tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89071681807018010132024-03-19T16:47:31.702+08:00Weekday HomiliesRev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comBlogger5085125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-67395607293350563692024-03-18T22:55:00.000+08:002024-03-18T22:55:01.119+08:00St. Joseph, Spouse of the BVM, Tuesday, 19-03-2024<div>2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16 / Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 / Matthew 1: 16, 18-21 or Luke 2:41-51</div><div><br /></div><div><div>St. Joseph is certainly one of the great saints of the Church.</div><div><br /></div><div>He is also known by many eminent titles like “Patron and Guardian of the Church”, “Patron of the dying”, “Patron of priests, husbands and fathers”.</div><div><br /></div><div>He is also the “Patron of workers” and his feast-day on the 1st May is often celebrated with processions and “high” Masses.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the title of “Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary” is the most profound.</div><div><br /></div><div>That’s because it tells of who St. Joseph is, it tells about his faith, his character and integrity, and his calling to be the husband of Mary and guardian of the child Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although the gospels did not have any quotes or sayings of St. Joseph, the title of “Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary” says it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>St. Joseph was a man of honour and also a man of faith.</div><div><br /></div><div>His faith leads him to trust in the Lord’s calling to accept Mary as his wife and to care and protect mother and child.</div><div><br /></div><div>His faith was expressed in his actions and in his commitment to God and to Mary and Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div>May our faith, our words and our actions also express our trust and commitment to God. </div></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-59692688925532785922024-03-17T22:40:00.000+08:002024-03-17T22:40:00.692+08:005th Week of Lent, Monday, 18-03-2024 <div>Daniel 13:41-42 / John 8:1-11 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>A stone is a natural object that can be used for a number of purposes.</div><div><br /></div><div>It can be used as part of an artistic creation or some other meaningful purposes.</div><div><br /></div><div>But a stone can also be used for other intentions.</div><div><br /></div><div>In both the readings, stones were used as a means for execution.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1st reading, God intervened through Daniel and the innocent Susanna was saved from accusation and execution.</div><div><br /></div><div>The two evil elders however, did not escape punishment, and they got the punishment that they had intended to inflict on Susanna.</div><div><br /></div><div>But in the gospel, the woman who was caught committing adultery, was brought before Jesus for His opinion on the judgement.</div><div><br /></div><div>His famous line “If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” was enough to rattle hearts of stone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus is the corner-stone referred to in the Scriptures. A corner-stone is an important stone as it holds the other stones of a gateway.</div><div><br /></div><div>May Jesus be the corner-stone of our faith, and may our hearts of stone crumble and give way to forgiveness and compassion.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-36015463158343916012024-03-16T22:23:00.000+08:002024-03-16T22:23:31.954+08:005th Sunday of Lent, Year B, 17.03.2024<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Jeremiah 31:31-34 / Hebrews 5:7-9 / John 12:20-33 </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In our social interactions, we talk about a wide variety of topics. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Generally, we would talk about things at the peripheral. So, we will talk about the weather, about food, about where to go for holidays. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Some conversations will go a bit deeper, like health issues, work problems, family matters.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And of course, we also like to talk about others, and somehow we end up gossiping about them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And we will also indulge in our favourite pastime, which is complaining. Seems like we have quite a lot to complain about - about the high cost of living, about inconveniences, about people we don't like. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But when we come before Jesus in prayer, what are we going to talk to Him about? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It might be about things that are mundane, or that we just want to complain. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But what is it that Jesus wants to talk to us about? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the gospel, some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, but their purpose was not stated. Maybe they were curious because they had heard about Jesus and so they wanted to see Him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As for Jesus, He had other matters in His mind. In the gospel passage, Jesus is telling us what matters to Him and what should matter to us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He talks about a wheat grain and the harvest it can produce. He talks about eternal life. And then He says that His soul is troubled, and ask His Father to save Him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But He also knows that He is like the grain that must die in order to produce a rich harvest. And when He is lifted up from the earth, He will draw all men to Himself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In other words, Jesus was thinking about His suffering and death on the Cross. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Jesus also wants us to think about our life and also about our death. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For a Christian to think about death is not taboo or morbid. Because to think about death is to think about life and about eternal life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I remembered that when my late sister was in the final stages of her terminal illness, she had her questions about her life and about her illness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">She had difficulty in coming to terms that her illness was terminal, and the pain and suffering didn't make it any easier. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I prayed for her to accept it, so that she could have peace when the day comes for her to return to the Lord. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then my brother came back from his overseas assignment, and I went to fetch him from the airport to the hospital where my sister was. