My dear brothers and sisters,
The priests of the Archdiocese of Singapore will be having their annual retreat from 1st July, Monday to 5th July, Friday.
I will also be at this retreat and I am really looking forward to it for a time of silence and prayer.
As such, the next homily post will be for 14th Ordinary Sunday, 7th July 2019.
Requesting prayers for myself and my brother priests that we will be renewed and re-focused so that we will continue to faithfully serve the Lord and His holy people.
Thank you. May God bless you!
Fr. Stephen Yim
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019
13th Ordinary Sunday, Year C, 30.06.2019
1 Kings 19:16, 19-21 / Galatians 5:1. 13-18 / Luke 9:51-62
There are some phrases that are quite amusing. Because at first they sound contradictory, then after that they sound rather sensible, but after that we are not sure if they are understandable.
For example, there is this phrase “We agree to disagree”. At first, it seems nonsensical, but after thinking about it, it may seem sensible, but after that we wonder if it is practical.
Such phrases may seem to be like a paraprosdokian, which is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or to reinterpret the first part.
Some examples of a paraprosdokian are:
a. I asked God for a bike but I know that God doesn’t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. (Better not try that ok)
b. The last thing I want to do is to hurt you. But it’s still on the list. (Beware: the list may be very short)
c. Always borrow from a pessimist. He won’t expect you to pay it back.
d. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and then call whatever you hit as the target.
Anyway, back to that “we agree to disagree” phrase, we can further that by saying that “If I agree with you, then we would both be wrong.”
Now in the gospel, Jesus and His disciples went into a Samaritan town, but the people would not receive Him because He was heading for Jerusalem.
Seeing this, His disciples, James and John said: Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?
But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.
The disciples, James and John, could not agree or accept the rejection of the Samaritans, so they thought of resorting to a fiery reaction to teach the Samaritans a lesson.
But the response of Jesus was almost like telling His disciples “let’s agree to disagree”.
But Jesus was also teaching them this lesson: When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
Anyway, fighting fire with fire only results in an inferno.
But how did the fire start? We know that when two hard stones are knocked against each other, the result is that only sparks will fly. That’s when the fire starts.
So when a disagreement between two persons happen, sparks begin to fly and a fire starts.
And then they start fighting fire with fire and dialogue and communication gets burned down and there goes the relationship as well.
And the fire does not go off. It continues to burn in the resentment, anger, bitterness and even hatred.
And all that just because of a disagreement that can burn into frustration and leading on to destruction.
A story goes that a man bought a fish and told his wife to cook the fish while he goes to watch a movie.
The wife wanted to go to the movies too, but the man told her to cook the fish so that when he comes back from the movie, he could eat the fish.
Also, he would watch the movie and tell her the story when he comes back.
So the man went to watch the movie alone. When he came back, he asked his wife for the fish.
The wife said that she had eaten it. She added: Well, you can sit down and tell me how the movie went, and I will tell you how the fish tasted.
We can imagine how the conversation went on from there.
Though it is just a story we can imagine the urge to call down fire to burn up the other party.
So, it is not so simple to say “let’s agree to disagree”. More than that, it calls for acceptance.
We may not agree with the other party, but let us accept the other person’s thinking and feelings about the matter at hand.
Jesus showed that He accepted the Samaritans’ rejection and He even taught His disciples to do so. And that’s what He is teaching us too.
As the 2nd reading teaches us: Serve one another in works of love, since the whole Law is summarized in a single commandment: love your neighbour as yourself.
And it continues: If you go snapping at each other and tearing each other to pieces, you had better watch or you will destroy the whole community.
Yes, a disagreement can lead to destruction. But acceptance can bring about reconciliation.
And when we accept the call of Jesus to follow Him in His way of love, then we will realise how unnecessary and futile disagreement are.
There are some phrases that are quite amusing. Because at first they sound contradictory, then after that they sound rather sensible, but after that we are not sure if they are understandable.
For example, there is this phrase “We agree to disagree”. At first, it seems nonsensical, but after thinking about it, it may seem sensible, but after that we wonder if it is practical.
Such phrases may seem to be like a paraprosdokian, which is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or to reinterpret the first part.
