5th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 13-02-2026

1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19 / Mark 7:31-37  

To suffer a fractured bone or a broken bone, it is needless to say that it is very painful.

The pain can be intense and sharp, and often described as a “screaming” or deep, throbbing ache.

For relationships to be fractured or broken, it is certainly painful.

For a family to be divided or fractured or broken, the pain increases.

For a country to be divided or fractured or broken, it is difficult to find words to express the pain.

As a nation, Israel reached the heights of glory with king David and king Solomon.

But from king Solomon onwards, the country spiraled down in unfaithfulness and idolatry, and finally into division.

And all that tragedy is because the king and the people did not listen to the voice of the Lord God. 

In the gospel, Jesus opened the ears of the deaf man by putting His fingers into the man’s ears.

And then Jesus said “Ephphatha” which mean “be opened”, and the man’s ears were opened and he was able to hear again.

May our ears and hearts be opened to the Word of God that is proclaimed.

May the Word of God find a home in our hearts, and may we share the Word of God to those who are hurting from broken and fractured relationships.

5th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 12-02-2026

1 Kings 11:4-13 / Mark 7:24-30   

The gift of faith is a beautiful and also a powerful gift.

With faith, we will know who God is and His great love for us.

With faith, we will also see the wonders that God will work for us, especially in our time of need.

King Solomon knew who God is and he was also given the gift of wisdom.

But despite being blessed abundantly by God, king Solomon got swayed by his foreign wives.

He even worshipped their gods and offered sacrifice to those idols.

He lost his faith in God, and probably his wisdom too, and it had tragic consequences in the breaking up of the kingdom.

But in the gospel, it was a Syrophoenician woman who came up to Jesus and begged Jesus to deliver her daughter from an unclean spirit.

Even though Jesus tested her faith, that woman was steadfast and firm in her conviction that Jesus was the one who could cast out the evil from her daughter.

So it can be said that from the one who was expected to be faithful to God, that person did not live up to the faith.

From someone who did not belong to God’s chosen people, she had that sense of faith.

May we not take our faith for granted or we will lose it.

May our faith lead us to depend on God’s providence, and let us also share our faith with those who want to know more about Jesus.

5th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 11.02.2026

 1 Kings 10:1-10 / Mark 7:14-23     

The average IQ (intellectual quotient) of a person is around 100. 

That means a person of average IQ would be able to do problem-solving, be logical, have a good memory, and able to comprehend situations. 

King Solomon would have all that. But when the Lord God asked him what he wanted as a king, Solomon asked for wisdom.  

And the Lord God granted him such a wisdom that no man ever had before. 

Even the queen of Sheba was left breathless and overawed by king Solomon’s wisdom. 

Indeed, a wise person will be known by his words and actions. 

His life would also express goodness, simplicity and humility. 

For king Solomon, he used the God-given wisdom for the glory of God and for the good of the people.

The opposite of wisdom is foolishness. 

A person may have an average IQ, but if he is foolish, then his life is a mess.

In the gospel, Jesus says what will come out of a foolish man: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly.

Those are signs of a dark foolishness that will eventually lead to self-destruction.  

Let us choose to walk in the ways of the Lord, and let us also ask the Lord to grant us the wisdom to do what is right and good.

5th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 10-02-2026

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 / Mark 7:1-13   

In our conversations with others, it can be anything from casual to formal.

When we are socializing with our friends, we talk casually.

At work, especially at meetings, we will certainly talk formally.

But whether casually or formally, we also need to ask ourselves if we are sincere and honest in our conversations.

Depending on who we are talking with, we will either be guarded with our words or we are quite careless.

But in the 1st reading, king Solomon was offering a prayer to the Lord God.

He was humble with his words, and he was also sincere and honest before the Lord God.

As he ended off his prayer, he implored the Lord God to hear his prayer and he also prayed for forgiveness.

In the gospel, the Pharisees questioned Jesus about His disciples not respecting the tradition of the elders by eating food with unclean hands.

Jesus replied with a quote from the prophet Isaiah about people offering only lip-service but their hearts were far from the Lord.

That makes us reflect on our words, especially our prayer, and also our actions.

When we are sincere and honest in our prayer to God, then our actions will be sincere and honest.

And let us also remember that when we come before the Lord God, we must acknowledge that we are sinners and we can only beg for mercy and forgiveness.

5th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 09-02-2026

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 / Mark 6:53-56   

In this world, what is visible is what we often call the visible reality.

But there is also what is invisible to the naked eye.

With visual aids like microscopes and other devices, these so-called invisible objects can then be seen.

And then there is the other world, the spiritual world, which is often invisible because it does not have form and matter.

There are times when the spiritual world would manifest itself, and then we can see it, although it is not a permanent feature.

In the 1st reading, king Solomon and all Israel offered a great sacrifice to the Lord God in the Temple.

The priests brought in the ark of the covenant which contains the two tablets of the Law.

The Lord God accepted the sacrifice and manifested His presence as a cloud and that the Temple is His dwelling place.

In the gospel, Jesus and His disciples came to land at Gennesaret.

No sooner had they stepped out of the boat than people recognized Jesus and brought to Him the sick and those who suffered from illness.

Even touching His cloak brought about a cure from the sickness.

Although we may not be able to see the spiritual realities, but like the people of Gennesaret,  may we have faith in the divine presence,

And Jesus will affirm our faith by answering our prayers and granting our needs.

5th Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 08.02.2026

Isaiah 58:7-10 / 1 Cor 2:1-5 / Matthew 5:13-16  

When it comes to preferences, we are certainly inclined to go for what is real. 

Because when we say that something is real, some thoughts will immediately come to mind. 

When we say that something is real, it means that it is authentic, it is genuine. 

So, more than just saying that it is real Chinese food, we may say that it is authentic Cantonese cuisine, or authentic Hakka cuisine, or authentic Teochew cuisine. 

When we say that something is real, it is not just a slogan, like a brand of soft drink is called “the real thing”. 

To be real is also to be truthful, to be honest, and to be sincere. 

But as much as we are inclined to go for what is real, we often settle for less. 

In that less can be anything from the substitute to the artificial. 

The attraction here is that the substitute, or the artificial, can seem to be better than the real, or the genuine or the authentic. 

So, the substitute like the artificial sweetener can give the benefits of a sweet taste without all those health concerns. 

But the word artificial has taken on a more extensive role in the development of consumer and industrial electronics. 

Because artificial intelligence is inserted into home appliances like the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, cooker, air con and almost everything we can think of. 

In the area of industrial electronics and manufacturing, artificial intelligence is not just found in robotics, but it has also given rise to humanoids. 

So, all those robots in the movies of the past like Star Wars and Terminator are becoming a reality. 

But it is a reality that is showing concerns about the future of humanity and about humanness. 

In the gospel, Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. 

Salt and light are realities as well as everyday examples that we can immediately relate with. 

Salt gives taste to the food. The uniqueness of salt is that we can’t see it but we can taste it. 

And of course, too much salt will also ruin the taste of the food. 

So, when Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth, we are also reminded our presence should be pleasant and peaceful for others. 

Similarly, light scatters the darkness, and gives out a warm and welcoming glow. 

