Deut 30:15-20 / Luke 9:22-25
Shocking words are not what we usually like to hear because they disturb us.
But when the same shocking words are repeated over and over again, we become numb to it. It loses its "kick", so to speak.
So when we hear the words of Jesus in today's gospel, what is our response?
Are we raising our eyebrows and wondering if what He is saying is for real?
Yesterday we began the season of Lent with an emphasis on prayer, penance and almsgiving.
All this are not ends in themselves but are means to help us feel for others, to feel our "within" and more importantly to feel God in our lives.
All this is to help us respond to God's Word.
Like what Moses said to the people in the 1st reading: See, today I set before you life and prosperity, death and disaster.
The words of Jesus may not sound very consoling to us.
But those are the words that point us to the way of life and eventually to eternal life.
The way of life is the way of the cross.
To choose otherwise is to choose ruin and disaster.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Ash Wednesday, 01-03-2017
Joel 2:12-18 / 2 Cor 5:20 - 6:2 / Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Today as the Church begins the season of Lent with fasting and abstinence, the Church also includes in the liturgy a rather unique substance.
This substance makes its appearance only once a year and it is on this particular day, and this particular day of the Church year is even named after it.
Yes, we are talking about ashes, a substance that is quite alien to the usual materials that is associated with the liturgy.
But it is only today that it makes its appearance and it is also used in a particular way that has its origins that dates back to the Old Testament.
Ashes smeared on the head and other parts of the body, or sitting in the midst of ashes was a sign of penance and repentance.
In today's Mass, the ashes will be imposed on the forehead with these words: "Repent and believe in the Gospel". The other formula is: "Remember you are dust and unto dust you shall return".
The ashes that are used in today's Mass were obtained by burning the palm branches that were used in last year's Palm Sunday Mass.
As we look at the ashes, a thought or two may surface in our minds. Ashes makes us realize two realities in the cycle of life.
What has happened to the ashes is irreversible as well as irrevocable. We cannot reverse the process, we cannot change it back to what it was before, it cannot be recovered to its former state.
Yes, what has happened to the ashes is irreversible as well as irrevocable.
Ashes are used in today's liturgy, on the 1st day of Lent, to help us realize, in a very experiential way, that the season of Lent is a call to repentance and conversion.
Ashes are also used to help us realize our mortality and eventual finality. Yes, we will eventually turn to dust, for we are dust and unto dust we shall return.
And as Jesus tells us in today's gospel, for all the material rewards of this world, all will eventually crumble and turn to dust.
We are reminded of this as the ashes are imposed on our foreheads.
But a deeper realization is that there is an eternal reward that only God can give.
When we realize that all will turn to ashes, that all things will pass, that our existence is like a passing wind and fades like a shadow, we must then turn to God and surrender the ashes of our lives in penance and repentance.
And it is in God and only in God that we will rise from ashes, we rise from the good we failed to do. It is in God and only in God that we see our world as ashes but our lives must be true.
May the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting and alms-giving help us to rise from ashes and to a new life that will give glory to God.
Today as the Church begins the season of Lent with fasting and abstinence, the Church also includes in the liturgy a rather unique substance.
This substance makes its appearance only once a year and it is on this particular day, and this particular day of the Church year is even named after it.
Yes, we are talking about ashes, a substance that is quite alien to the usual materials that is associated with the liturgy.
But it is only today that it makes its appearance and it is also used in a particular way that has its origins that dates back to the Old Testament.
Ashes smeared on the head and other parts of the body, or sitting in the midst of ashes was a sign of penance and repentance.
In today's Mass, the ashes will be imposed on the forehead with these words: "Repent and believe in the Gospel". The other formula is: "Remember you are dust and unto dust you shall return".
The ashes that are used in today's Mass were obtained by burning the palm branches that were used in last year's Palm Sunday Mass.
As we look at the ashes, a thought or two may surface in our minds. Ashes makes us realize two realities in the cycle of life.
What has happened to the ashes is irreversible as well as irrevocable. We cannot reverse the process, we cannot change it back to what it was before, it cannot be recovered to its former state.
Yes, what has happened to the ashes is irreversible as well as irrevocable.
Ashes are used in today's liturgy, on the 1st day of Lent, to help us realize, in a very experiential way, that the season of Lent is a call to repentance and conversion.
Ashes are also used to help us realize our mortality and eventual finality. Yes, we will eventually turn to dust, for we are dust and unto dust we shall return.
