Isaiah 66:10-14 / Matthew 18:1-5 (2022 / 2024)
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus is also known as the "Little Flower of Jesus".
St. Thérèse was declared co-patron of the missions with St. Francis Xavier in 1927.
This is quite astonishing because she was was a nun in the enclosed Carmelite community of Lisieux, Normandy in France.
Unlike St. Francis Xavier who travelled far and wide to spread the Gospel and baptized many people, St. Thérèse spent all her religious life in the cloistered convent.
Though she had thoughts of going off to the mission lands, her ill health forbade her from doing so.
Nonetheless she offered prayers for the missions and also her every little act was offered to God in prayer.
In her memoir The Story of a Soul, she said that she was just a very little soul and so she could only offer God very little things.
But it was doing these very little things with great love that that she offered it to God for the salvation of souls.
That is also precisely the message in today' s gospel - childlike humility is the way to the kingdom of God.
It is the small childlike humble heart, one that is like that of St. Thérèse, that is considered great in the eyes of God.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
26th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 30-09-10
Job 19:21-27 / Luke 10:1-12
In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced what became known as the “five stages of grief.” These stages of grief were based on her studies of the feelings of patients facing terminal illness, but many people have generalized them to other types of negative life changes and losses.
The five stages of grief can be summarized as such "
Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”
Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.”
As we read about what was happening to Job in the 1st reading, it is difficult to say which stage he was at; maybe between anger and acceptance or a mixture of all.
Job's most profound statement in the 1st reading was this - This I know : that my Avenger lives.
That might sound like he had reached the stage of acceptance. But there is one more stage that he will need to come to.
And that is the stage of enlightenment. In that stage, a person will not just accept and be at peace with what has happened but will also be able to see why it happened and see God's hand moving and guiding him in the course of events.
May we pray for the grace of enlightenment so that we may gain wisdom of heart to know that we can fully trust and depend on God in whatever happens in our lives.
In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced what became known as the “five stages of grief.” These stages of grief were based on her studies of the feelings of patients facing terminal illness, but many people have generalized them to other types of negative life changes and losses.
The five stages of grief can be summarized as such "
Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”
Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in return I will ____.”
Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”
Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what happened.”
As we read about what was happening to Job in the 1st reading, it is difficult to say which stage he was at; maybe between anger and acceptance or a mixture of all.
Job's most profound statement in the 1st reading was this - This I know : that my Avenger lives.
That might sound like he had reached the stage of acceptance. But there is one more stage that he will need to come to.
And that is the stage of enlightenment. In that stage, a person will not just accept and be at peace with what has happened but will also be able to see why it happened and see God's hand moving and guiding him in the course of events.
May we pray for the grace of enlightenment so that we may gain wisdom of heart to know that we can fully trust and depend on God in whatever happens in our lives.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels, Wednesday, 29-09-10
Apocalypse 12:7-12 / John 1:47-51 (2025)
The Bible has many passages referring to angels, both in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament
Furthermore the New Testament mentions frequently of angels in the significant moments.
There were angels giving messages to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds; angels ministering to Christ after his temptation in the wilderness, an angel visiting Christ in his agony, angels at the tomb of the risen Christ, and the angels who liberated the Apostles Peter and Paul from prison.
However, it makes only two references to "archangels." They are in Jude 9 where Michael is an archangel and in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, where the "voice of an archangel" will be heard at the return of Christ.
The Roman Catholic Church honours three archangels - Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
Michael in the Hebrew language means "Who is like unto God?" or "Who is equal to God?" St. Michael has been depicted from earliest Christian times as a commander, who holds in his right hand a spear with which he attacks the devil, and in his left hand a green palm branch which symbolizes victory over evil.
Gabriel means "Man of God" or "Might of God." He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the Incarnation of God and all other mysteries related to it. He is depicted as holding a lighted lantern to symbolize that only God can shed light to the mysteries.
Raphael means "God's healing" or "God the Healer". He is mentioned in the book of Tobit (3:17; 12:15). Raphael is depicted leading Tobit with his right hand, and holding a physician's alabaster jar in his left hand.
The celebration of the feast of the three Archangels focuses on three aspects of God.
It reminds us that God is almighty and is victorious over evil. Also the mystery of life and death, and suffering and evil is in the hands of God who is the source of all mystery.
God is also our Healer who forgives us our sins and strengthens us with His love.
May God also strengthen our faith so that as we gather together in this Eucharist, we will also become aware of the presence of angels and archangels joining us to worship and praise the Lord.
