Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 / Matthew 8:28-34
How we respond to people depends very much on how much we know them or how much we understand them.
Whenever we come across an angry person or a hostile person, we would surely want to avoid having any contact with them.
In other words, anger and hostility are frightening behaviour and we will avoid people with such behaviour as if they have a contagious disease.
But if we know these people personally, then we may have a different response and a different point of view.
The two demoniacs in the gospel were not born demoniacs.
For whatever reason, evil entered into them and made them demoniacs.
Even the gospel described them as "creatures so fierce" that it seemed that they had lost their humanity.
But that was what Jesus saw - their humanity. He understood what they were essentially.
Jesus healed them and restored their humanity. He restored their pride and dignity.
Jesus came to save our humanity and to restore our pride and dignity.
He came to free us from the bondage of sin and evil, a bondage that is expressed in anger, hostility and selfishness.
He saw through our crust of sin and touched our humanity and restored our dignity with His love.
What Jesus has done for us, let us in turn do the same for others.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
13th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 30-06-2020
Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12 / Matthew 8:23-27
To be able to sleep soundly is really a blessing.
It may be because we are really tired out and the mind and the body just need to rest.
But to be able to sleep soundly can be rather difficult if we have many anxieties and worries on our minds.
These may even develop into fears that will disturb our sleep and our minds and bodies cannot get that much needed rest.
In the gospel, it is quite amazing to think that Jesus can even sleep in the boat when it was in the middle of a storm and the waves were even breaking right over the storm.
Even His disciples were terrified and had to wake Him up to save them.
But let us think about Jesus sleeping in the midst of the storm.
Yes, we are frightened by the anxieties and worries of life and the little faith that we have is shaken.
But let us cry out to the Lord to save us.
Jesus did not promise us that there will be no storms in life.
But He will be with us in those storms and He will save us and calm our hearts so that we can rest peacefully and continue to have faith in Him.
To be able to sleep soundly is really a blessing.
It may be because we are really tired out and the mind and the body just need to rest.
But to be able to sleep soundly can be rather difficult if we have many anxieties and worries on our minds.
These may even develop into fears that will disturb our sleep and our minds and bodies cannot get that much needed rest.
In the gospel, it is quite amazing to think that Jesus can even sleep in the boat when it was in the middle of a storm and the waves were even breaking right over the storm.
Even His disciples were terrified and had to wake Him up to save them.
But let us think about Jesus sleeping in the midst of the storm.
Yes, we are frightened by the anxieties and worries of life and the little faith that we have is shaken.
But let us cry out to the Lord to save us.
Jesus did not promise us that there will be no storms in life.
But He will be with us in those storms and He will save us and calm our hearts so that we can rest peacefully and continue to have faith in Him.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, Monday 29-06-2020
Acts 12:1-11 / 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 / Matthew 16:13-19
St. Peter and St. Paul are two great apostles who strengthened the faith of the early Church and kept it in unity.
But these two saints were as different as night and day and they even had their differences recorded in Galatians 2: 14.
Although it was St. Peter who affirmed the identity of Christ, his character and actions did not quite reflect the meaning of his name, which means "rock".
Peter was rash and impulsive and we can certainly remember his triple denial of Jesus.
St. Paul was a brutal opponent of Christians before his conversion and he had a fiery character.
But it was strange that Jesus chose these two men who were far from perfect or even suitable to be the leaders of His Church.
Yet, that showed who was the spiritual and guiding force behind the Church.
But in spite of their differences and shortcomings, Sts. Peter and Paul were united in a common goal and mission.
Both died as martyrs, an act which showed that the purpose of their lives were not for their own glory but for the glory of God.
This feast of Sts. Peter and Paul shows us that despite the differences and failures in personalities and characters, the Church can be united for a common goal and mission.
The lives of Sts. Peter and Paul show us that God can choose the weak and imperfect persons to be the leaders of His Church.
Because it is through these imperfect human instruments that God shows the Church and the world that what is impossible for man is not impossible for God.
St. Peter and St. Paul are two great apostles who strengthened the faith of the early Church and kept it in unity.
But these two saints were as different as night and day and they even had their differences recorded in Galatians 2: 14.
