Have some of us become more and more complacent or
taking things for granted when it comes to sin? For example, I have noticed that when it
comes to Lent and Advent, the number of faithful who come for the
Sacrament of Reconciliation suddenly increases or surges, sometimes to a point where the priests present find
it difficult to cope. But what about other times of the year? Do people only have sins to confess at certain times of the year, and they are sinless at other times?
Today's
reading tells us of the prophet Isaiah who had a mystical vision of the
holiness of God. The prophet confessed his sinfulness, and subsequently
he was cleansed and healed of his sinfulness, because he experienced the
overwhelming glory of God. Not only that, the mystical experience also
made him readily and willingly respond to God's call to be His
messenger.
If the prophet Isaiah Isaiah
could recognise the magnitude of God's holiness, and how incompatible sin is to
God, then what about us?. Have some
of us become so lax or have a "tidak apa" or "don't care"
attitude when it comes to sin? Or do some of us think that sin should be accumulated into a longer list or litany, before seeking
confession? May we come to realise the seriousness of sin, and go for the Sacrament of Confession as soon as possible, to mend our relationship with God, and for the betterment of our eternal future.
Showing posts with label 14th. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 14th. Show all posts
Tuesday, 16 June 2020
Thursday, 2 May 2019
Saturday of Week 14 Year 1
When someone has sinned against us or has done us great hurt or harm, how would we respond? Would we be willing to forgive the person? Or would we look for an opportunity to get back or take revenge at the person? Would we follow Jesus' way, in forgiving even those who have betrayed us? Or would we follow the ways of the world, where an eye for an eye is practised? It seems easy to get along with people who we like, but would be just as easily get along with people we less like?
In today's reading, Joseph's brothers were worried that Joseph would use the past as an excuse to hit back at them or to have his revenge after what they had done to him, now that their father Jacob is dead. But as we can see from the reading, Joseph chose to forgive, reconcile and be merciful towards his brothers, instead of holding a grudge or looking for an opportunity to exact revenge. Joseph chose to let bygones be bygones, and move on in God's ways, instead of dwelling in the past.
What about us? Would we be willing to let bygones be bygones, and move on in God's ways, just as Joseph has shown us? May we learn to let go of the hurt we may have experienced, and let God heal us and guide us to be more like His Son, Jesus, and give Him the glory in all we say and do.
In today's reading, Joseph's brothers were worried that Joseph would use the past as an excuse to hit back at them or to have his revenge after what they had done to him, now that their father Jacob is dead. But as we can see from the reading, Joseph chose to forgive, reconcile and be merciful towards his brothers, instead of holding a grudge or looking for an opportunity to exact revenge. Joseph chose to let bygones be bygones, and move on in God's ways, instead of dwelling in the past.
What about us? Would we be willing to let bygones be bygones, and move on in God's ways, just as Joseph has shown us? May we learn to let go of the hurt we may have experienced, and let God heal us and guide us to be more like His Son, Jesus, and give Him the glory in all we say and do.
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
Saturday of Week 14 Year 2
I sometimes wonder whether we are living in an era where people are becoming more and more complacent or taking things for granted when it comes to sin. For example, when it comes to Lent and Advent, the number of faithful who come for the Sacrament of Reconciliation seems to depend on when and where confession takes place. At the beginning of Lent or Advent, the number of faithful who come for confession seem so few, so much so that at times, it seems as if the number of priests who have come to listen to confession are more than the faithful present. Yet, towards the end of Lent or Advent, the numbers seem to swell up tremendously, and the priests present find it difficult to cope. Some faithful even take their sweet time to come, sometimes quite late at night, and expect the priests to still be there.
In contrast to the way some faithful are when it comes to sin, today's reading tells us of the prophet Isaiah who had a mystical vision of the holiness of God. The prophet confessed his sinfulness, and subsequently he was cleansed and healed of his sinfulness, because he experienced the overwhelming glory of God. Not only that, the mystical experience also made him readily and willingly respond to God's call to be His messenger.
If we realise, just as the prophet Isaiah did, the magnitude of God's holiness, and how incompatible sin is to God, then surely we should make every effort to go for confession more often, instead of just waiting for Lent or Advent to come by. Have some of us become so lax or have a "tidak apa" attitude or "don't care" attitude when it comes to sin? Or have some of us have the misguided notion that sin should be accumulated into one lump sum before seeking confession? Let us not be caught off guard or unprepared, and make more effort to seek confession when possible, as our eternal future may be at stake.
