18th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 01.08.2021

Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15 / Ephesians 4:17, 20-24 / John 6:24-35  

If we were asked whether we know what international event is happening in Japan, presumably the answer would be the Olympic Games. 

But that would not necessarily be the obvious and foregone answer, because with so many other things happening locally and internationally, the publicity about the Olympic games has also been affected. 

Initially, there was even the question of whether the Games would continue as planned, but eventually it went ahead but with much restrictions. 

So, we may know that the Olympic Games is happening in Japan now. The next question is, do we know what is the Olympic motto? 

The Olympic motto is just three Latin words: Citius-Altius-Fortius. These three words mean “Faster-Higher-Stronger”. 

And it was a priest, Fr. Henri Didon OP, who expressed these words in the opening ceremony of a school sports event in 1881, and it was later adopted as the Olympic motto. 

That motto expresses the aspirations of the Olympic movement, not only in its athletic and technical sense, but also from a moral and educational perspective. 

So, when it comes down to competition and sportsmanship, then it will be “sometimes we win, sometimes we learn”. 

Even when it comes to losing or failure, then the lesson that can be learned is that failure is the mother of success. 

So, it is a good thing that the Olympic Games went on. After all, the Olympic Games originated from a break from the fighting by the warring Greek states. 

But going back much earlier than the Greek era, a gold medal could have been given to Moses for leading the Israelites in the desert for 40 years. 

Moses had to endure the unfaithfulness, the stubbornness and the complaints from the Israelites for 40 long years. 

In the 1st reading, we heard of the complaint about the lack of food, and the people even said that they would rather die as slaves in Egypt then to die in the desert. 

But from that, the lesson that Moses and the people learnt was that God will provide them food to eat to their hearts content, even in the desert. 

In the gospel, the people were looking for Jesus, but when we found Him, He had this to say to them: You are not looking for me because you have seen the signs, but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. 

Jesus went on to tell them not to work for food that could not last, but to work for food that endured to eternal life. 

This working for food that endures to eternal life is essentially the work of faith and to believe that Jesus is the bread of God that has come down from heaven for the life of the world. 

And the people tell Jesus to give them that bread always. For the people, the idea of bread in abundance was stuck in their minds, and they were not seeing the signs and learning from it. 

Well, the signs may change, but it is faith that enables us to see Jesus giving us the spiritual food for life. 

In a way, we don't like the signs to change. So, we would like to come for Mass weekly, receive Holy Communion and to have these spiritual things always, as it was before. 

But the signs are changing, and that doesn't mean we will lose faith. In fact, it calls for a new learning and a new growth in faith. 

One of the amazing stories of the Christians in Japan is about how the faith of the Japanese Christians endured 400 years of persecution. 

Christianity arrived in Japan in 1543, but by 1620, Christianity was banned. Missionaries were expelled and the local Christians were persecuted and they went into hiding. 

So, there was no Mass, no Holy Communion, no Sacraments, no priests, and it was amazing how the Japanese Christians held on to the faith. 

Finally, when missionaries were allowed into Japan, they found these Japanese Christians holding on to their faith with religious items like crucifixes and rosaries that were handed down from generation to generation, and it was for 400 years. They should get gold medals for that. 

So, in these times when we may not be able to come for Mass weekly and our spiritual routines are not always there for us, we have much to learn. 

It is about we, the Church, going out there in the modern world and understanding the signs that God is showing us. 

Like the persecuted Japanese Christians, we find consolation in our religious objects as we use them to stay connected to our faith and to Jesus. 

Yes, let us learn faster, so that we will reach higher and grow stronger in the faith. 

We may not win silver or gold, but we will always have Jesus and we will not thirst and hunger for anything else.

17th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 31-07-2021

Leviticus 25:1, 8-17 / Matthew 14:1-12         

As much as life is difficult and challenging, and the path of life has its twists and turns, yet there are principles in life that must be adhered to.

When the principles of life are followed, then all will be well and life can be lived peacefully.

In the 1st reading, the Lord God states the very basic principle of life, and that is "Let none of you wrong his neighbour, but fear your God; I am the Lord your God".

That is also another way of saying what the Christian principle of life is about, which is to love God and to love neighbour.

But when these basic principles of life are broken, then that is when troubles begin.

In the gospel, when the girl asked king Herod for the head of John the Baptist, he knew it was wrong to do so.

In fact, king Herod was distressed, but thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he gave in to her request.

Whenever the principles of life are infringed, the voice of God will be sounded in the depths of our hearts.

May we always listen to the voice of the Lord our God and walk in the path of life and love.

17th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 30-07-2021

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37 / Matthew 13:54-58    

There are certain phrases that are often used that may seem clear initially, but upon further reflection, it may mean much more.

For example, when the phrase "Oh I see ... " it means more than just the ability to see. It could also mean a realization or a deeper understanding.

When Jesus said that "a prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house", we may understand it from the context of the gospel passage.

But a further reflection may lead us to wonder why isn't a local prophet accepted in his own country and in his own house. 

Do prophets need to be from somewhere foreign or someone unexpected or a total stranger?

But when someone local has achieved something honourable or glorious, like winning a gold medal at the Olympics, that person immediately becomes a national hero with due recognition and rewards.

It is something for the country to be proud that a local citizen has achieved fame and honour for self and the country.

But if that same person starts to speak out against injustice and inequality, then it can be quite certain that there will opposition and rejection.

That was what happened to Jesus, but He was prepared for it.

One aspect of our baptismal calling is to be a prophet for our times and in our situations.

May the Lord give us the courage and the faith to be committed to the truth and to live it out with love and to be messengers of God for our people.

