1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 / Mark 6:7-13
Where there is a meeting, there will also be a parting. But the pain of parting is nothing compared to the joy of meeting again.
But where meetings can be arranged and anticipated, partings may have the tone of being permanent.
In the 1st reading, as David's life came to a close, he had parting words for his son Solomon.
David urged Solomon to be faithful to the Lord God and to follow His ways and keep His laws and commandments and decrees as written in the Law of Moses.
After which David slept with his ancestors. It can be said that David parted with his people of this world, but he went on to meet with his people of the next world, and it would certainly be a joyful meeting.
In the gospel, Jesus gave His instructions to His disciples before sending them off on the mission to preach repentance.
His disciples may have wondered about taking nothing for the journey and being given only the authority of Jesus.
But they set off to preach repentance and they cast out many devils and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.
And when they met up with Jesus again, they would have amazing testimonies of just how powerful the authority of Jesus is.
Jesus has a mission for each of us. Let us pray that we will know what that mission is, have the faith and courage to set off on that mission and accomplish it.
Then when we come back and meet up with Jesus again, we would be amazed at how much we can accomplish with just His authority alone.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
4th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 31-01-18
2 Sam 24:2, 9-17 / Mark 6:1-6
If we had listened and reflected on the 1st reading, we might have asked this question: what is the problem with doing a census of the population?
That is a logical thing to do so as to know the size of the population and especially the size of the army.
Yet it was David himself who called for the census; it was a form of pride.
Already in his time, Israel was the most powerful nation in the region.
In counting the people, and especially the army, David wanted to show-off his might to other nations.
But he forgot he was counting God's people, and God's people is not about numbers but rather their faith and trust in Him.
In a way, we could also see in the gospel how the people of Jesus' hometown "counted" Jesus and He fell short of their opinions, and hence, they did not accept His wisdom and abilities.
We too, should not just count our blessings but also give thanks and praise the Lord at all times.
With grateful and thankful hearts, we will not be thinking about what we have done for the Lord but rather what the Lord has done for us.
If we had listened and reflected on the 1st reading, we might have asked this question: what is the problem with doing a census of the population?
That is a logical thing to do so as to know the size of the population and especially the size of the army.
Yet it was David himself who called for the census; it was a form of pride.
Already in his time, Israel was the most powerful nation in the region.
In counting the people, and especially the army, David wanted to show-off his might to other nations.
But he forgot he was counting God's people, and God's people is not about numbers but rather their faith and trust in Him.
In a way, we could also see in the gospel how the people of Jesus' hometown "counted" Jesus and He fell short of their opinions, and hence, they did not accept His wisdom and abilities.
We too, should not just count our blessings but also give thanks and praise the Lord at all times.
With grateful and thankful hearts, we will not be thinking about what we have done for the Lord but rather what the Lord has done for us.
Monday, January 29, 2018
4th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 30-01-18
2 Sam 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30 - 19:3 / Mark 5:21-43
Fathers are not often portrayed for their affectionate love.
They may be given the image of a provider, a disciplinarian and the head of the house as well as other masculine attributes.
But just how affectionate can fathers be?
In today's two readings, we saw the affectionate side of fatherhood.
In the 1st reading, even though Absalom rebelled against his father David, yet when he was killed, David wept openly for him.
In the gospel, Jairus put aside his status of being a synagogue official to come to Jesus and plead for his daughter's life.
As we reflect and meditate on the two readings, there are two thoughts that could come to mind.
No matter how much we have rebelled against God and how far we have turned from Him, God still loves us and searches for us so that we can return to Him.
Also God wants to heal us of our physical infirmities and cleanse our hearts of sin so that we can truly live life in Him.
Jesus came to save us and to restore our life in God.
Let us have faith in Him, for it is our faith in Jesus that will save us.
Fathers are not often portrayed for their affectionate love.
They may be given the image of a provider, a disciplinarian and the head of the house as well as other masculine attributes.
But just how affectionate can fathers be?
In today's two readings, we saw the affectionate side of fatherhood.
In the 1st reading, even though Absalom rebelled against his father David, yet when he was killed, David wept openly for him.
In the gospel, Jairus put aside his status of being a synagogue official to come to Jesus and plead for his daughter's life.
As we reflect and meditate on the two readings, there are two thoughts that could come to mind.
No matter how much we have rebelled against God and how far we have turned from Him, God still loves us and searches for us so that we can return to Him.
Also God wants to heal us of our physical infirmities and cleanse our hearts of sin so that we can truly live life in Him.
Jesus came to save us and to restore our life in God.
Let us have faith in Him, for it is our faith in Jesus that will save us.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
4th Week, Ordinary Time, Monday, 29-01-18
2 Sam 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 / Mark 5:1-20
Whenever it is said that no family is perfect, it is generally meant that family members may fight, they may not talk to each other, and there may be many other problems that a family go through.