In contrast to the way some faithful are when it comes to sin, today's reading tells us of the prophet Isaiah who had a mystical vision of the holiness of God. The prophet confessed his sinfulness, and subsequently he was cleansed and healed of his sinfulness, because he experienced the overwhelming glory of God. Not only that, the mystical experience also made him readily and willingly respond to God's call to be His messenger.
If we realise, just as the prophet Isaiah did, the magnitude of God's holiness, and how incompatible sin is to God, then surely we should make every effort to go for confession more often, instead of just waiting for Lent or Advent to come by. Have some of us become so lax or have a "tidak apa" attitude or "don't care" attitude when it comes to sin? Or have some of us have the misguided notion that sin should be accumulated into one lump sum before seeking confession? Let us not be caught off guard or unprepared, and make more effort to seek confession when possible, as our eternal future may be at stake.
Friday, 14 July 2017
Saturday of Week 14 Year 1
Some people can be devious in their dealings with others. For example, they say they have put aside their differences with certain others, but in their hearts, they still hold a grudge or have not really forgiven or reconciled with the other. When opportunity strikes, they conveniently bring forth what had happened in the past to ridicule, condemn or even persecute the other, especially when the other is in an unfavourable or difficult situation. Could some of us be having such an attitude?
In today's reading, we are told: "Seeing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph intends to treat us as enemies and repay us in full for all the wrong we did him?’ So they sent this message to Joseph: ‘Before your father died he gave us this order: “You must say to Joseph: Oh forgive your brothers their crime and their sin and all the wrong they did you.” Now therefore, we beg you, forgive the crime of the servants of your father’s God.’ Joseph wept at the message they sent to him. His brothers came themselves and fell down before him. ‘We present ourselves before you’ they said ‘as your slaves.’ But Joseph answered them, ‘Do not be afraid; is it for me to put myself in God’s place? The evil you planned to do me has by God’s design been turned to good, that he might bring about, as indeed he has, the deliverance of a numerous people. So you need not be afraid; I myself will provide for you and your dependants.’ In this way he reassured them with words that touched their hearts."
Joseph's brothers were worried that Joseph would use the past as an excuse to hit back at them or to have his revenge after what they had done to him, now that their father Jacob is dead. But as we can see from the reading, Joseph chose to forgive, reconcile and be merciful towards his brothers, instead of holding a grudge or looking for an opportunity to exact revenge. If we were in Joseph's shoes, if we were in his situation, would we be humble and willing to do the same, or would we still insist in an eye for an eye? Are we able to put to practice what we say: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us?"
In today's reading, we are told: "Seeing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph intends to treat us as enemies and repay us in full for all the wrong we did him?’ So they sent this message to Joseph: ‘Before your father died he gave us this order: “You must say to Joseph: Oh forgive your brothers their crime and their sin and all the wrong they did you.” Now therefore, we beg you, forgive the crime of the servants of your father’s God.’ Joseph wept at the message they sent to him. His brothers came themselves and fell down before him. ‘We present ourselves before you’ they said ‘as your slaves.’ But Joseph answered them, ‘Do not be afraid; is it for me to put myself in God’s place? The evil you planned to do me has by God’s design been turned to good, that he might bring about, as indeed he has, the deliverance of a numerous people. So you need not be afraid; I myself will provide for you and your dependants.’ In this way he reassured them with words that touched their hearts."
Joseph's brothers were worried that Joseph would use the past as an excuse to hit back at them or to have his revenge after what they had done to him, now that their father Jacob is dead. But as we can see from the reading, Joseph chose to forgive, reconcile and be merciful towards his brothers, instead of holding a grudge or looking for an opportunity to exact revenge. If we were in Joseph's shoes, if we were in his situation, would we be humble and willing to do the same, or would we still insist in an eye for an eye? Are we able to put to practice what we say: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us?"
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Friday of Week 14 Year 1
It is certainly not easy being a Christian. Our
beliefs and principles quite often are in contrast with the ways of the world, and when we are faced with a choice, we would face a serious dilemma. It is easy to say that we would follow the ways of Christ, but when the choice involves our livelihood, or involves family relationship, then things become quite sticky and difficult. For example, not all of us come from families which are Christians, especially if some of us in the family converted to Christianity. When our siblings or parents challenge us to do something which is not right according to God's laws, would we stand firm with our Christian way of life? Or if our boss at work asks us to do something wrong or illegal for the benefit of the company, would we still stand firm with our Christian way of life? Or would we succumb to family, work or peer pressure?
