4th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 01-02-2024

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 / Mark 6:7-13    

When it comes to human relationships, it is only natural that we like those who like us, and we talk with those who will talk with us.

It does not make much sense to try to like those who don’t like us, nor would we want to try to keep talking with those who don’t want to talk with us.

So, generally speaking, in our human relationships, there are people that we like and we talk with them.

And then there are people that we don’t like, and we will try to avoid them, and it is quite unlikely that we will ever talk with them.

When Jesus sent out His disciples to proclaim the Good News, He told them to take almost nothing for the mission.

And it also may mean that they will have to go to places and to peoples that they may not really like and they would rather avoid if possible.

But in the spirit of the mission, they would still go to these peoples and proclaim the Good News to them.

But Jesus also told His disciples this: If any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.

As for us, if people don’t welcome us because we are Christians, and also refuse to talk with us, then we have to move on with our lives.

May we not let the hostile attitudes of others create a resentment and hostility towards them.

Rather let us walk away with charity. Let that be a sign for them.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 31-01-2024

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 / Mark 6:1-6  

It is a human desire to want to prove ourselves. 

And even if we know that we are good at something, we want to hear praise and affirmation.

At the root of it all, it is simply a pride and ego trip.

But pride and ego can also lead to other complicated issues.

In the 1st reading, king David wanted to do a census of the people, so as to know the size of the population.

It may seem that it is just for statistics. But at that time, Israel was the most powerful and wealthy nation in the region.

Though it was not a big nation, yet it grew because of the blessings from the Lord.

In wanting to do a census, king David gave way to his pride and ego, and he wanted to have numbers so as to flaunt it to the other nations.

But later king David realized that he had played into his pride and ego and repented, and submitted to the Lord.

In the gospel, when Jesus returned to His hometown, He met with rejection, but He didn’t try to prove Himself or showed them what He can do.

Rather He just left them with their own opinions and went on His way.

There is also no need to compare ourselves with others in terms of abilities or achievements.

May we know what God’s will is for us and let us set about fulfilling His will for us.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 30-01-2024

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30 - 19:3 / Mark 5:21-43    

The history of humanity is filled with arguments, disagreements and hostility between persons and nations.

The result is often tragic, when people resort to violence and bloodshed, with the inevitable loss of lives, especially innocent lives.

In the 1st reading, it may be said that Absalom got what he deserved, since he rebelled against his father David, and hence his punishment is death.

David would have been relieved to know that Absalom was not a threat anymore.

But instead, David wept and mourned for Absalom. 

Indeed, no one is expendable and every loss of life due to violence and bloodshed is a violation to civilized humanity.

In the gospel, the healing and saving ministry of Jesus highlights the dignity of human life.

Let us remember that we are created in the image of God.

Let us also remember our dignity as God’s children and live our lives in holiness and to work for peace and reconciliation.

4th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 28-01-2024

2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 / Mark 5:1-20  

Our life experiences are made up of many encounters with people.

These encounters can be anything from happy to sad, from fond memories to those we rather not remember or talk about.

But all these encounters shape our lives to who we are now, and we learn more about life from these experiences.

In the 1st reading, when king David and his men were fleeing from Absalom, a man by the name of Shimei came to confront them.

Shimei called David a “man of blood” and this was his retribution.

David could have silenced him once and for all, but he took it as part of his humiliation and he place his hope in the Lord for mercy and deliverance.

In the gospel, it was a possessed man who came out to meet Him, and the evil spirits in the man were shouting at Jesus not to punish them.

The evil spirits even begged Jesus not to send them out of the district but into the pigs, and He allowed them to do so.

In these two encounters from the readings, there are at least two things that we can learn.

Like David, when faced with hostility, let us not fight fire with fire, but let us turn to the Lord for help and protection.

And like the man who was possessed but healed by Jesus, let us be thankful for the many times God has forgiven our sins and spared us the punishment due to our sin.

Most importantly, when we see the Lord’s presence in all our encounters and experiences, then our lives will be meaningful as the Lord will be in every moment of our lives.

4th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 28.01.2024

 Deut 18:15-20 / 1 Cor 7:32-35 / Mark 1:21-28  

The world that we live in has many sights and sounds for us to interact with. 

From what we see with our eyes, we will be able to make an assessment. 

So, when we see beauty and goodness, we will give thanks to God for His marvellous works.

But when we see wrongdoing and wickedness, we would want to see how to stop it, and pray for God's help. 

And from what we hear with our ears, we are also able to make an assessment. 

When we hear what is good and inspiring, we will give thanks to God for His blessings. 

But when we hear what is sad and bad, or irritating and disturbing, we too will have to do something. 

In the gospel, Jesus was in the synagogue teaching. And His teaching made a deep impression on the people because He taught with authority. 

