St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Patroness of Missionaries and Missions, Friday, 01-10-2021

Isaiah 66:10-14 / Matthew 18:1-5     

Whenever we think about missionaries and going for mission, some images would come to mind.

We would think of faith-filled and courageous men and women who would leave the comfort zone and go to some distant land to witness to the Good News of salvation.

That is often the obvious image of missionaries and the mission and that is quite true.

For St. Therese, she too had wanted to go for mission, but her frail health did not make that possible.

She prayed about it and then it came to her mind that though she could not be a missionary and go for mission, she could still do her part and pray for missionaries and for those who have yet to know about the Good News of Jesus Christ.

That also highlighted to the Church that missionaries need our prayer support and no mission can bear fruit without prayer.

So praying for missionaries and for the mission of the Church to bear fruit would certainly require our prayer.

May we like St. Therese, offer our prayers for missionaries and for the mission of the Church.

Also in whatever state of life we are in, we are also in a sense, missionaries working and praying for the fruitful mission of the Church.

26th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 30-09-2021

Nehemiah 8:1-12 / Luke 10:1-12    

Anyone who is sensible enough would not ask for a hard or even dangerous job.

Especially more so if the wages are not attractive at all.

But for the harvest of the Lord, labourers are needed, and it is indeed tough and even dangerous work.

And for that kind of work, the wages are like next to nothing.

So what is there for us if we were to be labourers in the harvest of the Lord?

Obviously it is something that the world cannot give. 

Nor can we achieve it on our own.

And that is none other than the peace that the Lord gives to those who will work for Him and labour in His harvest.

And that is also what Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim - Peace

May the peace of the Lord be in our hearts.

May we also be messengers of God's peace, a peace that the world is so much in need of.

The Holy Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Wednesday, 29-09-2021

Dan 7:9-10, 13-14 or Rev 12:7-12 / John 1:47-51    

When it comes to the things of the spiritual realm, what can be discussed is from what has been revealed in the Bible and from the Church's teachings.

From the Bible and from what the Church teaches, there is the existence of the spiritual world of angels.

In this multitude of angels, we know the names of three of them, and the Church calls them "Archangels".

From St. Michael, we know that God protects us and so we pray to St. Michael and there is a prayer that is dedicated to him.

From St. Gabriel, who announced the Good News of salvation to Mary, we know that we too are blessed with the Good News that God loves us and will save us. 

We too pray to St. Gabriel that we will experience the saving love of God and be messengers of the Good News of salvation.

And from St. Raphael, who directed Tobias to obtain the healing remedy for his father's blindness, we know that God will forgive us our sins and heal our spiritual and physical infirmities.

We too ask St. Raphael to pray for us for healing and forgiveness.

In these three Archangels, God is showing us that He loves and protects us, He is our Saviour and Healer.

We give thanks and praise to God, and let us continue to invoke the intercession of these three Archangels.

26th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 28-09-2021

Zechariah 8:20-23 / Luke 9:51-56    

To make public our religious affiliation can have its pros and cons.

When others know that we are Christians, they will certainly expect more from us, especially in the areas of kindness and charity.

And when we are not kind or charitable, then we are criticised for not being a "good" Christian.

On the other hand, when others are edified by our behaviour and attitude as Christians, they may wonder and may even be curious to know what we believe in.

In the gospel, when the people of that Samaritan village did not welcome Jesus and His disciples, James and John wanted them to be punished.

But Jesus turned and rebuked them and they went off to another village. Jesus showed forgiveness and compassion.

Jesus practised what He preached, and He also expected His disciples to practise what He preached.

When we follow the teachings of Jesus, especially in the areas of kindness and forgiveness, then others would certainly want to know what is it that we believe in.

Christian means to be another Christ. Let us be Christ to others and then they will want to know what and who we believe in

26th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 27-09-2021

Zechariah 8:1-8 / Luke 9:46-50

We know that empty barrels make the most noise, simply because they are empty.

So when a discussion begins to turn into an argument, there will only be noise.

Because in an argument, almost everyone will be raising their voice or even shouting, and no one is really listening.

When an argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest, it can be supposed that there was a lot of noise.

Because, in order to prove that he is the greatest, one would have to shout the loudest in order to drown out the rest.

Obviously their argument reached the ears of Jesus and He had to teach them about what is greatness.

Jesus said that the least among all is the greatest, and He set before them a little child as an example.

Indeed the least is the greatest, not in the eyes of men, but in the eyes of God.

Because the least can only depend on God as there is no one else to come to their help.

God comes to the aid of the lowly and the last, and on those humble enough to trust and depend on Him.

