Mary, Mother of God, Saturday, 01-01-2022

Numbers 6:22-27 / Galatians 4:4-7 / Luke 2:16-21

Today is the eighth day of the Christmas Octave, which means that today is the last day of the Christmas Octave. 

And today is also the first day of the New Year, and so today is the day that we turn to God and ask for His blessings. 

Of course, we ask for God's blessings on the first day of the new year and we pray that all will start well and will also end well. 

As for the Church, the eighth day after a great feast has a particular meaning. 

In the gospel, Jesus and John were circumcised on the eighth day after their birth and were given their respective names. 

On the eighth day after Easter Sunday, the Risen Lord Jesus appeared to His disciples in that locked upper room. 

And the eighth day after Christmas Day, the Church honours Mary with the title “Mother of God”. 

That title reiterates the teaching that Jesus is both human and divine, and so Mary is not just the mother of Jesus but also the Mother of God. 

It was on the Cross that Jesus gave Mary to be our mother, and in honouring her as the Mother of God, we are also acknowledging that we are children of God. 

And as we begin the new year, we hold on to our Mother's hand as we look ahead. 

We look ahead with faith and hope that Jesus will be with us every day of the new year. 

The name Jesus means “God Saves” or “God is salvation”. 

So, in each day of the year ahead, we will also walk with Jesus and with Him we will see the wonderful and marvellous saving works that He will show us. 

And in each day of the year ahead, we hold on to Mother Mary's hand to pray with her and to ponder upon the saving love of God for us. 

Yes, we look ahead with hope in God's promises of His blessings, the blessings that we heard in the 1st reading: 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. 

May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. 

May the Lord and uncover His face to you and bring you peace.

Seventh Day Within the Octave of Christmas, Friday, 31-12-2021

1 John 2:18-21 / John 1:1-18    

There is this saying that "all's well that ends well".

It means to say that a person can forget about how unpleasant or difficult something was because everything ended in a good way.

As we come to the last day of the year, we may want to think about how this year has been for us.

Whatever we may want to say about this year, let us be thankful that we are able to be here to offer worship and thanksgiving to God.

Also how we started off the year may not be as that important as how we ended off the year.

But of course, to start off well and to end off well would be the most ideal.

The gospel brings us back right to the very beginning as it presents the Word, who was with God and who was God.

And the Word was made flesh and lived among us, radiating glory of God and bringing us grace and truth.

So Jesus wants us to know that He was with us when we started off the year, just as He is with us now as we end off the year.

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, He is the beginning and the end.

May we begin everything with Jesus, and will be well as we end off  everything with Jesus.

Sixth Day Within the Octave of Christmas, Thursday, 30-12-2021

1 John 1:12-17 / Luke 2:36-40

Whatever profession we are in, we would have to accomplish a related task so as to prove our competency. 

So a doctor would have treated sick patients, a lawyer would have handled a legal case, a pilot would have done some flights, etc.

To be called a prophet or prophetess, one would have at least made a prophecy.

The gospel said that there a prophetess by the name of Anna, though there was no record of any prophecies that she had made.

After becoming a widow, she resided at the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer.

And then at 84 years old, when she saw the Child Jesus, she made her, probably, one and only prophecy, when she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the coming of the Saviour.

And that one moment made her and her whole life complete.

We are reminded, through Anna, that our life has a meaning and a purpose, and it is all in God's plan.

No matter what our status or profession is, when we dedicate our lives to God, He will direct us to His purpose and we will see how wonderful the meaning of our life is.

Fifth Day Within the Octave of Christmas, Wednesday, 29-12-2021

1 John 2:3-11 / Luke 2:22-35     

When we say that something is holy, it usually means that it is considered to be special because it is connected with God and used for worship or prayer. 

When we say that a person is holy, what are the characteristics or traits of that person?

We can say that the person is in union with God by his way of life.

As the 1st reading puts it: that person obeys God and God's love comes to perfection in him.

The gospel mentions of a particular holy person, and he is Simeon. 

Simeon was an upright and devout man. And more than that, the Holy Spirit rested on him.

And the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not see death until he has set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.

And it was upon the Holy Spirit's prompting that Simeon went to the Temple that day and his eyes finally saw the Saviour and he was ready to go in peace.

As we strive to obey the Lord's commands and live upright and devout lives, the Holy Spirit will reveal God's plan for us. 

And like Mary, even when the sword of sorrow pierces our hearts, we will still be faithful to God and we will be at peace to accept God's will for us.

Holy Innocents, Martyrs, Tuesday, 28-12-2021

1 John 1:5 - 2:2 / Matthew 2:13-18      

A civilised society is judged by the way it treats the weakest and lowest members.

In other words, a civilised society is only as strong as its weakest link, and only as intelligent as its most ignorant.

And if a civilised society not only does not protect its weakest and lowest members, but even persecutes and harms them, that society is barbaric and so are its leaders.

