6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Some people think that for a person to be joyful, the person should also be happy. But if we look carefully at what joy and happiness really mean, we would discover that one could be joyful, even when one is poor, hungry, down and out, when one is mourning for the loss of loved one, when one is facing persecution and experiencing suffering. How is it possible for a person to be joyful even when experiencing such difficult situations and circumstances?

In today's Gospel, Jesus exclaims: happy are you... blessed are you... rejoice... be joyful. What sort of joy does Jesus speak of? Is joy something that you get when your needs and wants are fulfilled? Society tries to keep sadness and happiness separated. Consequently, we try to forget about death, illness, our family problems because they seem to keep us from the happiness we hope for. Yet, Jesus shows in his teachings and in his life, that true joy is hidden in the midst of our sorrow. The cross has become a powerful symbol of this reality; it is a symbol of death and of life, of suffering and of joy, of defeat and of victory. In the cross, both joy and sorrow can co-exist. Of course, this is not easy to understand, but when we think about some of our life experiences, such as being present at the birth of a child or the death of a friend, great sorrow and great joy can be seen as parts of the same experience, where we discover joy in the midst of the sorrow.

So what does this mean? It means that true joy is not the same as happiness. We can be unhappy about many things, but joy can still be there because it comes from knowing of God’s love for us. Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing; not even death; can take that love away. To be happy, as the responsorial psalm tells us, is to "trust in the Lord." In our spiritual life, joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. It is a choice based on the knowledge that we belong to God, and have found in God our refuge our safety, and our strength, and that nothing can take God away from us. Let us remain joyful always, no matter how difficult or challenging it may be, as God is with us.

Saturday of Week 7 Year 1

What sort of persons would we expect to be part of the Kingdom of God? In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us: "‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’" Why would Jesus consider a little child as being part of the Kingdom of God?

A little child is seen as weak and vulnerable in the eyes of society, and yet such weakness and vulnerability is seen as important elements for one to be part of the Kingdom of God. When one is weak and vulnerable, one would trust God more, just a little child trusts his or her parents for care and security. Also, a little child sees life as joy and excitement, and does not take life too seriously as some of us may do. Moreover, a little child shows us simplicity in listening and accepting the truth. Simple explanations of what is right and what is wrong are enough for them.

So when we look at the sort of qualities a little child has, we can begin to understand what Jesus is trying to tell us. In a nutshell, we should become like little children, always depending on God's providence; being joyful in His care; and being simple in receiving His teachings. When we become like little children, we learn to let go of our pride, ego, and prejudices, and grow closer towards being part of His Kingdom.

Saturday of Week 7 Year 1

We know how vast the universe is, and there are still many things about the universe that remains a mystery. Due to many limitations in our present technological state, there are still many things about the universe that are unknown, or little is known. When we look at how immensely vast the universe is, some of us may feel small or insignificant, since there seem much more around us. However, are we really that small or insignificant as some of us may feel?

Today's reading drives home an important point which some of us may not be aware of. The reading tells us that we are much "more" than we think, even to the extent of being "more" than the universe which some of us are so eager to explore. This is because, as the reading tells us, God our creator clothed us with strength like His and made us in His image; He filled us with understanding and knowledge; and He put His own light into our hearts to show us the magnificence of His works.

So if we are significantly "more" than what we think we are, then what does this mean to us? It means that we should not look ourselves down, and "beware of all wrong-doing," especially when it comes to how we treat ourselves and how we treat our neighbour. Thus, let us be humble and grateful that God is lifting us up to "more" than what we think we are, and continue to serve him and glorify Him in all we say and do.

Friday of Week 7 Year 1

A true friend is always there to help, in both times of triumph and crisis. However, there are some friends who appear to be true friends, only to be exposed as those who are only there in fortunate circumstances. Such friends are known as fair-weather friends, where someone is a good friend when it is easy to be one and who stops being one when you are having problems, or someone who can be depended on only when everything is going well. Such fair-weather friends are often friends with us only for their advantage, benefit and convenience.