In today's Gospel, Jesus cautioned us: "Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.'" If we were persecuted for our faith today, would we be willing to suffer and even die for our faith? May we choose to do what is right and just in God's eyes, and be courageous and steadfast in witnessing to the Gospel for the glory of God.
In today's Gospel, Jesus cautioned us: "Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.'" If we were persecuted for our faith today, would we be willing to suffer and even die for our faith? May we choose to do what is right and just in God's eyes, and be courageous and steadfast in witnessing to the Gospel for the glory of God.
Thursday of Week 14 Year 1
Every once in a while, we come across a situation where disaster seems imminent. We may have thought about how we could come out of such a situation, and it seems to us as if there is no way out. Some of us may begin to think that giving up or surrendering is all that there is left for us to do, and some of us may even despair. Yet, God works in mysterious ways and through His intervention.
we have seen throughout history how bad situations have
had a good ending.
In today's reading, "Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?' His brothers could not answer him, they were so dismayed at the sight of him. Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come closer to me.' When they had come closer to him he said, 'I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not grieve, do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here, since God sent me before you to preserve your lives.'" Joseph, who was sold to slavery in Egypt, ended up rescuing his family and Israel as a whole. God indeed had a plan from the beginning, and fortunately for Joseph's brothers and the Israelites, God's plan involved turning what was thought to be a bad situation into a good one.
So what does this mean to us? It means that we should not give up or think that all hope is lost. God can transform something which seemed bad into something good at the end. Are we willing to be humble and patient, and let God do what is best for us for His glory?
In today's reading, "Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?' His brothers could not answer him, they were so dismayed at the sight of him. Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come closer to me.' When they had come closer to him he said, 'I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not grieve, do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here, since God sent me before you to preserve your lives.'" Joseph, who was sold to slavery in Egypt, ended up rescuing his family and Israel as a whole. God indeed had a plan from the beginning, and fortunately for Joseph's brothers and the Israelites, God's plan involved turning what was thought to be a bad situation into a good one.
So what does this mean to us? It means that we should not give up or think that all hope is lost. God can transform something which seemed bad into something good at the end. Are we willing to be humble and patient, and let God do what is best for us for His glory?
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Wednesday of Week 14 Year 1
Every once in a while, I come across people who say that they have volunteered themselves to go to some seemingly remote country or place to preach the Good News. While it is commendable for people to offer their services and even their lives in such an endeavour, I sometimes wonder: what about the very people in our community, our
own backyard, our own housing area, who may have not heard about the
Good News? Have such aspiring missionaries made the effort to reach
out to them? Or have some of these aspiring missionaries given up on their own people?
In today's Gospel, we are told: "These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: 'Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.' What Jesus is telling us is that basically, charity begins at home. While it may seem commendable to make big plans in trying to preach the Good News to others, what about reaching out to our own families and friends first? Are some of us preaching the Good News selectively, thinking only of achieving a great success rate? Or are we preaching the Good News for the glory of God, regardless whether we are successful or not?
In today's Gospel, we are told: "These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: 'Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.' What Jesus is telling us is that basically, charity begins at home. While it may seem commendable to make big plans in trying to preach the Good News to others, what about reaching out to our own families and friends first? Are some of us preaching the Good News selectively, thinking only of achieving a great success rate? Or are we preaching the Good News for the glory of God, regardless whether we are successful or not?
Tuesday of Week 14 Year 1
Why are some of us unhappy? Some of us are unhappy because we feel that we have not achieved much in life. Some of us are unhappy because we are perfectionists and we constantly want to do even better than before. But for some of us, we are unhappy because we are jealous of others. We want to have what others have, or we want to be the centre of attention. When this happens, we begin to find ways and means to put others down, or to attract attention from others to whet our appetite for power and recognition, as our jealousy consumes us and blinds us to what is true and just.
In today's Gospel, we read: "A man was brought to Jesus, a dumb demoniac. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb man spoke and the people were amazed. 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel' they said. But the Pharisees said, 'It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils.'" The people loved Jesus for what He said, the healing He did and the casting out of devils he did. The Pharisees were constantly jealous with Jesus' increasing popularity and the words He said hit them hard and pricked their conscience, but they refused to change and risk losing their status and position. The Pharisees had become so jealous, that they even the good that Jesus was doing was, to them, the work of the devil. How absurd! But that is what jealousy does, and the Pharisees became blind to what is true and just.