May we have that humility and God's greatest blessings will come upon us.

26th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 26.09.2021

Numbers 11:25-29 / James 5:1-6 / Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

There are a few good things to remember in life and we must keep reminding ourselves about them. 

So, there are things like “charity begins at home”, “honesty is the best policy” and “don't do unto others what you don't want them to do unto you”. 

Certainly, these are good principles and values to live by, and to have a direction in life. 

Among the few good things to remember, there are two that are practical and even necessary, and it is this: 

Take care of your thoughts when you are alone, and take care of your words when you are with people. 

We form our own thoughts, and our thoughts shape our words, and our words have an impact and affect others. 

And especially when there are children around, we have to watch what we say and do. 

It is said that children are the world's most valuable resource and the best hope for the future. 

And every day, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. 

In the gospel, Jesus gives a stern reminder when He said this: Anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. 

The little ones would obviously mean children, as well as those little, humble and lowly ones who have simple faith. 

Jesus reminds us that they are the ones to whom the kingdom of God belongs. 

They are the ones who will be impacted and affected by what we do and say. 

So, they are listening to what we say, they are looking at what we do, and their thoughts are being shaped and formed. 

So when children talk back and argue with us, where could they have learned it from? Or when they start shouting in an argument, was it because we shouted at them first? 

We also tend to complain and criticize and blame others for what has gone wrong that caused us inconveniences. 

When the children are listening to our venting, they would also do what we do. 

The current situation is like a fire that is burning with frustrations, disruptions, disappointments and maybe even depression. 

We can give in to complaining, criticizing and blaming. 

But Jesus is calling us to be like a cup of water for a thirsty and heated world. 

And just as water cleanses and refreshes, we need to see the situation with clean and fresh eyes. 

No doubt, the current situation is causing anxiety and worry, and with school exams around the corner, things have become disruptive with things like LOA and QO. 

But let us look at the situation and see it like a caterpillar. Why a caterpillar? Because there is nothing in a caterpillar that tells us that it is going to be a butterfly. 

And there is nothing in this present situation that tells us that there will be beauty and goodness. 

But just as the caterpillar needs to be resilient, from crawling around, to being a cocoon and finally breaking free as a butterfly, we too must give that cup of water to the world to help it be resilient and to be united in charity, so as to look forward in hope for beauty, justice and peace. 

May these be our thoughts, may these also be the words for our prayer, and may the Lord help us to be that cup of water for a thirsty world.

25th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 25-09-2021

Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15 / Luke 9:43-45      

If anyone wants to be popular and have a following, he must know how to please the people.

He must know what the people like to hear and be able to entice them to follow him.

Certainly he would use words that would paint a rosy picture of the future and how good life would be if the people were to choose him as their leader.

But in the gospel, what Jesus did was rather quite the opposite.

At a time when everyone was full of admiration for all He did, Jesus said to His disciples: For your part, you must have these words constantly in your mind - The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men.

His disciples did not understand what He said; maybe they also didn't want to understand, for fear of being disappointed in their expectations of Jesus.

After all, Jesus was popular and the people were full of admiration of Him, and so His disciples were also afraid to ask about what Jesus said for fear that the rosy picture would be shattered.

But we should know better. Following Jesus would certainly mean nothing less than the cross.

Also we know that our reward for being faithful to Jesus is not in this life but in the next.

Still, we will not be shortchanged of God's blessings in this life. 

The blessings of peace and joy in following Jesus will be our motivation here on earth and a preparation of the eternal peace and joy of above.

25th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 24-09-2021

Haggai 1:15 - 2:9 / Luke 9:18-22     

When we say that what is impossible to man is not impossible to God, we are talking about extreme cases.

That means to say that an impossible case to man would mean that it is illogical, irrational and unimaginable.

One example would be the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit without human intervention.

That is impossible to man but not impossible with God.

But in the 1st reading, what was possible became almost like an overwhelming task.

Though the rebuilding of the Temple was not without challenges and difficulties, the people were losing the spirit and the will to keep the work going.

They were losing perseverance such that they were starting to think that the rebuilding of the Temple was going to be futile.

Hence the Lord God had to command the people: To work! I am with you and my spirit remains among you. Do not be afraid!

So even though nothing is impossible with God, still He wants us to put in our effort to accomplish what is humanly possible. 

Without God's blessings, what is possible will even seem like impossible. 

But with God's blessings, we will not labour in vain, and anything will be possible.

25th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 23-09-2021

Haggai 1:1-8 / Luke 9:7-9   

We know what the First Commandment is: "I am the Lord thy God: thou shalt have no other gods before me".