That is why, in today's reading, we are cautioned: "Let your acquaintances be many, but your advisers one in a thousand. If you want to make a friend, take him on trial, and be in no hurry to trust him..." The reality of life is such that we need to be careful when making friends, so as to not be taken advantaged of, or taken for a ride. May we be discerning and careful in choosing our friends, so that we may find true, dependable, intimate and loyal friends, and may we be true, dependable, intimate and loyal as well.

Thursday of Week 7 Year 1

It seems strange that each of us would go through much effort to smell good. We would bathe regularly, put on sweet-smelling perfume, and maintain good personal hygiene, so that we would not have embarrassing body odour or emit a stench. But how many of us are just as diligent in ensuring that our soul would "smell good," so to speak? When we sin, we are actually causing our soul to become dirty, and when we neglect to clean our soul by going for confession regularly, our soul may eventually have embarrassing "soul" odour or emit a stench.

In today's reading, we are reminded: "Do not say, "I have sinned, and what happened to me?" for the Lord's forbearance is long." At the same time, the reading also warns us "not to delay our return to the Lord, do not put it off day after day, for suddenly the Lord's wrath will blaze out" and it will be disastrous for us. May we be mindful and hardworking in keeping our soul clean, and make effort to follow God's ways, so that we would be better prepared to face Him when He calls us.

Wednesday of Week 7 Year 1

We live in an age where things are moving fast in many ways. We have ATMs where money can be withdrawn quite quickly; cars that can go very fast, and even information that can be accessed at high speeds. For example, if we want to know about something, we just need to Google it or use some other search engine to get the information. But there are also some things in life which cannot move fast. For example, we cannot expect a baby to be conceived and born in an instant; and another matter which cannot be fast is attaining wisdom.

Today's reading reminds us that wisdom cannot be attained instantly into our minds and hearts. Instead, the reading tells us that wisdom takes those who seek her "at first through winding ways, bringing fear and faintness on him, plaguing him with her discipline until she can trust him, and testing him with her ordeals..." It is when we persevere, remain humble and patient, and let wisdom guide us that, as the reading tells us, "in the end she will lead him back to the straight road and reveal her secrets to him." Are we willing to slow down and let wisdom guide us closer to our loving God, and walk in His ways?

Wednesday of Week 7 Year 1

Being arrogant, intolerant and judgmental are some reasons or symptoms that prevent us from becoming effective followers of Jesus. When we are arrogant, intolerant and judgmental, we begin to think that only us or those within our circle are legitimate followers, and others are viewed with disdain or suspicion. For example, in church we may come across certain leaders who begin to think and behave as if they are the parish priest, just because they have been appointed to a certain position, or they have been heading a particular ministry for a while. When someone else appears to be doing good or serving the church in other ways, such persons begin to find ways to put others down, so that only they or their group would appear important or indispensable.

In today's Gospel, John saw someone who was not in their group driving out demons in the name of Jesus, and he tried to prevent them. Perhaps John thought that only those in their group could have the monopoly or privilege to drive out demons. But how did Jesus respond to John about this matter? Jesus told John to let the other person do what he was doing for whoever is not against them is for them also. Jesus was teaching John and the other disciples that as His followers, they did not have exclusive rights

What does this mean to us? It means that we cannot be arrogant, intolerant and judgmental when it comes to being a follower of Jesus. Instead, we should remain humble and show the mercy and love of Jesus. When we do so, perhaps others may come to know what it really means to follow Jesus, and hopefully become Jesus' followers as well.