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On that particular afternoon, the three of us had a good sibling-time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We talked about our childhood days, and how she was the big sister always keeping an eye on us to stop us from being too naughty.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We talked about things that mattered, that she doesn’t have to worry about anything, that we will be with her and look after her, and that we will pray for her.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We didn’t talk about death or funeral arrangements, but it seems that my sister sensed that it won’t be long, and she told us that she just wanted to be comfortable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a good conversation as we talked about things that mattered to us.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It was only when she said that she was tired that we let her rest. And my sister seemed to be at peace and even happy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As my brother and I went home, we realized that we never had such a sibling-time with my sister, and we were happy with this blessing from God. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We talked about what mattered to us, we talked about life, and with that, death didn’t seem such a morbid or scary thing anymore.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As for my sister, when the day came, she went back peacefully to the Lord. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Her passing on peacefully was a consolation to my family.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And she left fond memories for us too, especially for my brother and me, as we remember that afternoon when the three of us siblings shared life, love and care for each other.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">May our lives be like the grain that will bear a harvest of love and care for others. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And may we pass on from this life to eternal life and to receive that eternal blessing of joy from God.</span></p>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-80436405059219958722024-03-15T22:57:00.000+08:002024-03-15T22:57:59.913+08:004th Week of Lent, Saturday, 16-03-2024 <div>Jeremiah 11:18-20 / John 7:40-52 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Life is unpredictable with its many twists and turns.</div><div><br /></div><div>That is already enough to make us worry and anxious.</div><div><br /></div><div>To add on to that, people can also be unpredictable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Especially those whom we once knew as friends suddenly turn against us.</div><div><br /></div><div>For one reason or another, they chose to go against us and even be malicious and vicious toward us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly we can retaliate and do unto them what they did to us.</div><div><br /></div><div>But in the 1st reading, the prophet Jeremiah gives us another perspective.</div><div><br /></div><div>He was unaware of the schemes of those who were plotting against him.</div><div><br /></div><div>He may not have even thought of them as his enemies.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the Lord revealed it to him and hence he was warned.</div><div><br /></div><div>But Jeremiah knew that he can’t resist them and so he put his life into the hands of the Lord God.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we, like Jeremiah, commit our lives to the Lord, then we would not think of retaliation or vengeance.</div><div><br /></div><div>God will protect us and guide us through the dangers and the snares of life.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-26997204386669373452024-03-14T22:31:00.000+08:002024-03-14T22:31:12.740+08:004th Week of Lent, Friday, 15-03-2024 <div>Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 / John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The existence of God has always been a topic of reflection and discussion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Several philosophical reflections, and even some scientific theories, have suggested proofs of the existence of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>But even with some proofs of the existence of God, to believe in God would require faith.</div><div><br /></div><div>Faith is a gift from God, and that gift of faith enables human beings to know that there is a God and to respond by believing in Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1st reading, the godless, with their misguided reasoning, ridiculed and plotted harm against those who believed in God.</div><div><br /></div><div>But as the 1st reading concludes: </div><div>This is the way they reason, but they are misled, their malice makes them blind.</div><div>They do not know the hidden things of God, they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded, they can see no reward for blameless souls.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we reflect on that, we can see that those who refuse to acknowledge the existence of God or to believe in Him will have a sad and tragic end.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for us Christians, we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He is our Master.</div><div><br /></div><div>He is our Way, our Truth and our Life. Let us follow Him in doing good and loving others.</div><div><br /></div><div>With faith and with hope, we journey on from this world to the next where we will finally be with the God that we believe in.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-66253123339347740122024-03-13T22:52:00.000+08:002024-03-13T22:52:56.659+08:004th Week of Lent, Thursday, 14-03-2024 <div>Exodus 32:7-14 / John 5:31-47 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>There is one fundamental aspect that the season of Lent points to.</div><div><br /></div><div>That fundamental aspect also points to what the Church is about, what our faith is about, and what the purpose of Christianity is about.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that fundamental aspect is salvation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Salvation can only be understood when we realise the destructive power of sin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sin destroys our lives, our relationship with God and also our relationships with others.</div><div><br /></div><div>But despite knowing the destruction that sin causes, we still are prone to sin.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1st reading, the people sinned against God by worshipping an image of a golden calf and calling it their god.</div><div><br /></div><div>God wanted to punish the people, but Moses pleaded on their behalf.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moses wanted the people to repent of their sin and to be saved by the forgiveness of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the gospel, Jesus gave a teaching about who He is, but in short, it is in those words: It is for your salvation that I speak of this.