But each family is unique and each family has its peculiar set of problems such that what works for one family may not work for another. That's simply because each member of a family is also unique and has a unique way of thinking and behaviour.
Today's readings present us with two family scenarios that may be familiar to us in one way or another.
In the 1st reading, we hear of David having to flee from his own son Absalom who was out to seize the throne from David and even kill him in the process.
But the humility and faith of David is truly edifying as he surrenders himself to the Lord even when Shimei, an insignificant person, insulted and cursed David.
In the gospel, we hear of a man possessed by a legion of unclean spirits ran up and fell at the feet of Jesus.
His family was not with him then, but it can be supposed that they had tried to secure him with fetters and chains but in vain.
But when Jesus expelled the unclean spirits from him, he wanted to follow Jesus but Jesus would not let him and said to him, "Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you."
What we can learn from the two readings of today is that as much as there are family problems, we have to be humble and surrender them to the Lord and commend our families to Him.
Also, to have a home to go back to where family members are still together regardless of differences is indeed a blessing.
Let us pray to the Lord to pour forth His blessings on all families so that they can be witnesses of what the Lord in His mercy has done for them.
Whenever it is said that no family is perfect, it is generally meant that family members may fight, they may not talk to each other, and there may be many other problems that a family go through.
But each family is unique and each family has its peculiar set of problems such that what works for one family may not work for another. That's simply because each member of a family is also unique and has a unique way of thinking and behaviour.
Today's readings present us with two family scenarios that may be familiar to us in one way or another.
In the 1st reading, we hear of David having to flee from his own son Absalom who was out to seize the throne from David and even kill him in the process.
But the humility and faith of David is truly edifying as he surrenders himself to the Lord even when Shimei, an insignificant person, insulted and cursed David.
In the gospel, we hear of a man possessed by a legion of unclean spirits ran up and fell at the feet of Jesus.
His family was not with him then, but it can be supposed that they had tried to secure him with fetters and chains but in vain.
But when Jesus expelled the unclean spirits from him, he wanted to follow Jesus but Jesus would not let him and said to him, "Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you."
What we can learn from the two readings of today is that as much as there are family problems, we have to be humble and surrender them to the Lord and commend our families to Him.
Also, to have a home to go back to where family members are still together regardless of differences is indeed a blessing.
Let us pray to the Lord to pour forth His blessings on all families so that they can be witnesses of what the Lord in His mercy has done for them.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
4th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 28.01.2018
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 / 1 Cor 7:32-35 / Mark 1:21-28
One week has passed and we are back again here in church for Mass.
One week is not that long a time. But let’s ask ourselves this: What was it at Mass last week that made an impression on me? Was there anything that I remembered at Mass last week?
Although it was just seven days ago, we might not be able to recall anything of significance at last week’s Mass.
Oh yes, we were on our Sunday routine – we came for the same Mass time, we probably sat at the same pew or around there, the same things were being done. Nothing special, nothing impressionable, nothing impressive.
Not that we have a bad memory or suffer from a memory loss. Anyway if we can remember that we didn’t for Mass last Sunday, then we would have gone for Confession already.
Otherwise, we would say that everything went on as per normal at last week’s Mass. There was nothing out of the ordinary and nothing special.
Well on that Sabbath day in the synagogue as we heard in the gospel, the assembly gathered there also thought that it was just another ordinary Sabbath.
Until Jesus came along and He began to teach. And His teaching made a deep impression on them because He taught with authority.
And not only that, when there appeared a man possessed by an unclean spirit and challenged Jesus, Jesus expelled the unclean spirit from that man.
Certainly, for the people gathered at the synagogue, it was a Sabbath to remember. They were astonished and wondered what it all meant. But it also made a deep impression on them.
Now back to us who are gathered here for Mass on this Sunday. Will there be anything spectacular happening? Will there be anything that will make a deep impression on us?
Well, on the surface level, not likely. Unless the choir sings really off-key, or the wardens forget to go around for the collection, or the air-con breaks down. But no one will be shouting or screaming or making a scene.
So on the surface level, all seems normal and under control. But that’s only on the surface level. But there is also the spiritual level to consider.
And here is where we need to be quiet. We need to be silent so as to listen. Anyway “silent” and “listen” are made up of the same letters.
We need to be silent so as to listen to the prayers and to the Word of the Lord. If we were asked what were the Scripture readings of last Sunday, we will probably roll our eyes upwards as if the readings are on the ceiling.
And if we are asked if we remember any of the prayers said at Mass last Sunday, we will probably only remember saying “Amen”. Everything else seem to have gone in one ear and out from the other by the other ear.
Even though we may remember only saying “Amen”, yet that one word is a powerful affirmation. It means “Yes! It shall be!
We say it at the beginning and at the end of the Mass. We say it at end of every prayer. All in all we say “Amen” no less than ten times at Mass.