So practically speaking, it means that we believe and worship God alone, and we serve Him and no other.

But of course, that is easier said than done. Because every sin and wrong doing is essentially a breaking of that First Commandment.

And even when it comes to priorities, do we put God first above everything else, including our own personal priorities?

In the 1st reading, the people who came back from exile were supposed to get started with the rebuilding of the Temple.

But because they had their own needs and priorities, the building of the Temple hardly got started, as the materials were used to build the peoples' homes first, and they were getting comfortable and slowly forgetting about the rebuilding of the Temple.

So the prophet Haggai addressed the people with this: Reflect carefully how things have gone for you. You have sown much and harvested little; you eat but never have enough; drink but never have your fill; put on clothes but do not feel warm.

Yes, that same message is also for us: Reflect carefully how things have gone for you.

When we say that we believe in God and serve Him alone, then God is the top priority over and above our needs and priorities.

Let us do what God wants of us and He will provide for our needs. When we do God's will, God will also take care of us.

25th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 22-09-2021

Ezra 9:5-9 / Luke 9:1-6    

When it comes to good news, we would usually think about something that has been done, achieved or delivered.

So when a difficult task is done and completed, when the objective of a presentation is achieved and when the parcel or letter has been delivered and received, it is good news.

But in the Bible, good news is understood as a message that gives the people hope.

The Good News is about the message of hope in God's saving love and that God will fulfil His promises.

And the Good News is proclaimed in a time of distress and tribulation so that people will have hope and not give in to despair and darkness.

In the 1st reading, Ezra proclaimed this Good News of hope to the people when he said that God had cheered their eyes and given them a little respite in their slavery, and that God has shown them kindness.

The people were not liberated yet, but they now looked forward to going back from exile to their homeland.

In the gospel, Jesus sent His disciples to go forth and proclaim the Good News of salvation, and He gave them power and authority over devils and cure diseases.

That Good News is still being proclaimed and must be proclaimed in a world that is seeing and hearing so much of bad news.

Let us believe in the Good News of salvation. Let us put our hope in God's saving love for us and for the world.

When we believe and when we have hope, then we will also be messengers of the Good News.

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Tuesday, 21-09-2021

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 / Matthew 9:9-13    

There are many stories of people who changed their professions somewhere along in life.

And the change to a new profession is a totally different and unrelated to the previous profession.

Some changed from a white-collar job to a blue-collar job. Some changed from engineering to the arts. Some changed from management posts to being hawkers.

Some of these stories are amusing and even inspiring.

But for St. Matthew, the change from being a tax-collector to a disciple of Jesus was quite astonishing.

Yes, St. Matthew responded to the call of Jesus, but he had to make that difficult decision to walk away from a comfortable income, although it comes with an un-respectable and despicable reputation.

To make the change was not possible until Jesus came along.

So change for the better is possible only when Jesus is calling and it is also in God's time.

Let us, like St. Matthew, be prepared to listen to the voice of Jesus.

When He calls, let us also be willing to respond.

25th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 20-09-2021

Ezra 1:1-6 / Luke 8:16-18      

There are many wonderful things that we can say about God.

One of the things is that God is the God of surprises.

Of course we would like to think that it is of unexpected pleasant surprises.

In the 1st reading, what Cyrus king of Persia did was quite unexpected, at least to the Israelites.

The Israelites were in exile in Babylon and it was Cyrus who brought about the end of the Babylonian empire.

For the Israelites, it was just a matter of a change of masters, as they would not expect any liberation from the new ruler.

So it was truly an unexpected and wonderful surprise that king Cyrus allowed the Israelites to go back to their homeland and even to rebuild the Temple.

But it was actually in God's plan, as the 1st reading says it was to fulfil the word of the Lord that was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah.

As for us, God also has a plan for each of us. God's plan is always wonderful and for our good.

We only need to expect the unexpected and give thanks and trust in the Lord's ways.

25th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 19.09.2021

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 / James 3:16 – 4:3 / Mark 9:30-37

There was a recent survey about which are the world's most fatigued cities. The survey was conducted based on the number of hours spent sleeping, the number of hours spent working and the number of hours of screen time, i.e. on the computer and looking at the screen. 

According to that survey, right at the top of the most fatigued cities in the world is Singapore! 

Would we find that surprising? Can it be true that the world's most fatigued city is Singapore? 

If that is true, it means to say that we Singaporeans sleep lesser hours, work longer hours and spend many hours in front of the computer screen. 

So compared with the peoples of the other bigger cities, we are more busy, more tired and more stressed out. In short, we are the most fatigued people in the world, at least according to the survey. 