圣家节

在当今的社会里，美满的家庭已经受到严重的威胁，而到处都可以见到 破碎的家。由于夫妻缺少面对面的交谈或沟通，孩子们更鲜少和父母对话，因此家庭成员彼此间就缺少感情。甚至有需要沟通时， 他们之间都应用智能手机在微信里，面子书 或是其他方式传讯息。结果很多美满的婚姻因此破裂；很多恩爱夫妻也因此各自走向不同的阳关道。很可惜的是他们在婚姻亮红灯时，不及时寻找帮助或尽量挽回将破裂的局面，更可悲的是他们各自寻找不正确的途径，去安慰情绪和满足欲望，形成的一宗宗的离婚案件。很多夫妻把孩子送去安亲班，或是由女佣，年老的父母和托儿所里照顾， 因为夫妻各自工作，或加班或在外寻找刺激和安慰。很多年长的父母被遗弃或被送进安老院而鲜少探望他们，因为孩子们认为老年体弱多病的双亲不适合与他们同住。（虽然他们知道在年幼时父母付出了很大的牺牲，但有些孩子却不愿意付出同样的代价来回馈年老的双亲 ）。还有一些现代的父母不愿意或没有耐心去看顾孩子，把自己的责任推得一干二净而让他人去做那种艰难又繁忙的工作。

根据目前的情况而言，美满家庭的梦想看来是太渺茫了；难道教友家庭也同样没有希望，同样要沦落吗？如果每个教友们都愿意以信德作为生活的中心，那么美满的教友家庭还是有一线的希望。今天我们庆祝的圣家节，提醒我们美满的教友家庭是不绝望。我们知道圣家并非无瑕疵的，若瑟和玛利亚的家庭同样面对问题和困难；圣家和我们教友家庭的差别在于信仰。他们知道没有信仰主的家庭不能真正地成长。不过话的说回来，一旦我们以主作为生活的中心，难道家庭就不会再出现问题吗？当然不是。可是我们可以确定的一件事情就是天主一定会照顾我们的家庭，不会遗弃我们。在天主的光照下，各种问题都可以迎刃而解。

今天， 我们要特别感谢天主赐给我们那么多美好幸福满的家庭，更希望大家不要轻易地照顾和经营家庭，一定要全心全意负起全责，因为家庭是天主的恩赐。我们也为所有的家庭祈祷，祈求仁慈的天父降福每个家庭，让父母以及各成员务必在生活中以主为中心。当问题出现时，不要轻易放弃，不要失望，让天主来引领我们渡过难关，更要时时刻刻地感谢和光荣祂。

Tuesday of Week 7 Year 1

Some people think that being a Christian is an easy thing. Some may have been duped into thinking by certain so called church leaders that all they need to do is call on the name of Jesus and their salvation is guaranteed. What such persons do not realise is that it is easy to claim to be a Christian, but how many are able to remain Christian when faced with persecution or even the possibility of being put to death? Are such persons able to remain steadfast as Christians, come what may?

In today's reading, we are called to persevere while serving God. The reading tells us: "My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him."

The reading reminds us that if we want to be a Christian, we would need to serve the Lord and be prepared for trials and tribulations. Are we prepared to face any obstacles, persecution, torture or even death? Let us not abandon our resolve to remain in Christ, no matter what happens, and give glory to God with our lives.

Monday of Week 7 Year 1

Human criteria of being wise and God's criteria are quite different. For us humans, we are wise according to certain circumstances. For example, a person may be wise due to high education, but the person may not necessarily be wise when it comes to living choices. A person on the street may not seem wise according to academic criteria, but the person may be wise in finding creative ways to survive. Also, even within intellectual circles, one may be wise in certain subjects, but no one can claim to be wise in every subject. So, the question is: are we humans really wise, or do we seem wise only in certain aspects?

In today's reading, we are reminded that there is only One who is wise. The reading tells us: "All wisdom is from the Lord, and it is his own for ever. One only is wise, terrible indeed, seated on his throne, the Lord." The reading reminds us that only God is wise in all aspects and in all ways, and as such, we should humble ourselves and learn from God's wisdom, who far surpasses any of our own. Let us submit to His wisdom, since it is He who loves us and provides for us.