What about us? Have we allowed jealousy to control our lives? Are we not happy, content and satisfied with the many gifts and talents God has given us? Why do we need to compare ourselves with others and become jealous of others because of what we do not have? God has made us special, unique amd gifted in different ways, and let us celebrate our uniqueness and give God the glory.
In today's Gospel, we read: "A man was brought to Jesus, a dumb demoniac. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb man spoke and the people were amazed. 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel' they said. But the Pharisees said, 'It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils.'" The people loved Jesus for what He said, the healing He did and the casting out of devils he did. The Pharisees were constantly jealous with Jesus' increasing popularity and the words He said hit them hard and pricked their conscience, but they refused to change and risk losing their status and position. The Pharisees had become so jealous, that they even the good that Jesus was doing was, to them, the work of the devil. How absurd! But that is what jealousy does, and the Pharisees became blind to what is true and just.
What about us? Have we allowed jealousy to control our lives? Are we not happy, content and satisfied with the many gifts and talents God has given us? Why do we need to compare ourselves with others and become jealous of others because of what we do not have? God has made us special, unique amd gifted in different ways, and let us celebrate our uniqueness and give God the glory.
Monday, 25 April 2016
Monday of Week 14 Year 1
Supposing your child or an elderly parent or relative has just died, and suddenly someone comes and tells you that the deceased is not dead, but merely sleeping, how would you feel and how would you respond? Quite likely you would think that the person saying such things is being mean or absurd, and you may even ask the person to leave before you take stronger measures or actions. Supposing the person saying such things was brought to the house by a sibling or someone close to you, and that sibling or someone has great faith in the person's ability to restore the deceased to life, would you trust your sibling's judgement? Or would you still refuse to believe and get angry or upset?
In today's Gospel, the official had great faith and trust in Jesus. The crowd, and possibly other members of the family did not. It was because of the official's great faith in Jesus that his daughter was brought back to life. Sometimes in our lives, we have become so used to a particular way of thinking, or we think we have seen it all, that we may fail to recognise Jesus in our midst, coming to heal us or bring us back to life. May we learn to discern and discover Jesus' presence, and put our faith and trust in Him, and let Him do what is best for us for His glory.
In today's Gospel, the official had great faith and trust in Jesus. The crowd, and possibly other members of the family did not. It was because of the official's great faith in Jesus that his daughter was brought back to life. Sometimes in our lives, we have become so used to a particular way of thinking, or we think we have seen it all, that we may fail to recognise Jesus in our midst, coming to heal us or bring us back to life. May we learn to discern and discover Jesus' presence, and put our faith and trust in Him, and let Him do what is best for us for His glory.
Friday, 22 January 2016
Friday of Week 14 Year 2
When we sin, what happens? Our soul begins to get smeared with the filth of sin, and we slowly begin to lose our relationship with God. It may not be instant or so quick, but if we let the sin remain in us, its filth would eventually cover us in darkness, and our connection to God may end up disconnected. As an analogy, imagine if you drink hard liquor regularly without giving time for your body, especially your liver or other vital organs to rest. In time to come, such organs may fail and you may be stricken with severe health issues. Sin is like that, since its effects on us would have far reaching and devastating effects, especially to our eternal future.
That is why, in today's reading, God is constantly calling out to Israel, and to us too, to come back to Him. God is willing to heal our disloyalty and love us with all His heart. The problem is, some of us are still so proud and stubborn to change our ways and come back to Him. Some of us feel too ashamed or afraid, but if God is willing to take us back, why do we still feel this way? Do we not trust in God's promises and care? May we take every opportunity to walk in His ways, return to Him, and let Him be our help and guide.
That is why, in today's reading, God is constantly calling out to Israel, and to us too, to come back to Him. God is willing to heal our disloyalty and love us with all His heart. The problem is, some of us are still so proud and stubborn to change our ways and come back to Him. Some of us feel too ashamed or afraid, but if God is willing to take us back, why do we still feel this way? Do we not trust in God's promises and care? May we take every opportunity to walk in His ways, return to Him, and let Him be our help and guide.
Thursday of Week 14 Year 2
When we go for a vacation trip abroad, one of the things that concerns us is whether our luggage is too heavy, or whether we have packed too many things, or whether we really need so many things. We seem to fret over so many things concerning our trip, that we may end up becoming stressed or preoccupied with such things, and end up not really enjoying our trip after all. If this is the case, why do we go for the trip in the first place? We say that we go because we need a break or a vacation, but how are we going to have a proper vacation or break if we are fretting or getting stressed out?
