Saturday of Week 18 Year 1

Some of us are so used to doing so many things, but how many of us take time to listen to what we are doing, and ponder whether what we are doing is really God's will or our own will? We may appear very busy doing so many things, but sometimes what is being done may not be necessary or just a waste of time; or what is done may turn out to be just to boost our pride and ego. Even when it comes to loving God, some of us may be loving God through lots of actions, but are these actions really necessary and according to His will?

In today's reading, "Moses said to the people: ‘Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. Let these words I urge on you today be written on your heart." Notice that in the reading, the first and foremost thing that the people need to do is not to carry out lots of tasks to show their love, but simply to listen. When the people listen carefully to God, they would come to realise that loving God means to love totally and completely and this includes discerning His will.

What about us? Are we really listening to God and doing His will? If we say that we love God, then we must be prepared to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength; and the very first thing we ought to do is to listen. Let us listen carefully and attentively to God's promptings, and glorify God in all that we say and do.

Saturday of Week 18 Year 2

How patient are we in letting God's will be done? We sometimes expect God to answer our prayers quickly, or to help us when we turn to Him for help, but by doing so, are we really letting God's will be done, or are we actually demanding that our will be done? For example, if we are stricken with a serious illness, would we expect God to heal us quickly, or would we be willing to be patient and let God decide what is best for us?

In today's reading, God reminded Habakkuk: "if it comes slowly, wait, for come it will, without fail. ‘See how he flags, he whose soul is not at rights, but the upright man will live by his faithfulness.’" Habakkuk was reminded that God's will would be done, not according to his terms, but according to God's terms, and all that was needed was patience and trust.

What about us? When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we are reminded: "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done." Would we be willing and humble enough to let God's will be done, while we remain patient and trust that God would make a way, even though it may take some time? Let us not be so easily disheartened or give up or even despair. Instead, let us remain faithful in God's love and care, and let His will be done.

Thursday of Week 18 Year 1

In today's reading, "the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe that I could proclaim my holiness in the eyes of the sons of Israel, you shall not lead this assembly into the land I am giving them.'" If one were to read this out of context, one would think that God was not being fair to Moses and Aaron, especially since it was the Israelites that were being stubborn and difficult to deal with. But why did the Lord make such a drastic decision?

When we look at the reading, we would discover that the Israelites had been behaving like spoilt brats, complaining about being taken out of Egypt even though it was for their own good. Moses and Aaron, being leaders of the people, were supposed to remain calm and patient with the people, since God had assured all that He would eventually lead them into the land He is giving them. But in the reading, we can see that in Moses and Aaron's disgust and resentment with the complaints of the rebellious Israelites, Moses taunted them before he struck the rock twice to make water flow from it.
It seems like Moses had reached the limit of his tolerance and patience and had only harsh and heated words for the people. Such a response by Moses was intolerable to God, as his duty and responsibility was to be God's mouthpiece, and do what God instructed with humility and patience. Because of this, Moses and Aaron were punished by not being allowed to lead the people into the promised land.

What about us? Have we misused our duty and responsibility, instead of serving with humility and patience? May we come to realise that what God expects of us is obedience and patience, since He will know what to do with the people, and all that is expected of us is to do His will. May we not allow pride and arrogance to affect our tasks, and ultimately leave it in the hands of the Lord.

Thursday of Week 18 Year 1

I used to occasionally visit an elderly man who was homebound to give him Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion. He was frail and bedridden but I observed that whenever he noticed I came, he would gather whatever strength he could to sit down for Holy Communion. One important thing that I noticed about him was he never complained why he was suffering; never did I hear him complain about anything. He carried his suffering without questioning God. Perhaps he knew that to suffer was part of him being a disciple of Jesus. Eventually, the elderly man died.

In today's Gospel, Jesus told Peter and the disciples that He must undergo suffering to accomplish His mission and Peter reacted with indignation. Perhaps Peter could not accept the fact that a powerful and influential person like Jesus would suffer. Perhaps Peter thought that Jesus was immune to suffering. But the reality is that Jesus was not exempted from suffering, and He went through it for it was part of His destiny and mission.

What about us? Would we follow the elderly man's example, and especially Jesus' example, in taking suffering as part of being a disciple? Would we be humble and willing to embrace whatever suffering that may come our way, to witness to Jesus and to give glory to God?

Saturday of Week 18 Year 2

How much faith and patience do we have in letting God's will be done? When our prayers are not answered; when things do not go our way; when evil seems to be happening around us and it seems as if it is hopeless to resist; when we face much ridicule and persecution; do we have faith and patience, knowing that God will take care of things? Or have we given up on God and tried to do things our way?