Saturday of Week 6 Year 1

There are things and situations in this world which we experience through our senses. However, there are also things and situations in this world which we cannot see or understand, since such things and situations often are beyond our control or comprehension. When we are faced with such things or situations, what do we do? Some of us may try to live in denial, but the reality is that such things and situations would not go away or be forgotten so easily. So what then should we do? When we are faced with things and situations beyond our control or comprehension, we should then have faith.

Faith is believing in what cannot be seen and hoping in what cannot be fully explained. Today's reading tells us about faith from the beginning of the reading till its end. It talks about the faith of Biblical characters like Abel, Enoch and Noah. By their faith they came to know who God is, and by their faith they experienced His presence, and it was by their faith they did God's will. These prophets depended in faith in all they said and did, even though they faced things and situations beyond their control or comprehension.

What about us? Are we willing to have faith in God, just as the prophets in today's reading had, come what may? Let us not doubt any longer or be hesitant in doing God's will, but have faith in His providence and care, and give Him the greater glory.

Thursday of Week 6 Year 1

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They respond to Him mentioning various prophets that represent important aspects of His mission, but nothing really captures who He really is. Instead of the kind of messiah the disciples thought Jesus was, Jesus tells them that He "must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days." This was something which Peter found difficult to accept. In his mind, he thought that Jesus would be some champion who would save the Jews from unjust authorities; not a suffering and dying Jesus. For this, Peter was criticised harshly by Jesus, even addressed as “Satan”, for he was “thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

What about us? Some of us try to think of Jesus in good terms, but the reality is that Jesus came to save us from our sins, and also to teach us how to live as God intended, not according to our own way or our expectations. Are we willing to set aside our thoughts and expectations, and understand and do what God expects of us?

Wednesday of Week 6 Year 1

As children, and even as adults, we sometimes hear people telling us: "patience is a virtue." In a world where so many things are happening so quickly, and many of us are becoming more and more used to getting things done quickly, having patience is certainly harder for some of us to achieve. But the reality of life is this: some things just cannot be rushed. For example, we want to plant a mango or durian tree in our garden, but we cannot expect the tree to grow immediately and bear fruit. It takes years for the tree to grow, become strong, and eventually bear fruit. Even then, the first few fruits the tree produces may not necessarily be good to eat. It takes much patience, and lots of care, for the tree to eventually bear good fruit. When we exercise patience, we hopefully eventually get good fruit from the tree to enjoy.

In today's reading, Noah had to wait for 40 days of rain, another 7 days for the water to subside, and then another 7 days for the surface of the earth to dry up.Whether Noah liked it or not, he had to have patience for the water to eventually subside and the surface of the earth to dry up properly. What does this mean to us?  It means that eventually, we need to have patience and trust in God and wait. Are we willing to have patience, wait with hope, and trust in God's providence and care?

Saturday of Week 5 Year 1

Every once in a while, I get certain persons coming to me for confession, and instead of confessing their sins, they begin a tirade of how other people caused them to sin, putting the blame on other people and refusing to admit their own wrongdoing. Such persons seem to try and justify that the wrong committed is not their fault, and that they are the victim. It seems as if such persons are making others a scapegoat and not wanting to own up to the wrong committed.

In today's reading, we come across another example of blaming others, or trying to pass the buck, or not owning up to one's mistakes. In the reading, Adam blamed the woman whom God had put with him, and the woman blamed the serpent for tempting her. Though each was at fault for doing a wrong thing, each of them refused to own up to their sin. As a result, Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden of Eden.

What about us? Are some of us still blaming others for our sins? Or have we learnt to own up to them, seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and make more effort to follow God's ways? God is inviting us to take responsibility for what we have done or failed to do, and let Him transform us into something better, for His Glory.