In the gospel, we heard of that king Herod who was paranoid about the infant king of the Jesus, and he was also furious when he realised that he was outwitted by the wise men.

And then he did the unimaginable, and that was ordering all the male infants who were two years and under to be massacred.

With that kind of atrocity coming from a king, it only goes to show how barbaric he was, and the same could be said for those who carried out his orders.

The feast of the Holy Innocents reiterates the code of a civilised society that the innocent, the weak and lowly are to be respected and protected.

Any violation against them is a violation against the authority of God.

Let us always respect and protect the innocent, the weak and the lowly, for how we treat them reflects our true human values. 

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist, Monday, 27-12-2021

1 John 1:1-4 / John 20:2-8           

The gospel of John reached its final form around AD 90–110, and it is the fourth of the four gospels.

The purpose of this gospel, as stated by John himself, is to show that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the Son of God, and that believers in Him might have eternal life.

St. John is often identified as the disciple that Jesus loved, and in the gospel of today, he went into the empty tomb, he saw and he believed.

It was then that he believed that Jesus has risen from the dead, and that Jesus is truly Lord and God.

The gospel of John was written so that we too might come to believe in the Risen Christ and be saved.

In another part of the gospel of John, Jesus was quoted as saying that blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.

Hence we walk in faith and not so much by sight, and it is by faith that we believe that Jesus is the Risen Lord and our divine Saviour.

And it is also by faith that we live our lives in Christ and to see everything with the eyes of faith.

May our lives be a reflection of the Risen Christ, and may others come to believe in Jesus by the way we live our lives.

Holy Family, Year C, 26.12.2021

Eccelisiasticus 3:2-6, 12-14 / Colossians 3:12-21 / Luke 2:41-52

By now, the Nativity set would have been fully laid out, except for the figures of the three wise men who will make their appearance at the Feast of the Epiphany. 

The Nativity set that we see in church will have all the representations as told in the Christmas story. 

So that is the Baby Jesus lying in the manger or Crib, there is Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the sheep, as well as a donkey and a cow. 

All the figures are in perfect condition and intact, with no chips or cracks here and there. 

This is the one and only Nativity set that we have that is considered fitting for public display and we really have to handle it with care. 

But somewhere in the storeroom, there are at least two incomplete Nativity sets that may not be that appropriate for public display. 

That is either because some of the figures are missing, or that some of the figures have chips and cracks here and there. 

Obviously, we can't mix and match those figures together to make up a Nativity set. Somehow it is not appropriate. 

Because what we would like to see is a perfect and intact Nativity set. At least a set that is appropriate for public display. 

But the reality of life is not so perfect or intact. In fact, there are chips and cracks, and even breaks and fractures. 

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, the gospel account gives a rather tense moment in the life of the Holy Family. 

After a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, the boy Jesus stayed behind without His parents knowing it. 

And when they found Him three days later, Mary was emotional as she said, “My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.” 

The reply of the boy Jesus was neither that comforting or consoling, and Mary and Joseph also did not understand what He meant, and we could almost sense that it was heading towards a parent-and-child argument. 

But nothing more was said, and Jesus went back with Mary and Joseph and lived under their authority. 

Jesus showed that even though He was the Son of God, He respected and subjected Himself to the authority of Mary and Joseph. 

Jesus lived out the commands of God that is found in the 1st reading, by honouring Joseph and upholding the rights of Mary over Him. 

Jesus is teaching us through this incident in the gospel, that obedience to His parents is also obedience to God His father. 

And as a family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph showed us how to bear with one another as the 2nd reading tells us. 

In going for the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, they showed that they are a devout and prayful family, and as it is said, a family that prays together stays together. 

But as it happened even to the Holy Family, we too in our own family will have disagreements and also get into each other's way. 

But family is about love and forgiveness, and that can only be possible with family prayer. 

May Mary and Joseph pray for us and our families, and may the love of Jesus be in our homes and may He grant us His peace and His joy to live like the Holy Family.

Christmas 2021

When the bookings for seats for Christmas Masses were opened, whatever was available was snapped up within three minutes. 

For those who are able to book a seat, it was happiness. Needless to say, those who were not able to book a seat, it was sadness. 

And it was also frustrating when some members of a family managed to book seats while the others can't. So it means that they cannot go for the Christmas Mass together. 

But why is coming for Mass on Christmas so special? What is so alluring or fascinating about coming for Mass on Christmas? 

Maybe it is to pay the annual homage at the Nativity Scene. Maybe it is to recall those moments when we meet up with relatives and friends and exchange presents. Maybe it is some kind of homecoming feeling that can be rather difficult to express in words. 

Whatever it might be, we can be certain that it is a God-given moment and not something we can create ourselves. 

Yes, the celebration of the birth of Christ is a joyful moment and it also calls for deeper reflection. 

The Nativity Scene beckons us to look at the Baby lying in the manger, and we see the promise of God, the Emmanuel, the God-is-with-us. 

