1st Sunday of Lent, Year A, 22.02.2026

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 / Romans 5:12-19 / Matthew 4:1-11  

Over the festive period of the last few days, we may have done the annual visitation of our elders and relatives. 

Of course, we will be able to collect “ang pows” from them, but that will also come at a price. 

Because we will have to bear with those usual questions, or interrogation, like:

Which school are you in? 

When are you getting married? 

How many children do you have?

Other than bearing with that, the next best thing to do will be to stay at home and watch movies on TV. 

There are Chinese New Year movies, blockbuster movies and those cute animated movies like “Kung Fu Panda” and “Finding Nemo”. 

Animated movies are not just computer-generated graphics and drawings and images. 

Animated movies have human voices behind the characters. 

And those voices often belong to movie stars and celebrities. 

It is only when we read the movie credits at the end that we will know the face of the voice behind the character.

Otherwise, it can be difficult to guess the face behind the voice. 

Similarly with songs. We may not know the face of the singer until we see the picture of the singer. 

And quite often, our imagination of the face behind the voice is quite different from the reality. 

The gospel begins with this line: Then Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 

Jesus came to save us from our sins, and to free us from the snares of the devil. 

He wants to face the devil and whatever the devil is going to use as temptations. 

The devil did not disguise himself or hide behind any of his operatives. 

It was a face-to-face confrontation. 

It was unlike the 1st reading, when the devil disguised himself as a snake to tempt Eve. 

Eve, as well as Adam, may not have seen through the devil’s disguise. 

They saw the snake and they heard the voice, but they may not have seen the face of the devil, or realised that it was him. 

And they fell into the temptation. They wanted to believe that they can be like God. 

So, the core of the temptation is about pride. 

The pride of men is to think that they are God, or want to be like God. 

In the confrontation with the devil and his temptations, Jesus turned to Scripture, and with humility, He overcame the devil. 

The devil could not tempt Jesus, but he knows he can tempt Adam and Eve, and he knows he can also tempt us. 

The devil also knows what our main weakness is, and that is our pride. 

And so, the devil will tempt us through using the voices of other people. 

Instead of asking us to turn stones into bread, we might hear people comment about why our children didn't go to an elite school, and we feel our pride hurt.

Or we may hear snide remarks about our state of life and our profession and feel belittled.

So, it is the game of pride. 

Or we may hear voices questioning our faith and luring us into an argument, then we lose our self-control and fall into the trap.

Again, it is the game of pride. 

But Ephesians chapter 6:10-13 tells us this:

“Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of His power.

Put God's armour on so as to be able to resist the devil's tactics."

For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens.

That is why you must rely on God's armour, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground.”

At the core of the temptations of the devil is the question of pride. 

For the devil it is a game of pride and he makes use of other humans to lure us to play by his rules, which means that we will lose. 

But when we put on God’s armour of humility, we will be able to see that the devil makes use of people who are often our human adversaries or enemies, and we will be able to discern their voices.

For this season of Lent, let us embark on almsgiving, fasting and prayer so that we will learn humility, and be protected by God. 

May the Lenten disciplines of almsgiving, fasting and prayer also lead us to forgive those who have hurt us and done us wrong. 

Let us follow Jesus in His prayer on the Cross: Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.

Saturday after Ash Wednesday, 21-02-2026

Isaiah 58:9-14 / Luke 5:27-32  

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace" is a famous, oft-quoted phrase frequently attributed to Jimi Hendrix (1942 – 1970).

The same notion can also be applied to other areas of life.

With love, we can move from selfishness to selflessness,.

With love, we can move from sinfulness to holiness.

With love, we will be able to listen to the voice of the Lord and do what He wants of us.

In the gospel, Levi was a tax-collector sitting at the customs house.

Jesus called him, and Levi left everything to follow Jesus.

It was rather surprising and amazing that Levi got up and followed Jesus just like that, and there could be many reasons for it.

But it can be quite certain that there was already a stirring in Levi’s heart and when he heard the call of Jesus, that stirring just cannot be ignored.

Jesus came to save and to call sinners.

When sinners repent and even become saints, then that is the power of love.

Friday after Ash Wednesday, 20-02-2026

Isaiah 58:1-9 / Matthew 9:14-15   

When we are hungry, it is obvious that we will look for something to eat.

We eat not just to satisfy the hunger of our stomachs, but also to have the strength to do work.

And also we eat to live.

So when we are hungry and there is food, we will surely eat.

And if there is food in abundance, then we will even feast, and eat till our hearts content.

But in religious practice, there is this spiritual act of fasting.

It may even be a spiritual discipline, where only a limited amount of food is eaten a day, or even going on for a few days without eating.

Whatever it may be, the act of fasting is a form of prayer.

Fasting has the benefits of denying earthly pleasures and desires.

And it also helps to come into a deeper union with God.

During this season of Lent, let us embark on the spiritual act of fasting.