Well, we may be tired, we may be busy, but are we happy? Can we say that we are happy? 

Well, happiness can be quite elusive. So, we can be happy for a few moments and then be miserable for quite a long while. 

And if we honestly admit that we are stressed and tired and miserable, then the gospel has a message for us. 

Jesus was instructing and telling His disciples this: The Son of God will be delivered into the hands of men. They will put him to death, and three days after he has been put to death oh, he will rise again. 

Jesus was, or could be feeling, stressed and anxious about that. And it didn't help that His disciples did not understand what He said and were afraid to ask Him. 

Instead, His disciples had other concerns in mind. They were arguing among themselves which of them was the greatest. 

We may think that it was some petty argument, but it was causing problems and maybe even serious problems. 

The 2nd reading sheds some light into those problems when it said: Whenever you find jealousy and ambition, you find disharmony and wicked things of every kind being done. 

So, the disciples were not just arguing over some petty and trivial matters. They were arguing about which of them was the greatest, and in order to show who is the greatest, it would mean that the greatest would have to be the loudest. 

Their argument was loud enough to reach the ears of Jesus, so much so that He had to address the matter. 

Very often in an argument, a lot of shouting happens. No argument is ever done softly or gently. 

And when the decibels go higher, the anger grows hotter, and so the 2nd reading asks this question: Where do these wars and fights between yourselves start? 

And the 2nd reading goes on to point this out: Isn't it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You have an ambition that you cannot satisfy, so you fight to get your way by force. 

So the 2nd reading reveals the reason why we end up shouting in an argument and even end up fighting. 

But shouting in an argument is not just a jarring noise. Because no one is listening. 

Only the noise is heard and the anger is felt. All that ends up in stress, anxiety and fatigue. We get tired and drained out by all that heated argument. 

In all this noisy and heated arguments, let us be silent so that we can listen. 

We need to listen to the voice of God that will give us the wisdom that comes down from above. 

It is that Divine wisdom that gives us peace, and that makes us kind, considerate and compassionate, and enables us to do good. 

When there is peace in our hearts, we will sow seeds that will bear fruit in holiness. 

To be holy is to be silent in order to listen to the wisdom of God. 

To be holy is to be silent so that we will listen to the cries of those in anguish and to be with them and to console them so that they will eventually be at peace. 

When we and others are at peace, then we will be able to receive the blessings from God. 

With God's blessings, we will be given the strength of eagles’ wings, and when faced with the fatigues of life, we will not be weary or tired.

In fact, with God’s blessings, we will be at peace and we will be happy.

24th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 18-0-2021

1 Tim 6:13-16 / Luke 8:4-15      

It is not exactly easy to illustrate a gospel teaching by using stories or examples.

There are times when the gospel teaching is clear-cut but to find an example or story to illustrate it requires time and reflection.

The parable of the sower and the seeds is indeed an excellent story with a divine message.

It is a story in which we are invited not only to listen to it but also to find ourselves being part of it.

It is not a story that we can listen to and go away unchallenged, unchanged and unmoved by what we heard.

Even though we may not be from an agricultural background, yet we can still understand what the parable means to us.

Because every time we read the Bible or hear the scriptures being read and shared, the Word is being sown in our hearts.

How much of God's Word will take root in our hearts and bear fruits in our lives depends on how deeply we want to reflect on the gospel parable we have just heard.

When we are able to reflect upon the truth in the parable, then we will also see the truth about ourselves and also the state of our hearts.

But the fundamental truth is this: Just as God cares about what happens to His Word, He cares more about us who hear His Word.

24th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 17-09-2021

1 Tim 6:2-12 / Luke 8:1-3   

Whenever the term "bottomless pit" is used, the imagery is that of a wide deep dark hole that cannot be filled nor can the bottom be seen.

As much as bottomless pits may not exists, or at least not known to exist yet, the term bottomless pit is often used as a metaphor.

It is used to express, and maybe even to exaggerate, the peculiar characteristic of something or a person.

When used on a person, it expresses the inexhaustible yearning or demands like having possessions, wealth, attention and usually it is not that edifying.

In the 1st reading, St. Paul warns that religion should not be used to make a profit.

He goes on to say that we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. 

And people who long to be rich or are like bottomless pits for worldly desires get trapped into all sorts of foolish and dangerous ambitions which eventually plunge them into ruin and destruction.

We may desire for more than food, clothing and shelter, but let us be contented with that.

More essentially is that we desire for God's blessings and protection so that we can experience God's providence here in this world, and eventually be granted salvation and eternal life in the next.

  

24th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 16-09-2021

1 Tim 4:12-16 / Luke 7:36-50     

We know that love is beautiful and powerful.