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us not take salvation for granted. Let us realise that we are weak and prone to sin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us turn to the Lord our God for forgiveness and healing. </div><div><br /></div><div>And God will grant us the blessing of the joy of salvation.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-23375984044828455662024-03-12T22:59:00.001+08:002024-03-12T22:59:39.989+08:004th Week of Lent, Wednesday, 13-03-2024<div>Isaiah 49:8-15 / John 5:17-30 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>One of the quotes from St. Irenaeus (AD 120 – 200) is this: The glory of God is man fully alive.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a profound quote, and essentially it says who God is and how mankind is held in relation to God.</div><div><br /></div><div>God is our Creator and we are His creation, indeed, His best creation.</div><div><br /></div><div>God is the source of our life, and He is also the source of our love.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 1st reading and the gospel emphasize this essential teaching.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, for man to be fully alive, does not merely mean that he is active, productive, effective and efficient.</div><div><br /></div><div>For man to be fully alive, all that he does must be done in God and for the glory of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>For man to be fully alive, all that he does must also be for the good of his neighbours.</div><div><br /></div><div>For St. Irenaeus, whose name means “peacemaker”, he lived up to his name by working for peace.</div><div><br /></div><div>His life was a life of love. May our lives be lived in love and may we also work for peace.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-30924931336171379142024-03-11T22:28:00.000+08:002024-03-11T22:28:30.315+08:004th Week of Lent, Tuesday, 12-03-2024 <div>Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 / John 51-3, 5-16 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Water is an element that is common in our country, so much so that we take it for granted.</div><div><br /></div><div>But in other countries and regions, water is a very precious commodity.</div><div><br /></div><div>In those countries and regions, water is critical for life and for the sustenance of life.</div><div><br /></div><div>And in the religious realm, water is used to symbolize cleansing and purification.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the gospel, when there are movements in the water at the Sheep Pool, it was an indication that healing powers are manifesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1st reading, the symbol of water coming out of the Temple points to the life-giving and healing powers of water.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for us Christians, we will remember that we are baptized with water.</div><div><br /></div><div>We bless ourselves with Holy Water, and it is also used in other religious rites and rituals to symbolize God’s blessing and protection.</div><div><br /></div><div>God has given Holy Water to the Church as a symbol of His love for us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us use it devoutly to express our need for God’s blessings and protection.</div></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-50653132288072302652024-03-10T22:35:00.001+08:002024-03-10T22:35:25.438+08:004th Week of Lent, Monday, 11-03-2024 <div>Isaiah 65:17-21 / John 4:43-54 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The season of Lent is a season of grace and blessings.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who are preparing for Baptism at Easter, it is a time of purification and enlightenment.</div><div><br /></div><div>As those Elects go through the Scrutinies, they go through the purification of their past sins and they experience forgiveness and healing.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are also enlightened as they let the light of God shine into the darkness of they lives and they walk towards that light.</div><div><br /></div><div>Indeed, for the Elect, the season of Lent is an experience of joy and gladness.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the blessings of joy and gladness is not only for the Elect but also for the whole Church.</div><div><br /></div><div>God also wants to bless each of us with joy and gladness, just as God blessed His people with joy and gladness in the 1st reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is also what the court official experienced in the gospel when his son recovered for the serious illness, just as Jesus had said he would.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us, like the Elects for Baptism, go through our purification and enlightenment through prayer, penance and alms-giving.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we will receive the blessings of joy and gladness from God.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-48856362140722197352024-03-09T20:10:00.003+08:002024-03-09T20:10:57.849+08:004th Sunday of Lent, Year B, 10.03.2024<p><span style="font-size: medium;">2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 / Ephesians 2:4-10 / John 3:14-21 </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In a Catholic Church, there are quite a few prominent religious objects. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">These prominent objects remind us, as well as help us, to keep focused that we are in a holy place. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One of these prominent objects is the Crucifix. The Crucifix is either mounted on a stand or on the wall, and it should be obvious enough. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For this church, the Crucifix is mounted on the top of the high altar. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The crucifix is not just a horizontal and a vertical beam that are joined at the centre.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On the Crucifix, there is the body, or the corpus, of Jesus attached to it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That serves to remind us that Jesus suffered and died on the Cross to save us from our sins. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Crucifix also points to the great and marvellous love that God has for us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">God let His only Son be put to death on the Cross by sinful men, so as to be the sacrifice for our sins. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As today’s Gospel tells us: God loved the world so much, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not be lost but may have eternal life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, the Crucifix is the symbol of God's marvellous love and salvation for sinful humanity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Crucifix also tells us of another truth that is stated in the gospel: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For God sent His Son into the world, not condemn the world, but so that through Him the world might be saved. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, the Crucifix does not point to judgment and condemnation, but rather, it points to forgiveness and reconciliation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Crucifix is raise up high in the Church for everyone to look and to contemplate, to ponder and to wonder. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Crucifix stands silently as the testimony of God's saving love for Humanity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And going beyond to what is visible, the crucifix also radiates the light of love gently on those who gaze upon it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There is this story told by a priest of a young Christian man who was disillusioned and disappointed at the state of the Church. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He had also lost his faith, and he saw Christians as hypocrites, and the Church as a hypocrisy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, he went to the Church of his baptism and demanded from the priest that his baptism records be destroyed, and that he is not a Christian anymore. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The priest thought for a while, and then he said: Before I do that, may I ask you to do something. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The priest then brought the young man to the Church, and then he said: Look at Crucifix and shout as loud as you can with this: Jesus, you died for me, and I don't care! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The young man looked at the priest in astonishment, and then looked at the Crucifix. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He then took a deep breath and shouted: Jesus, you died for me, and I don't care! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The priest said, “I am not that convinced. Do it again and again until I know you mean it.” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, the young man repeated it, and repeated it, but with each instance, his voice became softer and softer, until the young man stood there looking at the Crucifix. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then the priest said to the young man, “Maybe you can take a seat and rest for a while, and come to see me later.” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The young man was left alone, staring at the Crucifix, and he stared and stared for a long time, until he came to his senses.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The one who told the story is a priest, and at the end of the story, he revealed that he was that young man. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Crucifix is raised high and stands silently for all to see. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It does not judge or condemn, but it shows the sinless One who suffered and died on it for the salvation of sinners. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us look at the Crucifix, or even hold on to it and pray with it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We cannot look at the Crucifix and yet continue to commit sin. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We cannot look at the Crucifix and yet judge others and say harsh things about them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But Iet us look at the Crucifix and see the love of God in the One who is nailed to it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">May the Crucifix be our light, may it be our love, and may the Crucifix show us the meaning and our calling in life.</span></p>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-25127585895423938982024-03-08T23:12:00.000+08:002024-03-08T23:12:04.437+08:003rd Week of Lent, Saturday, 09-03-2024<div>Hosea 5:15 - 6:6 / Luke 18:9-14 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>A conversation between two persons would entail speaking and listening.</div><div><br /></div><div>So when one speaks, the other will listen, and vice versa.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both can’t be speaking at the same time.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for the conversation to be enriching, both parties will be sharing and learning more about each other.</div><div><br /></div><div>But when one party dominates the conversation and even boasts and brags about his achievements, that would be insulting and belittling the other party.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the parable gospel, the Pharisee stood there to pray, but it was more like boasting and bragging about himself before God.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, the tax collector has not much to say, but he acknowledged God’s mercy and he also admitted that he was a sinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>The parable makes us reflect about relationship with God and about our prayer.</div><div><br /></div><div>We may not be boasting and bragging about ourselves in prayer.</div><div><br /></div><div>But when we pray, it could be that we placed ourselves first, with our needs and what we want God to do for us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us remember that prayer is a relationship, a conversation where we speak and then we listen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And let us remember that it is God whom we are talking to in prayer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let us humble ourselves before God, and we will be at rights with God.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-78733168955672864552024-03-07T23:17:00.001+08:002024-03-07T23:17:18.152+08:003rd Week of Lent, Friday, 08-03-2024 <div>Hosea 14:2-10 / Mark 12:28-34 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>A straight road would be an easy road to travel along. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is no worry about bends and curves or junctions.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is needed would be to just keep focus on what is ahead and go on straight.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the road of life is rather different.</div><div><br /></div><div>We know that walking straight in the commandments of the Lord will lead us to peace and happiness.</div><div><br /></div><div>But we get distracted with the byways and the sideways of pleasure and desire.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the gospel, Jesus tells us again about the great commandment of God, and that is to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that love for God is also to be expressed in our love for neighbour.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is God who loves us first, and hears our prayer and cares for us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us be wise and understand the meaning of the commandment of the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us keep focused on God’s commandment and keep walking straight in His ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with that, we will not be far from the kingdom of God.