May it cleanse us of our sins and may we also be more focused on what God’s will is for us.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday, 19-02-2026

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 / Luke 9:22-25   

When making choices, it is quite obvious that we choose what we think is good.

So we will choose what benefits us most, we will choose what is convenient and easy, we will choose the path of least resistance.

Our human thinking is often focused on immediate gratification or results.

We don’t see beyond nor reflect deeper about the outcome or the consequences.

In the 1st reading, Moses set before the people life and prosperity, death and disaster.

Moses even narrowed it down to life or death, blessing or curse.

Obviously we want life and blessing over death, disaster and curse.

But the distraction and the temptation of sin lead us to desire for pleasure and gratification, that will eventually lead us to death and disaster.

In the gospel, Jesus made it clear what is His destiny and His choice.

He chose to accept suffering, rejection and even a shameful death.

And Jesus tells us that if we want to be His disciple, then we must renounce ourselves, to take up our cross and to follow Him.

So while winning the whole world may look attractive, would we want to ruin our lives to do so?

To renounce ourselves and take up our cross is difficult and even painful.

But if we really want life and blessing, then our choice must be for the cross.

In doing so, we follow Jesus to receive life and blessing.

Ash Wednesday 2026, 18-02-2026

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

During the season of Lent, the emphasis is on penance, and rightly so. 

Today is Ash Wednesday, and with it the season of Lent begins. 

Today is also a day of obligatory fasting and abstinence, but a dispensation is given because of the festive season. 

The gospel gives a spiritual direction for the season of Lent. 

Jesus spells out three spiritual disciplines that will help us to turn away from sin, and turn back to God. 

The act of alms-giving addresses our sense of security. 

To have money is to have a sense of security. 

To share it or to give it away makes us uncomfortable and makes us feel needy. 

But in doing so, we can also see how much we trust and depend on God. 

The need for food is a basic human need. 

In the act of fasting, we also reflect on our need for God, and to see that we need God over and above everything else. 

To pray is to acknowledge that God is our Creator, and we are mere creatures. 

By God’s love, we came into existence. 

But one day our life will come to an end. 

The ashes that will be marked on our foreheads remind us of our mortality and frailty. 

We are created beings, but the sinful tendency in us makes us think that we are the Creator.

May the season of Lent, with the spiritual disciplines of alms-giving, fasting and prayer help us to turn away from our sinful tendencies. 

To turn away from sin is to turn back to God and to be loved by Him. 

May the ashes on our foreheads be a reminder of our human mortality and frailty. 

But may those ashes also remind us of God’s saving love for us.

Chinese New Year Mass, Tuesday, 17-02-2026

Numbers 6:22-27 / Matthew 6:31-34  

Today we are gathered in this Mass to celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year. 

In the Chinese calendar, this year is the year of the "fire horse". 

And since it is the year of the horse, we would want many good things to come our way. 

And the horse also stands for strength and endurance. 

The Bible also speaks about the strength and the power of the horse. 

Warriors ride on powerful horses to win battles. 

Chariots are pulled by horses to attack the enemy. 

But the Bible also reminds us that no matter how powerful the horses are, those who rely on the strength of the Lord will overcome all difficulties. 

The gospel talks about blessings of the Kingdom of God.

We have come for Mass on the first day of the Lunar New Year to ask God for His blessings. 

The greatest blessing we will receive will be Jesus who gives Himself to us at Holy Communion. 

From Jesus we will learn how to rely and be dependent on God for all our needs. 

From Jesus we will learn how to be gentle, how to forgive, how to do what is right and good. 

And most of all, we learn from Jesus how to love by giving thanks to God and helping those in need. 

At the end of the mass, we will receive blessed oranges in a carrier bag. 

Printed on the bag is a red horse with flames for its mane and tail, to symbolise the blessings of the Holy Spirit. 

The horse is also galloping towards the cloud, a symbol of God, to symbolise that we want to love God with all our strength and to lead others to God. 

May the New Year give us the strength of the horse to love God and to love others. 

May the New Year also bring us God’s abundant blessings of peace and joy, and may we be prosperous in good deeds.

6th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 16-02-2026

James 1:1-11 / Mark 8:11-13   

It is a human tendency to challenge others in order to test them.

Beneath this tendency is also the urge to see others fail and humiliated.

On the other hand, it is also a human tendency to want to prove one’s capabilities and abilities to others so as to win their admiration and praise.

But a lion does not need to roar to prove that it is a lion.

And a cheetah does not need to race against other animals to prove that it is the fastest.

Neither do we need to say or do anything to prove our capabilities and abilities.

By just being who we are, others will know what we are capable of.

In the gospel, the Pharisees demanded a sign from Jesus so as to test Him.

But He walked away without giving in to their demands, because Jesus knows that no matter what sign is given, His adversaries will still find fault with Him.

The 1st reading tells us that if we need wisdom, we must ask God for it, and ask with faith that He will give it to us.