Although it was St. Peter who affirmed the identity of Christ, his character and actions did not quite reflect the meaning of his name, which means "rock".
Peter was rash and impulsive and we can certainly remember his triple denial of Jesus.
St. Paul was a brutal opponent of Christians before his conversion and he had a fiery character.
But it was strange that Jesus chose these two men who were far from perfect or even suitable to be the leaders of His Church.
Yet, that showed who was the spiritual and guiding force behind the Church.
But in spite of their differences and shortcomings, Sts. Peter and Paul were united in a common goal and mission.
Both died as martyrs, an act which showed that the purpose of their lives were not for their own glory but for the glory of God.
This feast of Sts. Peter and Paul shows us that despite the differences and failures in personalities and characters, the Church can be united for a common goal and mission.
The lives of Sts. Peter and Paul show us that God can choose the weak and imperfect persons to be the leaders of His Church.
Because it is through these imperfect human instruments that God shows the Church and the world that what is impossible for man is not impossible for God.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
13th Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 28.06.2020
2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16 / Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 / Matthew 10:37-42
That is a story titled “Whose job is it?”, but it is known by its more popular title “The story of Everyone, Someone, Anyone and No-one”.
This is how the story goes: There was an important job to be done and Everyone was sure that Someone would do it. Anyone could have done it, but No-one did it.
Someone got angry about that, because it was Everyone’s job. Everyone thought that Anyone could do it, but No-one realized that Everyone wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everyone blamed Someone when No-one did what Anyone could have done.
The story may be candid but the message is clear, and that is, no one wanted to take responsibility so nothing was accomplished.
Although it is just a story, the reality of the problem exists in organizations, companies, teams and in society.
And we also know that at one point in time, we have been that “Everyone”, “Someone”, “Anyone” and “No-one”.
In the gospel, there is a word that Jesus mentioned a number of times, 9 times to be exact.
In a short gospel passage, the word “anyone” appears nine times and hence there is an emphasis on it.
What Jesus said about what anyone can do ranged from anything that is difficult to that which is rather ordinary.
But it also means that anyone could do it. It is not something that is impossible or out of this world.
But like in that story, someone thought that anyone could do it, but no one realize that everyone wouldn’t do it.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be responsible and accountable. We are called to be that “anyone” and to do what is right and just.
To be that “anyone” may mean ending up with a messy thankless task that everyone will take for granted with no one coming to help and even with someone giving comments and criticisms.
Let us be that “anyone” for the glory of God and for the good of others.
Jesus knows what we are doing for Him and He will reward us.
12th Week, Ordinary Time, Saturday, 27-06-2020
Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 / Matthew 8:5-17
It is quite obvious that wherever Jesus went, people will come and approach Him with their requests.
Today's gospel gives us a glimpse of a typical day of Jesus.
But we can be sure that whatever Jesus did for the people, whether He healed them, or whether He taught them, energy was required and He would get tired.
So when He went to Peter's mother-in-law's house, probably it was to take a break. He needed to rest for a while.
But when He saw Peter's mother-in-law in bed with a fever, He immediately attended to her need.
So whether in public or in private, whether it was in the presence of a centurion, or before a demanding crowd or attending to a poor feeble woman, Jesus poured out all His love and power.
Jesus was not certainly the type who would be at their best in public, but are at their worst in private.
Hence for us, there must also be a unity in our actions and our attitudes.
What we are in public should be a reflection of who we are in private and vice versa.
In other words, what we are on the outside should be a reflection of what we are inside.
So whether it is outside or inside, let us know that we are to reflect God's love and care always.
It is quite obvious that wherever Jesus went, people will come and approach Him with their requests.
Today's gospel gives us a glimpse of a typical day of Jesus.
But we can be sure that whatever Jesus did for the people, whether He healed them, or whether He taught them, energy was required and He would get tired.
So when He went to Peter's mother-in-law's house, probably it was to take a break. He needed to rest for a while.
But when He saw Peter's mother-in-law in bed with a fever, He immediately attended to her need.
So whether in public or in private, whether it was in the presence of a centurion, or before a demanding crowd or attending to a poor feeble woman, Jesus poured out all His love and power.
