Looking back at our lives, some of us may begin to realise that many things that we hold dear is not permanent. The people that we love, the things that we own, the feelings of joy or hurt; all these may matter for some time, but after a while, they are no longer around and may only be a memory. Even our memory too may some day fail us.
However, there is One who will always be around. The reading reminds us that God's "sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed." Seeing that God was, is and will always be there, we should make effort to get close to Him. Thus, let us strive to shed away the sin that clings on us, and make our peace with God and neighbour. He is beckoning us to come home and dwell in His presence. Are we still hesitant or reluctant to do so?
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Thursday of Week 34 Year 1
There are times in life where we are placed in a difficult or dangerous situation. Some of us may feel as if we have no way out and we may be tempted to give up or despair. However, today's reading reminds us that with God, there is no problem too big, no situation too difficult or dangerous which He cannot help us out. Daniel in today's reading had full confidence and trust in God's help and God saved him from the lions. This caused King Darius to joyfully exclaim: "He is the living God, he endures for ever, his sovereignty will never be destroyed and his kingship never end. He saves, sets free, and works signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth; he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions."
If God is on our side and watching over us, there is no reason for us to fear. Let us therefore continue to build our relationship with Him and trust Him just as Daniel did.
If God is on our side and watching over us, there is no reason for us to fear. Let us therefore continue to build our relationship with Him and trust Him just as Daniel did.
Wednesday of Week 34 Year 1
"The writing is on the wall" is an idiom or expression which we sometimes hear and which originates from today's reading. It basically means "imminent danger has become apparent" or "there are clear signs that something will fail or no longer exist."
In today's reading, King Belshazzar had "defied the Lord of heaven, you have had the vessels from his Temple brought to you, and you, your noblemen, your wives and your singing women have drunk your wine out of them. You have praised gods of gold and silver, of bronze and iron, of wood and stone, which cannot either see, hear or understand; but you have given no glory to the God who holds your breath and all your fortunes in his hands." As a consequence to what he had done, the reading tells us that "Mene: God has measured your sovereignty and put an end to it; Tekel: you have been weighed in the balance and found wanting; Parsin: your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.’"
What about us? Are we too in a similar situation and about to see "the writing on our wall?" Have we focused only on fame and fortune here on earth, and neglected to give glory to God? Let us take heed and do what is necessary to right ourselves before God while we are able to do so, before it becomes too late for us.
In today's reading, King Belshazzar had "defied the Lord of heaven, you have had the vessels from his Temple brought to you, and you, your noblemen, your wives and your singing women have drunk your wine out of them. You have praised gods of gold and silver, of bronze and iron, of wood and stone, which cannot either see, hear or understand; but you have given no glory to the God who holds your breath and all your fortunes in his hands." As a consequence to what he had done, the reading tells us that "Mene: God has measured your sovereignty and put an end to it; Tekel: you have been weighed in the balance and found wanting; Parsin: your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.’"
What about us? Are we too in a similar situation and about to see "the writing on our wall?" Have we focused only on fame and fortune here on earth, and neglected to give glory to God? Let us take heed and do what is necessary to right ourselves before God while we are able to do so, before it becomes too late for us.
Tuesday of Week 34 Year 1
Some of us seem to be focusing a lot on life here on earth. While there is nothing wrong with doing so, since we also need to survive as we live our lives as best we can, but one should also prepare oneself for life hereafter. Things, events and situations come and go but God's Kingdom will be forever, as today's reading reminds us: "the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and this kingdom will not pass into the hands of another race: it will shatter and absorb all the previous kingdoms, and itself last for ever."
Are we doing our part fervently and consistently so that we can be with God in His everlasting Kingdom? Life on earth may seem to offer a lot, but life with God in heaven offers us more than we could ever dream or hope for. Let us not waste the many opportunities given to us while here on earth to strive towards our eternal happiness.
Are we doing our part fervently and consistently so that we can be with God in His everlasting Kingdom? Life on earth may seem to offer a lot, but life with God in heaven offers us more than we could ever dream or hope for. Let us not waste the many opportunities given to us while here on earth to strive towards our eternal happiness.