St. Martha, Memorial, Thursday, 29-07-2021

1 John 4:7-16 / John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42    

To say that someone is as busy as a bee means that person is the active type, and by extension that person could also be productive and efficient.

Such a person could also be highly sought after at the workplace so that the person can get things moving and going and also could be an inspiration for others.

Today as we celebrate the memorial of St. Martha, we would usually remember her as in the gospel account.

She took the initiative to welcome Jesus into her home and she began to be busy with the serving.

But just as busy people don't like to be doing nothing, they may also not like to see people doing nothing, and hence she complained to Jesus about her sister Mary who sat the Lord's feet and listened to Him speaking.

Jesus responded by saying that she worry and fret about so many things, but few are needed, indeed only one.

Jesus went on to say it was Mary who had chosen the better part and it was not to be taken from her.

Martha would have stopped in her tracks and pondered about what Jesus said, especially about that "few are needed, indeed only one".

For St. Martha, her one important moment in the gospel was when at the death of Lazarus, she proclaimed her belief in Christ as the Resurrection and the Life.

In our busyness, our worrying and fretting about so many things, may we also find time to think about the few things that are important in life.

May we also come to acknowledge Jesus as our Life and may we rise to live out the important things of life.

17th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 28-07-2021

Exodus 34:29-35 / Matthew 13:44-46      

Whatever we may want to say about the world we live in, there are attractions.

And we do get attracted to the things of this world, and that's why we have possessions of all kinds.

It may be money, property and whatever we put our interests and investments in.

We may not call these treasures, but they are certainly an integral part of our life and they are almost like a "must-have".

In the gospel, Jesus used parables to point to the kingdom of heaven. So He used ideas like treasure and fine pearls.

But we know that Jesus is not talking about something tangible. He is talking about something spiritual.

It is just like the face of Moses was radiant after speaking with the Lord.

Moses didn't have the light. He was only reflecting the light of the Lord, just like the moon reflects the light of the sun.

May the light of the Lord also enlighten our minds and hearts to know that the things of this world are to used for His glory and for the service of others.

May we also see that the Lord is our true treasure and may we walk in His light.

17th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 27-07-2021

Exodus 33:7-1; 34:5-9, 28 / Matthew 13:36-43           

There is no doubt that whenever we have a choice, we would choose the best that is available.

And better still, if we have the means for it, then the choice would be nothing less than the best.

So from food, to clothing, to housing, to pets, to accessories and even to luxuries, it would be the best and no less.

When God wanted to choose a nation to be His people, there were many refined and cultured peoples that were available.

But God chose Israel, and what a surprise it was!

As Moses described his own people: they are a headstrong people. In fact, more than that, they were an unfaithful people, they would sin over and over again and put the Lord God to the test.

It would be easier to have just done away with the people of Israel and choose another nation who would be more obedient and faithful and easier to teach.

But as the Lord God proclaims of Himself - He is tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness, forgives faults, transgression and sin.

But He will let nothing go unchecked and will punish sin.

We are like the field in the gospel parable. We have wheat and weeds. 

Yet God still chose us to be His children. 

Let us be obedient and faithful to God. Let us turn away from sin and wrong doing so that we will shine like the sun in the kingdom of God.

17th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 26-07-2021

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 / Matthew 13:31-35    

The 10 Commandments were given by God to Moses and it was meant for the people to know what are the spiritual and moral obligations that they have to observe.

The 1st reading said that the 10 Commandments were inscribed on two tablets. They were the work of God, and the writing on them was God's writing engraved on the tablets.

Maybe that is where that phrase "written on stone" comes from. As such it also means that to break any of the 10 Commandments would be a serious offence.

But when Moses came down from the mountain and saw what the people did, he literally broke all the 10 Commandments at one go when he threw down and broke them at the foot of the mountain.

To break one Commandment is considered a serious sin, so when Moses broke the two tablets, he was showing the seriousness of the sin of the people.

But sin is not usually committed in leaps and bounds. It is usually progressive, as in it begins with a small sin and then when left unchecked it becomes bigger and bigger until it becomes a serious sin.

If that can be said of sin, the same can be said of virtue.

In the gospel, Jesus used the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven to teach about the kingdom of heaven.

The growth of virtue is similar. When we choose to do a little good, that is one step toward growth in the kingdom of heaven.

And every time we choose to obey the 10 Commandments, we too grow in virtue and obedience to God and help others to walk in the Lord's ways.

17th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 25.07.2021

2 Kings 4:42-44 / Ephesians 4:1-6 / John6:1-15

Whenever the phrase “size does matter” is used, one thought that would come to mind would be “the bigger the better”. 

Certainly, the bigger would be better, in terms of status and prestige and of course pride. 

So, for a car, the bigger the better; for a house, the bigger the better; for a spending budget, the bigger the better. 

By worldly standards, size does matter, and the bigger the better. Big things get the attention and the spotlight. They are impressive, and they may even look sophisticated and expensive. 

And when the big things get all the attention, then the small and little things are often overlooked and neglected. 

But if great oak trees grow from little acorns, and forest fires start with a small spark, then those small and little things are not unimportant. 

In fact, big things are held together by little things, just like how shoes are held on to the feet by shoelaces. 

The gospel account is about the famous story of the miraculous multiplication of loaves and the feeding of the multitude. 

It is an important story as it appears in all the four Gospels. The main point of the story is that God will always provide for the hungry and the needy. 

The story has a few salient points for reflection, like Jesus testing Philip, the small boy with the five barley loaves and two fish and the twelve baskets of leftovers.