But when the light is too bright, it will cause a blinding effect on others. 

So, when Jesus calls us the light of the world, we will remember that instead of complaining about the darkness, let us be the light that shines brightly and warmly to bring about sight and comfort. 

But there are also such things as artificial salt and artificial light. 

Artificial salt, like that of the artificial sugar, gives taste without those health concerns. 

Artificial light, like torchlights, can be very useful in dark and hidden corners that are devoid of natural light. 

But, Jesus calls us to be like the real salt and the real light. 

To be like real salt, let us first taste our own words. 

As it is said, may our words always be sweet, in case we ever have to eat them. 

But more than just sweet and tasteful words, let us also remember that others can also taste the real meaning of our words. 

So, we have to be honest and sincere in our words, words that will encourage and affirm others. 

And of course, if we have nothing good to say then let us be silent, so as not to be distasteful with our words. 

To be the light, we need to remember that we are not the source of the light. 

We are called to reflect the true light which is Jesus Christ. 

Jesus shines His light on us, so that we will reflect His light to others. 

Just as the light does not argue or fight with the darkness, may we also not get distracted or disturbed by the wickedness and the evil that we see around us. 

Like the moon that reflects the light, let us just keep shining in the dark. 

And when we speak, may we give others a sweet taste on the Good News of salvation, so that they too would want to give a good taste and a warm and comforting light to the world.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 07-02-2026

1 Kings 3:4-13 / Mark 6:30-34  

When we think about what are our basic needs, then it will surely come down to food, clothing and shelter.

That is essentially what we need to go on day to day.

When these needs are available and secured, we will begin to look at other needs.

Depending on what is our state of life and our direction in life, we will then determine our needs.

It may be emotional needs, like look for a life-partner and starting a family.

It may be intellectual needs, like going for further studies to achieve our ambition.

In the 1st reading, the Lord God asked Solomon what he wanted in life.

Solomon chose to ask for wisdom so that he will be able to govern God’s people.

God granted Solomon his request and other blessings besides.

In the gospel, Jesus and His disciples wanted to go off to a lonely place to rest and to be by themselves.

But the people kept following them, and when Jesus stepped ashore, He took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Although the people did not say what they wanted from Jesus, they are already saying something by following Jesus.

More than anything else, they wanted to hear the Word of life and the Word of love from Jesus.

The people showed us what it is that we really need, and that is life and love.

And they also showed us that Jesus can give us these two gifts.

Let us follow the people by listening to Jesus, and then we will have life and love.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 06-02-2026

Ecclesiasticus 47:2-11 / Mark 6:14-29   

Most of us may think that we are just ordinary people living ordinary lives.

Some of us may even think that our lives are so ordinary and simple that we won’t leave any impression in this world.

On the other hand, public figures like leaders, may wonder about what kind of legacy they will leave behind.

But it is not about what impressions they want to leave behind after they have passed on.

Rather, it is what people will think of them and how they will be remembered in the minds of people.

The 1 reading recalls the life of David, the great king of Israel.

David was remembered by how he defeated Goliath and won glory for God and for Israel.

Although David had sinned, he was repentant and God took away his sin.

On the other hand, king Herod was remembered as the man who gave in to the request of a dancing girl and ordered the execution of John the Baptist.

That also makes us think about not just what we leave behind after we have passed on.

We also need to think about what we leave in the minds and hearts of others.

May we leave in others experiences of God’s love and how we shared God’s love with them.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 05-02-2026

1 Kings 11:4-13 / Mark 7:24-30    

The book of Wisdom has this to say about life:

Length of days is not what makes age honourable, nor number of years the true measure of life (Wisdom 4:8-9)

The book of Wisdom goes on to say that understanding the truths of life and living an untarnished life, that is what makes a life well lived.

Putting it simply, a life well lived is a life that seeks to please God, and God will bless that person with His love.

In the 1st reading, as David comes to the close of his life, he wants to impart to his son Solomon the truths of life.

As much as David ruled over Israel for a length of time, he is considered as the greatest king who brought Israel to its glorious state.

But he also showed that as a king, he wanted to live a life that is pleasing to God, and God blessed David such that the Saviour would come from his line.

In the gospel, Jesus summoned His disciples and sent them off to preach the Good News of salvation.

They were to bring nothing with them except a staff to show the authority that was given to them.

They went off to preach repentance, cast out many devils and anointed may sick people with oil and cured them.

In short, the Good News brought people the truths of life and forgiveness and healing.

May we too live our lives according to the Good News and live a life pleasing to God and to be blessed by Him.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 04-02-2026

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 / Mark 6:1-6    

If we had listened and reflected on the 1st reading, we might have asked this question : what is the problem with doing a census of the population?

That is a logical thing to do so as to know the size of the population and especially the size of the army.

Yet it was David himself who called for the census; it was a form of pride.

Already in his time, Israel was the most powerful nation in the region.

In counting the people, and especially the army, David wanted to show-off his might to other nations.

But he forgot he was counting God's people, and God's people is not about numbers but rather their faith and trust in Him.

In a way, we could also see in the gospel how the people of Jesus home town "counted" Jesus and He fell short of their opinions, and hence they did not accept His wisdom and abilities.

So, when it comes to counting, let us count our blessings, but let us also give thanks and praise the Lord at all times.

With grateful and thankful hearts, we will not be thinking about what we have done for the Lord but rather what the Lord has done for us.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 03-02-2026 (Memorial of St. Blaise)

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30 - 19:3 / Mark 5:21-43  

About St. Blaise (memoria of the saint of the day)

He was bishop of Sebastea in Armenia in the early 4th century.

He was born of rich and noble parents, received a Christian education and made a bishop while still quite young.

When persecution arose, he was given a divine direction to withdraw to a cave in the mountains which was frequented only by wild animals.

But these wild animals did him no harm and when they were sick or wounded, they would come to him for his blessing and he healed them.

Meanwhile, hunters who had been sent to capture animals for the amphitheater, found him surrounded by these animals.

Although greatly amazed, they seized him and took him back to the authorities.

On their way, they met a poor woman whose pig had been carried off by a wolf.

At the command of St. Blaise, the wolf restored the pig unhurt.

On another occasion a woman brought to him a little boy who was at the point of death owing to a fishbone stuck in his throat, and the saint healed him with a prayer and the sign of the cross over his throat.

On account of this and other similar cures, the intercession of St. Blaise has been invoked for all kinds of throat trouble.

St. Blaise was scourged and thrown into prison and deprived of food. But the woman whose pig had been restored secretly brought him provisions and little wicks to light up his dark dungeon.

St. Blaise was further tortured with iron combs tearing away his flesh and finally he was beheaded.

Although the intercession of St Blaise is invoked in the blessing of throats, the message and relevance of the prayer is in the expression of our faith in God our Saviour and Healer.

Through the intercession of St. Blaise and the saints, we turn to God and ask for His blessings of health in mind and body so that we can be of service to others especially those who are ill and need our care.

So we ask for God's blessings not just for ourselves but also for those in need of healing so that they too will experience the healing love of God

Prayer of blessing of throats :

"Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat, and from every other disease. In the name of the Father and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.