Then, all of a sudden, there was some shouting, and it was irritating and disturbing. 

It came from a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit, and it shouted: What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God. 

But Jesus said sharply, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” And with that, the unclean Spirit was cast out. 

The people's assessment of what happened was this: He gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey Him. 

The gospel passage highlights some important aspects of the spiritual world that we need to take note of. 

One of which is the power of God's Word. Whenever the Word of God is proclaimed, goodness is bestowed and evil is exposed. 

Hence, conversion and repentance can only happen when the Word of God is proclaimed and obeyed. 

To obey is to listen, and to listen with faith, so that the power and the goodness of God can be manifested. 

There is a story of a poor woman who had a firm belief in God's providence through the charity of others. 

On one occasion, her family didn't get any food for a few days. 

She prayed and then wrote this notice on her front door: O God, please listen to my prayer and send us some food. 

A rich atheist man passed by in his car and saw the notice, and he thought of doing something to shake her faith in God. 

He instructed his driver to buy a lot of food and provisions, and have it delivered to that poor woman's house with this message: 

This is not sent by your God, but is sent by the devil. 

The driver did as he was told. He bought a lot of food and provisions, and went to that poor woman's house. 

When the poor woman opened the door and saw the driver and all that food, she went down on her knees and praised and thanked God. 

But the driver quickly said, “Wait, wait. This food is not sent by your God, but sent by the devil. 

But the poor woman laughed and said, “God is so great. He provided all this food and He made the devil pay for it, and even sent it over. Thanks be to God! 

Well, blessed are those who trust in God, He will provide for them. 

And blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it, they will see the goodness and the marvels of God. 

In the gospel, when Jesus gave the order, that evil spirit had to obey. 

As for us, as we listen to the Word of God, let us also obey, and put God's word into action. 

Let the Word of God also be read in our homes, in our meetings, and in every possible situation and occasion. 

The Word of God brings about healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, peace and love.

 When we listen to the Word of God and obey it, we will see the power and the marvels of God. 

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 27-01-2024

2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 / Mark 4:35-41  

A personal pronoun is a short word that is used as a simple substitute for the proper name of a person. 

Examples of personal pronouns are I, you, me, he, she, we, they, them, 

When personal pronouns are used in a conversation, it can evoke many emotions and sentiments.

Some may be affirmative, others may be accusative, but one thing for certain, it is personal.

In the 1st reading, the prophet Nathan was sent by God to David, and Nathan told David a story about a poor man and an ewe lamb.

The purpose was to see what judgement David would make.

And when David had done so, the prophet Nathan made the pronouncement: You are the man.

David immediately realized his guilt and admitted to his sin.

In the gospel, when the boat was caught in the storm, the disciples woke up the sleeping Jesus and “accused” Him: Master, do you not care? We are going down!

So, whenever we use personal pronouns, let us know what is the purpose and intention.

Let us not use personal pronouns to accuse, insult and to hurt.

Rather, let us use personal pronouns to affirm, to encourage, and to express love.

Let us use the personal pronoun for God when we worship Him, and let us use the personal pronoun for ourselves for contrition and petition.

Sts. Timothy and Titus, Friday, 26-01-2024

2 Timothy 1 : 1-8 / Luke 10 : 1-9

One of the ways to motivate people to take on higher responsibilities is to recognize the contributions they are already making and the potential they have.

They need to be affirmed of whatever gifts that God has bestowed upon them so that what they have and what they are doing with it can be reinforced.

When St. Paul chose Timothy and Titus to be bishops of their respective churches, he was not looking merely at their gifts or abilities.

In fact, Timothy and Titus were rather young to be the bishops of the churches.

Rather, St. Paul recognized the potential of the faith that they had.

And especially for Timothy, St. Paul reminded him of the sincere faith which was handed down from his grandmother and his mother.

St. Paul affirmed Timothy that he saw this faith in him, and that was sufficient for him to lead the church that was entrusted to him.

Here, it is good to remember that faith, is not so much taught as it is caught.

The faith that we have is "caught" from others - our parents, our teachers, our friends, etc.

Hence we have a faith to share, a faith that others are waiting to catch, so that they too will come to know God and believe in Him.

It may be simple faith, but when we nourish that faith with prayer and good works, then it will grow and bear fruit for the glory of God and for the good of others.

The Conversion of St. Paul The Apostle, Thursday, 25-01-2024

Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-12 / Mark 16:15-18 

Almost everyone is interested in a conversion story and may even get inspired by a conversion story.

Usually what we hear about are the deep experiences leading to the conversion.

What we seldom hear about is the other side of the conversion story.

We seldom get to hear about the sinfulness or its details before the conversion experience. It is deemed too profane and maybe also scandalous.