But there is one line that may seem rather unimportant and maybe even unnecessary, and the line is this: It was shortly before the Jewish feast of Passover. 

So why is that line there in the gospel story? Of what significance or importance is that line? 

The Jewish feast of the Passover is an important feast. It recalls the freedom from slavery in Egypt and how they became the people of God. 

It also recalled how the people were tested in the desert and that God provided them food for the journey. 

So, that simple line does not just tell us at what time the story happened. In fact, it prepared for the unfolding of the story of the multiplication of loaves and the feeding of the multitude. 

So that simple line is an important line in the midst of the other more dramatic and salient points of the story. 

It also points to the fact that God uses the lowly and humble things to work His power and miracles. 

And so the lowly five barley loaves and two fish were used to feed the five thousand men, with twelve baskets of leftovers. 

So as much as size does matter, and the bigger the better, yet God is always on the side of the lowly and humble.

There is this story of a big company that has soap packaging production lines, but the production lines had a flaw.

Some boxes were not loaded with the soap and were delivered to the stores and hence there were complaints.

Engineers were called in to look into the problem. A sophisticated system of mechanical, microelectronics, automation and X-ray detection technology were used to successfully solve the problem, but that incurred a high cost.

At another smaller factory, the same production line was used to pack the soap and had the same problems.

The supervisor thought about it, and he came up with a simple idea of getting a powerful industrial fan to blow away the empty boxes, and the problem was solved, at a relatively low cost.

So, the moral of the story is to always look for simple solutions to big problems, and the solutions are usually in the simple and humble things.

Well, size may matter, and the bigger may be better, but God always works through the lowly and humble, just as He worked through that small boy with the five barley loaves and two fish to solve that big problem of the five thousand hungry men.

16th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 24-07-2021

Exodus 24:3-8 / Matthew 13:24-30

The phrase "first blood" has several meanings, but most of which are rooted in the actions that will result in the spilling of blood when the situation turns violent.

So to "draw first blood" is the initial advantage gained by one side in any game, contest or competition.

"First blood" could also mean the time when a man kills another man for the first time in honorable combat.

Or to "draw first blood" could mean when your opponent strikes at you first, without any provocation from you. Thus, the opponent inflicts the first harm, by which he or she causes you to bleed or be harmed.

In the 1st reading, we heard that God sealed with blood the covenant between Him and His people. Moses cast the blood of bulls on the altar (which represented God) and the other half on the people.

That symbolized, in very stark terms, the sealing of the covenant in blood. And it can be said that the people of God drew first blood when they broke the covenant, and God has every right to make a demand for their blood as punishment.

In the gospel, we heard the parable in which a man planted good seed in his field but the enemy came secretly to sow darnel among the wheat and made off.

No doubt the enemy drew first blood. We might think that it refers to the evil one. But when there is sin in our hearts and when we are under the influence of the evil one, then we have become the enemy that drew first blood against God and others.

Let us ask the Lord to help us be aware of the sin in our hearts and to cast it out so that we can bear a good harvest for the Lord and keep His covenant with us.

16th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 23-07-2021

Exodus 20:1-17 / Matthew 13:18-23      

Going back to basics is certainly necessary when things become rather blurry and hazy.

Even in life, there are some basic things that we need to do for a healthy lifestyle, like a balanced diet, ample rest, moderate exercise and other things that are good for life.

But along the way, we either forget these things or put them at a low priority and then that is when problems happen.

In the 1st reading, the Lord gave His people His Commandments so that they will know how to live their lives.

The Commandments are as basic as it can be to living a life that is truly human, and it is certainly not beyond human ability.

But as it is, along the way things become blurry and hazy and in the gospel Jesus talks about what are the dangers that will come along the way.

There is the lack of understanding of what is right and wrong, trials that will shake our conviction, worries and temptations that make us lose focus and direction.

Let us get back to basics and make a serious reflection of the Commandments of the Lord.

Let us understand it, be convicted about it and focus on it as we walk in the ways of the Lord.

St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle of the Apostles, Thursday, 22-07-2021

Songs 3:1-4 or 2 Cor 5:14-17 / John 20:1-2, 11-18     (2023)

Mary Magdalene's appearance in the gospels was rather sudden, her name may mean that she was from the town of Magdala (thought to have been on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee).

According to Luke 8:2 and Mark 16:9, Jesus cleansed her of "seven demons". That could mean that she was under some kind of serious diabolic possession or influence.

But despite her centuries-old infamous reputation which was depicted in religion, art, literature, and in recent prominent fictional books and movies, it is largely agreed today that there was no solid biblical or extra biblical evidence that suggests she was ever a prostitute,  or a secret lover or wife of Jesus, or mother of His children.

The gospel of Luke has it that after Jesus delivered her of the "seven demons", she followed Him and joined the band of women who supported Jesus and His disciples out of their own means.

But it was at the crucifixion, burial and Resurrection that Mary Magdalene became prominent.

She was there at the foot of the cross with Mother Mary and the beloved disciple John; she was at that burial of Jesus; and she was there at the tomb very early on the first day of the week.

And it was there and then that Jesus appeared to her and called her by name.

In Mary Magdalene, we see a slow and silent transformation from the moment she was delivered by Jesus to the moment He called her by name at His resurrection.

She had a dark past, and maybe even after that was disregarded and labelled with rejection.

But in the events of the crucifixion, burial and Resurrection, Mary Magdalene displayed faithfulness, courage and love even beyond death.

The Risen Jesus also sent her to the disciples and to announce to them that He is risen, and that is also why she is honoured as Apostle of the Apostles.

