What does the word "glory" mean to you? For some, it could mean to become famous, to be popular, to be accepted publically as someone important or significant, or perhaps to have a good name. For others, it may be to be in a position where people would admire, praise and look up to you, and perhaps treat you as a role model or a VIP. But what is the Christian understanding of glory?
To glorify as a Christian means to be willing to embrace the cross. The cross to some may be a symbol of shame, rejection and death but for us Christians, it is a symbol of victory, glory and life. When we are going through suffering, rejection, persecution, or even faced with the possibility of being put to death, we are glorifying God and we are experiencing true glory. St. Peter in today's second reading writes: "Rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." How many of us can happily, truly and wholeheartedly rejoice in such a situation?
Today, if you are suffering because of your faith, rejoice and be glad. St. Peter reminds us that "whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name." Being glorified in Christ is not about how great or wonderful we are, but about our perseverence, commitment and enthusiasm in bringing the Good News to all, even if we are to suffer. Ultimately, our glory is not of this world and let us rejoice and be glad, for God is there to help us and lead us back to Him.
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
Saturday, 26 April 2014
Housekeeping - 6th Week of Easter
For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:
25 May 2014 - 6th Sunday of Easter Year A
26 May 2014 - Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
27 May 2014 - Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter
28 May 2014 - Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter
29 May 2014 - The Ascension of the Lord
30 May 2014 - Friday of the 6th Week of Easter
25 May 2014 - 6th Sunday of Easter Year A
26 May 2014 - Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
27 May 2014 - Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter
28 May 2014 - Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter
29 May 2014 - The Ascension of the Lord
30 May 2014 - Friday of the 6th Week of Easter
Friday of the 6th Week of Easter
When we are faced with difficulties, challenges, persecution, or even the possibility of being put to death, would we be able to be steadfast in our faith and continue to trust in God's providence? Giving up or running away seems like a tempting option, but today's reading should be a reminder to us that God is on our side and watching out for us: "Do not be afraid to speak out, nor allow yourself to be silenced: I am with you. I have so many people on my side in this city that no one will even attempt to hurt you." If God can protect and care for Paul, surely He can do the same for us.
Even Gallio who was proconsul of Achaia refused to get involved with petty things the Jews were coming up against Paul. Here, we can clearly see the envy and jealousy the Jews had towards Paul. Jealousy and envy can cause us to commit great sins and in our blindness, we may even do stupid things. Let us be on our guard against falling into the trap the Jews were in, and continue our efforts and vigour to proclaim the Good News. As the Letter to the Romans remind us: "If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)"
Even Gallio who was proconsul of Achaia refused to get involved with petty things the Jews were coming up against Paul. Here, we can clearly see the envy and jealousy the Jews had towards Paul. Jealousy and envy can cause us to commit great sins and in our blindness, we may even do stupid things. Let us be on our guard against falling into the trap the Jews were in, and continue our efforts and vigour to proclaim the Good News. As the Letter to the Romans remind us: "If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)"
Thursday, 24 April 2014
The Ascension of the Lord - Mass of the Day
Saying goodbye or farewell is never easy. In some cases, we may get to see the person again only after a long time. In other cases, we may never get to see the person again. Some of us become so attached to the person who is leaving, that it becomes all the more harder to let go. Some may try all sorts of tricks and antics, hoping that the person would change his or her mind and stay. But the reality is, when it is time to leave, it is time to leave.
For forty days, Jesus continued to appear to the disciples to tell them about the kingdom of God. He gave them lots of encouragement and prepared them for His departure. He even assured them: "John baptised with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit." Eventually, the day came where Jesus was "lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight."
When Jesus left them, the disciples were still in a daze. They had not fully comprehended the reality that Jesus was physically gone. The first reading tells us: "They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’" Once again, the disciples were being reassured that Jesus had left but He would return.
With Jesus gone, the Holy Spirit could come. The pain of separation would soon be replaced with the joy which the Holy Spirit gives us. In today's Gospel, Jesus told his disciples: "Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." This is the mission which Jesus entrusted to His disciples; this is the same mission He is entrusting to us now. We are now sent to go forth and proclaim the Good News, but we are not left alone. Jesus is with us always, and the Holy Spirit will guide us and help us. Are we ready to fulfil our destiny as bearers of Good News to all? Let us be not afraid, for God is with us.
For forty days, Jesus continued to appear to the disciples to tell them about the kingdom of God. He gave them lots of encouragement and prepared them for His departure. He even assured them: "John baptised with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit." Eventually, the day came where Jesus was "lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight."