But in the conversion story of St. Paul, he recounted, almost unabashedly, what he was doing before that experience on the road to Damascus.

And these are not minor sins, because even Jesus Himself had to tell the then Saul : Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? I am Jesus, and you are persecuting me!

But from then on, St. Paul moved on to become the apostle to the Gentiles.

From the history of the Church, we can also see that similar conversion pattern of the great saints who once were great sinners.

There is St. Peter who denied Jesus, and St. Augustine who even wrote about his past sinfulness in his book "Confessions".

But they experienced mercy and the conversion was deep.

So it is with those whom we might call the "sinners of today".

We need to pray for them that they too will experience the grace of conversion as St. Paul did.

And how can we ourselves not admit our sinfulness and the need for on-going conversion?

But the sinners of today can be the saints of tomorrow.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 24-01-2024

2 Samuel 7:4-17 / Mark 4:1-20   

Life is dynamic and things change and grow with time.

Even things that seem inanimate do change with time.

When a building is completed, it becomes functional immediately.

But with time, there may be a need for repairs or renovations or extensions.

In the 1st reading, David had thought of building a house for the Lord.

But instead, the Lord told him through the prophet Nathan that the Lord Himself will build a house for David.

That house will not be built from mortar and stone but from flesh and blood.

The house that the Lord will build for David and his descendants will be a living house that will bear the name of the Lord.

The Lord God is the Creator of all life and gives life even when it seems that all has come to an end.

Even the seeds in the gospel parable that do not germinate may come to life and bear a harvest by the power of God.

We are much more than buildings and seeds in the eyes of God.

By His power, we will always have life and love even when it seems that desolate and hopeless.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 23-01-2024

2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 / Mark 3:31-35 

There are generally two factors involved when it comes to unity.

People can be united by a common love.

People can also be rallied to be united against a threat.

It basically comes down to this saying: United we stand, divided we fall.

In the 1st reading, David brought the people to be united in rejoicing as he brought the Ark of God to the City of David.

The people are united in rejoicing as well as united in faith.

God was their unifying love and it was God who united them as one people with an identity.

In the gospel, Jesus also emphasized that God is the one who will unite people in mind and heart.

It is in doing the will of God that unites people in the same mission and purpose.

Let us pray that we will know what the will of God is for us.

Then we will be united with God and with one another.

3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 22-01-2024

2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10 / Mark 3:22-30 

There is one thing about life that we need to take note of.

We can never be too safe or feel that we are too secure.

There is always the external danger, as well as the internal danger.

In the 1st reading, the Jebusites who were defending the city, mocked David.

They said that David will get into the city. The blind and the lame will hold him off.

As much as they fortified themselves against an external enemy, they forgot about an internal enemy.

Yes, the greatest enemy is within, and it was their pride and arrogance that led to their defeat and downfall.

So, when a man thinks that he is safe, he must be careful not to fall.

That is also the teaching of Jesus in the gospel.

He says that if a household is divided against itself, that household can never stand.

Pride and arrogance are usually the causes of the downfall of a person, or a community or a country.

Let us be humble and put our trust in God who is our safety and security.

3rd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 21.01.2024

 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 / 1 Cor 7:29-31 / Mark 1:14-20   

Whenever we are asked “What's the time?” we would automatically look at our wrist watch. 

Time has become so important for us that we wear time on our hands. 

Time has become so important for us that we live our lives according to the clock. 

So, every day we wake up according to the time set in the alarm clock, we will have breakfast at a particular time, and we will go to work at a particular time. 

We will have lunch at a particular time, and we will finish work at a particular time. 

We will have dinner at a particular time, and then finally, we will go to bed at a particular time. 

The next day will also have a similar routine with more or less the similar timings. 

These routines and timings are certainly helpful to give us some regularity and stability in our lives. 

And we like regularity and stability because it gives us a sense of security. 

If every day is filled with anxiety and uncertainty, we might end up with panic attacks and stress disorder.

So, we like to live our lives according to our own way and according to our own time. 

But there is also another time that does not go according to the clock. 

That time is called God's time, or the appointed time. 

In the gospel we heard about this appointed time. 

For Jesus, the appointed time came when John the Baptist was arrested. Then, He went to Galilee and proclaimed the Good News from God with this message: 

The time has come and the kingdom of God is closed at hand. Repent and believe in the Good News. 

The appointed time came for Jesus to begin His mission. 

The appointed time also came for Simon and Andrew when Jesus called them to follow Him and to be fishers of men. 

The appointed time also came for James and John as they left their father and their livelihood to follow Jesus. 

So, in God's time, or at the appointed time, people and events will just move into place by the hand of God. 

But how would we know when is the appointed time for us? By what sign would we know that it is God's time? 