With love, there can be peace and unity.

We all have love in our hearts and live it out in our lives, we have the benefits of spiritual and physical health.

As much as we would want to live lives of love, yet we know that when we sin, we become laden with guilt and pain.

The effects of sin suppresses the love that is in us, and we can't be the loving person to others.

We desire for forgiveness and healing and that is what Jesus came to do for us.

Jesus came to forgive our sins and to heal the spiritual wounds of our hearts so that we can be free to love again.

He did that for the woman who poured out her tears on His feet, wiped them with her hair and anointed them with ointment.

Forgiveness and healing is also what Jesus is offering to us.

And just as Jesus forgives us, let us also forgive those who have done wrong to us.

Let there be healing and reconciliation so that the world will know how beautiful and powerful love is.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Wednesday, 15-09-2021

Hebrews 5:7-9 / John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35    

Life is not all roses and rainbows. We should know that by now.

Neither is our faith.

Today as we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, we stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross.

We share in her sorrow as the sword pierced her heart in seeing her Son suffer and die on the Cross.

That sword of sorrow had been foretold long ago by Simeon when she and Joseph brought Jesus to be presented at the Temple.

Even though Mary knew that sorrow was in store for her, she stood by Jesus all the way to the Cross.

And Mary will also stand by us in our moments of sorrow, because on the Cross, Jesus gave her to us to be our mother.

And just as Mary's sorrow turned to joy at the Resurrection, let us hold on to our faith in God's promises.

Our sorrows will also turn to joy as we see the roses and rainbows of God's promises being fulfilled.

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Tuesday, 14-09-2021

Numbers 21:4-9 or Phil 2:6-11 / John 3:13-17     

Today we are called upon to look at the Cross and meditate on it.

The Cross is the most prominent symbol of our faith.

It is used for worship and devotions and in private and communal prayer.

We know that Jesus died on the Cross to save us and forgive our sins.

But we will also remember what Jesus told us about being His disciples.

If we want to be His disciples, then we will have to take up our cross and follow Him.

No doubt, taking up the Cross and following Jesus as His disciples would mean having to make sacrifices.

It would mean having to die to ourselves, die to sin, selfishness, greed, pride and all those things that cannot be put at the foot of the Cross of Christ.

But in taking up our cross, we will also grow in holiness, love, faith, hope, gentleness, kindness, forgiveness and all those things that are worthy to be put on the Cross of Christ.

So let us look at the Cross, and let us also take up our cross and ask Jesus to help us carry our cross and to follow Him as His true disciples.

24th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 13-09-2021

1 Tim 1:1-8 / Luke 7:1-10      

With great power comes great responsibility.

The same can be said when it comes to authority.

The greater the authority, the greater will also be the responsibility and accountability.

Whether it is power or authority, it must always be remembered that it is not self-achieved but bestowed from on high.

In other words, it is God who bestowed the power and authority to whoever He has chosen.

But the greater the power and authority, the greater will be the temptation to abuse it for self-gain and self-interest.

In the 1st reading, St . Paul urged for prayers to be offered for everyone, and especially for kings and those in authority.

He emphasised that to do this is right so that there will be peace and stability.

Power and authority must be at the service of God and the people.

Let us pray that those in power and authority be guided by the Holy Spirit to rule with wisdom and justice so that there will be peace and harmony in the world.

24th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 12.09.2021

Isaiah 50:5-9 / James 2:14-18 / Mark 8:27-35

It is said that life is like a roller coaster ride, with its ups and downs. Some may think of it as a thrilling fun ride, while others think of it as a chilling scary ride. 

But whether roller coaster or whatever, life certainly has its ups and downs. 

Well, just about a month ago, we were looking forward to more restrictions being lifted, and we were about to step forward to more socializing. 

But then, the number of cases started to spike and we are now holding back again. 

If there is another term for ups and downs, then it could be expectations and disappointments. 

And over these months, we have learned, or are still learning, to manage our expectations and disappointments. 

Maybe we have learned not to expect too much, so that there won't be too many disappointments. 

The ups and downs of life can be seen in the gospel account and it was Peter who experienced it. 

Jesus asked His disciples who did people say He was. The disciples came up with opinions like John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the prophets. 

Then Jesus narrowed it down to a personal question when He asked His disciples who they said He was. 

While the disciples were thinking about the most correct answer, it was Peter who declared “You are the Christ”. 

Peter got it spot-on, though it was by divine revelation that he got that inspiration. Whether he knew what it really meant is another matter. 

He could have felt good about it, felt “up there”, since he was the only one who could give such an answer. 