R. Amen."

The Presentation of the Lord, Monday, 02-02-2026

Malachi 3:1-4 / Hebrews 2:14-18 / Luke 2:22-40 

A major part of our lives is spent on waiting.

We wait for the baby to be born, we wait for our children to grow up and be independent, we wait for our retirement; we wait to return to the Lord. Indeed, we spend a lot of time waiting.

Besides that we also have to wait for people who are late, we wait for the bus or train and whatever.

But there is something interesting about waiting. Most of the time, whatever we are waiting for shows up sooner or later.

For Simeon and Anna, they had waited for a long time, and finally their hope was fulfilled.

When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, God's ancient promise of sending a Saviour was fulfilled and the Covenant was ratified with the presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

Yes, God has come to save His people and the blessing and lighting of candles and the procession is to symbolize that the light of salvation is already shining on the Church and on the world.

Yes, the light of salvation is shining and yet we still wait.

We wait for the light of the Holy Spirit to prompt us and lead us to fulfill God's work of salvation in our lives.

Like Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna, let us wait for the Lord in prayer, and have our candles lit, and be ready to do His will when He calls.

4th Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 01.02.2026

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 / 1 Cor 1:26-31 / Matthew 5:1-12  

It is good to have an ambition in life. 

When we were young, we were often asked what is our ambition, or what do we want to be in life. 

Well, there are many professions to consider, like being a doctor, lawyer, pilot, engineer, police officer, firefighter. 

Those are the usual and regular professions that we are quite familiar with. 

Of course, there are other unique professions that can also be considered. 

So, it could be being a singer, actor, fashion designer, social influencer, content creator, youtuber.

But of course, in the end what we dream of doing and what we eventually end up doing can be quite different. 

Whichever and whatever it is, the question is whether we are happy with what we are doing. 

A story goes that a young man asked a wise man, “Tell me Sir, in which field could I make a good career?” 

The wise men said with a smile, “Be a good human being. Because, there are a lot of opportunities in this area and very little competition.” 

We might want to think about that statement. 

Is it that difficult to be a good human being, such that there are many opportunities and very little competition? 

We know that if we want to be happy, we have to be a good person. 

And yet, we also know how difficult it can be to be a good person, in the midst of sinfulness, wickedness and evil. 

Sinfulness, wickedness and evil are like sharp fires that poke at our goodness and puncture us. 

And when we get irritated and frustrated, we react in retaliation with an eye for an eye, and a tooth for tooth, and we lose our happiness as well as our goodness. 

So, if being a good person is so difficult, then how can we become a good Christian? 

In the gospel, Jesus teaches us the way to happiness and to holiness. 

Happiness is the fruit of holiness. When we are holy, we will be happy. 

In the gospel, Jesus gave a teaching on what is called the Beatitudes. 

Beatitudes means blessings, and Jesus is teaching us the way of holiness so that we can receive the blessings of happiness. 

To be poor in spirit is to trust in the Lord God and to understand the heart of God. 

It can be as simple as choosing to like a flower or to love a flower. 

If we like a flower, we will just pluck it for our own pleasure. 

But, if we love the flower, we will help it to grow beautifully by watering it. 

Similarly, to be gentle is to have control over our anger. 

Just as we cannot see our reflection in boiling water, neither can we see truth in a state of anger. 

The person who can control his anger will also grow in gentleness and happiness. 

But the way to happiness is also not about looking for something external. 

It begins within, just as holiness begins within. 

It is said that if we spend our time chasing butterflies, they will fly away. 

But if we spend our time growing a beautiful garden, the butterflies will come, and we will also have a beautiful garden. 

So, there is no need to look around for happiness or to chase after it. 

Let the Beatitudes be our way of life. 

When we have a beautiful heart of gentleness, kindness, compassion, purity and charity, God will pour His blessings on us, and we will truly be happy.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 31-01-2026

2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 / Mark 4:35-41  

To make mistakes is human, and there is no doubt that we have made mistakes before, and maybe even bad mistakes.

And when a mistake is made, then it is also the human tendency to blame someone for it.

And even if we were the one to make the mistake, we would be inclined to push the blame to someone else.

That is our human tendency, and honesty would require a lot of courage.

In the 1st reading, David had committed a grave sin, in fact, two grave sins.

Obviously, no one would dare to confront David on the terrible wrong he had done.

So God sent the prophet Nathan, and even then, Nathan used a parable to bring out the judgement that David would pronounce on himself.

Those four words “You are the man” was enough to wake up David into admitting his sin.

In the gospel, the disciples in the boat met with a storm and they were in a dangerous situation.

They turned to Jesus, who was asleep, and said “Master, do not care? We are going down.

They sounded like as if they were blaming Jesus for the storm.

Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and He also rebuked the disciples about their lack of faith.

In life, there will be many storms that we will have to face. 

May we not blame anyone or anything for those storm but turn to Jesus as ask for His help to save us.

Let us also obey the Lord, for even the wind and the sea obey Him.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 30-01-2026

2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17 / Mark 4:26-34  

To keep a promise is difficult and challenging.

To keep a promise is to be true to the word that we give to others.

Our integrity is upon that promise to others and we keep faithfully to the best of our ability.

But we also admit that there are times when promises were broken and we did not keep our word.

We were not faithful to our promises because we were influenced by other motives and intentions.

In the 1st reading, David remained in Jerusalem while he sent Joab with the army to go fight the enemy.

But while he was in Jerusalem, he happened to see Bethsheba and he desire for her, even though he was told that she was Uriah’s wife.

One wrong led to another and in the end David wrote out Uriah’s death sentence, in other words, David committed murder.

But all that happened because David forgot about how the Lord God raised him up from being a humble shepherd to being a mighty king.

In short, David lost his faithfulness to the Lord God and the consequence was tragedy upon himself and upon others.

Faithfulness is not just a virtue. It is vital for life and in our relationships.

Unfaithfulness will only have tragic consequences.

But faithfulness to God and to others will bring blessings of peace.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 20-01-2026

2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 / Mark 4:21-25  

In some of those thriller and action movies, there are times when the drama is over something that is considered a secret.

It may be a national top secret, or some secret project, or some secret operation.

Whatever it may be, the secret is to be protected and to be prevented from being discovered or exposed.

But no secret can ever be hidden for too long, and there is also the curiosity over the contents of the secret.

And as long as two or more persons know about the secret, then it cannot be considered a secret anymore.

In the gospel, Jesus says that there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, and nothing kept secret except to be brought to light.

Whatever we think and do is known to God, and He knows our motives and intentions.

And we think we may be able to hide and keep secret our motives and intentions from others.

But just as secrets cannot be kept for too long, neither can our motives and intentions.

May what we do and say be like a lamp put on a lamp stand.

And may God’s love shine in us and through us so that God’s ways will also be revealed through us.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 28-01-2026

2 Samuel 7:4-17 / Mark 4:1-20  

Human beings are naturally task-oriented beings.

We do things because there is a need to, as well as to express who we are.

And there is no doubt that some of the things that we do are noble and good.

In the 1st reading, David wanted to build a glorious house for the Lord God.

In his mind, it would be a magnificent temple and a wonderful dwelling place for the Lord.