Some examples of a paraprosdokian are:
a. I asked God for a bike but I know that God doesn’t work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. (Better not try that ok)
b. The last thing I want to do is to hurt you. But it’s still on the list. (Beware: the list may be very short)
c. Always borrow from a pessimist. He won’t expect you to pay it back.
d. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and then call whatever you hit as the target.
Anyway, back to that “we agree to disagree” phrase, we can further that by saying that “If I agree with you, then we would both be wrong.”
Now in the gospel, Jesus and His disciples went into a Samaritan town, but the people would not receive Him because He was heading for Jerusalem.
Seeing this, His disciples, James and John said: Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?
But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.
The disciples, James and John, could not agree or accept the rejection of the Samaritans, so they thought of resorting to a fiery reaction to teach the Samaritans a lesson.
But the response of Jesus was almost like telling His disciples “let’s agree to disagree”.
But Jesus was also teaching them this lesson: When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
Anyway, fighting fire with fire only results in an inferno.
But how did the fire start? We know that when two hard stones are knocked against each other, the result is that only sparks will fly. That’s when the fire starts.
So when a disagreement between two persons happen, sparks begin to fly and a fire starts.
And then they start fighting fire with fire and dialogue and communication gets burned down and there goes the relationship as well.
And the fire does not go off. It continues to burn in the resentment, anger, bitterness and even hatred.
And all that just because of a disagreement that can burn into frustration and leading on to destruction.
A story goes that a man bought a fish and told his wife to cook the fish while he goes to watch a movie.
The wife wanted to go to the movies too, but the man told her to cook the fish so that when he comes back from the movie, he could eat the fish.
Also, he would watch the movie and tell her the story when he comes back.
So the man went to watch the movie alone. When he came back, he asked his wife for the fish.
The wife said that she had eaten it. She added: Well, you can sit down and tell me how the movie went, and I will tell you how the fish tasted.
We can imagine how the conversation went on from there.
Though it is just a story we can imagine the urge to call down fire to burn up the other party.
So, it is not so simple to say “let’s agree to disagree”. More than that, it calls for acceptance.
We may not agree with the other party, but let us accept the other person’s thinking and feelings about the matter at hand.
Jesus showed that He accepted the Samaritans’ rejection and He even taught His disciples to do so. And that’s what He is teaching us too.
As the 2nd reading teaches us: Serve one another in works of love, since the whole Law is summarized in a single commandment: love your neighbour as yourself.
And it continues: If you go snapping at each other and tearing each other to pieces, you had better watch or you will destroy the whole community.
Yes, a disagreement can lead to destruction. But acceptance can bring about reconciliation.
And when we accept the call of Jesus to follow Him in His way of love, then we will realise how unnecessary and futile disagreement are.
Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, Saturday, 29-06-19
Acts 12:1-11 / 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18 / Gospel 16:13-19
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, is a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of these two great saints.
The celebration is of ancient origin, and it is celebrated on this date because it either marks the anniversary of their death or of the transfer of their relics.
Yet when we read the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we may wonder why these two saints are put together in the same feastday.
Because in reality they were as different as oil and water. Yet it also not about who is above the other.
Because both men had their flaws, and even their "fights" were recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
But both were chosen and called by Jesus for a mission and a task.
Both responded with all their hearts and even with their lives.
They had their differences but their love for Jesus rose above their human weaknesses like oil above the water.
Their feastday also tells us that although the Church may have its failings and weaknesses, yet there is also the divine calling and the outpouring of graces.
Like Sts. Peter and Paul, let us put aside our differences and open our hearts to God's graces, so that by our love and unity, we will proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, is a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of these two great saints.
The celebration is of ancient origin, and it is celebrated on this date because it either marks the anniversary of their death or of the transfer of their relics.
Yet when we read the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we may wonder why these two saints are put together in the same feastday.
Because in reality they were as different as oil and water. Yet it also not about who is above the other.
Because both men had their flaws, and even their "fights" were recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
But both were chosen and called by Jesus for a mission and a task.
Both responded with all their hearts and even with their lives.
They had their differences but their love for Jesus rose above their human weaknesses like oil above the water.
Their feastday also tells us that although the Church may have its failings and weaknesses, yet there is also the divine calling and the outpouring of graces.
Like Sts. Peter and Paul, let us put aside our differences and open our hearts to God's graces, so that by our love and unity, we will proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, 28-06-19
Ezekiel 34:11-16 / Romans 5:5-11 / Luke 15:3-7
If we ask ourselves what is the greatest gift from God, we will surely come to this answer.