And if God came to be with us, then nothing would be ever against us, and nothing would ever separate us from God's love. 

So, even though the current situation has limited the attendance at Mass, yet we look forward with hope that one day Christmas Masses will be filled as like before. 

We look at the tender love of God lying in the Crib, and yet we also know that one day He would be hanging on the Cross, just to save us. 

And yet, we also come to see that the sufferings in this earth, cannot be compared to the glory that is waiting for us above. 

So, no matter how challenging or difficult life may be, we dare to hope and to look beyond the temporary and into eternity where God will wipe away the tears from our eyes. 

And we also feel connected to the family of the Nativity - with Mary and Joseph, with the shepherds, and even with the animals. 

Christmas beckons us to come back to renew our relationships with one another and it could be anything from strong and loving relationships to strained and hurting relationships. 

Jesus came to seek and search for the lowly, the lonely and the lost. He came to heal and to reconcile. 

He came to be with us so that we can come back to God. Jesus came down from heaven and brought heaven to us, so that we can believe that heaven is real and that we can go to heaven. 

That is the wonderful mystery of Christmas, and it is essentially about the wonderful love of God for us. 

Jesus is the love of God made flesh. May this wonderful mystery of Christmas also be made flesh in us, so that our faith is strengthened as we go forth to love God and to love others.

Advent, 24th December 2021, Friday

2 Sam 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 / Luke 1:67-79    

By now we would have already put up the Christmas decorations at home.

And before we put up the decorations, we would have at least done some clean-up of the house.

And then we would be ready to put the centre-piece of the Christmas decorations, and that is the Nativity scene or the Crib.

That would be the so-called "house" for Jesus at Christmas.

In the 1st reading, king David had an ambitious idea to build a magnificent Temple for God.

But the Lord revealed to David and the Lord Himself would build a House for David.

It implied that the Lord is preparing the House of David for the coming of the Saviour.

Similarly, Jesus wants to prepare our hearts to receive Him so that He can make His home in our hearts.

May the tender love of Jesus lead us to a deeper knowledge of our salvation and the forgiveness of our sins.

With Jesus making His home in our hearts, may He guide our feet into the way of peace and be the light for others on the road of salvation.

Advent, 23rd December 2021, Thursday

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 / Luke 1:57-66        

God is predictable in a number of aspects like His love for us, His mercy and compassion, His kindness and forgiveness, etc.

But God is also a God of surprises, and certainly He is a God of graceful surprises.

As the prophet Micah says in the 1st reading, "and the Lord you are seeking, will suddenly enter His Temple".

It may be a sudden surprise but it is certainly a graceful and grace-filled surprise.

In the gospel, there were two surprises. The first was when Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and it was a graceful and grace-filled surprise, and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy. 

Then came another surprise, and that was when Elizabeth and Zachariah decided to name their son "John".

The name "John" means "the grace of God"  or "God is graciousness", and indeed the birth of John and his name were graceful and grace-filled surprises from God.

So when things don't turn out as expected, or when we are surprised at the turn of things, let us believe it will be for the good, because God's ways of doing things are always for our good.

And may we gracefully accept the grace-filled surprises from God, and we will rejoice in thanksgiving.

Advent, 22nd December 2021, Wednesday

1 Sam 1:24-28 / Luke 1:46-56    

Every birth of a child is a profound experience for the parents.

It is also a profound moment for the world even.

Because every child that comes into this life would have an influence or even an impact on those near and far.

What the child can contribute to the world will depend greatly on how the parents form the child.

In the 1st reading, after Hannah had weaned her child Samuel, she brought him to the temple of the Lord and she offered him to the Lord under the care of the priest Eli.

Hannah taught her young son about offering one's life to the Lord.

It was certainly difficult for Hannah as a mother, but she knew that the Lord has a mission for Samuel, and she willingly made this sacrifice.

In the gospel, what Mary said is a proclamation of the great things the Lord has done for her. 

It was also a prophecy of what her Son will do when He comes into the world.

So whether it is a baby in the womb, or a little child, or a teenager, or an adult, or a senior, all have an influence and an impact on this world.

May the Holy Spirit guide each person, so that the contribution to the world will be a proclamation of the great things that the Lord has done.

Advent, 21st December 2021, Tuesday

Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-19 / Luke 1:39-45   

To make a promise is certainly not a light matter.

When promises are not kept or broken, there will be disappointments and even anger.

Because when a promise is made, it gives rise to hope.

And when the promise is fulfilled, it gives joy and happiness.

When it is God who makes the promise, then we should believe that it will be fulfilled.

We only need to have the faith in God's promises and to be patient that His promises will be fulfilled in His time.

In the gospel, Elizabeth said that Mary is blessed because she believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.

The promise is not just for herself but for the salvation of God's people. Mary believed in God's promise and she also willingly accepted the mission to fulfil God's promise.

As we journey on in Advent, let us reflect and meditate upon the promise of God that is fulfilled in every age and time.