So if every saint has a past, then every sinner also has a future. But just as Mary Magdalene put her future in Jesus, may we also put ours into the hands of Jesus and hear Him call us by name.

16th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 21-07-2021

Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 / Matthew 13:1-9        

To have fresh air and sunshine are really the good things in life, and we should be thankful for that.

But still, we just can't live on only fresh air and sunshine.

For the people in the 1st reading, it can be said that they had plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and of course the freedom to enjoy it.

But that didn't keep them contented for long. Food became the next thing that they wanted and they began complaining about it.

Of course the Lord heard their complaints and gave them bread and meat to eat.

That should make us reflect on the blessings we have that we had taken for granted.

If we find ourselves complaining about not having this or that, could it be that our hearts have become rocky and thorns and weeds are growing in our hearts.

Let us go out and take a deep breath and enjoy the warm sunshine.

May our hearts be softened with thanksgiving for God's blessings so that our hearts will bear a harvest of love for God and for others.

16th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 20-07-2021

Exodus 14:21 - 15:1 / Matthew 12:46-50       

If there is a first time for everything, then that first time is certainly a raw time.

There would certainly be preparation for that first time, whether it is that first performance in public, that first assignment, that first competition, etc.

Preparation will be needed as the outcome of that first occasion will shape the rest that is to come.

In the 1st reading, the Israelites met their first challenge as they came out of slavery from Egypt.

The Egyptian army was chasing them to attack them and the Israelites had no preparation as to how to defend themselves, much less fight against a well-trained Egyptian army.

But in this first encounter with the enemy, the Israelites saw for themselves how the Lord fought for them and destroyed their enemy.

In fact, the Israelites were like spectators in that whole drama. They didn't even have to fight, but that was because they can't even fight against the enemy.

May we learn this lesson of faith that the Lord will fight for us against those who are against us and want to harm us.

The Lord is always on our side. May we stand always by His side, or we will not stand at all.

16th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 19-07-2021

Exodus 14:5-18 / Matthew 12:38-42       

Among the many dramatic stories in the Old Testament, one that stands out prominently is the one about the parting of Red Sea.

Not only is it a dramatic story, it is the significant event when the Israelites broke free from slavery in Egypt and crossed the Red Sea into freedom.

The 1st reading recalls the very tense moment when the Israelites were caught between the Red Sea before it parted and the Egyptian army that was coming up to attack them.

In that moment of terrified fear and desperation, the Israelites showed their weakest side, and it was something that would come up again and again.

They began to say disparaging things to Moses and indirectly to God as well.

Yet, in spite of the ungratefulness and the stubborn attitude of Israelites, God still continued to deliver them from danger and even provided for them along the way.

More than any other dramatic story in the Bible, the story of God's love for a stubborn and ungrateful people stands out prominently.

When we are assailed with doubts, let us remember that love of God that the Bible speaks of.

And the Cross is the sign and confirmation of that love. Let us believe that through the Cross, God will save us out of our troubles.

16th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 18.07.2021

Jeremiah 23:1-6 / Ephesians 2:13-18 / Mark 6:30-34

All of us work for a living. Whether we work in a company or work at home (or work from home) or run a business of our own, we all work for a living. 

The Book of Genesis (3:19) states this: By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread. 

So, the truth is that whatever work we are doing, whatever job we are holding, whatever profession we are in, we are going to sweat at it, it is not going to be easy. That is the truth. 

Some professions may seem glamorous and even earn big money, and there might be times we fantasize about it. 

But as in everything else, there are always two sides of the coin, and so some may get ahead, but there are also a number at the tail end.

And when we feel the job that we are in is like stuck in the rut, with no prospects, with no security and no meaning, then we will surely be looking for greener pastures. 

Undoubtedly, what we desire in life is also what we desire in our job and in our work. 

We desire that it will be easy, that it will be comfortable, that we will be happy, that there will be no sweat. 

But the challenge in any job or in any work, is not how hard or how difficult it is or what the pay is like. 

The challenge is in the people that we work with. Whether we work at home, or work in the sun, we interact with the people around us, and they can be our elders, our superiors and our colleagues. 

Our relationship with them will also shape our attitudes, our sense of duty and responsibility, and also the meaning of what we are doing. 

In the gospel, when the disciples came back from their mission, Jesus wanted to bring them to a lonely place and rest for a while. 

Because there were so many people coming and going that the disciples had no time even to eat. They were certainly tired and hungry. 

They may not be angry or resentful about that, but Jesus also knew they cannot continue like that or else they will end up burnt out. 

But even as they tried to go to a lonely place to rest, the crowds guessed where they were going and followed them there. 

And here, Jesus showed by example what service is all about. When He saw the large crowd, He took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and He set Himself to teach them at some length. 

Jesus showed that He came to serve, and service means to cater to the needs of others, and even to their demands. 

So whatever job, or work, or profession or even ministry that we are in, Jesus is teaching us that it is not so much what we do but how we are serving the people around us. 

Whether they are our elders, our superiors, our colleagues or our subordinates, we serve by treating them with respect and justice, with integrity and love. 

When we treat them well, then all will be well. That is what Jesus is teaching us about service. 

There is an article on social media about a man who received an “adorable” letter inside his delivery parcel by someone called “Ah Sing”.

That man had ordered some items online and when his goods arrived, he received a pleasant surprise. 

Inside his parcel was a “Thank you” note from the merchant, along with a personal handwritten letter by that “Ah Sing”.

Addressed to the customer, Ah Sing urged the customer to direct any feedback or complaints to his boss via a messaging app.

He assured the customer that his boss "will reply you very fast one. Unless he is driving or in a meeting."