But the Lord God revealed through the prophet Nathan that instead of David building a house for the Lord, it is the Lord who will build the house of David.

It was a prophecy as well as a revelation for David, that it is the Lord God who will preserve his descendants.

In the gospel, Jesus told a parable of the sower and the seeds.

In that parable is a prophecy as well as a revelation.

The revelation is that regardless of the state of our hearts, God will still sow the seeds of His love into us.

So, our hearts may be stony and rocky and thorny, but God will still sow the seeds of His love.

But one day, our hearts will be softened and become fertile soil and then we will bear fruits of love for God and for others.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 27-01-2026

2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 / Mark 3:31-35    

There is this possible presumption to think what is human goodness is the ordinary expectation.

So it is expected that ordinarily, people are kind, gentle, compassionate, understanding, patient and all those virtues.

With that it can also be said that it is out of the ordinary to be wicked, to be cruel, to be brutal, to be aggressive and all those inhumane acts.

But the reality is that those inhumane acts seem to be just as ordinary as those virtuous acts.

So, to be a good human being is not as ordinary as it seems.

And wickedness and evil seem to be so rampant that it has become like the ordinary expectation, and are even getting attention as well as a following.

So it is quite difficult to being just a good human being.

And it is also more difficult to be a good Christian.

We need not do what David did in the 1st reading, dancing with all his might before the Lord.

We just need to do what Jesus taught in the gospel, and that is to do the will of God.

May doing the will of God be our ordinary way of life, and in doing so we are united with Jesus as His brothers and sisters.

Sts. Timothy and Titus (Memorial), Monday, 26-01-2026

2 Timothy 1 : 1-8 or Titus 1:1-5 / Luke 10 : 1-9  

One of the ways to motivate people to take on higher responsibilities is to recognize the contributions they are already making and the potential they have.

They need to be affirmed of whatever gifts that God has bestowed upon them so that what they have and what they are doing with it can be reinforced.

When St. Paul chose Timothy and Titus to be bishops of their respective churches, he was not looking merely at their gifts or abilities.

In fact, Timothy and Titus were rather young to be the bishops of the churches.

But, St. Paul recognized the potential of the faith that they had.

And especially for Timothy, St. Paul reminded him of the sincere faith which was handed down from his grandmother and his mother.

St. Paul affirmed Timothy that he saw this faith in him, and that was sufficient for him to lead the church that was entrusted to him.

Here, it is good to remember that faith, is not so much taught as it is caught.

The faith that we have is "caught" from others - our parents, our teachers, our friends, etc.

Hence we have a faith to share, a faith that others are waiting to catch, so that they too will come to know God and believe in Him.

It may be simple faith, but when we nourish that faith with prayer and good works, then it will grow and bear fruit for the glory of God and for the good of others.

3rd Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 25.01.2025

Isaiah 8:23 -9:3 / 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17 / Matthew 4:12-23  

It can be rather difficult to describe what light is. 

It would be easier to say what light is not. 

So, light is not a substance, nor is it an element. 

We can see it, and we may even be able to feel the effects of it, like as in the warmth of the sunshine. 

And yet, light has no weight, it has no shape, no form, no odour, and no sound. 

But strangely, it can be measured, and the unit of measurement is lumens. 

So, the higher the lumens, the brighter is the light. 

Another interesting aspect of light is that it travels at the constant high speed, which is about 300 million metres per second. 

So, if they say that a planet is 10 light years away, and if we bother to do some calculation, we will come up with an incredible amount of time to reach that planet. 

So far, we have looked at light in the scientific and practical terms. 

But light also has a spiritual side to it. And in the spiritual world, there is this constant battle between light and darkness. 

In the gospel, when Jesus heard that John has been arrested, He went back to Galilee and settled in Capernaum. 

The arrest of John had cast a shadow, but the gospel also quoted a prophecy from Isaiah:

The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light. On those who dwell in the land and shadow of death, a light has dawned. 

In the spiritual sense, Jesus is the light, the divine light. 

He is the light that shines into the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. 

And with the light comes the message of repentance: Repent, the Kingdom of God is close at hand. 

We may think that we long for the light, but we must also remember that where the light is brightest, the shadows are darkest. 

It can be understandable that a child is afraid of the dark. 

But the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. 

Although it may sound strange that we are afraid of the light, but that is because the light reveals our shadows. 

And there is a wise saying that goes like this: The moment you are disturbed by insult, or pleased by praise, you are still a slave of the darkness. 

Yes, our pride and ego cast long shadows of darkness in the presence of the divine light. 

And also, to move around in the dark is like asking for trouble. 

We will surely knock into things and break them, and we will also get hurt. 

The reality of this world is that there are shadows of darkness. 

In this darkness, people knock into each other and are left broken and hurting. 

But this is where the Good News of salvation comes as the light of repentance. 

With the light of repentance, we see the broken pieces of our lives, and also the broken pieces of the lives of others. 

With the light of repentance, we pick up these broken pieces and present them to Jesus. 

Jesus the light called His disciples to follow Him and to be fishers of men. 

The Word of God Sunday reminds us that Jesus, the Word of life, is calling us to follow Him, and to be echoes of His Word.

We are to be echoes of God’s Word to bring about healing to broken lives and to be sparks of light in the world that is darkened by shadows. 

Let us be echoes of God’s Word that will scatter the darkness, and let us, with the Word of God, prepare for the Lord the road of salvation for others.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 24-01-2026

2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 17, 19, 23-27 / Mark 3:20-21  

We are called Christians. There are many words that can be used to describe who we are and what we do as Christians.

For e.g. we are to be loving and forgiving, generous and kind, merciful and compassionate, etc.

One simple expression could be to say that we are "big-hearted" people.

Big-hearted people also express love in a big-hearted way.

We not only love our friends and those who are good to us.

We also must rise above our selfishness that tends to make us hate those who hate us and to ignore those who ignore us.

In the 1st reading we could see how David showed he was such a big-hearted person.

He forgave Saul who had persecuted him for so many years.

Not only did he lamented in grief over the death of Saul, he also remembered Saul's good qualities and he also remembered the goodness and love that Johnathan had for him.

Jesus Himself preached and showed the bigness and greatness of love.

But such bigness and greatness of love is not easily understood and accepted by others because they may have become numbed to the selfishness and evil they see so often around them.

Even the relatives of Jesus thought He was out of His mind.

But what is foolishness and madness for the world is indeed the bigness and the greatness of love.

That bigness and greatness is shown on the Cross. It is in the Cross we encounter the unfathomable bigness and greatness of God's love.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 23-01-2026

1 Samuel 24:3-21 / Mark 3:13-19   

In life there are two values that point to who we are and who others are to us.

These two values are dignity and respect.

When we are aware of our own dignity, we will respect ourselves.

And we will respect the dignity of others.

And we will also respect all the principles that govern the dignity of others.

In the 1st reading, David had the opportunity to kill Saul for unjustly persecuting him.

But David only cut off the border of the cloak of Saul and went off.

David cut off the border of Saul’s robe to serve as undeniable proof that he had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose not to.

In doing so, David proved his innocence, respect for God's anointed leader, and refusal to take the throne by force. 

