Saturday of Week 30 Year 1

I remember years ago when I had just been ordained a priest and I was invited to a wedding dinner. Normally, I would hesitate to go for wedding dinners, because they rarely begin on time, and follow "Malaysian Time" which could drag on for hours waiting before things get started. But since I knew the families well even from the time I was a seminarian, I agreed to attend the wedding dinner. When I arrived at the restaurant, I quickly looked for a place away from the main table, so that I could take leave unassumingly without anyone noticing, when the need arises.

However, before I could warm a seat at a table quite some distance from the main table, the father of the bride spotted me. Just my luck, he caught me in the arm and said, "Father, this is not a suitable place for you, move up to the table next to the main table." I felt humbled and a little embarrassed as the father of the bride firmly held my arm and escorted me to the proper place, and I was taken aback that my name was even printed on a label at the seat reserved for me, where I could get a good view of the proceedings.

This experience is exactly what happened in the Gospel today, where Jesus said, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

At the end of the day, I realised that what Jesus taught us in today's Gospel is very real even today. When we try to show off or tell people how great or capable we are or when we look for titles or honour, we may actually end up eating humble pie. May we learn to remain humble in all we say and do, and give God the glory.

Wednesday of Week 30 Year 1

In today's Gospel, we are told that being merely a member or follower of Jesus does not automatically mean we will enter God’s Kingdom. Also, being acquaintances to Jesus does not automatically qualify us to share eternal life with Him. Besides that, Jesus reminds us that calling on the name of the Lord, ‘Lord, Lord,’ is not enough to enter the kingdom of heaven but listening and then doing God’s will is a necessity. Moreover, Jesus asserts that many from the gentile nations will enter God’s kingdom. God’s invitation to salvation is open to Jew and Gentile alike. People whom we never thought or expect to be in the Kingdom of heaven, will be there.

What does this mean to us? It means that entering into God’s Kingdom is not an automatic or guaranteed thing. It also means that being a member or follower of Jesus or even an acquaintance to Jesus does not mean that we are entitled to Heaven. Instead, we must struggle against the forces of temptation and whatever which would hinder us from doing His will like apathy, indifference, and compromise. Do we trust in God’s grace and help especially in times of testing and temptation, with hope that with His help and guidance, we would be with Him?

Friday of Week 30 Year 2

Is it okay to cure on a Sabbath day? The Sabbath day is supposed to be a day of rest and worship. But in the Gospel, Jesus seems to be not following the rules of the Sabbath day. Throughout Jesus' ministry, we see that Jesus does not choose a special place, occasion or time to help and to heal. Instead, as long as Jesus sees a need, He would do something about it regardless of whether it is a Sabbath day or not.

The lawyers and the Pharisees were those who faithfully observe the Sabbath law. However, by Jesus' action, He simply showed them that there’s an exception; that the law of the Sabbath can be broken, as long as there is a good and valid reason to break it. Jesus is showing the lawyers and the Pharisees that the observance of the Sabbath day should be superseded by a more important need, in this case, the need to heal the man sick with dropsy.

If you were in Jesus' situation, what would you do? Would you simply let the man suffer from his severe sickness even if you could actually do something to help him? Or would you heal the man just like Jesus did? May our faith in God be made more real, alive and dynamic, by living it with acts of love, mercy, compassion and kindness.

Saturday of Week 30 Year 2

A dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable. Usually, when one is faced with a dilemma, one would try to choose the option which is less difficult to accept compared to the other choices.

In today's reading, St. Paul spoke of a dilemma. But St. Paul's dilemma was of a different kind, where there were two options or possibilities and both of which were good for him. St. Paul's dilemma was either remaining alive so that he would able to continue guide and strengthen the community, while remaining in Christ; or facing death so that he would be forever with Christ. Though St. Paul would have wanted to be forever with Christ, he also realised that to stay alive on this earth would be better for the sake of the community. So, St. Paul chose to survive and stay, and continue to serve for the good of community and glorify God.

What about us? If we were to face a "happy" dilemma like St. Paul, would we be willing to set aside our personal desire or personal interests to be forever with Christ, and continue to guide the community entrusted to us, for the good of the community? May we continue to humbly walk in God's ways, and help others to do the same.