Friday, 8 November 2013
Monday of Week 34 Year 1
How much of our wealth are we willing to offer to God for the proclamation of the Gospel? For some, a few ringgit (or dollars) a week is sufficient, though they are actually able to offer much more. Some may offer what they can afford, after carefully considering their needs and the needs of their family. Others may not be so well off, but they are willing to contribute generously.
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us that "this poor widow has put in more than any of them; for these have all contributed money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in all she had to live on." Have some of us become so calculative and stingy in supporting the church financially, while more than willing to spend lavishly in material things, some of which are luxurious? Or have we learnt to be generous like that poverty-stricken widow, who gave all that she had, knowing that she could trust and depend on God's providence?
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us that "this poor widow has put in more than any of them; for these have all contributed money they had over, but she from the little she had has put in all she had to live on." Have some of us become so calculative and stingy in supporting the church financially, while more than willing to spend lavishly in material things, some of which are luxurious? Or have we learnt to be generous like that poverty-stricken widow, who gave all that she had, knowing that she could trust and depend on God's providence?
Christ the King Year C
For most of us, a king or queen is someone who has power and prestige, lives in big castles or mansions, rules over all and probably lords it over all, whose interest is more towards preserving one's dynasty. Few of us actually have an opportunity to meet him or her in person and even if we do get a chance, we would probably need to go through some sort of elaborate protocol. Our earthly royalty is usually way beyond our league and way beyond our reach, and most of us would probably never have a chance to dine with or even be granted an audience with him or her.
In contrast, we have a divine royalty who is available and accessible to us. He was born in a stable. From humble beginnings, he reached out to all and taught us in many ways how to live and love God and neighbour. He ate and drank with us, as we can read in many parts of the Gospels. He even, as the Second Reading tells us, "made peace by His death on the cross." Even on the cross, while he suffered tremendously, he said to the repentant thief: "‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’" This king, who is King of kings, is Jesus Christ. Today, we have plenty of opportunities to be in His presence in front of the Blessed Sacrament and also during daily and weekend Masses. Are we seizing the opportunity to build and grow in relationship with Jesus our loving King? Are we making more effort to dine with Him daily?
Today, let us pledge our allegiance to Jesus our Eternal King, for he loves us and wants all of us to be with him in paradise. Let us not procrastinate any longer, but do something now for the good of our souls.
In contrast, we have a divine royalty who is available and accessible to us. He was born in a stable. From humble beginnings, he reached out to all and taught us in many ways how to live and love God and neighbour. He ate and drank with us, as we can read in many parts of the Gospels. He even, as the Second Reading tells us, "made peace by His death on the cross." Even on the cross, while he suffered tremendously, he said to the repentant thief: "‘Indeed, I promise you,’ he replied ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’" This king, who is King of kings, is Jesus Christ. Today, we have plenty of opportunities to be in His presence in front of the Blessed Sacrament and also during daily and weekend Masses. Are we seizing the opportunity to build and grow in relationship with Jesus our loving King? Are we making more effort to dine with Him daily?
Today, let us pledge our allegiance to Jesus our Eternal King, for he loves us and wants all of us to be with him in paradise. Let us not procrastinate any longer, but do something now for the good of our souls.
Housekeeping - Week 33 Year 1
For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:
17 November 2013 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
18 November 2013 - Monday of Week 33 Year 1
19 November 2013 - Tuesday of Week 33 Year 1
20 November 2013 - Wednesday of Week 33 Year 1
21 November 2013 - Thursday of Week 33 Year 1
22 November 2013 - Friday of Week 33 Year 1
17 November 2013 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
18 November 2013 - Monday of Week 33 Year 1
19 November 2013 - Tuesday of Week 33 Year 1
20 November 2013 - Wednesday of Week 33 Year 1
21 November 2013 - Thursday of Week 33 Year 1
22 November 2013 - Friday of Week 33 Year 1
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