The Bible has many passages referring to angels, both in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament
Furthermore the New Testament mentions frequently of angels in the significant moments.
There were angels giving messages to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds; angels ministering to Christ after his temptation in the wilderness, an angel visiting Christ in his agony, angels at the tomb of the risen Christ, and the angels who liberated the Apostles Peter and Paul from prison.
However, it makes only two references to "archangels." They are in Jude 9 where Michael is an archangel and in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, where the "voice of an archangel" will be heard at the return of Christ.
The Roman Catholic Church honours three archangels - Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
Michael in the Hebrew language means "Who is like unto God?" or "Who is equal to God?" St. Michael has been depicted from earliest Christian times as a commander, who holds in his right hand a spear with which he attacks the devil, and in his left hand a green palm branch which symbolizes victory over evil.
Gabriel means "Man of God" or "Might of God." He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the Incarnation of God and all other mysteries related to it. He is depicted as holding a lighted lantern to symbolize that only God can shed light to the mysteries.
Raphael means "God's healing" or "God the Healer". He is mentioned in the book of Tobit (3:17; 12:15). Raphael is depicted leading Tobit with his right hand, and holding a physician's alabaster jar in his left hand.
The celebration of the feast of the three Archangels focuses on three aspects of God.
It reminds us that God is almighty and is victorious over evil. Also the mystery of life and death, and suffering and evil is in the hands of God who is the source of all mystery.
God is also our Healer who forgives us our sins and strengthens us with His love.
May God also strengthen our faith so that as we gather together in this Eucharist, we will also become aware of the presence of angels and archangels joining us to worship and praise the Lord.
Monday, September 27, 2010
26th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 28-09-10
Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 / / Luke9:51-56
There is only so much of setback and suffering that we can tolerate and endure.
When we snap then we will let fly without reservations, our frustrations and our grievances.
What we heard in the 1st reading is not just Job complaining about the tragedies that had happened to him.
He was lamenting bitterly to the extent that he even cursed the day he was born.
Who would not empathize with him at that point in time.What happened to him was beyond comprehension.
It was only much later that Job would come to terms with God's plan and purpose for him.
In the gospel, the hotheaded disciples James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven to burn up the Samaritan village that rejected Jesus.
They probably did not understand why Jesus would not allow it and He even rebuked them.
Only much later would they understand and comprehend who Jesus was and what He came to do.
If Jesus Himself can show understanding and tolerance, then we too must learn from Him.
With understanding and tolerance, God will slowly reveal His plan and purpose for us.
But when we give in to our frustrations and grievances, we might just forfeit God's revelation to us.
There is only so much of setback and suffering that we can tolerate and endure.
When we snap then we will let fly without reservations, our frustrations and our grievances.
What we heard in the 1st reading is not just Job complaining about the tragedies that had happened to him.
He was lamenting bitterly to the extent that he even cursed the day he was born.
Who would not empathize with him at that point in time.What happened to him was beyond comprehension.
It was only much later that Job would come to terms with God's plan and purpose for him.
In the gospel, the hotheaded disciples James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven to burn up the Samaritan village that rejected Jesus.
They probably did not understand why Jesus would not allow it and He even rebuked them.
Only much later would they understand and comprehend who Jesus was and what He came to do.
If Jesus Himself can show understanding and tolerance, then we too must learn from Him.
With understanding and tolerance, God will slowly reveal His plan and purpose for us.
But when we give in to our frustrations and grievances, we might just forfeit God's revelation to us.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
26th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 27-09-10
Job 1:6-22 / Luke 9:46-50 (2026)
There are some things which we would certainly like to put on display.
Whether it is at home, or in school, or at the club-house, or even in the parish office, if we have any awards, or academic achievements, or medals, or trophies, we would certainly like to put them a special display.
In a way, all those items are mirrors. They show us how good we are and what we can do.
They are also indicators of how we fare with others, to see what we are and who we are in comparison with others.
In the gospel, the disciples were ranking themselves against each other, and that's when Jesus interjected.
The model of greatness which He gave them was a humble little child.
That was really a contradiction and a paradoxical model of what we are so used to when we talk about greatness.
Because we tend to associate greatness with power and might, and achievements and possessions.
But when these are taken away, is there anything else that we can be proud of or feel great about?
We can slowly understand a bit of what greatness is all about when Job in the 1st reading said this after all he had was taken away :
Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I shall return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
There are some things which we would certainly like to put on display.