Wednesday of Week 30 Year 1

A man was riding his motorcycle along the highway, when all of a sudden, he lost control of his motorcycle and met with an accident, which left him near dead. He ended up in a hospital in a coma, in a vegetative state. He had a girlfriend whom he had planned to marry, and despite the doctor's advice that the man may eventually die, the girlfriend chose to give up her job and her time to nurse him, with hope that he would some day recover. For several months, there seemed to be no response from the man, but the girlfriend did not give up. Slowly, some signs began to appear, as the man gradually was able to move his eyes, then he began to try to speak, and after much care and love, he was able to walk. It was a miraculous and joyful moment, when the man was eventually united with his girlfriend in marriage.

What the girlfriend went through and did for the man, is what the spirit would do for us in today's reading. In the reading, "The Spirit comes to help us in our weakness. For when we cannot choose words in order to pray properly, the Spirit himself expresses our plea in a way that could never be put into words, and God who knows everything in our hearts knows perfectly well what he means, and that the pleas of the saints expressed by the Spirit are according to the mind of God." Even though the situation initially seemed helpless and hopeless, the man was able to make a reasonably good recovery with tremendous help from his girlfriend. Likewise, even though we may have experienced some sort of helpless and hopeless situation, the Spirit would help us recover and move on. Are we willing to have much trust and faith in the Spirit, and let Him be our help and guide?

Saturday of Week 30 Year 2

What is a dilemma? A dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable. For example, we may have heard of the expression, "between the devil and the deep blue sea," or "between a rock and a hard place," where either choice would lead to undesirable results, but at the very least, one result could be less difficult to accept compared to the other.

In today's reading, St. Paul spoke of a dilemma. But St. Paul's dilemma was of a different kind, where there were two options or possibilities and both of which were good for him. St. Paul's dilemma, was like a best case scenario or even a "happy" dilemma, where remaining alive would enable him to guide and strengthen the community, while remaining in Christ; or facing death which would mean that he would be forever with Christ. Though St. Paul would have wanted to be forever with Christ, he also realised that to stay alive on this earth would be a more urgent need for the sake of the community. So, St. Paul chose to survive and stay, and continue to serve for the good of the community and glorify God.

What about us? If we were to face a "happy" dilemma like St. Paul, would we be willing to set aside our personal desire to be forever with Christ, and continue to guide the community entrusted to us? May we continue to humbly walk in God's ways, and help others to do the same.

Tuesday of Week 30 Year 2

We sometimes take for granted small things or small matters in life. We think that such small things or small matters are not worth our time or attention. But sometimes, small things or small matters could later turn out to be big things or big matters. For example, a child misbehaves and throws a tantrum to get what he or she wants, but the child's parents think that it is a small matter, and lets the child have his or her way. Then when the child is already grown up, the parents later realise how rude or demanding the child is, and they are at a lost as to why their child has become like that. But the reality is, by giving in to the child's demands, the parents had sown the seeds of selfishness, entitlement, pride and ego into their child. By then, it is already too late, and the child's attitude and behaviour could not be changed.

Today's Gospel talks about mustard seed and yeast, which at first appear to be small things. The tiny mustard seed grows into a large tree and attracts numerous birds seeking food and shelter. Yeast is a powerful agent of change, and when it is added to dough, transformation takes place and produces rich wholesome bread when baked. God’s kingdom also works in a similar way, starting what seems small in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God’s word.  It works unseen and causes transformation from within.

What do we learn from this? We learn that small things can become great, when we cultivate patience, fortitude and hope. We must be patient and hopeful and with God's grace, wait for the planted seed to grow and gradually become a tree. May we do our part in building God's kingdom, no matter how small our part may be, so that God could transform what seems small into something great, for His glory.

Saturday of Week 30 Year 1

Some of us may have experienced rejection or feel as if nobody loves us or care for us. When we feel like this, what do we do? Some begin to go into depression, and if left unchecked, may give up on life, or even to the extent of considering committing suicide. Some may even go to the extent of numbing the pain, and become ruthless or unfeeling, since they think that nobody cares or loves them anyhow, and they should not care and love others as well. But what sort of attitude Christians should have concerning rejection?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "Is it possible that God has rejected His people? Of course not!" The reading also reminds us that even the Jews are still loved by God, loved for the sake of their ancestors. God never takes back His gifts or revokes His choice. This means that even if others reject us or even if it seems as if nobody loves us or care for us, we have a God who loves us, He chose us as His own, and He will never reject or abandon us. So let us put aside such feelings, and with confidence give thanks and praise to our loving God, who has always been there for us.