And as Jesus tells us in today's gospel, for all the material rewards of this world, all will eventually crumble and turn to dust.
We are reminded of this as the ashes are imposed on our foreheads.
But a deeper realization is that there is an eternal reward that only God can give.
When we realize that all will turn to ashes, that all things will pass, that our existence is like a passing wind and fades like a shadow, we must then turn to God and surrender the ashes of our lives in penance and repentance.
And it is in God and only in God that we will rise from ashes, we rise from the good we failed to do. It is in God and only in God that we see our world as ashes but our lives must be true.
May the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting and alms-giving help us to rise from ashes and to a new life that will give glory to God.
Monday, February 27, 2017
8th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 28-02-17
Ecclesiasticus 35:1-12 / Mark 10:28-31
To make sacrifices and to give up what we are entitled to or what is rightfully ours are not words we would like to hear.
Because the human tendency is to be possessive and to hoard more than we need.
And to be rebels at the idea of giving up what is ours and to even make sacrifices for the sake of others.
So in the gospel, we heard Peter asking Jesus: What about us? We have left everything and followed you.
So what was Peter and the rest of the disciples going to get for all they have given up?
Maybe we should ask ourselves: for all that we gave up and sacrificed for the Lord, what did we get? How were we rewarded? (If ever we were rewarded!)
The 1st reading exhorts us to make our sacrifices cheerfully, because just as the Lord God has given us, so we too must be able to give up what is even rightfully ours.
It continues by saying that a virtuous man's sacrifice is acceptable, and its memorial will not be forgotten.
But what we should not forget is that it is God who first made the sacrifice.
He sacrificed His only Son to save us. All our sacrifices amount to nothing compared with that.
We can only offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and be generous to others just as the Lord is generous to us.
To make sacrifices and to give up what we are entitled to or what is rightfully ours are not words we would like to hear.
Because the human tendency is to be possessive and to hoard more than we need.
And to be rebels at the idea of giving up what is ours and to even make sacrifices for the sake of others.
So in the gospel, we heard Peter asking Jesus: What about us? We have left everything and followed you.
So what was Peter and the rest of the disciples going to get for all they have given up?
Maybe we should ask ourselves: for all that we gave up and sacrificed for the Lord, what did we get? How were we rewarded? (If ever we were rewarded!)
The 1st reading exhorts us to make our sacrifices cheerfully, because just as the Lord God has given us, so we too must be able to give up what is even rightfully ours.
It continues by saying that a virtuous man's sacrifice is acceptable, and its memorial will not be forgotten.
But what we should not forget is that it is God who first made the sacrifice.
He sacrificed His only Son to save us. All our sacrifices amount to nothing compared with that.
We can only offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and be generous to others just as the Lord is generous to us.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
8th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 27-02-17
Ecclesiasticus 17:24-29 / Mark 10:17-27
It would be interesting to ask people what they want in life.
Interesting because of the answers that they might give.
The probable answers are: I want health; I want success; I want freedom; I want independence; I want to be rich, etc.
How many would say this: I want to find meaning in life.
Or, I want to be the person that I am created to be.
That can be the question for our reflection. What kind of person do I want to be?
Do I want to be a deceitful person, a greedy person, a nasty person, a selfish person, a wicked person?
Or do I want to be a loving person, a generous person, a compassionate and caring person, a trustworthy and honest person?
Such a question is essentially a question of identity.
Because in answering the question, we begin to ask about who we really are, why we are created, and what is the meaning of our existence.
All those questions point to a turning back to God, which is in essence, a repentance.
As the 1st reading puts it, to those who repent, God permits return, and He even encourages those who are losing hope.
In other words, when we are losing meaning and hope in life, God comes to us with open arms and gives us meaning in life.
As it is, if wealth is lost, nothing is really lost.
If health is lost, then something is lost.
But if meaning in life is lost, then everything is lost.
It would be interesting to ask people what they want in life.
Interesting because of the answers that they might give.
The probable answers are: I want health; I want success; I want freedom; I want independence; I want to be rich, etc.
How many would say this: I want to find meaning in life.
Or, I want to be the person that I am created to be.
That can be the question for our reflection. What kind of person do I want to be?
Do I want to be a deceitful person, a greedy person, a nasty person, a selfish person, a wicked person?
Or do I want to be a loving person, a generous person, a compassionate and caring person, a trustworthy and honest person?
Such a question is essentially a question of identity.