Through Jesus, God promises to be with us always, till the end of time.

That promise was fulfilled at the birth of Christ, and yet it is also a promise that keeps being fulfilled.

So let us be firm in hope and believe that in disappointing and frustrating times, God will be with us. For He promised so, and He will always fulfil His promise.

Advent, 20th December 2021, Monday

Isaiah 7:10-14 / Luke 1:26-38   

When driving on the road, we need one of two things to get to our destination.

We need to have a local knowledge or familiarity of the roads to navigate our way

Or we may need a map or an navigation app to find our way to our destination.

Our local knowledge or familiarity can be useful if the roads have not changed or if there are no detours or no road diversions.

Otherwise a GPS navigation app would be necessary to get along the right direction.

In the 1st reading, king Ahaz was told to ask the Lord for a sign when he was faced with a threat from the enemies.

But he refused to ask for a sign from the Lord. He would rather rely on his own assessment to come to a decision.

In the gospel, Mary asked for a sign when she said, "But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?"

And when she heard Elizabeth, whom people called barren, had conceived, Mary accepted that this was the sign to assure her that the Lord would take care of matters.

When we are faced with difficult choices, may we be humble and surrender ourselves to the Lord.

Let us also trust in Him, for our ways are not His ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts.

4th Sunday of Advent, Year C, 19.12.2021

Micah 5:1-4 / Hebrews 10:5-10 / Luke 1:39-44

It is understandable if we are still wondering whether we should get any presents for our relatives and friends. 

Other than presents for our loved ones, which is already mind-cracking enough as to what to get for them, we might want to skip getting presents for those who are outside the family. 

After all, we might have already skipped it last Christmas, so we might as well skip it for this year. 

Well, the reason, or excuse, is that the restrictions are similar to that of last year, so if we can't meet them, then there is no need to give them. 

And also shopping for presents was not like before as there seems to be lesser merchandise in the stores, and online shopping is not usually the “what-you-see-is-what-you-get”. 

But maybe, just a thought for the seniors, who are already quite cramped up at home. 

Instead of getting them another set of bed sheets or pyjamas or health supplements or hair dye, why not get them some tech gadgets. 

Maybe give them a new hand-phone instead of some old hand downs. Or a smart TV. Or maybe even a gaming console. 

We cannot underestimate the tech potential of the seniors. We just have to be patient in starting them off and then we will be surprised how far they will go. 

But it is not just about giving them a tech gadget to electrify their lives.

Because in giving them such presents, we would also have to give them our presence, and that is to be with them.

Because we will have to spend time teaching them how to use those gadgets, like taking photos and making video calls. 

In other words, we want to enable them to make themselves present to us, as well as for us to be present to them via the electronic means. 

Such are the advantages of technology as it can help us make connections with our loved ones and to feel each other's presence. 

But in the gospel, Mary didn't have such means to connect with Elizabeth. She had to set off quickly as the journey would take some time. And it was also to a hill country and that means rather rough terrain. 

But Mary was aware of Elizabeth's pregnancy since the angel had told her about it. 

And she was sensitive to Elizabeth needs, although she had her own needs to. 

Mary's journey to visit Elizabeth has this to teach us, and that is, there is nothing more powerful and profound then sharing the gift of our presence. 

Elizabeth felt the presence of the Lord in Mary and even the child in her womb leaped for joy. 

And Mary also received the affirmation from Elizabeth that she was going to be the mother of God. 

It was a beautiful moment for the two expectant mothers. And it was also a powerful experience of the presence of God in each other. 

So, if we are still thinking of what presents to get for our loved ones, whether they are seniors or otherwise, let us think about presents that will also let them experience our presence. 

It could be something that they need, or something that they will wear, or something that they will use. 

Let our Christmas presents be a gift of our loving presence to others. 

God gave us His only Son Jesus to be the Emmanuel, the “God-is-with-us”. 

That is how much God wants to be present to us. 

May what we give to others also be a symbol of how much we love them and want to be with them.

Advent, 18th December 2021, Saturday

Jeremiah 23:5-8 / Matthew 1:18-24  

To make a promise is certainly not a light matter.

When promises are not kept or broken, there will be disappointments and even anger.

Because when a promise is made, it gives rise to hope.

And when the promise is fulfilled, it gives joy and happiness.

When it is God who makes the promise, then we should believe that it will be fulfilled.

We only need to have the faith in God's promises and to be patient that His promises will be fulfilled in His time.

In the 1st reading, the Lord God reminds His people that He will fulfil His promise to bring them back to their own land.

God reminded His people that He had once fulfilled His promise to deliver them out of slavery in Egypt and bring them to the Promised Land.

As we journey on in Advent, let us reflect and meditate upon the promise of God that is fulfilled in every age and time.

Through Jesus, God promises to be with us always, till the end of time.

That promise was fulfilled at the birth of Christ, and yet it is also a promise that keeps being fulfilled.