In today's Gospel, Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: "As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge. Provide yourselves with no gold or silver, not even with a few coppers for your purses, with no haversack for the journey or spare tunic or footwear or a staff, for the workman deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you go into, ask for someone trustworthy and stay with him until you leave. As you enter his house, salute it, and if the house deserves it, let your peace descend upon it; if it does not, let your peace come back to you."
Jesus wanted us to be free from so many unnecessary worries and concerns, so that we would concentrate more on preaching the Good News. Just as we are advised to travel light and bring only essential things, so that we can enjoy our vacation trip, Jesus is inviting and encouraging us to learn to depend on our loving God, who will provide us with what we need. Do we not trust in God's generosity and providence?
In today's Gospel, Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: "As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge. Provide yourselves with no gold or silver, not even with a few coppers for your purses, with no haversack for the journey or spare tunic or footwear or a staff, for the workman deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you go into, ask for someone trustworthy and stay with him until you leave. As you enter his house, salute it, and if the house deserves it, let your peace descend upon it; if it does not, let your peace come back to you."
Jesus wanted us to be free from so many unnecessary worries and concerns, so that we would concentrate more on preaching the Good News. Just as we are advised to travel light and bring only essential things, so that we can enjoy our vacation trip, Jesus is inviting and encouraging us to learn to depend on our loving God, who will provide us with what we need. Do we not trust in God's generosity and providence?
Wednesday of Week 14 Year 2
As Christians, do we worship God alone? Some of you may think that this sounds like a silly question, but sometimes we come across Christians who appear to worship God, but they have become so attached to the ways of the world, that money, wealth, riches, and popularity have become more important than God, and some have made all these other things of equal importance with God. When we do such things, our hearts become divided and our focus may turn more and more towards other gods in the form of money, wealth, riches, and popularity, instead of the one, true God.
In today's reading, Hosea cautioned Israel that "their heart is a divided heart and they must pay for it." This is because the Israelites had focused more and more on other gods, and neglected or even abandoned the one, true God. Could we be in danger of having to pay for it, for abandoning or neglecting the one, true God? Are we risking our eternal future just for the sake of temporary success, wealth and power here on earth?
In today's reading, Hosea cautioned Israel that "their heart is a divided heart and they must pay for it." This is because the Israelites had focused more and more on other gods, and neglected or even abandoned the one, true God. Could we be in danger of having to pay for it, for abandoning or neglecting the one, true God? Are we risking our eternal future just for the sake of temporary success, wealth and power here on earth?
Thursday, 21 January 2016
Tuesday of Week 14 Year 2
God has given each and every one of us different gifts and talents. We do not have the exact same talent, since each talent is unique. But sometimes, we come across people who are not happy with their gift or talent, and they begin to get very jealous when other people seem to be better than them in a different way. When such people are jealous, they begin to say things or find ways to put other people down, but they sometimes do or say things which only end up making them look silly or stupid. Could some of us be guilty of such things?
In today's Gospel, we come across the Pharisees who were extremely jealous of Jesus, because of what he said and did. Just because Jesus had cured a dumb demoniac, the Pharisees tried to put Jesus down by saying: "It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils." Now if we consider for a moment: isn't such a statement stupid? Why would the devil cast out another devil? Surely the devil would join up with the other devil and the person would be worse off.
When we become jealous like the Pharisees, we may also end up like them by saying or doing silly or ridiculous things. May we take care not to become so incessantly jealous, since all gifts are from God, and we should rejoice when such gifts are used well for His glory.
In today's Gospel, we come across the Pharisees who were extremely jealous of Jesus, because of what he said and did. Just because Jesus had cured a dumb demoniac, the Pharisees tried to put Jesus down by saying: "It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils." Now if we consider for a moment: isn't such a statement stupid? Why would the devil cast out another devil? Surely the devil would join up with the other devil and the person would be worse off.
When we become jealous like the Pharisees, we may also end up like them by saying or doing silly or ridiculous things. May we take care not to become so incessantly jealous, since all gifts are from God, and we should rejoice when such gifts are used well for His glory.