This act highlighted his submission to God’s timing rather than his own.

In the gospel, Jesus appointed His twelve Apostles.

In doing so, Jesus respected their dignity, and they were to be His companions.

He would teach them about the dignity of every human person.

He would send them out to preach, and with power to restore the dignity of those who suffer injustice and persecution.

May we also recognize our own dignity as children of God.

May we also respect the dignity of others by letting them know they too are loved by God.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 22-01-2026

1 Samuel 18:6-9,; 19:1-7 / Mark 3:7-12   

Power and strength are often exhibited by the exertion of speed and force.

So how a task is accomplished is often measured by how fast it is done and how much power is used to do it.

Power and strength, as well as speed, are impressive as well as attractive to those who desire for it.

In the 1st reading, that was a great admiration for David for leading the Israelites into victory over the Philistines.

That made Saul jealous. He was jealous because he thought that he had the power and might to lead the Israelites in victory over the enemy.

Instead it was a young man with no military experience who defeated the enemy and won the admiration.

So Saul wanted to use his power and might to kill David.

That is the madness and the insanity of jealousy.

In the gospel, Jesus used His power to cure the sick and to cast out evil spirits from those who were possessed.

True power is in the curing and healing of those who are sick and suffering.

May we understand that true power and strength lies in gentleness and kindness, compassion and patience.

That is what the world wants to see in us who call ourselves Christians.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 221-01-2026

1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 / Mark 3:3:1-6   

It is always a good practice to be prepared for the unexpected.

And it is even necessary to be prepared for emergencies.

Because what can go wrong can go wrong, or even will go wrong.

We may say that we have faith in God, but God also wants us to use our intelligence and our sense of the situation to be prepared.

In the 1st reading, David offered to go and fight the giant Goliath.

Saul was against it but David said that God will rescue him from the power of that Philistine Goliath, and so Saul agreed and gave him God’s blessings.

David took his staff in his hand, picked up five smooth stones, and with his sling in his hand, went to meet Goliath.

David believed that just with one stone, God will help him defeat Goliath.

But David was also prepared for unexpected and unforeseen dangers.

Also the number “5” in the Bible stands for divine grace, goodness, and favour.

And with sling in hand, David killed Goliath with just one stone, and showed the awesome power of God.

In the gospel, Jesus healed the man with the withered hand.

That also tells us that by the work of our hands, we give glory to God.

Let us also carefully discern what tasks we want to pick up with our hands.

May what we do give glory to God, and may what we do also be for the good of others.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 20-01-2-26

1 Samuel 16:1-13 / Mark 2:23-28   

In the animal world, there is a head or the leader of the herd or the troop.

There is one primary requisite to be in that prime position.

And that is size, and with it comes strength. 

So the head or leader of the herd or troop is usually the biggest and strongest male.

In the human family structure, the first-born male has a prime status and a privilege.

In the 1st reading, the God sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse’s home.

From among Jesse’s sons, God had chosen for Himself a king.

Samuel had thought that it was the eldest son or even the tallest and best-looking son.

But in the end, it was the youngest son, David that God has chosen to be the next king.

And from what God said to Samuel, we learn this important spiritual truth:

God does not see as man sees. Man looks at appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Yes, the Lord looks at our hearts and He knows our thoughts.

Let us keep our hearts clean and we will see what God wants us to see, and also to know the thoughts of God.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 19-01-2026

1 Samuel 15:16-23 / Mark 2:18-22   

To be pragmatic is to look at things and situations sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

And pragmatic views and solutions are easily and readily acceptable because the results are appealing and achievable.

Also to be pragmatic is to act immediately on the opportunities and to “strike while the iron is hot”.

In the 1st reading, Saul was being pragmatic about the booty from his victory over the Amalekites.

Instead of eliminating everything from the king right down to the livestock, which was the practice of that time, Saul kept the best sheep and oxen.

His intention was to offer it as a sacrifice to God.

But Samuel pointed out to Saul with these words:

“Is the pleasure of the Lord in holocausts and sacrifices,

or in obedience to the voice of the Lord?

Yes, obedience is better than sacrifice,

Submissiveness better than the fat of rams.

Rebellion is a sin of sorcery,

presumption a crime of teraphim.”

Those were hard and sharp words that will remind us of this:

That God’s ways are not man’s ways

God’s thoughts are not man’s thoughts.

Instead of being only sensible and practical, let us listen to what the Lord God has to say.

Let us believe that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and when we obey the voice of the Lord, we will be blessed abundantly.

2nd Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 18.01.2026

Isaiah 4:3, 5-6 / 1 Cor 1:1-3 / John 1:29-34

There are many sayings that we have heard and remembered. 

Some are famous and popular sayings, and we remember them because they are like the wisdom sayings of life. 

For example, we will surely know this saying: “Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose.”

That is like the cycle of life, sometimes up, sometimes down. 

Another one is this: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” That tells us that appearance is only skin deep. There is more to discover when we go deeper. 

And there is this one that states a principle of life: “Honesty is the best policy.” That saying is practical and undeniable. 

Those sayings are short, but they express the truths of life, and they also guide us through life. 

Although actions speak louder than words, yet words are also necessary as they form our thoughts, and our thoughts are then expressed in our actions. 

So yes, actions speak louder than words, yet, what we say, we must do, and that will show the integrity of our words and actions. 

The gospel passage features John the Baptist, and what he says about Jesus. 

John the Baptist is often called the greatest of the prophets, because it was he who pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God. 

But John the Baptist tells us something interesting. 

He didn’t know that Jesus is the Lamb of God. 

He was sent by God to baptise for the forgiveness of sins. 

And God said this to him: The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptise with the Holy Spirit. 

And when John the Baptist saw the Holy Spirit coming down on Jesus after His baptism, then he knew that Jesus is the Lamb of God. 

That was the testimony of John the Baptist, and it also signalled that his mission would soon be over. 

As we listen to the testimony of John the Baptist, we will remember two of his most profound sayings. 

When Jesus began his mission, the disciples of John the Baptist were feeling concerned that John the Baptist was becoming irrelevant and being pushed out of the scene. 

But John the Baptist said this: A man can only lay claim to what is given to him from above. 

John the Baptist knew what he was called to do.

And with the appearance of Jesus, John the Baptist knew that his mission was over, and he had to let go of the attention, and move out of the scene. 

And with that, John the Baptist also made this astonishing profound 6-worded statement: He must increase, I must decrease. 

John the Baptist was the greatest of all the prophets. 

He laid claim to the power given to him by God to accomplish his mission. 

He was the bright light until Jesus the true light appeared. 

With that, John the Baptist knew that Jesus must increase, and he must decrease. 

Those two sayings of John the Baptist are also the foundations of our Christian life. 

They are also the foundations of our relationship with Jesus and with others. 

It is said that human beings long for acknowledgment and appreciation. 

It is like there is a hole in the heart that needs to be filled. 

So, we may look for attention, for praise and compliments, so as to fill that hole in the heart. 

We want to excel, to prove our capabilities, and also, we want to be in the spotlight and in the limelight. 

And yet, even when we have all that, we don’t seem to be contented, to be satisfied, to be happy. 