Because in answering the question, we begin to ask about who we really are, why we are created, and what is the meaning of our existence.
All those questions point to a turning back to God, which is in essence, a repentance.
As the 1st reading puts it, to those who repent, God permits return, and He even encourages those who are losing hope.
In other words, when we are losing meaning and hope in life, God comes to us with open arms and gives us meaning in life.
As it is, if wealth is lost, nothing is really lost.
If health is lost, then something is lost.
But if meaning in life is lost, then everything is lost.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
8th Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 26-02-2017
Isaiah 49:14-15 / 1 Cor 4:1-5 / Matthew 6:24-34
If we can recall, about two years ago, the Archdiocese was in quite a financial squeeze.
Because, all of a sudden, there was a number of large-scale renovation and building projects that ran into triple digit million dollars.
Call it bad timing, bad planning or no planning, the flurry of renovation and building activities also set the hearts of the hierarchy and the laity alike in a flurry.
Doubts and anxieties arose because there is a time frame for the completion of those projects and whether the money can be raised in time.
Just to give a rundown of the churches involved and the amount of money that was needed:
• Church of Sts. Peter and Paul - $8m
• Novena Church - $40m
• The Cathedral - $40m
• The Church of Transfiguration - $60m
There were fears about donation fatigue; or an economic recession that would reduce the fundraising momentum; there were thoughts and talks of delaying or postponing some projects.
But all four churches had valid reasons for the work to be done immediately and so in the end, the four renovation and building projects were carried out concurrently.
Indeed, it was a time of high anxiety, and worry, as the funds crept in slowly, but steadily.
That was two years ago. Last June, Sts. Peter and Paul was completed, and it was beautiful. About two weeks ago, the Cathedral was re-dedicated and it was awesome. The Church of the Transfiguration was just completed and the first Mass has been scheduled on Holy Thursday. Novena Church is coming up soon (1 August) and it certainly will be worthy and ready for the Saturday devotions to Our Lady.
A priest of one the four churches was telling his congregation about the funds that were needed for the renovation works. When they heard about the amount, there was a controlled “Wah!!!” reaction. The priest then said, “Oh don’t worry, we already have the money. It’s all in your pockets. You just have to take it out!”
What the priest said is an echo of what Jesus is teaching us in today’s gospel. Jesus tells us not to worry about money, about what to eat, about what to wear, about tomorrow.
Jesus is telling us not to be gripped by worrying about all these because our heavenly Father knows we need them all.
All these will be given to us. But there is something we must give first. We must give God first priority. We cannot serve two masters. It’s either we serve God, or we become slaves to worry and it’s usually worry about money.
But when we set our hearts on God’s kingdom and on His righteousness, then all these other things that we need will be given to us.
But the temptation is to worry about ourselves first, before we think about what God wants of us.
Putting it in construction terms, we want to build our house first, and only when we have whatever leftovers, then that will be for God’s house. But that’s not putting God first.
That’s when we forget what Ps. 127 is telling us: If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labour. If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. In vain is your earlier rising and your going later to rest, while He pours His gifts on His beloved as they slumber.
Yes, we will worry and work in vain if God is not first over everything.
It’s like what we heard the people saying in the 1st reading: “The Lord has abandoned me, the Lord has forgotten me.” And the reply from the Lord is this: “I will never forget you.”
And in many ways, the completion and the dedication of the Cathedral is a testimony of what God has done for the Church in Singapore, as well as our generosity in building the House of God.
But there was an incident that happened during the renovation of the Cathedral that showed God’s hand working together with our hands.
It was the discovery of the 173 year-old time capsule found under one of the Cathedral’s columns. But the discovery wasn’t without some drama. During the renovations, the pediment (the triangular upper part of the front of a classical building) facing Victoria Street collapsed.
That was bad news as the completion will be delayed and more money will be needed. But in the midst of the rubble, the 173 year-old time capsule was discovered, and it revealed artefacts of a time in the history of the church, and also the cornerstone that was laid when the Cathedral was first built.
The news of the discovery of the time capsule and the cornerstone brought about a renewed interest in the renovation of the Cathedral and subsequently a fresh flow of funds for the renovation.
And now the small pieces of the bricks from the collapsed pediment are sold as souvenirs to raise funds for the Archdiocese.
So just when the time capsule and the cornerstone was about to be forgotten and lost in the renovation works, the pediment had to collapse so that they can be revealed.