Maybe, let us take a break for a riddle. Why shouldn't we share secrets when the clock is around? Answer: Because time will tell. 

But seriously, when our regularity and routine is broken, then time is telling us something about the plans of God. 

In the Old Testament, there was this occasion when Abraham was sitting in his tent at the hottest time of the day, when he saw three men passing by. 

It was not a convenient time to welcome guests, but still Abraham came out of his tent to welcome the three men. 

And for that, the men told Abraham that Sarah, his wife, would conceive and bear the son he was waiting for. 

So, the hottest time of the day became the happiest time for Abraham. 

In the New Testament, the old man Simeon had waited a lifetime to set his eyes on the Saviour. 

Every day he went to the Temple to pray, and just on that day when he came to the Temple, Mary and Joseph brought the Child Jesus to present Him to the Lord. 

Simeon had waited for a long time, but on that day, all his waiting time became his fulfilling time. 

And we will remember the beloved Pope John Paul II. As a Cardinal, he was just back to his native Poland after the election of Pope John Paul I. 

He had hardly unpacked his bags when he was summoned back again to Rome because Pope John Paul I died suddenly after only 33 days as Pope. 

And in the midst of that sudden change of events, he was elected Pope, the first non- Italian Pope after 455 years, the youngest ever Pope at 58 years old, and elected only after 3 days of the conclave. 

And after him, was Pope Benedict XVI, and he resigned from office and the Church was shaken. But God has His plans. 

Then came along Pope Francis who brought a new era of simplicity and poverty for the Church.

Oh, it is he who instituted Word of God Sunday which the Church is celebrating this weekend. 

So, when the time of regularity and routine is interrupted and disrupted, then it is telling us something about God's appointed time. 

God's appointed time comes in the form of an inconvenient and unexpected time. 

But, let us embrace this inconvenient, interrupted and disrupted time as God’s appointed time. 

When we embrace God's appointed time, then time will tell, and it will be a time of rejoicing and gladness.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 20-01-2024

2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 17, 19, 23-27 / Mark 3:20-21   

We are called Christians. There are many words that can be used to describe who we are and what we do as Christians.

For e.g. we are to be loving and forgiving, generous and kind, merciful and compassionate, etc.

One simple expression could be to say that we are "big-hearted" people.

Big-hearted people also express love in a big-hearted way.

We not only love our friends and those who are good to us.

We also must rise above our selfishness that tends to make us hate those who hate us and to ignore those who ignore us.

In the 1st reading we could see how David showed he was such a big-hearted person.

He forgave Saul who had persecuted him for so many years.

Not only did he lamented in grief over the death of Saul, he also remembered Saul's good qualities and he also remembered the goodness and love that Johnathan had for him.

Jesus Himself preached and showed the bigness and greatness of love.

But such bigness and greatness of love is not easily understood and accepted by others because they may have become numbed to the selfishness and evil they see so often around them.

Even the relatives of Jesus thought He was out of His mind.

But what is foolishness and madness for the world is indeed the bigness and the greatness of love.

That bigness and greatness is shown on the cross. It is in the cross we encounter the unfathomable bigness and greatness of God's love.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 19-01-2024

1 Samuel 24:3-21 / Mark 3:13-19     

The meaning of the saying “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” almost needs no explanation.

That saying also exposes the dark human tendency to retaliate and to take revenge.

And when a person is blinded by revenge, there is no thought of consequences.

But it is also said that when a person wants to take revenge, then he must dig two graves – one for the other and another for himself.

In short, more harm is done and more lives will be lost when revenge goes on a rampage.

In the 1st reading, David had the chance to kill Saul who was hunting him down to kill him.

But David had his mind on the Lord and he knows that he must not raise his hand on the Lord’s anointed.

As he said to Saul: May the Lord be the judge and decide between me and you. May He take up my cause and defend it and give judgement for me, freeing me from your power.

Let us remember what David said, and let us put our trust in God who is the judge, and who will free us from the power of evil.

And like the apostles in the gospel, let us go forth and bear witness to the power of God’s love over evil.

Revenge and retaliation can never overcome evil; in fact more evil will arise.

Only love can overcome evil. May we be empowered with love and see that victory over evil.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 18-01-2024

1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7 / Mark 3:7-12  

Emotions are neither right or wrong, because emotions are not moral issues in themselves.

But emotions can lead to moral consequences, especially when those emotions are not properly addressed.

In the 1st reading, when king Saul heard the people praising David, the emotions of jealousy and anger arose in him.

But because he was a king, no one dared to tell him that, until those emotions led to his intention to kill David.

Then it was Saul’s son Jonathan who spoke to his father about his emotions and intentions, and then Saul was able to calm down and control himself.

In the gospel, the general emotions of the sick and those who are possessed could be anything from sadness to hopelessness.