Monday of Week 14 Year 2
Among the many sins a married couple may encounter, one of the most difficult to forgive is unfaithfulness or adultery. This is because the party who committed such a sin has lost the trust of the other party. The situation is even further aggravated if a pregnancy is involved, or if the party who sinned has contracted some disease as a result of such unfaithfulness. It takes a lot of courage, love, mercy and compassion for one to forgive the party who sinned. Forgiving the party that sinned is one thing, but rebuilding the trust that is lost is another thing altogether, and it may take quite some time before some trust is restored. Humanly speaking, it is not easy to rebuild the trust, but with time and with God's help, perhaps the trust may be somewhat restored.
But when it comes to God, He shows us what it means to forgive and rebuild trust. In the reading, the Israelites had been unfaithful to God, and had been seduced by Baal. But God had not given up on them or abandoned them. Despite their unfaithfulness, God is willing to take them back and make them His own. If God can be so loving, forgiving and merciful to such people, what about us when it comes to broken or unfaithful relationships? Are we willing to follow God's ways, forgive and rebuild trust? Are we willing to let bygones be bygones, pick up the pieces, and move on, especially if the party who sinned wants to come back to us and remain with us? Or are we going to allow the hurt, anger, pain and disappointment control us and even cause our marriage to fail?
But when it comes to God, He shows us what it means to forgive and rebuild trust. In the reading, the Israelites had been unfaithful to God, and had been seduced by Baal. But God had not given up on them or abandoned them. Despite their unfaithfulness, God is willing to take them back and make them His own. If God can be so loving, forgiving and merciful to such people, what about us when it comes to broken or unfaithful relationships? Are we willing to follow God's ways, forgive and rebuild trust? Are we willing to let bygones be bygones, pick up the pieces, and move on, especially if the party who sinned wants to come back to us and remain with us? Or are we going to allow the hurt, anger, pain and disappointment control us and even cause our marriage to fail?
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Housekeeping - Week 14 Year 2
For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:
3 July 2016 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
4 July 2016 - Monday of Week 14 Year 2
5 July 2016 - Tuesday of Week 14 Year 2
6 July 2016 - Wednesday of Week 14 Year 2
7 July 2016 - Thursday of Week 14 Year 2
8 July 2016 - Friday of Week 14 Year 2
3 July 2016 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
4 July 2016 - Monday of Week 14 Year 2
5 July 2016 - Tuesday of Week 14 Year 2
6 July 2016 - Wednesday of Week 14 Year 2
7 July 2016 - Thursday of Week 14 Year 2
8 July 2016 - Friday of Week 14 Year 2
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Today's readings give us two conflicting images that do not seem possible to be harmonised. One is of abundance and rejoicing; the other is of the cross and self-denial. When we look at these images, we would wonder how we could link the two, since finding a connection does not seem so evident or straightforward. But if we look discerningly and carefully at the messages offered in today's readings, we can see how they actually do fit together.
In the first reading, Isaiah's message is a vision of the future Jerusalem, which had been destroyed, its inhabitants scattered, will be made prosperous again and its people brought back home, and the ancient Israelites clung with hope and trust to this promise of future security and happiness. In current times, some of us too are experiencing cities ravaged by war, cities plagued by poverty; and cities infested with crime. We grieve over what is happening to such cities, and we wonder whether God will turn their mourning into rejoicing. This is not a vain hope or just a dream, for as today's psalm reminds us, God "changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot." God liberated a people before; and He certainly could do it again. But how would He do so?
Today’s Gospel offers us answers to this question. The world has an immense need of labourers who will bring to life the kingdom of God. Jesus sent out the seventy-two in pairs, to all the towns and places that He himself was to visit, and he sends us out to continue their work. Today we are the ones with the message, "Peace to this household." "Peace" seems to be a simple greeting to give, but a great and challenging task to accomplish. But world peace really does begin in our families and in our neighbourhoods, and we can and must establish it there. Jesus warned us that the message of peace may be rejected. Our efforts at change may not always be appreciated. But God restored the people in the past, and through us, God can continue to restore the people today.
One thing we need to constantly remember is that we are the new creation of which Paul speaks in today’s second reading. And like Paul, we too must be willing to be crucified to some of the standards of our world, standards that stand in opposition to the reign of God. It is in this way that the cross enters our lives, and that God's peace would begin to spread in our homes, our neighbourhood, our cities, our countries, throughout the world. Let us pray that God will continue to help us in our effort and grant us more patience in spreading His message of peace to all.
