in a way that others would love to listen to us.

And let us listen in a way that others would love to speak to us. 

Then we would be like a good book that others would love to read. 

May we also be like a book that tells others of the love of God.

7th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 01-03-2025

Ecclesiasticus 17:1-15 / Mark 10:13-16  

Life, in some ways, is like a battery.

When we came into this world, we are like a fully charged battery.

There is so much that we can do with the so much that is in us.

But as we go on in life, our battery strength begins to discharge.

And as we attach ourselves to more and more things, we begin to feel stressed and strained.

We also begin to feel the wear and tear.

But the 1st reading reminds us of how much God has blessed us with.

God made us in His own image and clothed us with His strength.

Physical and spiritually, God has formed and shaped us to be His best ever creation.

So we are like a fully-charged battery that has the power to last a long time.

But we have to heed the Lord’s commandment: Beware of wrong-doing.

We also need to remember that we are like little children who are always dependent on the Lord and on His blessings.

Then we will be able to live the life that God wants us to live, and do the things that God wants us to do.