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-1432843780711439562024-03-06T22:38:00.000+08:002024-03-06T22:38:44.237+08:003rd Week of Lent, Thursday, 07-03-2024<div>Jeremiah 7:23-28 / Luke 11:14-23</div><div><br /></div><div><div>There is no common word to describe a child that has disowned his parents.</div><div><br /></div><div>There can be conjured up words like “parent alienation”.</div><div><br /></div><div>But that is not a common word or phrase. That also points to the fact that a child who disowns his parents cannot be an acceptable practice or norm.</div><div><br /></div><div>That also is against the 4th Commandment, and it is God who commands that children should honour their parents.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similarly, there is no one word to describe a people that does not obey their God.</div><div><br /></div><div>As there is no word or phrase to describe such a people, the prophet Jeremiah has this to say about the disobedient and unfaithful people of God:</div><div>Here is the nation that will not listen to the voice of the Lord its God, nor take correction. Sincerity is no more, it has vanished from their mouths.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us remember that God will never abandon us or disown us. </div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, He is always faithful, whereas we had been unfaithful and disobedient.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us turn back to the Lord God, our Father, with prayer, penance, alms-giving and works of charity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Together with Jesus, let us seek out and bring back those children of God who are unfaithful and disobedient.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Jesus, let us gather back the scattered children of God.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-12545138403707984642024-03-05T23:26:00.001+08:002024-03-05T23:26:51.948+08:003rd Week of Lent, Wednesday, 06-03-2024 <div>Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 / Matthew 5:17-19 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>In life, we need some routines to help us have some stability.</div><div><br /></div><div>Routines help us to have some control of our life so that we won’t be stressed up with anxiety.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also we want some peace of mind and not to worry about what to do next or what is going to happen next.</div><div><br /></div><div>In many ways, laws and rules help us to have peace of mind and also some stability and security in life.</div><div><br /></div><div>We know what is the right thing to do and we also know that laws and rules protect us from any wrong that might be done to us.</div><div><br /></div><div>More so for divine laws and commandments. </div><div><br /></div><div>God gives us laws and commandments so that we can live life in peace.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the 1st reading tells us, keeping the laws and commandments of God shows that we are wise and understand the meaning of life.</div><div><br /></div><div>God’s laws and commandments show us that He loves us and He wants us to be at peace and feel safe and secure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us obey and keep God’s laws and commandments to show that we love God, and let us also tell others about the peace and joy of keeping God’s laws and commandments</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-65363046790811149622024-03-04T22:10:00.000+08:002024-03-04T22:10:58.413+08:003rd Week of Lent, Tuesday, 05-03-2024 <div>Daniel 3:25, 34-43 / Matthew 18:21-35 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Experience comes from making mistakes and learning from them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, it can also be said that mistakes increase our experience, and experience decrease our mistakes.</div><div><br /></div><div>In life and in our relationships, whenever we make a mistake, we need to say sorry and ask for forgiveness.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we say that we can’t forgive, we may be saying that we have not make any mistakes in life, which can’t be true.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the time will come when we will be confronted with our own mistakes and we will have to say sorry.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1st reading, the prayer of Azariah is also the prayer of the people of God as they acknowledge and admitted to their unfaithfulness and sinfulness.</div><div><br /></div><div>They knew the experience of sin and now they ask for forgiveness.</div><div><br /></div><div>But that should also lead them to know that when others do wrong, then they too should forgive others.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as Jesus said to Peter in the gospel, forgive others, not just seven times, but even seventy-seven times.</div><div><br /></div><div>To forgive others is to admit that we ourselves have done wrong and need forgiveness too.</div><div><br /></div><div>And when we forgive others, then ourselves will also experience the joy and freedom of forgiveness.</div></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-33089320653985113372024-03-03T23:03:00.002+08:002024-03-03T23:03:39.222+08:003rd Week of Lent, Monday, 04-03-2024 <div>2 Kings 5:1-15 / Luke 4:24-30</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Whenever it comes to making an assessment or an appraisal of a subordinate, the superior can be in quite a situation.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is not easy at all to tell a person a negative aspect of that person’s performance or attitude.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even if there are previous records of negative performances or attitudes, there will be resistance and denial from the one being assessed or appraised.</div><div><br /></div><div>Such was the case in the gospel when Jesus brought up that instant when Naaman the Syrian was cured of leprosy, but not the Jewish lepers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides that, Jesus also brought up the occasion when the Sidonian widow got help, but not the Jewish widows.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was the recalling of such instances that turned the people of Jesus’s hometown against Him, and they even wanted to throw Him off the cliff.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the truth can be uneasy and difficult to accept, especially when confronted by denial and pride.</div><div><br /></div><div>The season of Lent helps us to come to terms with our sinfulness, and we cannot deny the prophetic voice of God in the Scriptures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us be humble and listen to the Word of God, and the truth will set us free and we will be happy.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-84223860636529967002024-03-02T21:40:00.002+08:002024-03-02T21:40:39.220+08:003rd Sunday of Lent, Year B, 03.03.2024<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Exodus 20:1-17 / 1 Cor 1:22-25 / John 2:13-15 </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the unique features of the Catholic Church is that there are long benches, or, what is called, pews. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And along with the pews, there are kneelers, and usually the kneelers are padded. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Almost all Catholic Churches have pews with kneelers. Some kneelers are retractable, but ours are not. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The kneelers point to one unique expect of the Catholic church. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There are three postures of prayer. One is standing, and we stand in respect, we also stand when prayers are offered, and we stand for the gospel.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We sit to listen to the readings from the Word of God, and also to listen to the teachings in the homily. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And then there is the posture of kneeling, and here is where the kneelers come in. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Kneelers help us to get down to the kneeling posture and also to get up from it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Kneeling is a profound act of reverence and worship. The fact is that we don't kneel casually anyway, nor do we kneel casually before anyone. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Kneeling before our parents is an act of filial piety. Kneeling in Church is an act of reverence, adoration and worship offered to God. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Furthermore, the Church is a holy place, the House of God, and it is only appropriate to kneel before God in prayer and worship. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It is with this understanding that we will know why Jesus did what He did in the Temple. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">His actions were forceful, and anything or anyone at the other end of the whip would feel the sharpness of His anger. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And that was because the Temple was turned into a market place. People were buying, selling, bargaining, and engaged in business networking. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That is why Jesus said: Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father's house into a market. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Temple, and the Church, is dedicated to worship and prayer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The market is where marketing and business networking is done. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But the holy place can be subtly turned into a market place, and no one is saying anything about it, or just keeping quiet about it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As it was in the gospel passage, nobody was saying anything about the marketing and the business networking that was going on in the Temple. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But just because everybody is doing it does not mean that it is right. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And just because nobody is doing it does not mean that it is wrong. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the 1st reading, God tells us what is right and wrong. In the gospel, Jesus shows us what is right and wrong. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When we come to the Church, we come into the House of God, a holy place of worship and prayer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us pay attention to how we are dressed, and what we say and do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We come here to pray and to offer worship, and not to do marketing and business networking. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the House of God, let us be respectful and reverent, as we offer a prayer and worship. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It is in the House of God that our prayers are heard and received. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It is in the House of God, we will receive an answer to our prayers.</span></p><p><br /></p>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-90949830917055361352024-03-01T23:08:00.000+08:002024-03-01T23:08:05.317+08:002nd Week of Lent, Saturday, 02-03-2024<div>Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 / Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Dramas on TV or in movies tell us one thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that is, very often, those dramas are not imaginary or abstract.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those dramas are often a reflection on situations in life and on relationships.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we also able to relate with what we see in those dramas.</div><div><br /></div><div>The gospel parable is also known as the Parable of the Prodigal son.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we can see the reality of life in that parable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because it happens between parents and children, and also between siblings.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it also makes us look further and deeper at our relationship with God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus tells us that God is our loving Father who is kind and forgiving, generous and gracious.</div><div><br /></div><div>God our Father even sent Jesus to save us from our sins so that we can be reconciled with God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us thank God our Father for His love and let us go forth to love and to be reconciled with one another.</div></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-2378051359697288152024-02-29T23:21:00.000+08:002024-02-29T23:21:36.044+08:002nd Week of Lent, Friday, 01-03-2024 <div>Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28 / Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The phrase “a chip off the old block” is an expression used of people who closely resemble their parents in some way.</div><div><br /></div><div>And usually, it refers to how a son resembles his father, not just in looks, but also in character and personality.</div><div><br /></div><div>And more than that, it also refers to the relationship between the father and the son.</div><div><br /></div><div>A father loves his son, and he won’t send his son to do something dangerous or risk his son’s life.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Israel sent his son Joseph to his brothers who were in the fields, he thought that it would be good for him to be with his brothers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Israel would never have thought that because he loved Joseph more than all his other sons, they would have a deep hatred against Joseph.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, when Joseph came to them, they had wanted to kill him, but later, they sold him off as a slave.