Certainly the collapse of the pediment doesn’t seem to be like good news initially, but it revealed God’s hand of blessing when the Cathedral was first built, and His hand of blessing on the Cathedral now as well as God’s hand of blessing on the Church in Singapore.
At present another House of God, the Church of the Transfiguration, is still in need of $16 million to pay up for the construction. And the Archdiocese is also in need of $230 million to prepare the Church for the future.
Those are staggering amounts of money. It’s a worry but it also calls for our generosity.
So will we give to God for what He has given to us?
The Lord has not forgotten us and will never forget us. Let us also not forget the Lord and how He has blessed us.
If we can recall, about two years ago, the Archdiocese was in quite a financial squeeze.
Because, all of a sudden, there was a number of large-scale renovation and building projects that ran into triple digit million dollars.
Call it bad timing, bad planning or no planning, the flurry of renovation and building activities also set the hearts of the hierarchy and the laity alike in a flurry.
Doubts and anxieties arose because there is a time frame for the completion of those projects and whether the money can be raised in time.
Just to give a rundown of the churches involved and the amount of money that was needed:
• Church of Sts. Peter and Paul - $8m
• Novena Church - $40m
• The Cathedral - $40m
• The Church of Transfiguration - $60m
There were fears about donation fatigue; or an economic recession that would reduce the fundraising momentum; there were thoughts and talks of delaying or postponing some projects.
But all four churches had valid reasons for the work to be done immediately and so in the end, the four renovation and building projects were carried out concurrently.
Indeed, it was a time of high anxiety, and worry, as the funds crept in slowly, but steadily.
That was two years ago. Last June, Sts. Peter and Paul was completed, and it was beautiful. About two weeks ago, the Cathedral was re-dedicated and it was awesome. The Church of the Transfiguration was just completed and the first Mass has been scheduled on Holy Thursday. Novena Church is coming up soon (1 August) and it certainly will be worthy and ready for the Saturday devotions to Our Lady.
A priest of one the four churches was telling his congregation about the funds that were needed for the renovation works. When they heard about the amount, there was a controlled “Wah!!!” reaction. The priest then said, “Oh don’t worry, we already have the money. It’s all in your pockets. You just have to take it out!”
What the priest said is an echo of what Jesus is teaching us in today’s gospel. Jesus tells us not to worry about money, about what to eat, about what to wear, about tomorrow.
Jesus is telling us not to be gripped by worrying about all these because our heavenly Father knows we need them all.
All these will be given to us. But there is something we must give first. We must give God first priority. We cannot serve two masters. It’s either we serve God, or we become slaves to worry and it’s usually worry about money.
But when we set our hearts on God’s kingdom and on His righteousness, then all these other things that we need will be given to us.
But the temptation is to worry about ourselves first, before we think about what God wants of us.
Putting it in construction terms, we want to build our house first, and only when we have whatever leftovers, then that will be for God’s house. But that’s not putting God first.
That’s when we forget what Ps. 127 is telling us: If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labour. If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. In vain is your earlier rising and your going later to rest, while He pours His gifts on His beloved as they slumber.
Yes, we will worry and work in vain if God is not first over everything.
It’s like what we heard the people saying in the 1st reading: “The Lord has abandoned me, the Lord has forgotten me.” And the reply from the Lord is this: “I will never forget you.”
And in many ways, the completion and the dedication of the Cathedral is a testimony of what God has done for the Church in Singapore, as well as our generosity in building the House of God.
But there was an incident that happened during the renovation of the Cathedral that showed God’s hand working together with our hands.
It was the discovery of the 173 year-old time capsule found under one of the Cathedral’s columns. But the discovery wasn’t without some drama. During the renovations, the pediment (the triangular upper part of the front of a classical building) facing Victoria Street collapsed.
That was bad news as the completion will be delayed and more money will be needed. But in the midst of the rubble, the 173 year-old time capsule was discovered, and it revealed artefacts of a time in the history of the church, and also the cornerstone that was laid when the Cathedral was first built.
The news of the discovery of the time capsule and the cornerstone brought about a renewed interest in the renovation of the Cathedral and subsequently a fresh flow of funds for the renovation.
And now the small pieces of the bricks from the collapsed pediment are sold as souvenirs to raise funds for the Archdiocese.
So just when the time capsule and the cornerstone was about to be forgotten and lost in the renovation works, the pediment had to collapse so that they can be revealed.