Saturday of Week 4 Year 1

It is easy for us to give praise and thanks to God for all that He has done for us. After all, words are easy to utter and people may say things without necessarily mean what they say. For example, a person may say certain things to sound good, or to flatter another, but how does a person mean what he or she says? Are mere words sufficient?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "Through Christ, let us offer God an unending sacrifice of praise, a verbal sacrifice that is offered every time we acknowledge his name. Keep doing good works and sharing your resources, for these are sacrifices that please God." The reading tells us that we should not only praise God with words, we should also do good works and share resources. This means that mere words are not enough, since action speaks louder than words. Are we making more effort to "walk the talk" and give glory to God in all we say and do?

Thursday of Week 4 Year 1

Going forth and preach the Good News is a command Jesus has given to each and every one of us. This command is not to be taken lightly, as it is one of great urgency and importance. Today's Gospel reminds us of this great urgency and importance: "Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, ‘Do not take a spare tunic.'"

Since we are called to go forth and preach the Good News, we should not allow ourselves to become distracted with all sorts of needs and wants, and lose our focus and concentration in our duty. Instead, we should depend on God's providence, so that we can be effective in bringing Jesus' message to others. Are we willing to trust in God's care and providence, and be faithful in our duty in preaching the Good News?

Monday of Week 4 Year 1

Being possessed by an evil spirit is certainly no laughing matter. A possessed person has little or even no control of himself or herself, and what a relief it would be to be rid of such possession. It is quite understandable then why a person who had been freed from possession would want to stay with Jesus, as mentioned in the Gospel. Perhaps the demoniac felt indebted to Jesus, and he wanted to stay with Jesus to serve Him. Perhaps the demoniac wanted some sense of security in Jesus' presence, since he may have had concerns that he may be possessed again.

But whatever reason the demoniac had in begging to be allowed to stay with Jesus, Jesus would not let him stay. Instead, Jesus said to him, ‘Go home to your people and tell them all that the Lord in his mercy has done for you.’ In this way, the demoniac was preaching the Good News by sharing his story with his people, instead of keeping it to himself and clinging on to Jesus. If we are in a similar situation, would we be grateful and thankful of God's mercy? Would we also be excited to share the Good News with others?

Thursday of Week 3 Year 1

Nowadays, most people are living busy lives, and with the cost of living going up, it seems as if there is hardly any time for anything else besides work and earning a living. In the midst of the chaos we experience in life, we also need to deal with family, friends and even members of our church community, especially when it comes to community gatherings within our housing area. The temptation some of us face is to avoid or rarely attend such community gatherings, giving all sorts of reasons and excuses, such as lack of time, busy with other life issues, and so on. But the reality of being a Christian is that we cannot isolate ourselves from the community, since being a Christian means being a community of believers, not just a personal relationship with Jesus.

The reading today reminds us of the need for us to be together in faith as a community in communion with God: "let us be sincere in heart and filled with faith, our minds sprinkled and free from any trace of bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful. Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works. Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near."

As the reading tells us, we should not stay away from our community gatherings, but make more effort to attend and encourage others to do the same. It is when we gather as a community that we learn to share our faith, and show love and concern towards others, especially with others in the community who may be in need. When we do so, then we are witnessing to others, by showing that we are Christians by our love.

Wednesday of Week 3 Year 1

We come across different people who listen or hear news differently, depending on what sort of news is being conveyed. Some people listen or hear in a prejudiced manner. They shut their minds, and may be ignoring what is being said, or even not really listening at all. Some people listen or hear in a shallow manner. They may listen or hear for a while, but their minds eventually wander to something else. Some people listen or hear in a selective manner. They listen or hear only what they want to hear, and ignore the other matters. Some people listen or hear in a proactive manner. They are willing to listen and to learn, and are never too proud or too busy to learn. They listen attentively and with full attention to understand. What about you? How are you listening?

In today’s gospel, the parable of the sower reminds us of the different ways of accepting God’s word and the different kinds of fruits they produce. Just as different people listen or hear news differently, different people also listen or hear God's word or the Good News differently. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: how are we listening to God's word? Are we listening like in rich soil, yielding a harvest, thirty, sixty and a hundredfold?