But almost at the next instance, Peter hit the ground and it was a heavy fall. 

When Jesus began to teach about rejection, suffering and death, Peter began to remonstrate with him. 

And Jesus rebuked him saying, “Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God's way but man's”. 

Peter had his expectations about the Christ. The Christ, or the Messiah, is the promised Saviour, and in Peter's mind, it was about power and glory. 

The Saviour would bring about victory over the enemies, and there would be peace and prosperity. 

Those were his expectations, and he wasn't going to let those expectations turn into disappointments when Jesus taught about rejection, suffering and death. 

Peter would certainly be shocked to be called “Satan” and with that all his previous expectations were shattered. 

And just as Jesus asked His disciples who did they think He was, Jesus is also asking us the same question. 

What and who Jesus is to us comes with a subsequent question, and that is what are we expecting of Jesus. 

If what we are expecting of Jesus is similar to the expectations of Peter, then it could be that the way we think is not God's way but man’s. 

But let's turn the tables around and let us ask ourselves what is Jesus expecting of us. 

Jesus made that clear in the gospel when he said, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel will save it. 

In life there are ups and downs, we have our expectations and disappointments. 

But with faith in God, we will have hope, and that hope is expressed in the good works of love. 

St. James said in the second reading: I will prove to you that I have faith by showing you my good deeds. 

And it is with faith and that the ministry members of our Parish continue to serve so that there can be Masses, so that we can come for Mass, and that the poor living at York Hill and Jalan Kukoh are served, even though there are risks involved. 

Let us not be too focused on expectations and disappointments, or on the ups and downs of life. 

Rather, let us focus on the Cross of Christ, and like Jesus, let us be prepared to serve with love, just as Jesus came to serve and to save us.

23rd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 11-09-2021

1 Tim 1:15-17 / Luke 6:43-49   

It is not that easy to admit to a wrong-dong or say that it is our fault when something goes wrong.

In fact, the tendency is to push the blame to someone else.

Very often, it is pride that prevents us from admitting to our faults.

But it is with humility that we accept and take the responsibility for our wrong-doings.

St. Paul called himself the greatest of sinners.

But it was to point to Jesus who showed him mercy, and it was because Jesus meant to make him the greatest evidence of how merciful and loving God is.

With that, St. Paul proclaimed that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, and nobody should doubt that.

And if we truly believe that, then we too must be obedient and follow what Jesus has taught us.

That proclaim that Jesus is our Saviour would also mean that we acknowledge that we are sinners in need of mercy.

May the Lord Jesus also grant us the humility so that we will serve Him faithfully and bear fruits for God's glory.

23rd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 10-09-2021

1 Tim 1:1-2, 12-14 / Luke 6:39-42      

Human beings have this tendency of focusing on what is negative or bad, and missing out the larger picture of what is good.

It is like noticing a speck of dirt on a white piece of cloth and then saying the cloth is dirty.

It is also like looking at a person and focusing on the imperfections rather than the good qualities.

Even when it comes to ourselves, we rather not know what is wrong with us. 

But a sincere and honest self-examination will make us aware of our dark side and may even help us to accept the things that we don't like to hear about ourselves.

In the 1st reading, St. Paul thanked the Lord Jesus for giving him strength, and who judged him faithful enough to call him into His service, even though he used to be a blasphemer and did all he could to injure and discredit the faith.

St. Paul saw how merciful Jesus was, and it was mercy that saved him from the darkness and blindness.

It is also with God's mercy that we will see the plank in our own eyes, and it is also mercy that will open our eyes to see the goodness in others.

Let us continue to implore the Lord for mercy so that we will be able to accept our weakness and failings and to let God's love cleanse us and save us.

23rd Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 09-09-2021

Colossians 3:12-17 / Luke 6:27-38      

It would be really nice if every day, we wake up to fresh air, sunshine and maybe even beautiful rainbows.

In other words, we would like to wake up to a peaceful day and wish that the day will be peaceful right till when we go to sleep.

But the reality could be that we go to sleep thinking about the troubles we are having, if we can even sleep with that.

And we wake up still thinking about those troubles. We just want to go on sleeping and try to forget about those troubles, but they won't disappear just like that.

But if we want to sleep peacefully and wake up fresh, then the 1st reading tells us to do the following:

Be sincere in compassion, in kindness and in humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another and forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. Over all these, put on love.

And that love is concretely expressed by Jesus as He says in the gospel: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly.

If we truly want peace, then we must follow what Jesus and the 1st have taught us..

Then we will be at peace with ourselves, with others and with God.

And we will sleep peacefully, and wake up joyfully.