That is the human tendency that had afflicted famous figures like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Napoleon Bonaparte, right down to ordinary people. 

But then that hole in the heart cannot be filled by worldly achievements and accomplishments. 

It can only be filled by knowing what God has given us and what He wants us to do. 

Whether it is a glorious achievement of making a discovery or invention, or a simple task of caring and serving the poor and the sick, when the task is over and the time is up, let us like John the Baptist, graciously step aside. 

We need to know when to step aside, so that Jesus can increase, and we must decrease.

When we decrease, then the hole in the heart will also decrease, and then our hearts will finally be at rest in the loving heart of Jesus, the Lamb of God.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 17-01-2026

1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1 / Mark 2:13-17  

We have heard and read about some people who made a drastic career change in mid-life.

They may be professionals earning a high salary, and yet they made a career switch to something that is totally different from what they were doing.

They may even be executives or directors and they switched to become a chef, or an artist or a musician, and we wonder why.

In the gospel, Levi was a tax-collector and he was sitting in the customs house doing his usual thing.

How he ended up being a tax-collector was not told to us, but he was not really happy because he was scorned and despised by his own people.

So when Jesus called him, Levi decided to leave the security of his job and followed Jesus.

The time has come for Levi to find meaning and fulfillment for his life and he knew it when Jesus called him.

Any change in life would require us to consider many factors like job security and financial stability.

But if it is Jesus calling us to follow Him, then we need to ask ourselves what is it that we are really for in life.

Jesus calls us to a life of happiness, peace and joy.

When we hear His voice, may we also know that when we follow Jesus, we will be blessed abundantly and He will also take care of us.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 16-01-2026

1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 / Mark 2:1-12   

It is said that human beings can withstand hard labour.

But they may be crushed by the hardness of their own hearts.

Human hearts become hardened because of many reasons.

It could be because of anger, bitterness and resentment.

Or it can be out of loneliness, sadness and self-pity.

In the gospel, the paralytic had his share of suffering and pain.

But he was able to bear with it and continue to live on because he had good friends who cared for him.

And those friends even managed to send him to Jesus even though the crowd made it almost impossible.

When Jesus saw their faith, He forgave the sin of the paralytic and then cured him.

But the scribes who were there thought that what Jesus said was blasphemous.

Even when the paralytic was cured, the scribes would not accept it as their hearts were hardened.

May we always be aware of the state of our hearts.

More so, let us remember that our hearts is the home of Jesus.

Let us clean up our hearts with repentance and ask Jesus to fill our hearts with peace, joy and love.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 15-01-2026

1 Samuel 4:1-11 / Mark 1:40-45   

Generally speaking, there are three types of responses to our prayers.

One is “Yes” and that could mean that God answered our prayer immediately because probably there was an urgency for it.

The other is “No” and we have to believe that God has something better for us.

The third would be the most common, and that is “Wait” and that would mean that we have to be patient and trust in God.

For the leper in the gospel passage, he would have been praying to God for a cure.

There was no “Yes” to his prayer, and he had waited and waited.

Finally when he came before Jesus, the leper was desperate and he also didn’t know what to expect.

His prayer “If you want to, you can cure me” had that tone of resignation, and he was prepared to accept a “No” and give up hope.

The reply of Jesus was astonishing as well as astounding: Of course I want to! Be cured!

It was like Jesus was waiting eagerly to say “Yes” to the leper’s prayer.

Let us believe that our prayers will be heard by Jesus.

And it will be answered in God’s time and at the right time.

And it will be answered in an astounding and astonishing way that will make us believe that God loves us so much.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 14-01-2026

1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 / Mark 1:29-39     

The urban lifestyle is a busy and hectic lifestyle.

There are schedules and deadlines to meet, as well as tasks and assignments to complete.

As such, we are gauged and assessed on what we can do, how much we can do and how quickly we can do it.

So the focus is on doing the tasks at hand and being able to complete them.

In the gospel, Jesus had a full day of activity.

After leaving the synagogue, He went to Peter’s house to cure the mother-in-law of her fever.

After sunset, He was exercising His healing ministry.

He cured the sick and He cast out devils from the possessed.

And then in the morning, long before dawn, He went to a lonely place to pray there.

Jesus was busy, but it was not about doing and completing tasks.

Rather, He was with people in their need and being with them.

It was more a ministry of human presence than just doing a task.

And it was in prayer that Jesus entered into the presence of God and to be renewed and strengthened.

Let us follow Jesus in His mission by being present to others.

People are not tasks to be worked on. 

People are human beings that need the human touch and human presence.

Let us in our humanness, be God’s presence to others.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 13-01-2026

1 Samuel 1:9-20 / Mark 1:21-28   

Every person has an identity and a character.

That identity and character are expressed in what the person says and do.

For a person of authority, he exercises it for the good of others.

Whatever he says or does is an expression of that authority.

Jesus taught with authority, and His teaching made a deep impression on the people.

One sabbath, He went to the synagogue, and He exercised His authority with His teaching.

But in the synagogue just then, there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and creating a disturbance.

In a holy place of prayer, Jesus exercised His authority by casting out that evil spirit.

The authority of Jesus was not just in words but also in deeds.

But that authority was not just to cast out evil spirits.

That authority was one of compassion for a person who suffered under evil oppression.

Let us submit ourselves to the authority of Jesus with obedience.

We belong to Him and He will protect us and answer our prayer needs.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 12-01-2026

1 Samuel 1:1-8 / Mark 1:14-20  

We use the word “plan” often, and presumably, we understand what it means.

As a noun “plan” means a proposal with details for doing something or achieving something.

So the details will be reasonable, logical and understandable.

The plan would also be presentable and acceptable.

In the gospel, Jesus began proclaiming the Good News from God, with these words:

“The time has come, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.”

As we try to understand those words, we have our questions.

Questions like “How do we know that the time has come?”; “What needs to be done for repentance and what is it about the Good News that needs to be believed in?”

In other words, we are asking or looking for a plan or a program to understand what Jesus is saying.

On a bigger scale, there could also be seminars or conferences to generate interest and traction.

But Jesus did not mention any of those.

And those whom He called for the mission, He only told them this: Follow me and I will make you fishes of men.

So, before asking or looking for more details, let us follow Jesus as His disciples first.

When we follow Jesus as our Lord and Master, the rest will be made known to us along the journey.

Baptism of the Lord A- 2026, 11.01.2026

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 / Acts 10:34-38 / Matthew 3:13-17

Going overseas for holidays during the mid-year and year-end school holidays is a popular trend among Singaporeans. 

So much so that if we don’t go overseas for holidays, some people might even ask us, “How come you don’t go overseas for holidays?” 

So, going everywhere for holidays is a popular trend among Singaporeans, (going everywhere except to the moon). 

Then it comes to packing up the luggage for the overseas trip. 

Some pack light as they intend to go shopping overseas. They buy things like food, souvenirs and clothes. 

Then there are some who pack like as if they are migrating to another country. 

And even then, there will be always something that they forgot to pack in, like nail-clippers, cotton buds, body powder and whatever. 