Jesus came to preach the Good News and expressed it in His healing ministry.

So, whenever we are feeling anything from sadness to hopelessness, let us also believe that Jesus will come to save us from our struggles and troubles.

Let not our emotions overwhelm us, but let the saving love of Jesus lift us up to gladness and rejoicing.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 17-01-2024

1 Samuel 17:332-33, 37, 40-51 / Mark 3:1-6    

Every part of the body has a specific function, and all parts of the body contribute to the unity of the body.

And when we look our hands, we may be aware that much work is done with our hands.

Our hands not only do work, but our hands also give the touch of love, consoling and healing.

And God also uses our hands to do His work of signs and wonders.

In the 1st reading, God used the hands of David to show His power and might.

With a humble sling and a stone in his hand, David brought down the mighty and proud Goliath.

Goliath had cursed and insulted God, but all it took was a stone to silence him forever.

In the gospel, the man with the withered hand would have felt that he was rather useless as he could not work with both hands.

In healing the man’s withered hand, Jesus taught that even on the Sabbath day, which is a day of rest, God continues the work of healing and restoration.

As we give thanks to God for the ability to work with our hands, let us also ask the Lord to bless the work of our hands.

May the work of our hands give glory to God by serving our brothers and sisters.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 16-01-2024

1 Samuel 16:1-13 / Mark 2:23-28    

God’s ways are not man’s ways, and God’s thoughts are not man’s thoughts.

We have heard that many times, but we still find it difficult to understand and comprehend the ways and the thoughts of God.

The God that we believe in is certainly the God of surprises.

And we will continue to be surprised by God’s ways, God’s thoughts and God’s choices.

In the 1st reading, even the great prophet Samuel had a little difficulty in discerning God’s choices.

But Samuel came to understand this fundamental aspect of God:

God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but God looks at the heart.

So, we may be intelligent, talented and gifted, or resourceful and creative.

But do we know what is our heart like and what is in our heart?

God created our hearts and only He knows what is truly in our hearts.

Let us ask the Lord God to teach us so that our hearts will be filled with His thoughts, His ways and His choices.

2nd Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 15-01-2024

1 Samuel 15:16-23 / Mark 2:18-22     

To follow instructions may not be as straightforward as it seems.

More so when we think that we have a better idea, and we think that our way is better.

So we may follow instructions to some extent, and then we begin to modify the instructions.

Such was the case with king Saul in the 1st reading.

He was instructed by God to make war on the Amalekites and to exterminate them. 

He carried out half of the instructions and then altered the other half.

Whatever his intentions and motives, the prophet Samuel pointed out that king Saul had disobeyed God’s orders.

As a king, his disobedience is equal to his rejection of the authority of God.

The lesson to learn is that we have an accountability to God.

God has made known what He wants of us.

Let us be humble and docile in doing the will of God.

When we do what God wants of us, He will reward us with His bountiful blessings.

2nd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 14.01.2024

1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 / 1 Cor 6:13-15, 17-20 / John 1:35-42   

In life, we have many needs. In fact, from the moment we are conceived, we immediately have needs. 

In our mother's womb, we have needs for nourishment, warmth, love and protection. 

From the moment we are born, we cry out in need. We need nourishment, we need to be kept warm, we need to be cared for, we need to be protected. 

Even as we grow and develop in life, our basic needs are always there. 

We need food, clothing and shelter, as well as security and protection. 

As we grow and mature in life, we may not cry out like babies or children for these basic needs. 

Instead, we will work and strive to meet these needs. 

When we are able to meet these needs, it does not mean that we will be contented and satisfied. 

Because, the next level of needs will come along. 

So, we will look at our place in society, and what we want to achieve in life. 

What will come along will be financial security and emotional security. 

We want to have a stable and secure job, we want to be independent, we will think about companionship and marriage to fulfil our emotional needs. 

In short, when our basic needs in life are achieved, what we will look for is meaning and direction in life. 

We want to live life with a purpose, and even to “give back to society”, and to help others in their need. 

In the gospel, the two disciples of John the Baptist were also looking for meaning, direction and purpose in life. 

They saw in John the Baptist, as someone who has found the meaning and the purpose of life. 

But John the Baptist knew that more than just having meaning and purpose, he had a mission in life. 

He knows that there is someone coming after him, someone who is greater than he is, and his mission is to point out that someone. 

So, when Jesus came along, John the Baptist looked hard and intensely at him. 

And then he proclaimed to his disciples: Look, there is the Lamb of God. 

The two disciples knew what he meant, and they went and followed Jesus. 

Jesus turned around, saw them following, and ask them a straightforward question: What do you want? 

The two disciples knew what they wanted, and they were equally straightforward with their response: Rabbi, where do you live? 

That straightforward and frank exchange between Jesus and the two disciples is enough to make us think. 