Ah Sing also guaranteed this: "If you message him after 9pm, he will reply you next day 5am!".

Additionally, if customers are satisfied with the parcel and packaging, they can let the boss know "is Ah Sing pack one!"

Ah Sing's letter also wished the customer all the best, as well as other things besides.

Well, that “Ah Sing” surely is happy with his job, with what he is doing and his service brought a delightful smile to others. 

So, in whatever we do, no matter what our job or our work is, let us do it for the glory of God and for the good of others. 

May we serve as Jesus did, and may our service bring a smile to others.

15th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 17-07-2021

Exodus 12:37-42 / Matthew 12:14-21        

Normally speaking, no one would be thinking of plotting against another person and thinking of how to destroy another person.

Those who think of plotting against others so as to destroy them can be said to be wicked people.

Even though there might be reasons for doing so, still it is not something an ordinary person would do.

Much less would we expect religious and pious people to do so.

But that was what the Pharisees, who were looked up to as religious people, were doing to Jesus.

They were plotting and discussing how to destroy Him.

This may make us aware that evil knows no status or religious affiliation.

Anyone can be tempted to do evil and try to destroy good people.

Let us continue to pray that our Lord God will protect us from the snares of the devil.

May we never think of destroying goodness but always live our lives in truth and love.

15th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 16-07-2021

Exodus 11:10 - 12:14 / Matthew 12:1-8     

Between hunger and danger, it is quite obvious which is more life-threatening.

When danger is imminent, hunger is almost forgotten as the priority is not to fill the tummy but to flee to safety.

The 1st reading recalls the great event in the history of salvation, the Passover, which was the liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the forces of destruction, and the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites, when the Lord “smote the land of Egypt” on the eve of the Exodus.

It was more of a celebration as the Israelites were instructed to have the Passover meal on the eve of their liberation.

The Passover meal was of great significance as as it was a sign that even in the midst of danger and suffering, God will come and save His people and even have a meal to celebrate the event.

That also is expressed in Psalm 23:4-5 which says : Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

So as much as between danger and hunger, it may seem that danger is more life-threatening, yet the hunger is not so much for sustenance but the hunger for God who will protect us from danger.

May our hunger for God lead us to celebrate His providence for us and may we also believe that God will deliver us from danger.

15th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 15-07-2021

Exodus 3:13-20 / Matthew 11:28-30    

Most of us are employees. We work for someone else, or for a company.

If that is the case, how long have we been working with that company?

Nowadays, given the many opportunities and the changing landscape of the economy, to be with a company for 10 years would be considered a long service. 

If 10 years seems like a long time, then how about 40 years?

And what if those 40 years were a difficult time with a hard-headed people who complained at everything?

Moses answered the call from God to go back to Egypt to deliver God's people from slavery and to lead them into freedom.

If Moses had known that it was going to be 40 long years of leading the people in the desert, he would have certainly considered carefully.

Nonetheless, in the end he was rewarded, not by stepping foot on the Promised Land, but with eternal rest with the Lord after a lifetime of hardships.

That is also what we long for - eternal rest with the Lord - at the end of the labours of life.

Let us remember that our sufferings on earth cannot be compared to the glory of above. 

What is temporary cannot be compared at all with what is in eternity.

15th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 14-07-2021

Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 / Matthew 11:25-27      

Usually, where there is smoke there is a fire.

But the smoke is just a sign; the reality is the fire.

But there may be times when there is just so much smoke that we may not be able to see the fire, as in when wet grass is being burnt.

For Moses, there was a smoke that was surrounding him, in the figurative sense.

His life was rather peaceful, he was married and has a family and spends his time looking after sheep.

He has almost forgotten about his people who were under slavery in Egypt.

It was a burning issue but the smoke had blurred his vision and he also may not want to think too much about it.

Then came the burning bush that aroused his curiosity and then he heard the call to deliver his people out of Egypt.

There are issues in our lives that are burning but we don't know where is the fire or may not know how to put out the fire.

But let us be humble and present these burning issues to the Lord and the Lord will show us what we need to do.

15th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 13-07-2021

Exodus 2:1-15 / Matthew 11:20-24     

We don't know what the future is but it would be necessary to think about the future.

As much as we don't live in the future or be anxious by it, yet the future lives in us.

Because each of us has a future and collectively we journey towards that future.

For the mother of Moses, she decided that her baby was not going to be thrown into the river by the Egyptians and that his life would end there.

She decided that there will be a future for her baby Moses, and so she put him in a basket and laid it among the reeds at the river's edge.

The mother of Moses did what she could and placed it all in the hands of God to decide the future for Moses.

In the gospel, Jesus indicated what the future would be like for the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida and Capernaum if they don't repent and heed the message of salvation.

We all have a future and we have to decide what that future is going to be like.

For the mother of Moses, she did what she could and left the future of her baby in the hands of God.

Let us place our future in the hands of God and decide for now that we heed the message of repentance and salvation and live our live in peace and love.

15th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 12-07-2021

Exodus 1:8-14, 22 / Matthew 10:34 - 11:1      

Human beings can be said to have selective memories.

We only want to remember the things that benefit us and whatever that is to our advantage.

And of course, if someone owes us a favour and money, we will certainly not forget.

On the other hand, we do not wish to remember a favour we owe someone, or that we are beholden to someone.

It puts us in a position of debt. It is not that we will forget about it, but we rather choose not to remember.

In the 1st reading, we heard about a new king who came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph.

He may have heard about Joseph and the good that Joseph had done for Egypt. 