What we are saying is that what we have listened to and what we have prayed for will be fulfilled. As Jesus said, “This is being fulfilled today, even as you listen.”
So how is it fulfilled even as we listen and say “Amen” that it will happen.
In the Offertory Prayer last week, there is this word “salvation.” And the gospel of last week is about the call of the disciples.
A few days ago last week, a lady, who was a non-Catholic, came with her Catholic friend to see me.
She stays nearby and she ventured into the Church a couple of times during Mass and so she decided to ask her Catholic friend to accompany her to see a priest and so they ended up seeing me.
She made her queries, talked about her challenges and wondered if God wants her to be a Catholic.
As I listened to her, the words of last Sunday’s Mass “salvation” and “call” came to my mind, and then I realized that I was seeing it happening to that lady as she was talking.
Indeed the Lord will fulfill the prayers that we “Amen” to and He will also fulfill the Word that He spoke to us.
God will give us signs and will work wonders for us. We do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord, because the Word of the Lord is spirit and they give us life and light.
So let us be quiet. Let us be silent and listen, so that the Word of the Lord and our prayers at Mass will make an impression on us as we await the signs and wonders that the Lord will work for us.
One week has passed and we are back again here in church for Mass.
One week is not that long a time. But let’s ask ourselves this: What was it at Mass last week that made an impression on me? Was there anything that I remembered at Mass last week?
Although it was just seven days ago, we might not be able to recall anything of significance at last week’s Mass.
Oh yes, we were on our Sunday routine – we came for the same Mass time, we probably sat at the same pew or around there, the same things were being done. Nothing special, nothing impressionable, nothing impressive.
Not that we have a bad memory or suffer from a memory loss. Anyway if we can remember that we didn’t for Mass last Sunday, then we would have gone for Confession already.
Otherwise, we would say that everything went on as per normal at last week’s Mass. There was nothing out of the ordinary and nothing special.
Well on that Sabbath day in the synagogue as we heard in the gospel, the assembly gathered there also thought that it was just another ordinary Sabbath.
Until Jesus came along and He began to teach. And His teaching made a deep impression on them because He taught with authority.
And not only that, when there appeared a man possessed by an unclean spirit and challenged Jesus, Jesus expelled the unclean spirit from that man.
Certainly, for the people gathered at the synagogue, it was a Sabbath to remember. They were astonished and wondered what it all meant. But it also made a deep impression on them.
Now back to us who are gathered here for Mass on this Sunday. Will there be anything spectacular happening? Will there be anything that will make a deep impression on us?
Well, on the surface level, not likely. Unless the choir sings really off-key, or the wardens forget to go around for the collection, or the air-con breaks down. But no one will be shouting or screaming or making a scene.
So on the surface level, all seems normal and under control. But that’s only on the surface level. But there is also the spiritual level to consider.
And here is where we need to be quiet. We need to be silent so as to listen. Anyway “silent” and “listen” are made up of the same letters.
We need to be silent so as to listen to the prayers and to the Word of the Lord. If we were asked what were the Scripture readings of last Sunday, we will probably roll our eyes upwards as if the readings are on the ceiling.
And if we are asked if we remember any of the prayers said at Mass last Sunday, we will probably only remember saying “Amen”. Everything else seem to have gone in one ear and out from the other by the other ear.
Even though we may remember only saying “Amen”, yet that one word is a powerful affirmation. It means “Yes! It shall be!
We say it at the beginning and at the end of the Mass. We say it at end of every prayer. All in all we say “Amen” no less than ten times at Mass.
What we are saying is that what we have listened to and what we have prayed for will be fulfilled. As Jesus said, “This is being fulfilled today, even as you listen.”
So how is it fulfilled even as we listen and say “Amen” that it will happen.
In the Offertory Prayer last week, there is this word “salvation.” And the gospel of last week is about the call of the disciples.
A few days ago last week, a lady, who was a non-Catholic, came with her Catholic friend to see me.
She stays nearby and she ventured into the Church a couple of times during Mass and so she decided to ask her Catholic friend to accompany her to see a priest and so they ended up seeing me.
She made her queries, talked about her challenges and wondered if God wants her to be a Catholic.
As I listened to her, the words of last Sunday’s Mass “salvation” and “call” came to my mind, and then I realized that I was seeing it happening to that lady as she was talking.
Indeed the Lord will fulfill the prayers that we “Amen” to and He will also fulfill the Word that He spoke to us.
God will give us signs and will work wonders for us. We do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord, because the Word of the Lord is spirit and they give us life and light.
So let us be quiet. Let us be silent and listen, so that the Word of the Lord and our prayers at Mass will make an impression on us as we await the signs and wonders that the Lord will work for us.