So let us be firm in hope and believe that in disappointing and frustrating times, God will be with us. For He promised so, and He will always fulfil His promise.

Advent, 17th December 2021, Friday

Genesis 49:2, 8-10 / Matthew 1:1-17      

Looking at a tree may give us some points for reflection and meditation.

When we look at the branches of the tree, we will notice that the branches grow in different ways and directions. In fact, no two branches are alike.

And if it is a fruit-bearing tree, then the fruits are of the same kind, though no two fruits are of the same shape and size.

The gospel listed out the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.

Certainly it is not saying that Jesus Christ is not of human origin.

But it goes to show that though mankind sinned, it is also with the collaboration of human persons that Jesus came into the world by being born of a woman.

A closer study of the genealogy list will also tell us there are rather surprising persons in it, persons like outsiders (non-Jews), persons with a bad reputation, or persons who had committed a grave sin.

But just as the branches of a tree grow in different directions but the fruit is the same,  the different people in the genealogy list all had a part to play in the coming of Jesus Christ.

We too, in a sense, are different from each other but we all have a part in making Jesus present in this world.

May we be faithful in bearing that fruit of love, so that others can see us as the Body of Christ.

3rd Week of Advent, Thursday, 16-12-2021

Isaiah 54:1-10 / Luke 7:24-30      

During this time of the year, there are many symbols that will appear to get our attention and to make us aware of what is coming up.

On the secular or commercial side, the decorations at the malls and other places and Christmas carols would announce that Christmas is coming up soon and it would have a more festive mood with sales and celebrations.

On the religious side, it would be the Nativity scene, the Advent wreath and Advent hymns which are more sober and reflective.

And if we were to think about which character or figure would be the symbol of the season, we might think it could be Santa Claus.

But during this Advent season, the character or figure that calls for our attention is, and maybe surprisingly, John the Baptist.

And he points us to a place called the wilderness, where life is stripped off all the un-necessaries and the unimportant.

John the Baptist makes us think about repentance which would lead us to think about God's love for us.

In this time, let us go into our inner spiritual wilderness, and leaving aside all other attractions and distractions, let us reflect on that verse in the 1st reading, in which the Lord says this:

"for the mountains may depart, the hill be shaken, but my love for you will never leave you, and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken."

3rd Week of Advent, Wednesday, 15-12-2021

Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-26 / Luke 7:19-23    

It may sound rather strange but some of the important things of life are not that obvious or easily visible.

 

That could be because the unimportant and unnecessary things are more distracting and they catch our attention and we also seem to dwell on those lesser things.

For example, eternity and heaven should be what calls for our attention and focus.

Yet, we seem to like to dwell on the temporary and on the things of earth.

In the gospel, John the Baptist sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the one to come, or do they have to wait for another.

John the Baptist ought to know that Jesus was the One to come because he pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God, but now that he was in prison, he could be losing focus and confusion was probably disturbing his mind.

Jesus told the disciples to go back and tell John what they have seen and heard - that the blind see again, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life.

And the last sentence of Jesus calls for attention - the Good News is proclaimed to the poor and happy are those who do not lose faith in Jesus.

When we are distracted by too many bad things and bad people, we will lose focus and be confused.

And we will also forget to see that there are good things and good people in this world that point to the Good News.

But we see what is most important in life, and that is God.

As the Lord says in the 1st reading: Apart from me, all is nothing.

May we see God in everything, and then with minds and hearts set on the things of above, we will know how to handle the things of earth.

3rd Week of Advent, Tuesday, 14-12-2021

Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 / Matthew 21:28-32     

When life is peaceful and prosperous, when the going is smooth and comfortable, we may think those are the conditions that will encourage growth.

It is true that when the survival and security needs are taken care of, then we can look at intellectual enrichment and human development.

But on the other hand, it is when there are threats to survival and security that there will be exponential growth or spikes in growth.

In the 1st reading, God's people was having it too good that they became complacent to the extent of being rebellious, defiled and tyrannical.

So instead of taking advantage of the good and peaceful times to grow and strengthen their faith and give thanks to God, the people took things for granted and were unfaithful to the Lord.

So the Lord had to bring them to their knees and to cleanse them so that they will learn how to obey the Lord and be a humble and lowly people.

In the gospel, it was the sinners and the tax collectors who believed in the Good News.

They had sinned and knew the consequences and now they want to repent and live a good life.

May we not be complacent and to take life and faith for granted, but to strive to deepen our faith so that we will always give thanks and praise the Lord for His abundant blessings.

3rd Week of Advent, Monday, 13-12-2021

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 / Matthew 21:23-27    

To say that a person is spiritual would imply that the person is closely in union with God.

It may also imply that God may choose to reveal certain things through that person.

In the 1st reading, Balaam was a spiritual person and as well as a prophet of God.

But he was enticed with a reward by the enemies of Israel to lay a curse on Israel so that they will be defeated in battle.