The greatest gift from God is surely His only Son Jesus.
And the greatest gift of Jesus to us is His love for us: "Love one another as I have loved you."
And Jesus showed that He loved us to the end by laying down his life for us.
The Church uses the image of the Sacred heart to symbolize this love.
The heart of Jesus is crowned with thorns but yet burning with love for us.
It is in the Sacred Heart of Jesus that our own hearts will find the love that we are looking for, and it is a love that Jesus wants to give us.
In the Sacred Heart of Jesus we will find the peace and joy that we are longing for.
Yes, our hearts will not rest until they are rested in the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
So the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that Jesus is always loving us and holding us close to His heart.
His heart burns with love for us. May our hearts also burn with love for Jesus and for others.
If we ask ourselves what is the greatest gift from God, we will surely come to this answer.
The greatest gift from God is surely His only Son Jesus.
And the greatest gift of Jesus to us is His love for us: "Love one another as I have loved you."
And Jesus showed that He loved us to the end by laying down his life for us.
The Church uses the image of the Sacred heart to symbolize this love.
The heart of Jesus is crowned with thorns but yet burning with love for us.
It is in the Sacred Heart of Jesus that our own hearts will find the love that we are looking for, and it is a love that Jesus wants to give us.
In the Sacred Heart of Jesus we will find the peace and joy that we are longing for.
Yes, our hearts will not rest until they are rested in the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
So the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that Jesus is always loving us and holding us close to His heart.
His heart burns with love for us. May our hearts also burn with love for Jesus and for others.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
12th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 27-06-19
Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16 / Matthew 7:21-29
Not many of us know how to speak Korean, but not many of us do not know what K-drama is - Korean drama.
Not many of us understand Korean, but many of us like to watch K-drama, and also because there are subtitles, and that helps us to follow what is happening.
As in any drama series, K-drama focuses on essentially the drama of human relationships, and that drama unfolds in a spectrum of emotions, from love and kindness, to deceit and treachery, with that drama taking place in the family, at work, with friends, in society and country.
What we heard in the 1st reading can easily fit into any K-drama series, because it is the drama of life and the drama about life.
Sarai wanted a child, but since she can't conceive, she used her Egyptian slave-girl Hagar to get a child through her.
But when Hagar knew that she has conceived, she snubbed Sarai; Sarai counted for nothing in her eyes.
Obviously Sarai was enraged by this, and so she complained to Abram, and Abram let Sarai do what she liked to Hagar, and she treated her so badly that Hagar ran away.
That is Bible-drama, and it reflects the reality of our human relationships. The drama of our human relationships ranges from healing and happiness, to killing and brokenness.
We want to be happy but we should know by now that money and possessions cannot buy happiness or make us happy.
It is in our loving and caring relationships with others that we find happiness.
But we can only find that happiness when we are at peace with the Lord Jesus. Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with Jesus.
When we are at peace with Jesus, we will be at peace with others, and we will find happiness.
Not many of us know how to speak Korean, but not many of us do not know what K-drama is - Korean drama.
Not many of us understand Korean, but many of us like to watch K-drama, and also because there are subtitles, and that helps us to follow what is happening.
As in any drama series, K-drama focuses on essentially the drama of human relationships, and that drama unfolds in a spectrum of emotions, from love and kindness, to deceit and treachery, with that drama taking place in the family, at work, with friends, in society and country.
What we heard in the 1st reading can easily fit into any K-drama series, because it is the drama of life and the drama about life.
Sarai wanted a child, but since she can't conceive, she used her Egyptian slave-girl Hagar to get a child through her.
But when Hagar knew that she has conceived, she snubbed Sarai; Sarai counted for nothing in her eyes.
Obviously Sarai was enraged by this, and so she complained to Abram, and Abram let Sarai do what she liked to Hagar, and she treated her so badly that Hagar ran away.
That is Bible-drama, and it reflects the reality of our human relationships. The drama of our human relationships ranges from healing and happiness, to killing and brokenness.
We want to be happy but we should know by now that money and possessions cannot buy happiness or make us happy.
It is in our loving and caring relationships with others that we find happiness.
But we can only find that happiness when we are at peace with the Lord Jesus. Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with Jesus.