Just as He asked the two disciples, Jesus is also asking us: What do you want? 

Yes, what do we want in life? Well, there are many things we want in life. 

For students who just got their “O” Level results, they would want to go to the school of their choice. Or, for some students, they may have to think of something else. 

Other than that, we want financial and emotional security, we want to be happy, we want to be healthy. 

Yes, we want all that. But, what is it that we really need? 

We may need to look at John the Baptist who stepped aside and even fade it off when Jesus came into the scene. 

For John the Baptist, his food, clothing and shelter were not much to begin with. He also didn’t have much material securities in life. 

But, he had a purpose in life. He had a mission in life. 

He is the prophet who would point out Jesus the Saviour for others. 

One of his famous quotes is this: He must increase, I must decrease. 

For John the Baptist, he followed the tradition of the prophets before him, by listening and looking at what and where God is pointing to. 

Like the prophet Samuel in the first reading, it is this: Speak Lord, your servant is listening. 

John the Baptist has shown us what we really need in life. And that is to listen, and look at what and where the Lord is pointing us to. 

Then we will know what is our purpose and mission in life. 

Then we will be happy, we will be contented, we will be at peace.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 13-01-2024

1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1 / Mark 2:13-17  

To be the first in anything is indeed a great achievement.

It is not just a rank or a position. It is also foundational and directional.

For example, to be the first president of a country, or the first foreigner to be to acclaimed for an achievement, or the first intake into an elite school, all this say something more than what it means to be just first.

In the 1st reading, we heard how Samuel anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel.

For whatever foundations and directions he set in his kingship, for better or for worse, he will always be remembered as the first king of Israel.

Yet whenever we talk about "first" we tend to think of those in the spot-light, the elite and those who make the headlines.

Yet who were the first followers of Jesus?  They were people like Levi whom He called to follow Him.

As well as those tax collectors and sinners, and the gospel makes it a point to say that there were many of them among His followers.

So most of them were not named in the gospel but they set for us a foundation and a direction.

We don't have to be great achievers in order to follow Jesus; we just have to confess that we are sinners.

After all Jesus did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 12-01-2024

1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 / Mark 2:1-12    

We may wonder why the grass seems to look greener on the other side.

Could it be an optical illusion, or is it a reality?

And if it is a reality, then what is the cost of keeping the grass green?

In the 1st reading, the elders of Israel wanted a king to rule over them, just like the other nations.

Maybe they saw that the other nations had a king and they became wealthy and powerful.

The prophet Samuel made it known to them what it will cost them to have a king to rule over them.

But they would not listen. They would rather have a king to rule over them than to have God to take care of them.

In the gospel, the paralytic would also long to be like the other able-bodied people around him.

His faith, as well as the support of his friends, made him approach Jesus to grant him his desire and longing.

Let us look to Jesus who will fulfill all our needs and longings.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd who will lead us to the green pastures of His love.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 10-01-2024

1 Samuel 4:1-11 / Mark 1:40-45   

There are quite a few one-worded questions, eg. “How?” “Where?” “Who?” “When?” and “Why?”

Of course the context and the content of the one-worded question must be known before an answer or reply can be given.

It is also assumed that one party asks the question and another party gives the answer.

It may not sound that right if one were to ask the question and then reply to it.

This seems to be the case in the 1st reading, when the defeated Israelites asked why did the Lord allowed them to be defeated.

But even before reflecting deeper upon the reason, they immediately decided to take out the Ark of the Covenant and bring it into the battlefield, without even consulting the Lord.

That decision was a terrible and fatal one for the Israelites.

In the gospel, the leper would have been asking why did he have to suffer such a disease.

But when he came before Jesus, it was not to ask why but to plead for a cure.

Today’s reading may teach us at times, asking questions may not give satisfactory answers or directions.

Instead, like the leper, let us come before the Lord in our fragility and humility and we will receive the depths of God’s mercy.

1st Week, Wednesday, 09-01-2024

1 Samuel 3:1-10., 19-20 / Mark 1:29-39   

The general understanding of the word “vocation” is that it is a person's employment or main occupation, or being in a trade or profession.

Or it can mean having a strong sense or feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.

But in the spiritual sense, vocation is understood as a call from God.

It is God who calls, and to whoever God is calling, it is for that person to respond.

So, it can be simply put as this: God initiates, we participate.

In the 1st reading, the Lord called out to the young Samuel, but it was after some discernment from the elder Eli that Samuel was able to respond to God.

God was calling Samuel to be a prophet, and as a prophet Samuel’s first and recurring response would be: Speak Lord, your servant is listening.

In the gospel, Jesus carried out His mission of teaching, healing, curing and deliverance.

But He would go off early in the morning to a lonely place to pray.