In other words, he detracted from his prophetic role and even collaborated with the enemies of Israel.

But the Spirit of God came upon him and he submitted to the authority of God and retracted and declaimed his curse.

And he even blessed Israel as well as prophesied that a great leader would arise from Israel.

In the gospel, when the chief priests and elders questioned Jesus about His authority, He in turn questioned them about the authority of John the Baptist.

If the chief priests and elders had been spiritual enough, they would have acknowledged that the authority of Jesus and John the Baptist was from above.

We are called to be a prophetic people and to fulfil that prophetic role, we have to be spiritual and to be closely united with Jesus.

And when we speak, may it be Jesus who speaks through us, and may our words be a blessing for others.

3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C, 11.12.2021

 Zephaniah 3:14-18 / Philippians 4:4-7 / Luke 3:10-18

The year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic Church in Singapore concluded yesterday, 11th December. 

We may wonder why the 11th December, and some other date. That is because on the 11th of December 1821, and that was two hundred years ago, a Catholic priest by the name of Father Laurent Imbert, stopped by Singapore on a mission to China. 

Though he did not establish a mission in Singapore, he wrote a letter to his Superior in which he said that he found about a dozen Catholics, all living in pitiful conditions and having forgotten about their religion. 

As it is always said, the rest is history, as Singapore grew from a little humble mission station to a bustling Archdiocese, with 32 parishes, all that in a relatively small island. 

So, the Church in Singapore had humble beginnings, but it grew and after two hundred years, we are looking at how God has blessed the Church in Singapore. 

Yes, we give thanks and we rejoice that the Lord has blessed and guided the Church over these two hundred years. 

We look back and we see the wonders and marvels the Lord has done through the Church, in the areas of education, healthcare, social service and proclaiming the Good News to all who are called by God to be His children. 

But, more than just what we, the Church in Singapore has done, we need to look at what needs to be done and to also ask for the Lord's blessings to do it. 

In the gospel, when the people heard the message of repentance from John the Baptist they had one question. The tax collectors, the soldiers and the people asked this question: What must we do? 

We too, as we look at the two hundred years of being Church in Singapore, we must also ask this question: What must we do? 

Yes, what must we do? What is it that the Lord wants us to do? 

As we think about this, let us also remember that what we do flows from who we are. In other words, action flows from being. 

We need to think about who we are first, and then we will know what we must do. 

The mission of the Church is to be a sign of salvation and to lead people to Jesus the Saviour. 

So, we are called to be signs of salvation, and that we know who Jesus is, and that others can see Jesus in us. 

And how do they see Jesus in us? The 2nd reading tells us this: Let your tolerance be evident to everyone. The Lord is near. There is no need to worry, but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. 

When others can see that in us, that we are a joyful and thankful people, then they will want us to bring them to Church. 

They will want to know how to pray and how to be at peace. They will want to know who Jesus is and to seek forgiveness and healing. 

Yes, when others see that this is who we are, then what we need to do will come naturally. 

God has called us to be His people, and blessed us with the gift of faith. 

Let us be a blessing for others, so that as church, we will journey on with rejoicing and thanksgiving.

2nd Week of Advent, Saturday, 11-12-2021

Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4, 9-11 / Matthew 17:10-13  

If there was one prophet in the Old Testament that we can say is really dramatic, it is surely the prophet Elijah.

And the 1st reading makes special mention of this dramatic prophet, and rightly so.

Elijah was a fire-and-brimstone prophet. He worked great and awful deeds like calling down famine upon the land, calling down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice he offered and putting the 450 false prophets by slitting their throats, just to mention a few.

But all that dramatic deeds were intended to turn the people back to God and for the restoration of Israel as the people of God.

But people can just be interested in the dramatic and the spectacular and not see the meaning and the message behind it.

We live in an age where people, Catholics included, are easily attracted by the dramatic and the spectacular and the extra-ordinary.

We may even expect the end times and the second coming of Christ to be kind of dramatic and spectacular, with awesome signs.

But as Jesus said in the gospel, Elijah came in the person of John the Baptist, and God came to visit His people in the Word made flesh.

But John the Baptist and Jesus were just too ordinary, and hence did not live up to the people's expectations.

The season of Advent prepares us to encounter God in the ordinary.

Amidst of the festive celebrations, let us quieten our hearts to hear the voice of God in the ordinary.

When Jesus first came to this world at the first Christmas, it was just another ordinary day.

When He comes to us today, it will also be in an ordinary way.

2nd Week of Advent, Friday, 10-12-2021

Isaiah 48:17-19 / Matthew 11:16-19   

We have this tendency to make comments about other people.

Of course we can have our opinions, but when we make comments, we tend to go down on the side of criticism.

But we must also remember that what we do to others will also be done to us.

When we comment about or criticise others, the same will be done unto us.

In the gospel, Jesus made a comment about the people of His generation.

He said that they were like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place.

Children tease each other in their childish games. 