Friday of Week 30 Year 1

Extremism can come in many forms, and these days, we see more and more of religious extremism and intolerance happening. Extremists give the religion a bad name, since what they do and their way of thinking is actually distorted and diverted from what is the actual teaching of the particular religion. Such people take simple and straightforward teaching and make it complicated and radical. Sometimes, such extremists do such things to draw attention to themselves, and to attract especially the young to join their cause.

In today's Gospel, we come across a bunch of extremists who are the lawyers and the Pharisees. These folks held an extreme view, among many things, about keeping the sabbath. To them, keeping the sabbath means absolutely no work can be done, not even good deeds. But Jesus caught them in an embarassing situation when He said: "'Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a sabbath day without hesitation?' And to this they could find no answer."

When we are dealing with extremists, their minds are so warped and they have become so stubborn and obstinate, that even doing good and merciful acts are prohibited. This is why the lawyers and Pharisees could not and dared not answer Jesus' challenge, since they would be conflicting their absurd position if they were to agree that such a good or merciful deed is permissable and commendable. What about us? Are some of us extremists in one way or another? Have we put people off or caused disharmony in our community with our extreme views through our behaviour, attitude and conduct? Let us do away with such extreme views, so that we may learn to live and love according to the ways of the Lord once again.

Tuesday of Week 30 Year 1

Every once in a while, we come across people who think that their salvation is already guaranteed. Such persons think that their "saved" status can never be revoked, no matter what they have said or done. Some have even claimed that only a certain number of people would be saved, and they conveniently misquote scripture to support their views. But what is a Christian understanding of salvation? Are we really saved or not?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "For we must be content to hope that we shall be saved – our salvation is not in sight, we should not have to be hoping for it if it were – but, as I say, we must hope to be saved since we are not saved yet – it is something we must wait for with patience." What does this mean to us? It means that we still need to continue living good Christian lives, as we await our hope for salvation. It also means that we cannot do as we please, thinking that we can get away with it, expecting to still be saved when what we have done is against God's commandments. May we be consistent with our behaviour, conduct and attitude, as we await our hope for salvation, and inspire others to do the same.

Monday of Week 30 Year 1

If you have a heart attack and you need to get to the hospital quickly for treatment, and the day when your heart attack happened is on the sabbath, would you go to the hospital quickly as planned, or would you say, "It's the sabbath, so I will go the next day"? Or if your house is on fire and you need to rescue your family, but the fire is raging on the Sabbath, would you go ahead and rescue your family? Or would you say: "Oh no! It's the Sabbath. I will rescue the family tomorrow."? Or supposing it is the sabbath and your son has been bitten by a snake, and he will die if you do not bring him to the hospital quickly for immediate treatment, would you still insist that it is the sabbath, and you would rather observe the sabbath come what may, even if it means your son will die?

These examples and many more show us the hypocrisy and absurdness of the synagogue official and the Pharisees in today's Gospel, when it comes to observing the sabbath. Common sense would tell us that we should take action and perform works of mercy and do good things on the sabbath, since lives are in mortal danger as can be seen in the examples above. And yet, the synagogue official and the Pharisees could be still covered with confusion when such emergencies happen. What does this show us? It shows that the synagogue official and the Pharisees have become so distorted and extreme in their thinking, that it is illegal or sinful to be merciful, loving and compassionate even on the sabbath.

If we look at ourselves, have some of us become like the synagogue official and Pharisees? Are we washing our hands of our responsibilities as Christians, when there is an emergency or great need for help on the Lord's Day? May we come to realise the real and true meaning of the sabbath, and in all we say and do, give glory to God.

Thursday of Week 30 Year 2

Evil exists, and evil will find ways and means to distract us and tempt us to sin. Some of us may think that we are capable and strong enough to resist temptation, but let us remember that the evil one knows our weaknesses and would use our weaknesses against us. Sometimes the temptations we face could be obvious, at other times, it could be very subtle. This is why, in today's reading, St. Paul advises us: "Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. Put God’s armour on so as to be able to resist the devil’s tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens. That is why you must rely on God’s armour, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground."