In the first reading, Isaiah's message is a vision of the future Jerusalem, which had been destroyed, its inhabitants scattered, will be made prosperous again and its people brought back home, and the ancient Israelites clung with hope and trust to this promise of future security and happiness. In current times, some of us too are experiencing cities ravaged by war, cities plagued by poverty; and cities infested with crime. We grieve over what is happening to such cities, and we wonder whether God will turn their mourning into rejoicing. This is not a vain hope or just a dream, for as today's psalm reminds us, God "changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot." God liberated a people before; and He certainly could do it again. But how would He do so?
Today’s Gospel offers us answers to this question. The world has an immense need of labourers who will bring to life the kingdom of God. Jesus sent out the seventy-two in pairs, to all the towns and places that He himself was to visit, and he sends us out to continue their work. Today we are the ones with the message, "Peace to this household." "Peace" seems to be a simple greeting to give, but a great and challenging task to accomplish. But world peace really does begin in our families and in our neighbourhoods, and we can and must establish it there. Jesus warned us that the message of peace may be rejected. Our efforts at change may not always be appreciated. But God restored the people in the past, and through us, God can continue to restore the people today.
One thing we need to constantly remember is that we are the new creation of which Paul speaks in today’s second reading. And like Paul, we too must be willing to be crucified to some of the standards of our world, standards that stand in opposition to the reign of God. It is in this way that the cross enters our lives, and that God's peace would begin to spread in our homes, our neighbourhood, our cities, our countries, throughout the world. Let us pray that God will continue to help us in our effort and grant us more patience in spreading His message of peace to all.
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Friday of Week 14 Year 1
How many of us are able to withstand pain? For some of us, just a little pain could cause us to whine and complain, some even begin to have all sorts of strange thoughts. Then after all the drama, and the pain is gone, we carry on as if nothing happened. Some of us are able to withstand a great deal of pain without complaining, and we are able to carry on with our lives by managing the pain as best we can. But what about persecution? How many of us are able to withstand persecution, even to the point of death? Would we try to save our skin or would we be willing to stick to our beliefs and principles, come what may?
In today's Gospel, we read: "Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: 'Remember, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves. Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.'"
If we were persecuted for our faith today, would we be willing to suffer and even die for our faith? Some of us may have gotten so used to peace and prosperity in this world, that we may have become complacent of what it means to be a Christian. May we choose to do what is right and just in God's eyes, and "be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves" as Jesus instructed us, while being courageous and steadfast in witnessing to the Gospel for the glory of God.
In today's Gospel, we read: "Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: 'Remember, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves. Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.'"
If we were persecuted for our faith today, would we be willing to suffer and even die for our faith? Some of us may have gotten so used to peace and prosperity in this world, that we may have become complacent of what it means to be a Christian. May we choose to do what is right and just in God's eyes, and "be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves" as Jesus instructed us, while being courageous and steadfast in witnessing to the Gospel for the glory of God.
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Thursday of Week 14 Year 1
Over the years, we may have come across a difficult or bad situation which we thought would end up bad or disastrous, only to be surprised that something good could come out of such a situation. We may wonder how it could turn out to be good, especially when we had experienced so much hurt, trouble or problems upfront. Yet, God works in mysterious ways and through His intervention. we have seen throughout the history of mankind how bad situations have had a good ending.
In today's reading, "Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?' His brothers could not answer him, they were so dismayed at the sight of him. Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come closer to me.' When they had come closer to him he said, 'I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not grieve, do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here, since God sent me before you to preserve your lives.'" Who would have thought that Joseph, sold to slavery in Egypt, would one day end up rescuing his family and Israel as a whole, from famine? But that is exactly what happened. God indeed had a plan from the beginning, and we came to know of the surprising outcome only at a later time.
What does this tell us? We may face problems or difficult situations, but we should not give up or think that all hope is lost. If God can transform something which seemed bad into something good at the end, what more He could do for us? Are we willing to be humble and patient, and let God help us and do what is best for us according to His time and for His glory?
In today's reading, "Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph. Is my father really still alive?' His brothers could not answer him, they were so dismayed at the sight of him. Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come closer to me.' When they had come closer to him he said, 'I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not grieve, do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here, since God sent me before you to preserve your lives.'" Who would have thought that Joseph, sold to slavery in Egypt, would one day end up rescuing his family and Israel as a whole, from famine? But that is exactly what happened. God indeed had a plan from the beginning, and we came to know of the surprising outcome only at a later time.
What does this tell us? We may face problems or difficult situations, but we should not give up or think that all hope is lost. If God can transform something which seemed bad into something good at the end, what more He could do for us? Are we willing to be humble and patient, and let God help us and do what is best for us according to His time and for His glory?