Adults comment and criticise each other in their opinion games.

But whether as children or adults, we need to mature and grow in our relationships with each other.

In the 1st reading, the Lord says this: I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is good for you. I lead you in the way that you must go.

The way of the Lord is the way of love and forgiveness.

Let us go the way of the Lord, as there is no other better way to go.

2nd Week of Advent, Thursday, 09-12-2021

Isaiah 41:13-20 / Matthew 11:11-19     

Our hands are a versatile part of our body.

A lot of work and creativity is done with our hands.

Our hands are also a sensitive part of our body.

Holding hands is an intimate gesture, which is not quite the same as shaking hands.

When parents and children hold hands, when couples hold hands, when a care-giver or doctor holds the hand of a patient, it is an unspoken gesture of love and care.

In the 1st reading, God tells His people this: I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, "Do not be afraid, I will help you."

The people would have understood what that meant.

Although God did not literally hold their hands, yet God reached out to hold their hearts so that they will be comforted.

God also reaches out to hold our hearts with His hands so that we can feel that intimate love He has for us.

Let this time of Advent be a time to let our hearts be still and to know that God holds our hearts lovingly with His hands.

Immaculate Conception of the BVM, Wednesday, 08-12-2021

Genesis 3:9-15, 20 / Eph 1:3-6, 11-12 / Luke 1:26-38    

When it comes to troubleshooting and repair work, the question to ask is this: Is it worth it?

We will look at the costs incurred and the time taken as well as the manpower involved.

And usually out of convenience and given the "throw-away culture", that is the option that we will choose.

God could have taken a similar option when man sinned and brought death and destruction to creation.

But God, in His great love for mankind, decided to embark on a plan of salvation.

That plan of salvation is at a very great price - the sacrifice of His only Son for our salvation.

And God also wanted humanity to participate in His plan of salvation.

He prepared Mary through the grace of her Immaculate Conception so that Jesus could come into the world through her.

Putting it simply, God went through a lot of trouble just to save us, though it was we who sinned.

Let us give thanks with Mary to God, and let us continue the work of our salvation by helping others to go back to God

2nd Week of Advent, Tuesday, 07-12-2021

Isaiah 40:1-11 / Matthew 18:12-14     

The season of Advent is supposed to have a rather quiet and pensive mood.

But with the festive and year end celebrations, that mood may be lost among the distractions.

Nonetheless, in recovering the spirit of Advent, we will become aware of the quiet signs.

Those signs beckon us to look around and to see what God is showing or telling us.

The quiet flames of the Advent candles, the soft lights of the Christmas decorations, the sober Advent hymns, have a somewhat common objective.

They beckon us to think about the spiritual state of our lives and where or what we need to do from here.

Advent is a season where the Lord calls out to those who have strayed like a lost sheep.

May we listen to the voice of the Lord our Good Shepherd and turn back to Him in love and faithfulness.

And may we also help those who are looking or searching for a way to come back to the Lord.

2nd Week of Advent, Monday, 06-12-2021

Isaiah 35:1-10 / Luke 5:17-26          

Lying in bed may seem to be like a good way to relax and have a rest.

After all, that is what the bed is for - to let the whole body relax and be at ease.

But to lie in bed the whole day, or for a few days, or for an extended period of time does not sound good at all.

Because the human body is made to be active and to move about and to work and beautify the world.

But for that paralysed man in the gospel, he was stuck to his bed and to move about he has be carried on his bed.

Jesus healed that man and as the gospel puts it, the Power of the Lord was behind His works of healing.

Indeed, the Power of the Lord restores us to our full human dignity and purpose so that we can glorify God in all that we do.

Though at times we may feel like a dry arid land without vegetation and nothing bears fruit, we take heart in what the 1st reading tell us about restoration and salvation.

"Look, your God is coming, vengeance is coming, the retribution of God, he is coming to save you".

So even though things may go against us, God is for us and He will save us. 

Let us stand with God and see the marvellous works He will do for us.  

2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C, 05.12.2021

Baruch 5:1-9 / Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11 / Luke 3:1-6

When it comes to size, whatever we may say or think about it, it is usually the bigger the better. 

The inclination is always for the bigger and not so much for the smaller. For example, a big car is preferred over a small car, at least where stability and safety are considered. 

A bigger house has more advantages over a smaller house. There can be more rooms and more space. 

A big budget is obviously more favourable than a small budget; more money would mean less anxiety. 

When it comes to big, it is not just about size or space or money. Because it comes to big names, it has that ability to draw attention, and maybe even investment. 

Movies starring big-name actors will certainly draw attention, and could be a factor for successful movies. 

Advertisements that have famous and popular personalities or celebrities, get the attention, regardless of the quality of the product. 

So, if there is a big name, added to a big-budget, and in a big setting, that seems like a formula for success. At least there will be attention. 

In the gospel, there were big names, in big places, and they also have great power and authority. 