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Wednesday, 08-09-2021

Micah 5:1-4 or Romans 8:28-30 / Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23    

A birthday celebration is a joyful celebration and an occasion to give thanks for the gift of life and love.

And in celebrating the birthday of a person, we acknowledge that person as a gift from God to us as well as that person's goodness to us.

In celebrating the birthday of Our Lady, we give thanks to God for giving her to be our spiritual mother.

And it is also through her that we receive the One who gives us life and love to the full.  

Jesus is our Lord and Saviour and He is the Morning Sun that radiates the rays of salvation.

And we honour Mary who is like the dawn that prepares us to welcome that Morning Sun.

In celebrating Our Lady's birthday, we give thanks to God for the gifts of life and love.

Just as Our Lady's birth was the dawn of hope in God's promise of salvation, every birth is also an affirmation of the hope of God's love for us and for the world.

Let us give thanks to God for the gifts of life and love, and let us continue to be witnesses of hope in God's salvation for the world.

23rd Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 07-09-2021

Colossians 2:6-15 / Luke 6:12-19     

We know, as a matter of fact, the things that are obviously wrong.

So things like killing, murder, violence, theft and cheating are wrong and in no way that can be changed to make it right.

As much as we know what are the things that are obviously wrong, there are some other things that can be quite difficult to discern.

One of which is religious truth and how the teaching about the truth is promulgated.

For the Church, one of the greatest dangers is the spread of wrong teaching.

Throughout the history of the Church, wrong teaching has given rise to heretics and schisms.

In the 1st reading, St. Paul urged the Colossians to live their whole lives according to the Christ that they have received.

He also warned them about false and wrong teachings that are based on the principles of this world instead of Christ.

And these false and wrong teaching come from none other than from within the Church.

Even as Jesus chose His disciples, one of them turned out to be a traitor.

Let us be faithful to Christ and be obedient to the teachings of the Church.

The Holy Spirit guides the Church. The Holy Spirit will also guide us when we are faithful and obedient to Jesus and His Church.

23rd Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 06-09-2021

Colossians 1:24 - 2:3 / Luke 6:6-11     

The question of the choice to do good or to do evil may seem to have an obvious answer.

Anyone in the right frame of mind and the right moral disposition would choose to do good.

Also, if one reaps what he sows, then to do evil will only result in evil being done to oneself.

But in the gospel, when Jesus asked the scribes and Pharisees whether it is against the law on the sabbath to do good, or to do evil, they didn't answer the question.

That is rather surprising as the scribes and Pharisees were considered to be religious people and they, of all people, should know clearly what is the obvious answer.

But it was because their minds were clouded with ulterior motives of trying to find something to use against Jesus that they just can't see the obvious.

Even for ourselves, we know what is good and bad and certainly we want to do good.

But often, we end up doing the bad thing because our minds and our hearts are clouded with ulterior motives and vested interests.

Let us pray for clarity of mind and peace of heart so that we will keep our focus on God and always choose to do good.

23rd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 05.09.2021

Isaiah 35:4-7 / James 2:1-5 / Mark 7:31-37

In the media industry, there are a few aspects that are critical to audience reception. 

Especially for movies and videos, besides the content, what is also necessary are sharp visuals and clear sound. 

Going by today's standards, for video resolution it must be at least a full HD, and even going up to 4K. And for those who are into minute details, there is the Blu-ray format. 

And when it comes to audio, besides the necessity for clarity, the volume consistency is also vital. We won't want to always keep adjusting the volume for a movie or a video, especially if we don't have the remote control, although it can be a form of good exercise. 

And with the surge in online Masses, prayers and spiritual talks, then besides content and presentation, the other factors are the internet connection and device performance. 

All those factors make it rather daunting if we were to do a video or an online presentation. 

But besides the need for proper, or maybe even professional equipment, the question is the result or the effect that a media presentation has on the audience. 

People may be impressed by the razzle-dazzle, but what is the takeaway for them? Did it enlighten them about the meaning of life, or make them think and reflect deeper about life? 

In the gospel, we heard about Jesus healing a man who was deaf and also had an impediment in his speech. 

The gospel ended off by saying that the people's admiration was unbounded, and they said this about Jesus: He has done all things well, he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak. 

Certainly, the people were impressed and amazed at what Jesus did. After all, it was quite spectacular. 

But was there anything more than that? Did Jesus come to perform spectacular miracles just to impress people and to gain their admiration? 

Of course, we will say “No”, and that must also make us think and reflect deeper about the gospel passage. 

The miracles of Jesus, besides being wonderful and amazing, always have a message and a meaning. 