For Jesus, He too needs to constantly respond to His Father’s call to be the Saviour.

Like Jesus, we too need to pray, and God will reveal to us what our vocation in life is.

1st Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 09-01-2024

1 Samuel 1:9-20 / Mark 1:21-28   

The name Samuel is a Hebrew name.

It means “God has heard” or “name of God”.

When Hannah gave birth to a son, she gave him that name.

It certainly has that meaning “God has heard”.

Hannah knew that God had heard her prayer of distress at the Temple.

With that prayer, she also made a vow to the Lord that she will give her son to the Lord for the whole of his life.

Indeed, God heard her prayer and granted her a son.

In naming her son “Samuel”, Hannah also gave thanks to God for hearing and answering her prayer.

May we also believe that every prayer uttered is also every prayer heard.

And when we see that our prayer is answered, let us give thanks to God and also tell others that God does listen to our prayers.

Baptism of the Lord, Monday, 08-01-2024

Isaiah 55:1-11 or 1 John 5:1-9 / Mk 1:7-11

The Christmas season is not just about celebrating the birth of Christ. It is also to wait in hope and expectation for the second coming of the Lord Jesus.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. The birth of Christ is then announced to the whole world in the feast of the Epiphany, as symbolized by the wise men who came to adore the King of the Jews.

The mystery of the Incarnation at Christmas comes to its fullness with the Baptism of the Lord, the feast we are celebrating today.

And with the Baptism of the Lord, the mystery of salvation unfolds from the Incarnation to mission.

As we renew our baptism promises in the celebration of this feast, let us also pledge our obedience to God and commit ourselves to the justice of God.

Like Jesus, we too are empowered with the Holy Spirit. Let us go forth doing good and fight against sin and evil.

Epiphany, Year B, 07.01.24

Isaiah 60-1-6 / Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Matthew 2:1-12   

Today's feast goes by a name that may need some explanation, if we don't know what it means. 

The word “Epiphany” is Greek in origin, and it means revelation. 

This feast follows closely after the feast of Christmas. 

At Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem was announced to the shepherds by an angel. 

The shepherds were told where to find the newborn infant King of the Jews. They were told that He would be wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger. 

And when they went to Bethlehem, it was exactly as what they had been told. 

At the feast of the Epiphany, the birth of Jesus Christ was revealed to the world. 

And the wise men came from the East to pay homage to the newborn King. 

But for the wise men, it was not that clear, and there was no angel to give them specific instructions. 

Although the star revealed to them the birth of the infant King, the star wasn't always there to guide them. 

So, they went to Jerusalem, thinking that the infant King would be born there. 

King Herod came to know of their purpose, and he used them to find out more details. 

But it was then that the wise men came to know about the prophecy, that the infant King was to be born at Bethlehem. 

It was a further revelation for the wise men in their search for the infant King. 

But for king Herod, it was a revelation that led him to think of an evil thing.

The star appeared again and it finally led the wise men to the infant King. 

They paid homage to Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And here, there is another revelation. 

Those three gifts, as much as they are valuable, they are also mystical. 

Gold symbolized royalty, that the infant is a King. 

Frankincense symbolized divinity, that the infant is God became man.

And the myrrh symbolized the humanity of the infant King. 

And the revelation goes further, as the wise men were warned in a dream not go back to king Herod, and they returned to their own country by a different way. 

So, the feast of the Epiphany is filled with revelations and meanings. 

The birth of Jesus Christ was revealed to the world, and the wise men came to pay homage. 

It shows that people who do not know of the prophecies in the Scriptures, will also come to know of the Saviour of the world. 

And the three gifts also revealed the true identity of Jesus Christ, that He is the King, and He is Divine as well as human. 

This feast of the Epiphany shows that God reveals Himself through people, as well as through gifts. 

At Christmas, we received gifts from others, and there could be a revelation for us. 

I remembered that some years back, I came to take charge of this Parish about three weeks before Christmas. 

Besides being unfamiliar with the parish and the parishioners, it was also a hectic time in preparation for Christmas. 

Burdened with worry and anxiety, I was stressed up and tired out. 

Then one day, a lady and her young son came to my office. 

They asked if I'm the priest, and then the boy said that they have a Christmas present for Jesus. 

The lady said that her son wanted to give Jesus a present, and so they went shopping and bought the present and came to Sacred Heart Church.

The gift wasn't even wrapped, and without saying much, the lady and her son left, and I never saw them again. 

The gift was a toy, and batteries are not included. 

It was a radio-control car, in the shape of a police car.

As I looked at it and reflected on it, I saw it as a revelation from God. 

God was telling me that He will protect me and the parish and keep us safe. 

That was what the radio controlled toy police car revealed to me. 

God reveals Himself through people and their gifts to us. 