Whether it is at home, or in school, or at the club-house, or even in the parish office, if we have any awards, or academic achievements, or medals, or trophies, we would certainly like to put them a special display.
In a way, all those items are mirrors. They show us how good we are and what we can do.
They are also indicators of how we fare with others, to see what we are and who we are in comparison with others.
In the gospel, the disciples were ranking themselves against each other, and that's when Jesus interjected.
The model of greatness which He gave them was a humble little child.
That was really a contradiction and a paradoxical model of what we are so used to when we talk about greatness.
Because we tend to associate greatness with power and might, and achievements and possessions.
But when these are taken away, is there anything else that we can be proud of or feel great about?
We can slowly understand a bit of what greatness is all about when Job in the 1st reading said this after all he had was taken away :
Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I shall return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Friday, September 24, 2010
25th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 25-09-10
Ecclesiastes 11:9 - 12:8 / Luke 9:43-45
Generally speaking, as one gets older, one would also get wiser.
Having crossed many bridges in life and eaten as much salt as rice, the older one gets, the more experience one would have garnered.
From those experiences of life, one would attain some depth of wisdom.
So how the 1st reading would be understood depends on whether the reader or the listener is a young person or one who has the seniority of years.
Nonetheless the wisdom and the realities expressed in the 1st reading need to be constantly revisited in order to grasp it fully.
In the gospel, Jesus told His disciples to keep these words constantly in their minds : The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the powers of men.
But they did not understand it there and then. But later they would. And later they would also realise that what their Master went through, they too would have to go through.
Indeed the wisdom and experience of life tells us this - If there is no suffering to hollow out our hearts, there would be no room for joy.
Whether for the young or for those well on in years, that is the reality.
Choosing or hoping otherwise would be vanity of vanities.
Generally speaking, as one gets older, one would also get wiser.
Having crossed many bridges in life and eaten as much salt as rice, the older one gets, the more experience one would have garnered.
From those experiences of life, one would attain some depth of wisdom.
So how the 1st reading would be understood depends on whether the reader or the listener is a young person or one who has the seniority of years.
Nonetheless the wisdom and the realities expressed in the 1st reading need to be constantly revisited in order to grasp it fully.
In the gospel, Jesus told His disciples to keep these words constantly in their minds : The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the powers of men.
But they did not understand it there and then. But later they would. And later they would also realise that what their Master went through, they too would have to go through.
Indeed the wisdom and experience of life tells us this - If there is no suffering to hollow out our hearts, there would be no room for joy.
Whether for the young or for those well on in years, that is the reality.
Choosing or hoping otherwise would be vanity of vanities.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
25th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 24-09-10
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 / Luke 9:18-22
If we were asked to form a simple sentence with the word "time" in it, one of the easiest sentences could be : I have no time.
Maybe that is because we use it so often in our own busy lives.
Yes, we sigh and we lament that we are so busy and we don't have much time.
The 1st reading mentions the word "time" more than 28 times.
But its purpose is not to tell us whether we have time or not.
Rather all time is in God's hands and all He does is apt for its time.
Also, though God has permitted man to consider time in is wholeness, man cannot comprehend the work of God from beginning to end.
Nor could the disciples in the gospel passage comprehend fully who Jesus was, even though Peter seemed to get it correct, but it was just for that moment.
Indeed, there is a time for questions and a time for answers; a time for rejoicing and a time for suffering, a time for peace and a time for strife.
Yet, as the popular hymn goes : In His time. Yes, all happens in God's time. All that happens in our lives happen in God's time.
Having said all that, the reflection point is this : God will always have time for us ; do we have time for God?
If we were asked to form a simple sentence with the word "time" in it, one of the easiest sentences could be : I have no time.
Maybe that is because we use it so often in our own busy lives.
Yes, we sigh and we lament that we are so busy and we don't have much time.
The 1st reading mentions the word "time" more than 28 times.
But its purpose is not to tell us whether we have time or not.
Rather all time is in God's hands and all He does is apt for its time.
Also, though God has permitted man to consider time in is wholeness, man cannot comprehend the work of God from beginning to end.
Nor could the disciples in the gospel passage comprehend fully who Jesus was, even though Peter seemed to get it correct, but it was just for that moment.
Indeed, there is a time for questions and a time for answers; a time for rejoicing and a time for suffering, a time for peace and a time for strife.
Yet, as the popular hymn goes : In His time. Yes, all happens in God's time. All that happens in our lives happen in God's time.
Having said all that, the reflection point is this : God will always have time for us ; do we have time for God?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)