There are many details in the gospel passage that we can reflect upon, but there is one that might escape our attention. 

And it is this: Jesus look up to heaven and He sighed. And then He said to the man “Ephphatha” which means “Be opened”. 

Jesus looked up to heaven to indicate that all miracles are the work of the power of God, and from Heaven, God pours down His healing love on the world. 

Jesus sighed, to indicate that He came to be with us in our sufferings, and just as we sigh over our troubles, Jesus sighs with us and He wants to lift us up from our sufferings and troubles. 

His spoken word “Ephphatha” is an Aramaic word, which is the spoken language of the people. It is their mother tongue, a language that resonates with the heart. 

Jesus is the Word of God. His spoken word brings about God's healing love from heaven. His spoken word lifts us up from the bad news of the world to hear the Good News from heaven. 

And He speaks to us in our “mother tongue” which is the language of love that everybody will understand. 

We are in need of healing, because the pains and hurts that we have experienced may have made us close our ears to the cries of those in need. 

We may have closed our mouths from speaking an encouraging word, or to give consolation to those in desolation. 

To know that we are in need of healing is to be poor and humble in the eyes of the Lord. 

And the 2nd reading says that it is the poor and humble according to the world that God chose to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the Kingdom. 

Yes, Jesus says softly to us “Ephphatha”. It means “Be opened”. 

But it is the sound of the language of love. 

And we know what it really means, because we heard in the 1st reading: Say to all the faint hearts – Courage! Do not be afraid. Look, your God is coming, He is coming to save you. 

May we hear it, understand that message and its meaning, and may we go forth to proclaim the message of God's healing love.

22nd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 04-09-2021

Col 1:221-23 / Luke 6:1-5

We live in this world and hence we are very much influenced by what and how the world thinks and acts.

Very often the world dictates how we should think and how we should act and even though we might think differently we end up conforming to the world's ideas.

It seems like a case of if you can't beat them then join them.

But St. Paul reminds us in the 1st reading that because of Christ, we must persevere and stand on the solid base of the faith and never let ourselves drift away form the hope promised by the Good News.

So in this world we walk by faith, and faith must guide us in how we think and act, so that what we do before God will be holy, pure and blameless.

Yes, we are in this world, yet we are not of this world; we are of Christ, and it expresses the relationship between a part and a whole.

In the gospel, Jesus proclaimed that He is master of the sabbath, which is a holy day.

Jesus is our Master, and He is also the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

May we be His faithful disciples and servants so that we can sanctify the world by living holy, pure and blameless lives so that the world can see what salvation is all about.

22nd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 03-09-2021

Colossians 1:15-20 / Luke 5:33-39    

As we come to the first Friday of the month, the Church practises this traditional devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

It was one of the promises Jesus made to St. Margaret Mary that those who devoutly practise the devotion to His Sacred Heart on the first Friday will receive abundant blessings.

Generally what comes to our minds would be the petitions that we offer up to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and implore that He answers our needs especially when they are urgent.

Certainly that is one of the ways that Jesus blesses us, by answering our prayers and granting our needs, so that we will experience His love for us.

But on a deeper level, the devotion to the Sacred Heart leads us to contemplate the love and mercy of Jesus for us, that He has given us all that we need in life.

Over and above our needs and petitions, we must first give thanks and be grateful for His saving love.

The 1st readings reminds us that Jesus brought peace by His death on the Cross and doing so He has reconciled us to God and our sins are forgiven.

May we always give thanks with a grateful heart for such great love that Jesus has for us, and may we too forgive others just as we have been forgiven.

 

22nd Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 02-09-2021

Colossians 1:9-14 / Luke 5:1-11       

When we think about our lives as Christians, we may also need to think about what is it that still keeps us in the faith.

With what is happening around us, the bad news in the world, the bad news in the Church, the bad news in our lives, is it still worthwhile in keeping the faith?

Well, if we give up our faith in God, if we don't want to believe in God anymore, what is there to believe in then?

Certainly our experiences of God is what keep us believing and that gives us the hope to carry on.

The 1st reading sums it up by saying that God has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that He loves, and in Him, we gain our freedom, the forgiveness of our sins.

It is in experiencing the forgiveness of our sins, that God's mercy has freed us from the bad news of life that we have the courage to keep believing in the Good News of salvation.

In the gospel, Peter experienced that mercy of God and he acknowledged that he was a sinful man.

But Jesus did not leave him as he was. In fact, Jesus lifted Peter up to the mission of proclaiming the Good News of salvation.

We have kept the faith because of God's mercy. May our faith grow stronger as we go forth to bear witness to God's love and forgiveness.