Not only do we need to put on God's armour and depend on His care and providence, we also need to be consistent, committed and diligent in our prayer life. St. Paul also reminds us: "Pray all the time, asking for what you need, praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion. Never get tired of staying awake to pray for all the saints..." Sometimes we may feel tired, or we feel as if our prayers are not working or seem to be unheard; but God is listening; He may not answer our prayers straightaway, but He will not abandon us. Let us choose to put on His armour and continue to pray, knowing that God will guide us and protect us from evil.

Wednesday of Week 30 Year 2

Why do people obey? In some cases, people are not really obeying, but are simply complying to the instructions or demands of their superiors or leaders. People comply due to a number of reasons: some do so because it is in their best interest or advantage; some out of fear; some because of peer pressure; some for family, job or personal security. But how many of us obey according to the Christian context, that is to hear, trust, submit and surrender to God, letting Him be our providence and guide? How many of us are wholeheartedly, willingly, humbly, happily and faithfully obeying?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "Children, be obedient to your parents in the Lord – that is your duty... And parents, never drive your children to resentment but in bringing them up correct them and guide them as the Lord does. Slaves, be obedient to the men who are called your masters in this world, with deep respect and sincere loyalty, as you are obedient to Christ: not only when you are under their eye, as if you had only to please men, but because you are slaves of Christ and wholeheartedly do the will of God. Work hard and willingly, but do it for the sake of the Lord and not for the sake of men... And those of you who are employers, treat your slaves in the same spirit; do without threats, remembering that they and you have the same Master in heaven and he is not impressed by one person more than by another." When we obey our parents, superiors or masters, we do so because we want to obey God and do things for the sake of the Lord. Our purpose and intention is to do what is pleasing to God. May we obey for the right reasons and right intentions, so that in all we do, may we give God the glory.

Tuesday of Week 30 Year 2

Over the years, I have come across couples who plan to get married but have not thoroughly thought about what exactly they are getting themselves into. Some couples, especially if the groom happens to come from certain ethnic groups, think that the wife would become like a servant or a slave to them, and they expect the wife to wait on them hand and foot. Some couples think that marriage is like a business contract, where either party can terminate the contract if he or she can no longer stand the other party, citing so called irreconcilable reasons. But what some of these couples do not realise that, as far as a Christian marriage is concerned, it is not something which we play play, since it is for keeps, or a life-long commitment.

That is why we should take heed of what St. Paul tells us in today's reading: "Give way to one another in obedience to Christ. Wives should regard their husbands as they regard the Lord, since as Christ is head of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of his wife; and as the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her holy... To sum up; you too, each one of you, must love his wife as he loves himself; and let every wife respect her husband." As a couple, both the man and the woman must learn that there needs to be genuine love, concern, mutual respect and many other things which make a marriage work. Being egoistic or self-centered has no place in a marriage, and couples need to learn to care for each other and support each other for better or for worse. It is certainly not easy staying married, but we pray for God's grace that all couples will persevere and stay faithful, responsible and committed.

Monday of Week 30 Year 2

When there is light, we can see things clearly. We can go about in our various tasks with little difficulty. But for some of us, light can cause problems for us, especially if we have something to hide, or if there are "skeletons in the closet." When we have something to hide and we do not want others to know, we would go through great lengths to keep others in the dark, so that what we have said and done would not come to light. But for how long can we hide? Would we be able to face up to the truth, if it has come to light someday and somehow?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "Do not let anyone deceive you with empty arguments: it is for this loose living that God’s anger comes down on those who rebel against him. Make sure that you are not included with them. You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord; be like children of light." As Christians, we are supposed to be like children of light. But let us ask ourselves honestly: are we really like children of light? Or have some of us stubbornly and vehemently chosen to remain in the dark? Are we willing to come out into the light and let the Lord guide us to become better persons? Or do we prefer to remain entrapped and enslaved in the dark?