He didn't want to be beholden to Joseph and to the Israelites living in Egypt so he decided to erase the memories and even went to the extent of killing the male newborns of the Israelites.

But memories are memories and even if we choose not to remember them, we will still not be able to forget them.

Let us always remember the blessings that God has given us. Let us not forget to give thanks for His blessings and let us also remember to share God's blessings with others.

15th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 11.07.2021

 Amos 7:12-15 / Ephesians 1:3-14 / Mark 6:7-13

There are certain things in life that are so obvious that it goes without saying. It can be so essential and fundamental that it is like a foregone conclusion. 

So, when it goes without saying, it means that it is unwritten, unspoken but understood. 

So, what are the things in life that goes without saying? For example, when we step out of the house, what are the things that we must bring along? 

Certainly, we must bring along some kind of identification, like the Identification Card, in case of an emergency. 

Along with that, we need to bring along the TraceTogether token, some money or some kind of credit card, and of course our mobile phones. 

And nowadays, the mobile phone is so essential when we leave home. We scan the QR codes, we do the TraceTogether SafeEntry check in, and other things besides. 

There is even a term for the fear of the loss of the mobile phone or the fear of being detached from mobile phone connectivity, and it is called “nomophobia”. 

Yes, to bring along all these things when we step out of the house goes without saying. It is simply necessary. 

In the gospel, when Jesus summoned His disciples and sent them out to preach the Good News, He gave them some instructions. 

Jesus instructed them to take nothing for the journey, except a staff - no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses, not even a spare tunic.

And then Jesus mention something that is rather strange, that seems obvious, and even goes without saying. And that is the disciples were to wear sandals. That is like understood, isn't it?

So, it means to take along a staff, and with whatever they were wearing, they were to have sandals on their feet. That is as basic as it can be, and it even goes without saying.

But the disciples would have remembered that at the first Passover in the land of Egypt, their ancestors were told to eat the Passover meal with a staff in the hand, a belt around their waist and with sandals on their feet. 

Because there was an urgency, that they need to hurry out of the land of Egypt and into freedom. There was no time to waste. 

The disciples would have realized that, and they would also understand the urgency of their mission. 

They would understand that the staff was a physical means of support, and that also pointed to God who would be their support and He would provide for them.

The sandals were not just for footwear but it also reminded them that God would lead them along the way, just as He had led their ancestors to freedom and along the journey in the desert. 

So, what does the gospel tell us in our present times and in our current situation?

We don't need to carry a staff to go around. As for the rest of the necessities, most of us can say that we have enough. 

But there is an urgency, an urgency like that of the first Passover, and urgency like that when Jesus sent out His disciples. 

We can't go out much nowadays, but that does not mean that there is nothing for us to do in the mission of preaching the Good News. 

Our mobile phones have become the tools and the means of our mission. 

Our parish sends out prayer notices via the messaging apps for Parish Prayer evenings on Sundays and on Wednesdays, and for the Sacred Heart Devotion on Fridays, as well as for the 13th of the month Rosary with Mary. 

All these prayer sessions are online and we can participate in them whether at home or anywhere else. 

If we have been receiving these messages, let us also share it those who are not in our so-called “mailing list”. 

This is the current means for us to proclaim the Good News of God's love to those who need spiritual support and a sense of spiritual belonging and connection. 

And especially during these times, official data has shown that there is a substantial increase in the number of those who are lonely and lost and feeling least relevant in these fast-changing times. 

So there is still Good News to be preached, there are needy people to be ministered to, there are people who would want to listen to a caring voice even though it may be just over the phone. 

The urgency is greater now than before. Jesus is sending us out to be the missionaries of His love. 

He will be the staff for our support and He will direct our steps in the way of peace. That goes without saying.

15th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 11.07.2021

Amos 7:12-15 / Ephesians 1:3-14 / Mark 6:7-13

There are certain things in life that are so obvious that it goes without saying. It can be so essential and fundamental that it is like a foregone conclusion. 

So, when it goes without saying, it means that it is unwritten, unspoken but understood. 

So, what are the things in life that goes without saying? For example, when we step out of the house, what are the things that we must bring along? 

Certainly, we must bring along some kind of identification, like the Identification Card, in case of an emergency. 

Along with that, we need to bring along the TraceTogether token, some money or some kind of credit card, and of course our mobile phones. 

And nowadays, the mobile phone is so essential when we leave home. We scan the QR codes, we do the TraceTogether SafeEntry check in, and other things besides. 

There is even a term for the fear of the loss of the mobile phone or the fear of being detached from mobile phone connectivity, and it is called “nomophobia”. 

Yes, to bring along all these things when we step out of the house goes without saying. It is simply necessary. 

In the gospel when Jesus summoned His disciples and sent them out to preach the Good News, He gave them some instructions. 

Jesus instructed them to take nothing for the journey, except a staff - no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses, not even a spare tunic.

And then Jesus mention something that is rather strange, that seems obvious, and even goes without saying. And that is the disciples were to wear sandals. That is like understood, isn't it. 

So, it means to take along a staff, and with whatever they were wearing, they were to have sandals on their feet. That is basic as it can be, and it even goes without saying.

But the disciples would have remembered that at the first Passover in the land of Egypt, their ancestors were told to eat the Passover meal with a staff in the hand, a belt around their waist and with sandals on their feet. 

Because there was an urgency, that they need to hurry out of the land of Egypt and into freedom. There was no time to waste. 

The disciples would have realized that, and they would also understand the urgency of their mission. 

They would understand that the staff was a physical means of support, and that also pointed to God who would be their support and He would provide for them.