Wednesday of Week 14 Year 1
Some of us may be quite enthusiastic or gung-ho about going forth to preach the Good News. We may have made great plans to go to other countries on a mission to preach to people we think have not heard the Good News, and we may have dreamed about converting huge numbers to Christianity. But if we consider for a moment: what about the very people in our community, our own backyard, our own housing area, who may have not heard about the Good News? It may sound surprising, but you would never know unless you reach out and find out, and you may find people nearby who are potential to be converted, and yet no one has actually made the effort to reach out to them.
In today's Gospel, we read: "These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: 'Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.' Upfront, we may be wondering why Jesus gave such strange instructions, since so many other people could have received the Good News and be converted. But if we consider for a moment what Jesus is telling us, we could realise that basically, He is reminding us that charity begins at home. Before we make big plans trying to preach the Good News to others, we should be reaching out to our own families and friends first. Some of us may have taken the easy way out by going elsewhere to preach the Good News, only to neglect or ignore our very own people. Perhaps we may be doing this because we find it easier to talk to strangers, or we think that our own people are too difficult or stubborn to talk to, but are we preaching the Good News selectively, thinking only of achieving a great success rate? Or are we preaching the Good News for the glory of God, regardless whether we are successful or not? May we learn from our loving Saviour and go forth and preach the Good News to all, especially to those near to us, and then to others as well.
In today's Gospel, we read: "These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: 'Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.' Upfront, we may be wondering why Jesus gave such strange instructions, since so many other people could have received the Good News and be converted. But if we consider for a moment what Jesus is telling us, we could realise that basically, He is reminding us that charity begins at home. Before we make big plans trying to preach the Good News to others, we should be reaching out to our own families and friends first. Some of us may have taken the easy way out by going elsewhere to preach the Good News, only to neglect or ignore our very own people. Perhaps we may be doing this because we find it easier to talk to strangers, or we think that our own people are too difficult or stubborn to talk to, but are we preaching the Good News selectively, thinking only of achieving a great success rate? Or are we preaching the Good News for the glory of God, regardless whether we are successful or not? May we learn from our loving Saviour and go forth and preach the Good News to all, especially to those near to us, and then to others as well.
Saturday, 21 March 2015
Tuesday of Week 14 Year 1
In ministry, we cannot please everybody. No matter how hard we try, we are bound to encounter people who appreciate what we do, some will be jealous or unhappy with us no matter what we do, and others could not care less or are not bothered with what we do, possibly because they are more interested in themselves or in matters which interest or benefit them. In different situations, those who like us may become annoyed with us and those who were annoyed with us may like us. Such is the kind of people we encounter and minister to.
That is why, if we look in the Gospel, we can see how the people and the Pharisees had some sort of love-hate relationship with Jesus. In the Gospel, we read: "A man was brought to Jesus, a dumb demoniac. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb man spoke and the people were amazed. 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel' they said. But the Pharisees said, 'It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils.'" The people loved Jesus for what He said, the healing He did and the casting out of devils he did. The Pharisees were constantly at loggerheads with Jesus, as they were jealous with His increasing popularity and the words He said hit them hard and pricked their conscience, but they refused to change and risk losing their status and position.
What about us? Are we still trying to please everybody and water down the faith to accommodate certain people, or are we willing to be bold and not be affected with what others think of us? Jesus was not the least bit concerned about His popularity or position, since He was more interested in loving and serving the people, as the Gospel tells us: "Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness." May we follow the example of our loving saviour, and be happy, determined and loving bearers of the Good News to all the ends of the earth.
That is why, if we look in the Gospel, we can see how the people and the Pharisees had some sort of love-hate relationship with Jesus. In the Gospel, we read: "A man was brought to Jesus, a dumb demoniac. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb man spoke and the people were amazed. 'Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel' they said. But the Pharisees said, 'It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils.'" The people loved Jesus for what He said, the healing He did and the casting out of devils he did. The Pharisees were constantly at loggerheads with Jesus, as they were jealous with His increasing popularity and the words He said hit them hard and pricked their conscience, but they refused to change and risk losing their status and position.
What about us? Are we still trying to please everybody and water down the faith to accommodate certain people, or are we willing to be bold and not be affected with what others think of us? Jesus was not the least bit concerned about His popularity or position, since He was more interested in loving and serving the people, as the Gospel tells us: "Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness." May we follow the example of our loving saviour, and be happy, determined and loving bearers of the Good News to all the ends of the earth.
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