But whether lightweight or heavyweight luggage, the thrill is in the excitement of going overseas for a holiday. 

But besides going overseas for holidays, there are also people who go overseas for a pilgrimage. 

There are many overseas pilgrimage sites to choose from. 

Going to the Holy Land is a popular pilgrimage. 

And the Holy Land pilgrimage would also likely to include a visit to the river Jordan. 

It is somewhere along the river Jordan that Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. 

The river Jordan is a river of revelations. 

When the Israelites crossed the river Jordan into the Promised Land, the waters stopped and they crossed over, just like how they crossed the Red Sea as they left Egypt. 

It was along the river Jordan when Jesus after His baptism, was revealed as the Beloved Son of God. 

Jesus came down from heaven, took on human nature, and His baptism shows that Jesus is like us in all things except sin. 

In a way, it can be said that Jesus left heaven and came to earth with very few belongings. 

Jesus laid aside His glory and majesty, and in humility entered into humanity. 

His baptism affirms his human nature, as well as initiated Him into His mission of salvation. 

Jesus was baptised so that He can begin his mission of salvation. 

We are baptised so that we can receive the gift of salvation from Jesus. 

And salvation means that we set our sights on heaven because we want to go there. 

With baptism, it is like preparing ourselves to migrate to heaven.

With this thought of migration, then we must know what we need to hold on to, and what we need to let go off. 

We need to hold onto our baptismal promises and become like the water that we are baptised in, so that we can be the water of love and life for others. 

This world thirsts for the waters of love, waters of love that bring about life and growth. 

Being baptised in the waters of life and love, let us also share these waters with others. 

And may the waters of our baptism wash away and cleanse us and help us to let go of the fires of sinful desires. 

Those sinful desires like pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth, burn away our focus and longing for salvation, and also burn away our focus and longing to be with God in heaven. 

May the waters of our baptism bring about growth of holiness with the fruits of the Holy Spirit and growth in virtues like Humility, Charity, Chastity, Kindness (or Gratitude), Patience, Diligence, and Temperance (or self-control). 

In His baptism, Jesus is revealed as the Beloved Son, and God’s favour rest on Him. 

May our baptism also remind us that we are God’s beloved children, and His favour rest on us too. 

Let us continue the saving mission of Jesus by sharing the waters of life and love with others.

Let us also lead them to baptismal waters of salvation, and to let them experience God’s life-giving love. 

Saturday after Epiphany, 10-01-2026

1 John 5:14-21 / John 3:22-30    

Famous people are often quoted because of their profound words and wise sayings.

Often these famous people are leaders, but there are also personalities from the sports and movie circles.

In Christianity, the famous Biblical figures have their words recorded in the Bible.

Jesus also had His teachings recorded in the gospel.

And Jesus also did say that among the men born of women, John the Baptist stands out as the greatest.

In today’s gospel, John the Baptist had some sayings that are worth remembering and to be reflected upon.

He says that “a man can lay claim only to what is given him from heaven”.

That is so true when we look at what we have and what we desire.

What we have and what we need is already given by God. We need not desire more.

But more profound is what John the Baptist says of Jesus: He must grow greater, I must grow smaller.

Our Christian life is to let Jesus be all of our life, so that it is not us but Jesus who lives in us.

When Jesus lives in us, that is the most profound statement and witness that we can bear for others.

Friday after Epiphany, 09-01-2026

1 John 5:5-13 / Luke 5:12-16  

In the reality of life, we face sickness and diseases, and we have succumbed to them.

Even the healthiest among us get a cough and cold, to say the least.

As it is often said, health is wealth.

But more than that, health is life, and when we are reasonably healthy, we can have a good quality of life.

But for that leper in the gospel, or for that matter all the lepers during that time, the quality of life is down to zero.

And it was also the deep pain of loneliness and rejection that drained out all life in him.

Jesus came to give us life and life in its fullness.

Because the glory of God is man fully alive.

The 1st reading emphasized it deeper when it says that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son, and everyone who has the Son has life.

Jesus is our Life, and in times of pain and suffering, let us turn to Him for healing.

And of course, Jesus wants to heal us and give us the life of faith and hope.

So even in pain and suffering, in sickness and illness, when we have Jesus in our heart, we will be able to live life and give glory to God.

Thursday after Epiphany, 08-01-2026

1 John 4:19 - 5:4 / Luke 4:14-22   

It is a nice feeling to hear someone say something good and positive.

Even if that person saying it is an ordinary person without much or any credentials.

But when it is a person of a high status or high standing, the good things that he says are often well received and even applauded.

In the gospel, Jesus went to the synagogue in His hometown in Nazareth.

Then He stood up to read a passage from the prophet Isaiah.

And He won the approval of all as they were astonished by the gracious words that came from His lips.

But we know what came next. When His hometown people realized that Jesus was the son of a carpenter, they began to put Him down and scorned Him.

His gracious words don’t mean much to them because of His lowly status, even though Jesus told them that the prophecy is being fulfilled.

The 1st reading tells us that anyone who says “I love God” but hates his brother is a liar.

Let us remember that what we say should also express who we are.

We need to be sincere and honest in what we say.

We may not always have to say nice things, but let us also not say what is hurtful or what is false.

When we say that we love God, then may what we say be words of love to others.

Wednesday after Epiphany, 07-01-2026

1 John 4:11-18 / Mark 6:45-52  

There is no one who can say that he has no fear.

And fear respects no one.

Regardless of status, or reputation, or qualification, fear will begin to grip when there is uncertainty or danger.

In the gospel, Jesus made His disciples get into the boat while He sent the crowds away.

Then He went off into the hills to pray.

So Jesus was not with them in the boat, and they were having a difficult time rowing for the wind was against them.

Then in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus walked towards them on the water.

With the darkness of the night and the choppy waters, fear came upon the disciples, and they thought that they were seeing a ghost and they were terrified.

But when Jesus got into the boat with them, and the wind dropped, the disciples were utterly and completely dumbfounded.

The situation at sea and the adverse conditions tested them and they gave in to fear.

Jesus came into the world to show us God’s love.

The 1st reading tells us that in love there can be no fear.

But we are human, and we are insecure and we have our fears.

In times of uncertainty or danger, let us turn to Jesus who will protect us.

Jesus loves us and cares for us. Let us always remember that.

Tuesday after Epiphany, 06-01-2026

1 John 4:7-10 / Mark 6:34-44  

For those of us who cook sporadically, or try to cook, preparing a meal can be challenging.

Cooking a meal for just ourselves would already take quite a bit of time.

Cooking a meal for others would really stress us out.

But for some people, cooking is like a duck taking to the water.

And they can cook for even a gathering of people, depending on their ability and other cooking factors.

Still, they would be able to churn out good tasting food.

And they do it with love and passion.

In the gospel, Jesus saw the large crowd, and He took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and He taught them at some length.

Then it was getting late and the people were hungry, and so Jesus asked if the disciples could get them something to eat.

It was like asking the disciples to cook for the crowd of five thousand with just five loaves and two fish.

Then Jesus worked a miracle, and it was a miracle of love.

Jesus showed His love for the people and He looked to God for His providence.

When we are faced with a challenging and difficult task, let us look at the people with love and let us turn to God for His blessings.