Certainly the collapse of the pediment doesn’t seem to be like good news initially, but it revealed God’s hand of blessing when the Cathedral was first built, and His hand of blessing on the Cathedral now as well as God’s hand of blessing on the Church in Singapore.
At present another House of God, the Church of the Transfiguration, is still in need of $16 million to pay up for the construction. And the Archdiocese is also in need of $230 million to prepare the Church for the future.
Those are staggering amounts of money. It’s a worry but it also calls for our generosity.
So will we give to God for what He has given to us?
The Lord has not forgotten us and will never forget us. Let us also not forget the Lord and how He has blessed us.
Friday, February 24, 2017
7th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 25-02-17
Ecclesiasticus 17:1-15 / Mark 10:13-16
From what science is telling us, we know how vast the universe is and how much mystery there is in it.
There are things like black holes and many other galaxies.
In our galaxy alone, there are billions of stars, each separated by millions of light years.
In the face of such vastness and coupled with so much mystery, we may feel that we on earth are quite insignificant.
Because there is so much more around us.
But is this "more" just measured by size and vastness?
The 1st reading brings us back to the reflection of how much "more" we are.
This "more" is much more significant than that of the whole universe.
Because God our creator clothed us with strength like His and made us in His image.
He filled us with understanding and knowledge.
He put His own light into our hearts to show us the magnificence of His works.
Hence, we may already be exploring outer space, yet we need to reflect and understand and appreciate our inner space.
And it is only with the heart and the simplicity of a child that we can praise and glorify God, our Father and Creator.
From what science is telling us, we know how vast the universe is and how much mystery there is in it.
There are things like black holes and many other galaxies.
In our galaxy alone, there are billions of stars, each separated by millions of light years.
In the face of such vastness and coupled with so much mystery, we may feel that we on earth are quite insignificant.
Because there is so much more around us.
But is this "more" just measured by size and vastness?
The 1st reading brings us back to the reflection of how much "more" we are.
This "more" is much more significant than that of the whole universe.
Because God our creator clothed us with strength like His and made us in His image.
He filled us with understanding and knowledge.
He put His own light into our hearts to show us the magnificence of His works.
Hence, we may already be exploring outer space, yet we need to reflect and understand and appreciate our inner space.
And it is only with the heart and the simplicity of a child that we can praise and glorify God, our Father and Creator.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
7th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 24-02-17
Ecclesiasticus 6:5-17 / Mark 10:1-12
No man is an island and it is not good for man to be alone. Even if we want some time to be alone by ourselves, we won't stay away from others for too long a time
No doubt we come into contact with others whom we generally call friends.
But have we ever made an assessment of our friends? Do we know who are the fair-weather friends and who are the faithful friends?
The 1st reading tell us this: If you want to make a friend, take him on trial, and be in no hurry to trust him.
And then it goes on to describe the several types of fair-weather friends that we need to be wary of.
But towards the end of the passage there, there is a turn and a twist. It says that those who fear the Lord will find a faithful friend. Whoever fears the Lord makes true friends, for as a man is, so is his friend.
In other words, as much as we look for a faithful friend, the question comes back to us in that are we also a faithful friend to others?
More so in a marital relationship, the spouse must be the best friend and the most faithful friend.
So if we find ourselves always complaining about our friends and our spouse, then it is time to ask ourselves what kind of friend are we and what kind of spouse are we.
And whoever fears the Lord will be a true friend and a faithful spouse.
No man is an island and it is not good for man to be alone. Even if we want some time to be alone by ourselves, we won't stay away from others for too long a time
No doubt we come into contact with others whom we generally call friends.
But have we ever made an assessment of our friends? Do we know who are the fair-weather friends and who are the faithful friends?
The 1st reading tell us this: If you want to make a friend, take him on trial, and be in no hurry to trust him.
And then it goes on to describe the several types of fair-weather friends that we need to be wary of.
But towards the end of the passage there, there is a turn and a twist. It says that those who fear the Lord will find a faithful friend. Whoever fears the Lord makes true friends, for as a man is, so is his friend.
In other words, as much as we look for a faithful friend, the question comes back to us in that are we also a faithful friend to others?
More so in a marital relationship, the spouse must be the best friend and the most faithful friend.
So if we find ourselves always complaining about our friends and our spouse, then it is time to ask ourselves what kind of friend are we and what kind of spouse are we.
And whoever fears the Lord will be a true friend and a faithful spouse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)