Jesus was not certainly the type who would be at their best in public, but are at their worst in private.
Hence for us, there must also be a unity in our actions and our attitudes.
What we are in public should be a reflection of who we are in private and vice versa.
In other words, what we are on the outside should be a reflection of what we are inside.
So whether it is outside or inside, let us know that we are to reflect God's love and care always.
Friday, June 26, 2020
12th Week, Ordinary Time, Friday, 26-06-2020
2 Kings 25:1-12 / Matthew 8:1-4
If we have a desperate request for a favour or a need, the last thing we want to hear is a "No".
Indeed, rejection in any form and no matter how gentle is difficult to accept.
More so if we need a "Yes" desperately and urgently. We would be devastated if we are rejected.
The leper in the gospel desperately needed a cure.
He knew that Jesus has the power to cure him and he was prepared to go all out and come before Jesus to make that request for a cure.
So when he said to Jesus, "Sir, if you want to, you can cure me" it was as direct and as blunt a request.
It may sound rather impolite and even demanding, but when in desperation, there is no time for consideration.
And the reply of Jesus was astounding - Of course I want to! Be cured!
And Jesus even stretched out His hand and touched the leper to cure him.
Let us always remember this astounding response of Jesus to the leper whenever we are desperate and in urgent need.
Of course Jesus wants to help us and grant us our need. But let us have faith in Him, especially when it takes just a bit longer for our prayer to be answered.
If we have a desperate request for a favour or a need, the last thing we want to hear is a "No".
Indeed, rejection in any form and no matter how gentle is difficult to accept.
More so if we need a "Yes" desperately and urgently. We would be devastated if we are rejected.
The leper in the gospel desperately needed a cure.
He knew that Jesus has the power to cure him and he was prepared to go all out and come before Jesus to make that request for a cure.
So when he said to Jesus, "Sir, if you want to, you can cure me" it was as direct and as blunt a request.
It may sound rather impolite and even demanding, but when in desperation, there is no time for consideration.
And the reply of Jesus was astounding - Of course I want to! Be cured!
And Jesus even stretched out His hand and touched the leper to cure him.
Let us always remember this astounding response of Jesus to the leper whenever we are desperate and in urgent need.
Of course Jesus wants to help us and grant us our need. But let us have faith in Him, especially when it takes just a bit longer for our prayer to be answered.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
12th Week,Ordinary Time, Thursday, 25-06-2020
2 Kings 24:8-17 / Matthew 7:21-29
The kingdom of Babylon was one of the many kingdoms of the ancient world that we might come across in history books.
And Nebuchadnezzar was one of the powerful kings of Babylon when the kingdom was at the height of its power.
Though Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar are names and figures of the past, nonetheless they were a painful reminder for the people of God in the Bible.
Israel would rather forget, or would remember bitterly, what king Nebuchadnezzar and the army of Babylon did when they conquered Jerusalem in the year 586 BC.
The glorious Temple built by king Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonian army and most of the people of Jerusalem were deported to Babylon where they would be in exile for about 40 years.
But that glorious Temple was destroyed not so much by the might of the Babylonian army but because the people of God had turned away from God who is their Rock and their protection.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us to build on rock and not on sand.
God is the only Rock that we should build our lives on. The others are just passing and shifting sands.
The kingdom of Babylon was one of the many kingdoms of the ancient world that we might come across in history books.
And Nebuchadnezzar was one of the powerful kings of Babylon when the kingdom was at the height of its power.
Though Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar are names and figures of the past, nonetheless they were a painful reminder for the people of God in the Bible.
Israel would rather forget, or would remember bitterly, what king Nebuchadnezzar and the army of Babylon did when they conquered Jerusalem in the year 586 BC.
The glorious Temple built by king Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonian army and most of the people of Jerusalem were deported to Babylon where they would be in exile for about 40 years.
But that glorious Temple was destroyed not so much by the might of the Babylonian army but because the people of God had turned away from God who is their Rock and their protection.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us to build on rock and not on sand.
God is the only Rock that we should build our lives on. The others are just passing and shifting sands.
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