Yes, we need God’s wisdom to know who we are and what His will is for us.

We only need to prove to ourselves that we have faith and wisdom when we do God’s will.

Other than that, there is nothing else to prove.

6th Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 15.02.2026

Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20 / 1 Cor 2:6-10 / Matthew 5:17-37  

The Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is up and coming, and we can feel it almost immediately after Christmas. 

Actually the Chinese New Year decorations were already available in December.

And the traditional colour of this festival is none other than red. 

So, from decorations to desserts, from packages to dresses, there must be a flash of red. 

Now, we in the church were wondering about what kind of decorations to put up. 

We didn’t want it to be too overwhelming, as the second day of the Chinese New Year is the beginning of Lent. 

So, after discussing and praying about it, (oh yes, we have to pray but what kind of decorations to put up), we decided on simplicity, dignity and meaning. 

So, we chose only one type of decoration, and that is to get some pots of kumquat plants, real plants.

Because it represents life, it represents dignity, and it represents simplicity. 

In Chinese culture, the kumquat plant represents blessings and prosperity, as seen by its golden colour an abundant fruit. 

And we didn’t forget that dash of red, so there are little red ribbons tied to the branches. 

So it is not a loud or fancy decoration, but it leads us to think about life, about God’s blessings, and to give thanks. 

What we have learned is that as much as we want to have decorations, whatever decorations we put up should point us to the meaning of the festival and to the blessings of God. 

In the gospel, Jesus declared that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. 

Rather, He came not to abolish but to complete the Law and the Prophets. 

Jesus goes on to say that not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is accomplished. 

Jesus then brought up what was taught, what the people have learned, and to look deeper at it. 

So, we know the Commandment that forbids us to kill. 

Jesus teaches us that more than just the act of killing, our words can also kill. 

So, curse words like “fool” and “idiot” disregard and also do not respect the dignity of the person who is made in the image of God. 

Needless to say, when we gossip and slander others, we may not be shedding blood. 

But we are committing character assassination in a vicious and sneaky way. 

So too, for the act of adultery. It may not be done physically with the other person. 

But to desire and lust for another person destroys the respect for dignity of that other person. 

So, we have learned a lot, and we also know a lot, but does all that bring us closer to God? 

From what we have learned and from what we know, do we also find meaning in life and walking in the ways of the Lord? 

Are we growing in holiness by loving God and loving others? 

As we ponder about these questions, we may also be uncertain about the answers. 

Here is where the “I don’t know” prayer comes in, although we may not know what that prayer is. 

So, what is this “I don’t know” prayer all about?  

First, we need to go to somewhere quiet, like the Church or the Adoration Room. 

As we sit at the feet of Jesus, let our prayer be this three simple words: I don’t know. 

So, we tell the Lord Jesus this: 

I don’t know what to do.

I don’t know where to go from here. 

I don’t know what is happening. 

I don’t know how to handle this situation. 

I don’t know, but Lord Jesus, You know. 

Yes, we tell the Lord Jesus all the “I don’t knows” that burden our hearts.

And then with faith and love, we say: I don’t know, but Lord Jesus, You know. 

And the Lord Jesus who knows all and who sees all that is in our hearts, will reveal to us what we need to know. 

As the 1st reading tells us: For vast is the wisdom of the Lord, He is almighty and all seeing. His eyes are on those who fear him. 

So, we have learned a lot, and we also know a lot. 

But let us also learn to walk in the ways of the Lord, and to know that He will guide us and show us the way to life and to love.

Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Saturday, 14-02-2026

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 / Matthew 16:13-19   

Today the Archdiocese of Singapore celebrates the anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral is dedicated to Jesus the Good Shepherd, hence it is called the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

The story behind that name is that in 1821, an MEP priest, Fr. Laurence Imbert was sent to Singapore to see if there was a possibility of opening a missionary station in the island. He spent about a week here and he could have been the first priest to celebrate Mass on the island.

In 1837, after being ordained bishop, he crossed secretly from Manchuria to Korea. During this time, Korea was going through a period of Christian persecution.

He secretly went about doing his missionary work, but the authorities found him out and before they captured him, he wrote a note to two other fellow missionaries.

He urged them to give themselves up to the authorities because he believed in doing so, the flock will be spared from persecution, and he wrote that a good shepherd must give up his life for his sheep.

So eventually the three of them were captured and tortured and beheaded. They were canonized in 1984.

When the Cathedral was to be dedicated, the name "Good Shepherd" was chosen in memory of Fr. Laurence Imbert and his two companions.

Today as the Church in Singapore celebrates the dedication of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, we are called to renew our faith and we must strive for the spirituality with which we can understand and perceive the will of God so that others will see the presence of God in the Church and also hear the voice of God in the prayer of the Church.

This would require a deep and firm faith in God who always provides and watches over His Church.

May Jesus our Good Shepherd lead us and guide us to God's living signs of salvation to all peoples.

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.