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the gospel parable, the landowner had thought that by sending his son to the tenants, they would respect him. But instead they killed him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today’s readings would make us reflect about God who sent His only Beloved Son to save us from our sins and to teach us how to love.</div><div><br /></div><div>By sending His Son into this sinful and wicked world, God showed how much He loves us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us open our hearts to Jesus, let us learn how to love from Him, and we will truly be children of God.</div></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-48919909481197748472024-02-28T23:25:00.000+08:002024-02-28T23:25:33.073+08:002nd Week of Lent, Thursday, 29-02-2024 <div>Jeremiah 17:5-10 / Luke 16:19-31 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>To be poor is certainly not something to be proud of.</div><div><br /></div><div>The poor depends on the charity of others. </div><div><br /></div><div>At times, the poor are considered a problem by others.</div><div><br /></div><div>And often, the poor are also disregarded and neglected.</div><div><br /></div><div>But God favours the poor and He comes to their help.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because for the poor, when everything else fails, then God is their only help.</div><div><br /></div><div>We know that God will come to the help of the poor.</div><div><br /></div><div>And God will help the poor by sending us to help them.</div><div><br /></div><div>We may not be able to help all the poor, or eradicate poverty.</div><div><br /></div><div>But if there is one poor person that we can help, then let us do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of us already have what we need, and maybe even more than enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us always remember the poor, and help them in their need.</div><div><br /></div><div>That is also what God wants of us.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-79170553586632345702024-02-27T23:29:00.000+08:002024-02-27T23:29:00.948+08:002nd Week of Lent, Wednesday, 28-02-2024<div>Jeremiah 18:18-20 / Matthew 20:17-28 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>When there is something bothering us and burdening our minds, it is not easy to act calm or be indifferent about it.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will somehow be expressed through our words and actions.</div><div><br /></div><div>At times it may be subtle, at times it may be obvious.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the gospel, Jesus told His disciples that He would be handed to the chief priests and scribes, be condemned to death, mocked, scourged and crucified.</div><div><br /></div><div>That was certainly not the first time He mentioned it, nor would it be the last mention of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>But His disciples seemed to have other things on their minds, like where they were going to be seated in the kingdom, and bickering about who is the first and greatest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though Jesus had His own matter to handle, yet He was able to use His anxiety and distress to teach His disciples.</div><div><br /></div><div>He taught them about humility and about service, and again Jesus reiterated that He came to serve by giving up His life as a ransom for many.</div><div><br /></div><div>We too have our own worries and anxieties, but let us look at the Cross and understand that Jesus will save us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us remember the response of the Responsorial Psalm: Save me in Your love, O Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>And even though we have our own troubles, we will still believe that God will save us, and we will be able to serve just as Jesus came to serve.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-53735912722393946552024-02-26T22:12:00.002+08:002024-02-26T22:12:53.094+08:002nd Week of Lent, Tuesday, 27-02-2024<div>Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 / Matthew 23:1-12 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>If actions speak louder than words, then good examples should inspire us to imitate the good that we see.</div><div><br /></div><div>But very often, bad examples seem to speak louder than good examples.</div><div><br /></div><div>In our human weakness, we are inclined to be influenced by bad examples and end up coping them.</div><div><br /></div><div>So even though there is much goodness around us, we somehow go along with the bad and sinful ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the gospel, Jesus tells us to know and do what is good, loving, right and true.</div><div><br /></div><div>And even if those who teach these values do not practice them, we should not succumb to bad examples.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 1st reading also tells us this from the Lord:</div><div>If you are willing to obey, you shall eat the good things of the earth. </div><div>But if you persist in rebellion, the sword shall eat you instead.</div><div>The mouth of the Lord has spoken.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us be humble to acknowledge our human weakness and sinfulness.</div><div><br /></div><div>But let us also trust in the Lord that He will raise up the humble so that what is good, loving, right and truthful will prevail.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-13186228860415365372024-02-25T22:51:00.000+08:002024-02-25T22:51:15.550+08:002nd Week of Lent, Monday, 26-02-2024<div>Daniel 9:4-10 / Luke 636-38 </div><div><br /></div><div><div>The circle is an interesting shape.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has no corners and no sides.</div><div><br /></div><div>And there is also no beginning and no end.</div><div><br /></div><div>The circle is sometimes used to portray some realities in life.</div><div><br /></div><div>For example, in a vicious circle, there doesn’t seem to have a solution.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another way of saying it is that what goes around comes around.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1st reading, what the prophet Daniel said can be called a vicious cycle of God’s people.</div><div><br /></div><div>They sinned, they were punished, they repented for a while, and then they turned back to sin.</div><div><br /></div><div>But despite that vicious cycle, God comes to His people with love and forgiveness to break that vicious cycle.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for us, our habitual sins are also the vicious cycle that we are in.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jesus teaches us how to break that vicious cycle.</div><div><br /></div><div>He tells us to be compassionate, do not judge, do not condemn, and to grant pardon.</div><div><br /></div><div>With God’s love and forgiveness, we will be able to break our vicious circle of sin, and God will pour His gifts on us so that we can become circles of life.