When Jesus left them, the disciples were still in a daze. They had not fully comprehended the reality that Jesus was physically gone. The first reading tells us: "They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’" Once again, the disciples were being reassured that Jesus had left but He would return.
With Jesus gone, the Holy Spirit could come. The pain of separation would soon be replaced with the joy which the Holy Spirit gives us. In today's Gospel, Jesus told his disciples: "Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." This is the mission which Jesus entrusted to His disciples; this is the same mission He is entrusting to us now. We are now sent to go forth and proclaim the Good News, but we are not left alone. Jesus is with us always, and the Holy Spirit will guide us and help us. Are we ready to fulfil our destiny as bearers of Good News to all? Let us be not afraid, for God is with us.
Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter
Understanding our faith, what we believe in, is not something we can fully comprehend or accept all in one go. Sometimes we need time to slowly digest what we have heard, what we have learnt. Other times, we need to trust and believe, since not everything can be fully explained or understood.
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us: "I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you now. But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learnt; and he will tell you of the things to come." The Spirit of truth is with us, from the time we were baptised and confirmed. The question is: are we patient and persistent enough to let the Spirit guide us? Are we humble enough to trust and believe, even when something seems difficult to accept or comprehend? Let us open our minds and hearts happily and willingly, and let the Spirit lead us.
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us: "I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you now. But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learnt; and he will tell you of the things to come." The Spirit of truth is with us, from the time we were baptised and confirmed. The question is: are we patient and persistent enough to let the Spirit guide us? Are we humble enough to trust and believe, even when something seems difficult to accept or comprehend? Let us open our minds and hearts happily and willingly, and let the Spirit lead us.
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter
Each of us (especially those who were baptised as adults) would have had some sort of conversion story. Some stories could be spectacular, others may sound nothing out of the ordinary. However, a conversion story is nevertheless still a grace from God and an opportunity for all to give praise and thanks for God's love and mercy. Sometimes a conversion story could inspire others who have not been baptised to seriously consider doing so; and also strengthen the resolve and conviction of those already baptised.
In today's reading, the gaoler had an amazing conversion story. We read: "Late that night Paul and Silas were praying and singing God’s praises, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the gaoler woke and saw the doors wide open he drew his sword and was about to commit suicide, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, ‘Don’t do yourself any harm; we are all here.’ The gaoler called for lights, then rushed in, threw himself trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, and escorted them out, saying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’" What could have turned out to be the gaoler's untimely death due to suicide, was transformed into a death to his old self and a birth to his new self. The gaoler and all his household were baptised. What an amazing turn of events!
Do we still remember our conversion story and continue to remain in our new selves? Or have we slacken and gradually returned to our old selves? At our baptism, we were enthusiatic and excited to become a child of God, a new creation. Let us not wane in such gusto and enthusiasm.
In today's reading, the gaoler had an amazing conversion story. We read: "Late that night Paul and Silas were praying and singing God’s praises, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the gaoler woke and saw the doors wide open he drew his sword and was about to commit suicide, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, ‘Don’t do yourself any harm; we are all here.’ The gaoler called for lights, then rushed in, threw himself trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, and escorted them out, saying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’" What could have turned out to be the gaoler's untimely death due to suicide, was transformed into a death to his old self and a birth to his new self. The gaoler and all his household were baptised. What an amazing turn of events!
Do we still remember our conversion story and continue to remain in our new selves? Or have we slacken and gradually returned to our old selves? At our baptism, we were enthusiatic and excited to become a child of God, a new creation. Let us not wane in such gusto and enthusiasm.
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
As witnesses of Christ, we often face lots of challenges, hardships, difficulties and even dangerous situations. Some of us may find the obstacles too much to handle and may be tempted to give up. Humanly speaking, it is not easy for us to hold on for a long time. However, with God's help and continuous guidance, we will be able to persevere.
In today's Gospel, Jesus assures us that He is sending the Advocate (Holy Spirit) to us from the Father. Jesus says: "When the Advocate comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be witnesses, because you have been with me from the outset. I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken..." With the Advocate protecting us, there is no reason for us to fear or take flight. So, let us take courage and continue sharing the Good News, knowing that God will be with us all the way.
In today's Gospel, Jesus assures us that He is sending the Advocate (Holy Spirit) to us from the Father. Jesus says: "When the Advocate comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be witnesses, because you have been with me from the outset. I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken..." With the Advocate protecting us, there is no reason for us to fear or take flight. So, let us take courage and continue sharing the Good News, knowing that God will be with us all the way.
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