The sandals were not just for footwear but it also reminded them that God would lead them along the way, just as He had led their ancestors to freedom and along the journey in the desert. 

So, what does the gospel tell us in our present times and in our current situation?

We don't need to carry a staff to go around. As for the rest of the necessities, most of us can say that we have enough. 

But there is an urgency, an urgency like that of the first Passover, and urgency like that when Jesus sent out His disciples. 

We can't go out much nowadays, but that does not mean that there is nothing for us to do in the mission of preaching the Good News. 

Our mobile phones have become the tools and the means of our mission. 

Our parish sends out prayer notices via the messaging apps for Parish Prayer evenings on Sundays and on Wednesdays, and for the Sacred Heart Devotion on Fridays, as well as for the 13th of the month Rosary with Mary. 

All these prayer sessions are online and we can participate in them whether at home or anywhere else. 

If we have been receiving these messages, let us also share it those who are not in our so-called “mailing list”. 

This is the current means for us to proclaim the Good News of God's love to those who need spiritual support and a sense of spiritual belonging and connection. 

And especially during these times, official data has shown that there is a substantial increase in the number of those who are lonely and lost and feeling least relevant in these fast-changing times. 

So there is still Good News to be preached, there are needy people to be ministered to, there are people who would want to listen to a caring voice even though it may be just over the phone. 

The urgency is greater now than before. Jesus is sending us out to be the missionaries of His love. 

He will be the staff for our support and He will direct our steps in the way of peace. That goes without saying.

14th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 10-07-2021

Genesis 49:29-33; 50:15-26 / Matthew 10:24-38

If we were to ask ourselves this question - Am I afraid of death? - how honestly can we answer that question?

Whatever the answer may be, it is inevitable that there is some apprehension, if not fear, about death.

Because no one whom we know of (except Jesus of course) ever came back to tell us of what lies beyond the door of death.

In the 1st reading, we hear of two people who knew that the time of their death was coming up.

And they even said it as a matter of fact - Jacob said: I am about to be gathered to my people ; and later Joseph would say: I am about to die.

They seemed to talk about and take death as a part of life. They don't seem to be apprehensive or fear death. Maybe because they know who they would be returning to when their life on earth is over.

In fact, the ones that seemed to fear death are the ones who are left behind on earth.

Joseph's brothers feared that with the death of their father, Joseph would now take revenge for all the harm they had done to him before.

In the gospel, Jesus urged His disciples not to be afraid (3 times even).

We become afraid when we forget who is looking after us and what we should do in life in order to prepare for death.

Yes, in forgetting we fear. So let us remember what Jesus has taught us about life, and He will remember us when we face our death.

14th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 09-07-2021

Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 / Matthew 10:16-23      

Besides the very basic needs of food, clothing and shelter, what we desire most is protection and security.

In fact, safety from harm and danger may even be more important than food and shelter at times.

Certainly whenever we are aware of impending harm and danger, we would go all out to protect ourselves, even leaving aside food and shelter for the time being.

So when Jesus instructed His disciples to remember that He was sending them out like sheep among wolves, they would have quivered with fear.

That was not something that they liked to hear. Who in the right mind wants to go and face danger like sheep going to meet wolves.

But Jesus also told them to be "cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves".

It means that they must be wise enough to see the danger and not to be harmed by it.

In the 1st reading, we hear of Joseph being reunited with his father Israel and it was a deeply emotional moment for father and son.

Joseph had gone through many trials and dangers but he trusted in God and God rewarded him abundantly.

May we also trust in God and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as we face the twists and turns of life.

May we also look forward with faith and hope that we will finally be reunited with God and be rewarded with eternal peace and joy.

14th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 08-07-2021

Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29; 45:1-5 / Matthew 10:7-15   

We believe that God will always provide for us in whatever we need to go on with life.

Everything that we have is a gift from God and that is why we must always be thankful and grateful to God.

God loves us and cares for us and He only wants us to love Him and to serve Him by loving others.

But somehow along the way, we lose our focus on God and we turn to ourselves and we begin to want more than we need.

And that is when selfishness and greed creep in, and we may even use deceit and deception to get to what we want, and we only would want more and more.

In the gospel, when Jesus sent His disciples out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, He told them to go without anything for the journey.

He told His disciples that the workman deserves his keep and that they received without charge, so they too should give without charge.

We know that we don't deserve anything, nor can we demand for anything, and that everything is a gift from God.

Let us always remember that and be thankful, and let us also believe that God will bless a thankful heart abundantly.

14th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 07-07-2021

Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7, 17-24 / Matthew 10:1-7    

Every family has a couple or more members who will dance to a different tune or have a different view to life.

Whatever it might be, family is still family and blood is thicker than water, and it is necessary to accept each other as they are.

And since charity begins at home, then it goes without saying that family is where charity must begin.

When Jesus summoned His disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness, He also told them this:

He instructed them not to go to pagan territory but to go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel and to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.

So it was to their own people that they have to proclaim the Good News of salvation.

They may face rejection and persecution from their own people but if charity begins at home, then ministry will have to be to their own kind first.

As for us, may charity, and even ministry, begin at home and with our family. 

And may Jesus also fill us with love to accept and understand our family members even if they dance to a different tune and see things differently.

14th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 06-07-2021

Genesis 32:23-33 / Matthew 9:32-38      

We have this God-given capacity to be charitable and to do good deeds for others.

Undoubtedly, we want to exercise this ability so that life will be meaningful for us as well as for others.

But quite often, when in doing works of charity and good works, we may be accused for ulterior motives and vested interests.

When faced with such criticisms, we will naturally recoil into ourselves and just want to mind our own business instead.

