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.