When we are at peace with Jesus, we will be at peace with others, and we will find happiness.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
12th Week, Ordinary Time, Wednesday, 26-06-19
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 / Matthew 7:15-20
The tendency to doubt God is in all of us.
But doubt can lead us to two different situations.
Either we deepen our faith in God or we despair and lose faith altogether.
In our doubt, we have this tendency to look inwards of ourselves, and the questions asked are centred on ourselves.
Much like the questions that Abram asked: What do you intend to give me? I am childless and You have given me no descendants!
But it is interesting that God took Abram "outside" to look up at heaven and count the stars.
But the "outside" is not so much in a physical aspect but rather from a spiritual perspective.
God led Abram to come out of his introspective and myopic attitude and to see further and believe deeper.
The attitude of individualism leads us to ask questions from within, questions that are centered on the self.
Hence the "I" becomes predominant, with the emphasis on the "right of choice" and the "power of freedom".
Yet these do not provide answers to the questions of life.
May we let God take us "outside" and to look up at the heavens and to count the stars.
It is enough to realise that we are in God's hands and it is in His hands we must remain in faith.
The tendency to doubt God is in all of us.
But doubt can lead us to two different situations.
Either we deepen our faith in God or we despair and lose faith altogether.
In our doubt, we have this tendency to look inwards of ourselves, and the questions asked are centred on ourselves.
Much like the questions that Abram asked: What do you intend to give me? I am childless and You have given me no descendants!
But it is interesting that God took Abram "outside" to look up at heaven and count the stars.
But the "outside" is not so much in a physical aspect but rather from a spiritual perspective.
God led Abram to come out of his introspective and myopic attitude and to see further and believe deeper.
The attitude of individualism leads us to ask questions from within, questions that are centered on the self.
Hence the "I" becomes predominant, with the emphasis on the "right of choice" and the "power of freedom".
Yet these do not provide answers to the questions of life.
May we let God take us "outside" and to look up at the heavens and to count the stars.
It is enough to realise that we are in God's hands and it is in His hands we must remain in faith.
Monday, June 24, 2019
12th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 25-06-19
Genesis 13:2, 5-18 / Matthew 7:26, 12-14
The thickness of the human skin varies from 0.5mm to about 4mm.
But when we say that someone has thick skin, it does not necessarily mean that the person's skin is exceptionally or unusually thick.
Of course it is obvious as to what is meant to call a person thick-skinned.
Another phrase that we use in relation to skin is "beauty is only skin deep".
It means that no matter how impressive or pretty the looks are, it is only as good or as thick as the skin.
Deeper than the skin and going deeper lies the true nature of the person or thing.
In the 1st reading, Abram and Lot had to go separate ways in order to avoid a dispute.
Abram being the uncle and the elder, let Lot choose which part of the land he wished to go to.
Lot was probably selfish and thick-skinned enough to go for the choice lands, but what he was was as good as only skin-deep.
In fact, there was danger in where he chose as he settled near Sodom, and the people of Sodom were vicious men, great sinners against the Lord.
Lot has yet to learn the generosity of Abram, and to treat others as he would like others to treat him.
Let us ask the Lord to soften the hardness and thickness of our hearts so that we will treat others with generosity, and to take that narrow gate and the hard road that leads to life
The thickness of the human skin varies from 0.5mm to about 4mm.
But when we say that someone has thick skin, it does not necessarily mean that the person's skin is exceptionally or unusually thick.
Of course it is obvious as to what is meant to call a person thick-skinned.
Another phrase that we use in relation to skin is "beauty is only skin deep".
It means that no matter how impressive or pretty the looks are, it is only as good or as thick as the skin.
Deeper than the skin and going deeper lies the true nature of the person or thing.
In the 1st reading, Abram and Lot had to go separate ways in order to avoid a dispute.
Abram being the uncle and the elder, let Lot choose which part of the land he wished to go to.
Lot was probably selfish and thick-skinned enough to go for the choice lands, but what he was was as good as only skin-deep.
In fact, there was danger in where he chose as he settled near Sodom, and the people of Sodom were vicious men, great sinners against the Lord.
Lot has yet to learn the generosity of Abram, and to treat others as he would like others to treat him.
Let us ask the Lord to soften the hardness and thickness of our hearts so that we will treat others with generosity, and to take that narrow gate and the hard road that leads to life
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