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-71622013839980969772024-02-24T23:16:00.000+08:002024-02-24T23:16:00.544+08:002nd Sunday of Lent, Year B, 25.02.2024<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18 / Romans 8:31-34 / Mark 9:2-10 </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When an important event is coming up, announcements would be made on all media platforms. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Such announcements would be made in advance, with ample time ahead, so that adequate preparations can be made. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, events like concerts by the mega-stars, and the current Air Show, are announced way in advance to generate publicity and interest. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today's Gospel account is also known as the Transfiguration . For it to be recorded in three Gospels goes to show that it is of significant importance. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But, unlike the prophecies of the coming of the Saviour, and Jesus foretelling His suffering and death, the Transfiguration happened quite unexpectedly. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It began with Jesus bringing three of His disciples up a high mountain. The disciples didn't ask why they were going up that high mountain, and they thought that Jesus just wanted them to be alone. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then, in their presence, He was transfigured, and His clothes became dazzling white. And then Moses and Elijah appeared, and they were talking with Jesus. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For the disciples, all that was amazing and astonishing, as well as frightening. And then a cloud came by and covered them in shadow, and there came a voice from the cloud: This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore but only Jesus. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All that happened so suddenly that they were probably dazed and speechless. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But the experience of the Transfiguration was etched into their hearts, and eventually recorded in the gospels. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As we listen to the gospel account, as well as the other two readings, is there anything that we can remember? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And as we go forth after Mass, is there anything that we will carry along in our hearts? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We didn't see any dazzling whiteness, or historical figures appearing, and no cloud covering us in shadow. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But we may remember that voice from the cloud saying: This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, how can we listen to Jesus, and how do we know it is His voice? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There's a story of a father and his young son, and they were walking in the mountains. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Suddenly the son tripped and fell and hurt himself, and he screamed: Aaahhhh …</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To his surprise, he hears a voice repeating somewhere in the mountains: Aaahhhh … </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He yells: “Who are you?” The voice came back with: “Who are you?” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Angered by that response, the boy screams: “Coward!” And the voice came back with: “Coward!” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He looks to his father and ask: What's going on? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">His father smiles and says: “My son pay attention.” Then the father shouts to the mountains: “I admire you.” And the voice answers: “I admire you.” And the father shouts again: “You are strong.” And the voice answers: “You are strong.” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The boy was amazed and astonished, and so the father explains: That voice is called the “echo”, but it is really about life. It gives back everything you say or do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our life is simply a reflection of our actions. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So, if we want to have more love in the world, then we need to have more love in our hearts. Life will give back everything you have given it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the Mass we listen to the words of love, and we are fed with the greatest gift of love. And we go forth carrying God's love in our hearts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We become an echo of God's love. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To listen to Jesus is to listen to the echo of our lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Let us create a good echo to the voice of Jesus by doing this: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Speak in a way that others would love to listen to you. And listen in a way than others would love to speak to you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In doing so, we will hear the echo of the voice of Jesus, the echo of love, and we will be transfigured, and others will also be transfigured.</span></p>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8907168180701801013.post-15442438745833400262024-02-23T23:22:00.000+08:002024-02-23T23:22:10.359+08:001st Week of Lent, Saturday, 24-02-2024 <div>Deuteronomy 26:16-19 / Matthew 5:43-48 </div><div><div><br /></div><div>People who are searching for a religion to adhere to may ask this question.</div><div><br /></div><div>How is Christianity different from the rest of the other religions?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, of course there are many ways to answer that question.</div><div><br /></div><div>One answer could be this - Christianity doesn't just teach you to be good; Christianity teaches you to be like God!</div><div><br /></div><div>That was what Jesus meant when He said: You must be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>In other words, we must be holy, just as our heavenly Father is holy. We must be like God our Father, no less.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be like God means to do what Jesus did.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that is to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us.</div><div><br /></div><div>People might say that that is crazy, but that is what it means to be holy.</div><div><br /></div><div>So can it be possible to be holy as God is holy?</div><div><br /></div><div>As the 1st reading puts it, when we declare that God is our only God, then God will also make the declaration that we are His very own people.</div><div><br /></div><div>God will consecrate us with His love and we will be living images of His holiness in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>So is the Lord God our only God? That is the question that we have to answer in the purifying season of Lent.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Rev Msgr Stephen Yimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09652355184570052564noreply@blogger.com