Saturday of Week 1 Year 1

Every once in a while, we come across people who have mastered the art of putting on an appearance or seem to have a "poker face," where real thoughts and emotions are hidden or buried, and what is shown is merely an illusion. For example, such a person may be angry with someone or something, and the person may be fuming or seething with rage, but because the person does not want others to see the true self, the person may appear calm and pretend as if everything is fine, though in reality, the anger is eating him or her from the inside.

While we may be able to appear in a certain way and give others a false impression, one thing we ought to realise is we cannot fool God. Today's reading reminds us of this fact: "The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him; everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves."

So let us not be naive to think that nobody knows our thoughts and actions, since God is watching us. Instead, let us cast aside our falsehoods and be real and genuine, while doing our best to remain in God's care and guidance, for the betterment of our eternal future.

Monday of Week 1 Year 1

It is not easy for some of us to let go of something. For example, some of us find it difficult to let go of our wealth and property; some find it difficult to let go of our children or loved ones; some find it difficult to let go of our habits or certain ways of doing things; others find it difficult to let go of their pride, prejudices or pre-conceived notions. But what do we Christians need to let go of?

In today's Gospel, Jesus said to Simon and his brother Andrew: ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him. Jesus also called James son of Zebedee and his brother John at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him. Notice that when Jesus called, these men were willing to let go of all, including their families, relations and livelihood to follow Jesus.

What about us? If Jesus were to call us to follow Him, are we willing to let go of certain things, even to the extent of letting go of all, or are we still clinging on to certain things, come what may? May we be willing to let go of our old lives, and put on a new life in Christ, trusting in His providence and care, and glorifying Him in all we say and do.

Saturday after Epiphany

How many of us have trust and confidence that God listens to our prayers? Perhaps we may say that we have trust and confidence, but how many of us would have trust and confidence that God would answer our prayers? Perhaps this is where our trust and confidence may be tested, since God does not necessarily answer our prayers according to our expectations or demands, but according to His will and for His purposes. When God answers our prayers in a way quite different to what we hope for or expect, would we still let His will be done?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "We are quite confident that if we ask the Son of God for anything, and it is in accordance with his will, he will hear us; and, knowing that whatever we may ask, he hears us, we know that we have already been granted what we asked of him." The reading tells us that God listens to our prayers in accordance with His will, not ours, and that if we ask for something in accordance with His will, then we can be confident that He will hear us. The question is: are we asking in accordance with His will, or is what we are asking for laced with self-interests and self-centered desires?

聖母始胎無染原罪

今天我们庆祝圣母始胎无染原罪节。在今天的读经，我们看到违反了天主旨意的亚当，在恐惧和羞耻中躲避天主。另一方面，我们看到玛利亚服从地回应天主说：“看，上主的婢女，愿照你的话成就于我吧！”

玛利亚或许会怀疑和害怕她答应天使之后所带来的后果，但玛利亚依然完全信赖天主。尽管她将面对许多的困难和挑战，她还是对天主说：主，我愿意。玛利亚是一位忠信的门徒、她是第一位相信耶稣的人、也是第一位接受耶稣而且让耶稣取得人的形体。

玛利亚答应了天使，接受了一个她从未想过的生命、接受了那把将刺透她的心的剑、接受了十字架、接受了那未知的未来以及给予他的儿子无限的支持。天主不断地寻找我们、祂爱我们、祂关心我们。天主呼唤我们，就像他呼唤亚当一样“你在哪里？”我们如何回应呢？我们是否想亚当一样，为我们的罪恶感到羞耻然后害怕地躲起来，期望天主不要再理会我们。还是我们像玛利亚那样，回应说：“看，上主的婢女，愿照你的话成就于我吧！”

让我们以玛利亚作为我们门徒的模范，反省我们如何回应天主的召叫。我们是否选择性地回应天主、只选择那些合我们心意的事情？还是我们要像我们天上的母亲玛利亚一样，为光荣天主而完全奉献？