The first of the big names is Tiberius Caesar, and he was the emperor of the Roman Empire at that time. So he was right there at the top. 

After that it is like a name list of the high and mighty. Pontius Pilate, governor of Judaea; Herod, tetrarch of Galilee; Philip, tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, tetrarch of Abilene. 

Also in the list are the chief priests, Annas and Caiaphas. 

They were the political and religious big names of the time. Their names were like on everyone's lips. To know them personally was certainly a big advantage. 

And then, almost like with the blink of the eye, came a name out of nowhere, if the wilderness can be called nowhere. 

And from that nowhere, came a nobody, John son of Zechariah. And it was to him that the Word of God came upon.

And it was this John, a nobody from nowhere, who proclaimed that big message of baptism for the repentance and forgiveness of sins. 

It was the voice of John the Baptist that cried out in the wilderness to prepare a way for the Lord and to make his paths straight. 

As we come to the Second Sunday of Advent, we see two lighted candles in the Advent wreath. It is not a big fire but just two little lights. 

Big things may draw attention, but it is the humble little things that lead us to a direction and maybe even an enlightenment. 

Big things may generate a lot of publicity, but it is the little humble things that points to the reality. 

And the reality is that the little and humble things can be difficult to see, and they can be difficult to find if they are lost. Those who have lost an earring will know how difficult it is to search for it. 

But when little things are done with big love, then it is like seeds that are planted with the hope that they will grow into strong big trees. 

When little things are done with big love, they are like little lights in the dark. There is no need for a big fire, little lights are good enough. 

As we begin the second week of Advent, let us look for the little humble acts of love that are around us. May we see these little humble acts of love as little lights that are leading us to Jesus the True Light, and may we also do little things with a big love.

1st Week of Advent, Saturday, 04-12-2021

Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 / Matthew 9:35 - 10:1, 6-8      

As we come to the end of the first week of Advent, we may want to take a moment for reflection.

We may want to ask ourselves if this week had been different from the other previous weeks.

We may say that we see the signs of the festive season being put up and the feeling of Christmas is already in the air.

But more often than not, the difference is not in the appearance of big signs but rather in the little signs.

In the gospel, the amazing signs were the curing of all kinds of diseases and sickness by Jesus.

But the moving and tender-hearted sign was that Jesus felt sorry for the crowds, because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.

It was a little sign but it showed the the tenderness of the heart of Jesus.

For those who see that little sign, it would make a difference for them.

They may be moved to be labourers in the harvest of the Lord.

They may be moved to whatever and wherever the Lord is calling them to.

May we also see the tender little signs of Advent, and may we also be moved to make a good difference in our lives.

St. Francis Xavier, Patron of Missions and Missionaries, Friday, 03-12-2021

1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 / Mark 16:15-20    

The modern means of presenting the faith and evangelisation is very much IT oriented.

So there are online videos, talks, retreats, podcasts, social media and whatever.

But at the time of St. Francis Xavier, which was in the 16th century, the only probably audio-visual aid was the missionary himself and the message of salvation that he was called to proclaim.

That was what St. Francis Xavier had - the gospel message and he was to proclaim it wherever he went.

The only other visual aid was probably the Cross with which he proclaimed the love of God for humanity.

So with only the Cross and the Gospel, St. Francis Xavier went to the East and proclaimed the Good News far and wide, and that is why he is the Patron of Missions and Missionaries.

And there was also this story of how he dropped the Cross into the sea during a storm when he held it against the wind to pray for it to subside.

Later when he landed safely and when he was walking on the beach, he was surprised to find a crab coming towards him, carrying that Cross in its pincers and he gave thanks to God and blessed the crab, which is now known as the "crucifix crab" because of the distinct marking of the cross on its shell.

With the Cross, St. Francis preached the Good News and the love of God wherever he went.

May we look at the Cross and see in it the sign of our salvation and the love of God for us.

And may we also, like St. Francis Xavier, be missionaries of the Good News of salvation and witnesses of God's love to others.

1st Week of Advent, Thursday, 02-12-2021

Isaiah 26:1-6 / Matthew 7:21, 24-27    

The word "security" is used in so many aspects of life and we hear it so often such that it does not alarm us anymore.

So we hear of national security, internet security, banking security, password security and so many other types of security.

We are usually quite casual about all these types of security, until it is breached, and then we will be  jerked into action to tighten up the security.

One of the ways to describe a high level of security is to say that it is as "solid as a rock".

Certainly we would like to have the various aspects of security in our lives to be as solid as a rock.

Yet we can also be careless and complacent about regular checks and backups and changing passwords and other security enhancing procedures.

So as much as we would like our security to be as solid as a rock, yet we can be careless and complacent and and render our security as slippery as sand.

In the gospel, Jesus tells us to be sensible and to build our lives and put our trust and security in God who is as solid as a rock.

The 1st reading also tells us to trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord is the everlasting Rock.

Building a house on solid rock will take some hard work, but it is certainly worth the security it offers.