Let us reflect deeper on these people and their gifts, and we will be as wise as the wise men.

6th January 2023, Saturday, Weekday of Christmas Time

1 John 5:5-13 / Mark 1:6-11  

The world sees power as something that is the quick solution to many problems.

Power is used to resolve conflicts, to gain control, to suppress and also to oppress.

Power is might, and in situations where might is right, then power is used without question.

But instead of being a solution, it has actually created many problems.

In the gospel, John the Baptist talks about Jesus who is coming after him, and who is more powerful that he is.

John the Baptist baptizes with water, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the power of God, but it is not that kind of power that the world desires.

It is the power of love that the world cannot quite understand.

That power of love is seen on the Cross where Jesus conquered sin and evil.

Jesus overcame the power of the sin of the world with the power of love on the Cross.

When we have recourse to the power of love as seen on the Cross, then God’s favour will also rest on us.

5th January 2024, Friday, Weekday of Christmas Time

1 John 3:11-21 / John 1:43-51  

Human beings are intelligent beings.

So, as human beings we do something with a reason or with an objective.

It does not make much sense for us to do something without a reason or without a purpose.

But for people who commit evil, they may not need a reason to do evil.

Or, at least, there is no good reason and the objective is not good either.

The 1st reading says that Cain killed his brother Abel simply because his own life was evil, and that his brother lived a good life.

It goes on to say that we should not be surprised that evil people hate us for no reason, other than they are evil and that we want to be good.

On the other hand, we want to be good because we have a reason, a purpose and an objective.

We want to be good and do what is good because God is good and God loves us.

When we believe that God is good and that He loves us, then we too, want to be like God.

We want to be like Jesus, who loved and forgave those who were doing evil against Him, and even crucified Him.

Jesus has shown us that love and goodness will overcome sin and evil.

Let us believe that and we will live meaningful and purposeful lives. 

4th January 2024, Thursday, Weekday of Christmas Time

1 John 3:7-10 / John 1:35-42    

From the moment of our existence, we have a need.

In our mother’s womb, we needed nourishment and care.

When we are born, we needed to be taken care of, as well as needing food and clothing.

Throughout our lives, there is no denying it but we are always in need.

Besides food, clothing and shelter, we have emotional needs as well as spiritual needs.

In the gospel, the two disciples were following John the Baptist as they seek direction and meaning in life.

But when John the Baptist saw Jesus, he pointed his two disciples to Jesus as the Lamb of God who will fulfill their needs.

John the Baptist was clear enough to know what his needs are, and in pointing others to Jesus, he has his needs fulfilled.

May we too, know that we need only Jesus and He will provide for all our other needs.

And may we also point others to Jesus, so that their needs will also be fulfilled.

3 January 2024, Wednesday, Weekday of Christmas Time

1 John 2:29 - 3:6 / John 1:29-34    

It is said that a book is not judged by its cover.

That is quite true because until the contents are read, then the book can be judged accordingly.

But in terms of unity of appearance and substance, then the cover of the book should be worthy of the contents of the book.

Similarly, in our unity of life, our appearance and our character should have a co-relation.

In the gospel, John the Baptist was able to recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God.

John the Baptist had received a revelation that the one on whom the Holy Spirit come down and rest upon is the Chosen One of God.

And it also could be possible that John the Baptist had already noticed that there was something unique about Jesus.

It could be in His appearance, or how He spoke, or what He did.

We are disciples of Jesus, and we follow Jesus as our Master.

Disciples should be like their Master, and hence we should be like Jesus.

May others see Jesus in us, and just as Jesus offered His life for the salvation of the world, may we also offer our lives in service of others.

2nd January 2024, Tuesday, Weekday in Christmas Time

1 John 2:22-28 / John 1:19-28  

One thing that we seldom pay attention to is our footwear.

Because they are the furthest things from our eyes, we tend to neglect them.

Our footwear takes a lot of beating, and yet they protect our feet and even help us to walk with a proper posture.

But when it comes to taking care of them, we put them at a low priority.

And cleaning our shoes would be something that we want to avoid, especially if they are wet and dirty and muddy.

In the time of Jesus, sandals are worn, they were just crude coverings for the feet, and made from various types of materials.

The roads were dusty and dirty and people just can’t wait to take out their sandals when they reach home so that they can wash their feet.

The removing of the sandals and washing of the feet was for the lowest of slaves to do.

So when John the Baptist said that he is not fit to undo the sandal-strap of Jesus, he is saying how unworthy he is.

Even the baptism that he was doing was nothing compared to the baptism that Jesus brings.

John the Baptist used the symbol of sandals to tell others who he is.

However great or small we think we are, let us remember the sandals that John the Baptist was talking about.

From a great man like John the Baptist, let us learn to be humble and simple in life.