When Jesus cast out the devil from a dumb demoniac, people were amazed.

But the Pharisees, who were  respected religious people, criticised Him for being in collaboration with the devils.

But Jesus knew what He doing and He continued with what He was called to do.

The labourers in the harvest of the Lord are few, because many have given up because of the criticisms of others.

Let us ask the Lord of the harvest to sow His love in our hearts so that we will continue to do the good that He has called us to.

14th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 05-07-2021

Genesis 28:10-22 / Matthew 9:18-26      

As we go along in life, we tend to clutter our lives with frills and other things to decorate our lives.

We may even think that these things are the necessities of life, until we are abruptly stopped in our tracks.

An illness or disease is all it take to make us feel the pain or confined to the bed.

And that will make us start thinking about what is necessary and essential in life.

The official's daughter and the woman with haemorrhage in the gospel account are two instances where life is stopped or paused.

It was then that the necessary and the essential of life is realised.

More than just a cure or recovery of health, it is the realisation of who Jesus is and how much we need Him.

When life is paused or stopped, let us realise this: The One who made us will also know how to mend us.

May we always keep this in mind.

14th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 04.07.2021

Ezekiel 2:2-5 / 2 Cor 12:7-10 / Mark 6:1-6

To say that something is tried-and-tested, it means to say that it is proven to be effective and reliable. It means that it works. 

But to say that something is tried and tested, it does not necessarily mean that it succeeded at the first time and at the first test. 

It would have gone through a series of trials and numerous tests before it can earn the title “tried-and-tested”. 

So, there are products that claim to be tried and tested like beauty and skincare creams to prevent aging, hair rejuvenating lotions that will make hair grow, and other health products that claim to do wonders. 

And there are also methods and techniques to make money, that claimed to be tried and tested, and claimed to be successful, or at least a high percentage of success. 

When these products and methods claim to be what they are, it is up to us to try it and test it and then give our verdict on it. 

To earn the title “tried-and-tested” is certainly not an easy process, and setbacks and criticisms are to be expected. 

We don't usually say that a person is “tried-and-tested”, but we would say that the person is trustworthy, reliable, honest, sincere and faithful. 

To have all these qualities is as good as saying that the person has been tried and tested, and it is a person that people will look up to. 

When Jesus came to His hometown, His reputation had preceded him. He had been “tried-and-tested” and He had been successful so far in His ministry. 

And when He began teaching in the synagogue, the people were astonished when they heard Him. 

They had heard about His wisdom and the miracles He worked. They have known Him before He left, and He was different now, and they wondered where He got all those gifts of wisdom and miracles. 

And then they dug up His background and labelled Him as a carpenter, and they would not accept him. In other words, they so-called closed the case on Jesus. 

So even before Jesus could be tried and tested in His own hometown, He was rejected. 

In the minds of the people of His hometown, carpenters cannot be preachers or prophets. That left Jesus amazed. 

Certainly, He was disappointed, and He could work no miracle there, though He cured a few sick people. 

It was a setback for Him to be rejected by the people of His hometown, but He had to move on to proclaim the Good News elsewhere. 

The gospel account reminds us that new beginnings can be difficult to accept, especially when we are so used and familiar with the old ways. 

But it is in these new beginnings that we have to try and test out the new directions that God is showing us. 

In this particular time, there are new initiatives and people have come forward to keep the faith going. 

There are people manning the safety procedures for Masses to ensure a safe environment for worship in Church. 

There are people who have organized online prayers and spiritual activities to keep the faith burning and growing. 

There are other initiatives that are being tried and tested to see how people can be connected with God and with each other. 

Through these ways and means, the Good News is being proclaimed, not just in Church, but also at homes and even in never-thought-of places. 

These are the prophetic beginnings of the future. 

Let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, let us try and test out the new ways and directions. 

Let us accept what God is showing us, and the Good News of God’s love will still be proclaimed even in these times.

St. Thomas, Apostle, Saturday, 03-07-2021

Ephesians 2:19-22 / John 20:24-29   

To say that something is tried and tested means that it has proven in the past to be effective and reliable.

But it may also means that when it was tried and tested for the first time, it didn't quite succeed or meet the expectations.

So it would have gone through a series of trials and testings before it can be stated that it is effective and reliable.

Such was the faith of the apostles. Such was the faith of St. Thomas whose feast we celebrate today.

Though St Thomas was often labelled as the "Doubter", the reality is that everyone who say that they have faith will also have moments of doubts.

But faith that is not tried and test cannot be really called faith, because faith is about believing in realities that cannot be seen or touched or measured.

Let us prepare for our faith to be tried and tested along the journey of life.

But as Jesus said, blessed are we who have not seen and yet believe and put our hope in God.

13th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 02-07-2021

Genesis  23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 / Matthew 9:9-13         

In the Catholic Church, a votive Mass is a Mass offered for a special intention.

Traditionally, the practice is that on the 1st Fridays of the month, when there is no special feast, the Mass is offered in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

One of the promises of Jesus to those devoted to His Sacred Heart is that those who actively participate in the 1st Friday Mass will be granted the grace of final repentance and His Heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.

Besides the intentions offered in this Mass, we offer this Mass in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and we give thanks for His love and mercy.

We also express our repentance and make reparation for our sins and the sins of humanity against God and against the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Through His Sacred Heart, Jesus reaches out to sinners and His pierced Heart continues to pour out love, mercy and forgiveness.

In this Mass in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us give thanks and let us pray for forgiveness for our sins and the conversion of sinners.

May we also learn the meaning of God's mercy and may we be witnesses of God's mercy to others.