Housekeeping - Week 30 Year 2

For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:

23 Oct 2016 - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
24 Oct 2016 - Monday of Week 30 Year 2
25 Oct 2016 - Tuesday of Week 30 Year 2
26 Oct 2016 - Wednesday of Week 30 Year 2
27 Oct 2016 - Thursday of Week 30 Year 2
28 Oct 2016 - Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles - Feast

Tuesday of Week 30 Year 2

Nowadays, looking for a man or a woman who is true, genuine, loving and caring is not so easy. This is especially true if one gets to know another through social media or through the internet. We come across many situations where a person appears to be one way online, but could be quite different when met in person. Even when we get to know a person, the person may be putting on a show or a mask to appear different from what he or she really is. This is where we need to be cautious and discern carefully, find out more about the person, before we even consider any serious relationship which may lead to marriage.

Marriage is not something which we play play, since it is a life-long commitment. That is why we should take heed of what St. Paul tells us in today's reading: "Give way to one another in obedience to Christ. Wives should regard their husbands as they regard the Lord, since as Christ is head of the Church and saves the whole body, so is a husband the head of his wife; and as the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her holy... To sum up; you too, each one of you, must love his wife as he loves himself; and let every wife respect her husband." May we be properly prepared and discern carefully whether the other person is whom we would want to live with for a lifetime, and may we depend on God for His help and guidance, so that we would learn to love unconditionally, just as He loves us.

Friday of Week 30 Year 1

What is an extremist? An extremist is a person who holds extreme or fanatical political or religious views, especially one who resorts to or advocates extreme action. In each religion, we would encounter extremists in one way or another. It is precisely such extremists who give the religion a bad name, since what they do and their way of thinking is off the mark, or out of line with what is the actual teaching of the particular religion. What is supposed to be simple teaching is taken by such people and made into complicated and radical. Sometimes, such extremists do such things to draw attention to themselves, and to attract especially the young to join their cause.

In today's Gospel, we come across a bunch of extremists who are the lawyers and the Pharisees. These folks held an extreme view about many things, one of which is concerning keeping the sabbath. To them, keeping the sabbath means no work can be done, not even good deeds. But Jesus caught them in an embarassing situation when He said: "'Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a sabbath day without hesitation?' And to this they could find no answer." Obviously, any right-minded person would rescue his son or his ox from danger without hesitation, even on the sabbath. But when we are dealing with extremists, their minds are so warped and they have become so stubborn and obstinate, that even doing such a good and merciful act is prohibited. This is why the lawyers and Pharisees could not and dared not answer Jesus' challenge, since they would be conflicting their absurd position if they were to agree that such a good or merciful deed is permissable and lauded.

What about us? Are some of us extremists in one way or another? Have we put people off or caused disharmony in our community with our extreme views through our behaviour, attitude and conduct? Let us check ourselves and shed ourselves of such extreme views, so that we may learn to live and love according to the ways of the Lord once again.

Thursday of Week 30 Year 1

At some point of our lives, some of us may feel as if life is quite difficult to continue living, especially when we are being ill-treated, persecuted, going through all sorts of suffering as Christians, or even facing the possibility of being put to death for our faith. Some of us may feel as if God has not come to our aid and that we are being left to fend for ourselves. Why do some of us allow ourselves to feel this way or have such thoughts in our minds? Don't we have trust and faith in Jesus, knowing that He is our saviour and Lord?

In today's reading, we are further encouraged to persevere and be patient: "Nothing therefore can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. As scripture promised: For your sake we are being massacred daily, and reckoned as sheep for the slaughter. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord." The reading reminds and assures us that Jesus will help and guide us. If that is so, why do some of us still doubt? Do we expect Jesus to help and guide us according to our terms, or according to His terms and for His glory?

Tuesday of Week 30 Year 1

There are some people who seem to think that just because they have been baptised, they have been assured salvation. Some of these people also believe that nothing that they do, no matter how big or small, would cause them to lose their "saved" status. Some have even claimed that they could commit serious sins like murder, and still be "saved." But is this sort of thinking a Christian way of thinking?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "For we must be content to hope that we shall be saved – our salvation is not in sight, we should not have to be hoping for it if it were – but, as I say, we must hope to be saved since we are not saved yet – it is something we must wait for with patience." This means that we still need to continue living good Christian lives, as we await our hope for salvation. It also means that we cannot do as we please, thinking that we can get away with it, expecting to still be saved when what we have done is against God's commandments. May we do our part and be consistent with our behaviour, conduct and attitude, so that others will know what being a Christian is really all about.