Friday, January 26, 2018
3rd Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 27-01-18
2 Sam 12:1-7, 10-17 / Mark 4:35-41
Just to think that one day we will have to stand before the Lord and receive a judgment that will seal our eternity can be rather frightening.
So we might think that it is God who will judge us and determine how guilty we are and then send us according to where we should go.
Yet, if God is love, then why would He want to judge us and even condemn us?
In the 1st reading, it was not God who pronounced judgment on David but rather it was David who pronounced judgment on himself.
Nathan, the prophet, narrated the story, but it was David who made the conclusion.
Nathan held the mirror, and David saw the reflection.
Yet, we must also acknowledge that David had the humility to admit that it was his own reflection, that he was that man in the story.
We all have that God-given conscience to admit to our faults and sinfulness.
Yet, with the same breath, we also must admit that we have this ability to deny guilt and responsibility.
We can even rationalize away our guilt and turn black into white.
That can happen, and will happen, when we are not close to God and forget that Jesus is in our hearts.
The disciples in the gospel were frightened in the face of the storm, but that was because they have yet to realize who Jesus is.
We know who Jesus is. We also know that He has made His home in our hearts.
In the face of temptations and sinfulness, let us hear His voice as He tells us: Quiet now! Be calm!
Let us remember that Jesus came, not to judge and condemn us, but to save us.
Just to think that one day we will have to stand before the Lord and receive a judgment that will seal our eternity can be rather frightening.
So we might think that it is God who will judge us and determine how guilty we are and then send us according to where we should go.
Yet, if God is love, then why would He want to judge us and even condemn us?
In the 1st reading, it was not God who pronounced judgment on David but rather it was David who pronounced judgment on himself.
Nathan, the prophet, narrated the story, but it was David who made the conclusion.
Nathan held the mirror, and David saw the reflection.
Yet, we must also acknowledge that David had the humility to admit that it was his own reflection, that he was that man in the story.
We all have that God-given conscience to admit to our faults and sinfulness.
Yet, with the same breath, we also must admit that we have this ability to deny guilt and responsibility.
We can even rationalize away our guilt and turn black into white.
That can happen, and will happen, when we are not close to God and forget that Jesus is in our hearts.
The disciples in the gospel were frightened in the face of the storm, but that was because they have yet to realize who Jesus is.
We know who Jesus is. We also know that He has made His home in our hearts.
In the face of temptations and sinfulness, let us hear His voice as He tells us: Quiet now! Be calm!
Let us remember that Jesus came, not to judge and condemn us, but to save us.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Sts. Timothy and Titus, Friday, 26-01-18
2 Tim 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5 / Luke 10:1-9
In the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 are attributed to St. Paul. Out of those 13 book, there are some which are personal letters to individuals.
In both the alternative 1st readings, we get to read a portion of those personal letters to individuals.
St. Paul was a prolific writer, but in those personal letters, he bared his heart to the one he was writing to.
He called Timothy "dear child of mine" (as in a spiritual son) and encouraged him to keep the faith and to have the courage given by the Spirit in bearing witness to Jesus.
He also called Titus "true child of mine in the faith that we share" and explained that he left Titus behind in Crete because he had work there for him to do.
Timothy and Titus were disciples of St. Paul and his co-workers. St. Paul loved them and was concerned about them and expressed it in his letters.
The fact that these letters survived and was incorporated into the New Testament showed that Timothy and Titus treasured those letters from St. Paul.
Those letters were about the only concrete reminders for them of St. Paul, and what he taught them and the memorable times they had in doing God's work together.
The spoken word can be powerful, yet the written word can have a more lasting effect and also it can be a source of encouragement and support for the addressee.
May we also take time out to write a word of encouragement and support to our friends and loved ones. A short sincere note will certainly go a long way for them.
In the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 are attributed to St. Paul. Out of those 13 book, there are some which are personal letters to individuals.
In both the alternative 1st readings, we get to read a portion of those personal letters to individuals.
St. Paul was a prolific writer, but in those personal letters, he bared his heart to the one he was writing to.
He called Timothy "dear child of mine" (as in a spiritual son) and encouraged him to keep the faith and to have the courage given by the Spirit in bearing witness to Jesus.
He also called Titus "true child of mine in the faith that we share" and explained that he left Titus behind in Crete because he had work there for him to do.
Timothy and Titus were disciples of St. Paul and his co-workers. St. Paul loved them and was concerned about them and expressed it in his letters.
The fact that these letters survived and was incorporated into the New Testament showed that Timothy and Titus treasured those letters from St. Paul.
Those letters were about the only concrete reminders for them of St. Paul, and what he taught them and the memorable times they had in doing God's work together.
The spoken word can be powerful, yet the written word can have a more lasting effect and also it can be a source of encouragement and support for the addressee.
May we also take time out to write a word of encouragement and support to our friends and loved ones. A short sincere note will certainly go a long way for them.
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