Nothing is impossible as long as there is love for the people.

So the next time if we are asked to cook for a number of people, let us look at them with love and God will work a wonder of love for them and also for us.

Monday after Epiphany, 05-01-2026

1 John 3:22 - 4:6 / Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25  

The festive season is obviously over.

We have celebrated Christmas, and welcomed the New Year.

With the feast of Epiphany over, it is time to take down the Christmas decorations and keep the statues of the Nativity scene.

As much as all the feasts and festivities are over, some things must have changed.

We have experiences that have deepened and strengthened our faith.

Our faith is leading us to the mission, and the mission is to proclaim the Good News of God’s love.

It is the same mission that Jesus embarked on in the gospel.

With His light in our hearts, we go forth into the world, but we are not of the world.

The 1st reading tells us that those who of the world speak the language of the world, and the world listens to them.

The world listens to those who speak of efficiency, results, achievements, numbers and profits.

But we who are of God will speak the language of the Good News.

We speak of the dignity of the person and respect, forgiveness and healing, kindness and gentleness, patience and dependence on God’s providence and guidance.

May the Spirit of truth lead us to speak and act with love.

And may the Good News bring about God’s blessings on us and on the world.

Epiphany, 04.01.2026

Isaiah 60:1-6 / Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Matthew 2:1-12

One of the practices during Christmas is to give presents. 

The presents can be quite a surprise as they are often wrapped. 

The purpose of giving gifts and presents during Christmas is to share the joy of Christmas with others. 

By and large, those presents are either food or accessories. 

When it is food, then it is usually chocolates or some festive biscuits or cookies or cakes. 

If we have received such gifts, then it is either the giver knows we have a sweet tooth. 

Or that the giver is wishing us an abundance of sweet and rich foods. 

When it comes to accessories, there is a wide variety.

It can come in the form of clothes, and it may mean that the giver is telling us to update our attire. 

Or it may be some kind of jewellery, and it may mean that the giver wants us to look nice and pretty and stylish. 

Or, it may be accessories and gadgets and whatever the giver thinks we might need. 

The main purpose of gifts is to thank the other person for the friendship, and so the gifts are signs of love. 

So, if we still have our Christmas presents with us, let us take a look at them again and see what the gifts are telling us. 

In the gospel, after Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of king Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. 

They had seen a star as it rose, a unique star that pointed to the birth of the king of the Jews. 

The star beckoned the wise men to look for the newborn king and to pay Him homage. 

They had thought that the new born king would be found in Jerusalem. 

Instead, their arrival startled king Herod who was perturbed by the news. 

He then consulted the chief priests and the scribes, who told him that the king would be born in Bethlehem. 

But it seems that the chief priests and scribes were rather indifferent about the prophecy and they did nothing about it. 

So, king Herod used the wise men to get more information about the newborn king, as he had ulterior motives. 

So, the star that beckoned the wise men was not always there to lead them. 

But after leaving king Herod, the star appeared again and led the wise men to Bethlehem to where Jesus was. 

The wise men were delighted to see the star, but they were also surprised. 

They were surprised at the poor and humble place of the newborn king, which was a stable for animals and He was lying in a manger. 

And the parents were just poor and humble and ordinary people. 

So, did the wise men get it wrong, or did the star got it wrong? 

But when they saw the newborn baby, their eyes and their minds were opened. 

That is the new born king of the Jews, and they opened up their treasures and offered Jesus their gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

(There is this corny joke which said that those gifts were rather impractical. If it were the three wise women, and they would have brought milk powder, diapers and wet wipes.) 

But the feast of the Epiphany is not about being practical, or logical or reasonable. 

It is about a divine revelation, a revelation for us, a revelation for the Church, a revelation for the world. 

Those gifts were for a new born king. Those gifts have meaning, and they also have a revelation. 

The gold is a gift for the new born king. But the gold also reveals that the king is not just the king of the Jews, but the King of the universe, the King of all creation. 

The frankincense is to honour the new born king. But the frankincense also reveals the divine nature of the new born king, that is, Jesus is divine as well as human. 

The myrrh is a precious medicine. It also reveals that Jesus is the Saviour, and He came to forgive and heal our sins. 

Yes, gifts have a meaning, and they also have a revelation. 

There was one day when I was passing by a marketplace and there were a few of those makeshift stalls. 

I casually stopped by a stall selling accessories and gadgets, and I picked up a cute little radio with MP3 player. 

The lady saw me looking at it and she said, “Laylong, laylong, cheap cheap, clearance sale, buy la, buy la.”

I thought for a while and I wanted to buy it for my mother as a portable radio, as well as a Christmas present. 

Then, at the feast of Holy Family, I thought about family prayer and my mother. 

So, I recorded some prayers into the radio-MP3 player, so that my mother can pray with it. 

So, from a simple gadget, it became a gift and it became a revelation of how my mother could pray with me even though I may not be by her side. 

The feast of the Epiphany reminds us that while our thoughts are on the practical, the logical and the reasonable, God reveals His ways and His wonders in the simple, the humble and even the unusual. 

The wise men were truly wise as they were able to see the divine revelation in their gifts. 

May we to be wise enough to see God’s revelation in the gifts we have received from others.

3rd January, Weekday of Christmas Time, Saturday, 03-01-2026

1 John 3:29 - 3:6 / John 1:29-34  

To be able to see something would indicate that it exists in reality.

Of course, to be able to touch that thing would dispel the possibility that it is just an optical illusion.

Upon seeing something, then our reasoning would help to assess what it is and make an opinion about it.

When it comes to persons, we may be able to see the external features but we may not be able to immediately see the character and other aspects of a person.

In the gospel, when John the Baptist saw Jesus coming towards him, he immediately recognised Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

But it was certainly not by his own reasoning or assessment that he made that declaration.

As John the Baptist would testify later, he didn’t know about Jesus himself.

But the One who sent him to baptize with water had said to him:

The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and rest is the one who is going to baptize with the Holy Spirit.

We have received the Holy Spirit, and with the enlightenment and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to see what God wants us see.

Not only will we see what God wants us to see, He will also enlighten us and guide us to be witnesses of His love to those whom we are looking at.

2nd January, Weekday of Christmas Time, Friday, 02-01-2026

1 John 1:22-28 / John 1:19-28  

Human beings are mortal and hence we are also perishable.

This is a reality that we have to be aware of as we live out our lives.

But the desires and the pleasures of life often distract us from this reality.

We forget about our mortality and live like we won’t perish.

For John the Baptist, he was aware of his identity and his mission.

He is a witness and he is to prepare the way for someone greater that he is.

So to all the questions that the priests and the Levites asked, he answered in the negative.

Finally he quoted the prophet Isaiah that he is a voice that cries out in the wilderness to prepare a straight way for the Lord.

A voice is like life that comes and goes.

But if the voice is given by God, then the voice also carries a message.

Our life comes from God and the purpose of our life is to witness to God’s love.

And like John the Baptist, we also prepare the way for God’s love to come into this world.

May God’s love increase in us and may we also decrease in our desires for this world.

Then we will understand our mortality and prepare ourselves for the eternity that God wants to give us.