In today's reading, Habakkuk could not understand why Judah was punished by her enemies who were more wicked and sinful than her. He complained that God seemed silent and did nothing while wicked men swallowed up His people. But God was not indifferent or silent, Instead, God responded: "if it comes slowly, wait, for come it will, without fail. ‘See how he flags, he whose soul is not at rights, but the upright man will live by his faithfulness.’" Habakkuk was reminded that God's will would be done, not according to his terms, but according to God's terms, and all that was needed was patience and trust.

What about us? Are we able to be patient and trust that God would make a way, even though it may take some time? May we not be so easily disheartened or give up or even despair. Instead, may we remain faithful in God's love and care, knowing and trusting that in the end, good will triumph, and His will would be done.

Saturday of Week 18 Year 1

Do we have faith? Or do we doubt? An author of unknown origin once quipped: "Doubt sees the obstacles; Faith sees the way. Doubt sees the darkest night; Faith sees the day. Doubt dreads to take a step; Faith soars on high. Doubt questions 'who believes?';  Faith answers, 'I.' Indeed, when we have faith, nothing would be impossible.

But what has happened to the disciples in today's Gospel? Why were they unable to cure the boy who was a lunatic and in a wretched state? The reason could be because the disciples had let their ability to heal go to their heads. They began to think that they are the ones doing the healing rather than God. In their pride and ego, they began to think that "it is me!" doing it, instead of acknowledging that the source of healing power is God Himself. Because of this, Jesus admonished them, saying: "Because you have little faith. I tell you solemnly, if your faith were the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move; nothing would be impossible for you."

What about us? Have some of us become like the disciples in today's Gospel? Or have we learnt to remain humble and remain steadfast in faith in the Lord? May we always remember that all that we are and capable of comes from God, and give Him the greater glory.

Friday of Week 18 Year 1

What does it mean to obey? In today's reading we are presented with what seems to be a simplistic understanding of the meaning of obedience. In a nutshell, the reading is telling us that to obey means to keep the laws and the commandments of God, and by doing so we will prosper, live long and be happy. The reading also cautions us that if we disobey God, then we lose everything and be ruined.

But Jesus in the Gospel gives us a deeper and different meaning of obedience. In the Gospel, Jesus tells that if we want to be His disciples, then we would have to renounce everything and take up our cross. What Jesus is trying to tell us is that when we let go, we gain, or if we were to put it in a different way: We should let go, and let God. Obedience to God is not about gaining world riches. Rather, obedience to God is the realisation that eternal riches is far more precious, far more valuable. So the question is: Why do we obey? What do we ultimately seek?

Wednesday of Week 18 Year 1

If a person makes a promise to you, would you believe him or her? If the person is someone you have trusted all this while, then it may be a no brainer to believe. But supposing the person is not someone close, would you still believe? Supposing the promise is made by a politician, would you believe? Or would you remain skeptical and think that such promises are just mere words, meant to be broken when necessary? How then would you trust and believe, when a promise is made?

In today's reading, God told Moses to send a reconnaissance team to the land of Canaan which He was giving to the sons of Israel. This team was made up of the leaders of each tribe of Israel, and they were to give a report of the land that God had promised to give to Israel after 40 days of reconnaissance. When they came back, they showed the people the produce of the land and indeed it was a good and fertile land, a land flowing with milk and honey. But they also said that the people in that land were a powerful people, that they were no match against them, and they began to disparage the land. The people raised their voices, cried aloud and wailed in despair, forgetting that it was a land that the Lord had promised them. The people forgot that what the Lord had promised, He will deliver, and they didn't want to believe in the promises God made to them. God did not break His promise; instead it was the people who broke faith in God.

What about us? If God were to make a promise to you, would you still remain skeptical? Sometimes we just need to have a little more faith and trust that God would fulfil His promise in His time and for His glory.

Tuesday of Week 18 Year 1

Why do people become envious or jealous? Some become so because they covet what someone else owns. Some become so because they feel the other person seems more talented or capable than them. Some become so because they feel inferior or have low self-esteem. What happens when we are jealous and envious? We become critical and judgemental towards ourselves and towards others. We forget that each and every one of us is precious to God, and we are made in a unique way. We want to be someone else or we want something which we don't have or lack. But what do we really gain from being jealous and envious? Are we living in truth, or are we living a lie?

In today's reading, we hear of how Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses in connection with the Cushite woman. But the issue here is not so much the Cushite woman, but that they were envious and jealous of Moses, and they used a trivial matter to express it. So what they said merely expressed what was really eating away in their hearts. Because of such envy and jealousy, Miriam ended becoming a leper and Aaorn begged Moses to intercede for them and cure Miriam of her leprosy.

What about us? Have we become lepers because of our envy and jealousy? We may not necessarily be stricken with the disease of leprosy, but the poison of envy and jealousy causes us to become like lepers, where our envy and jealousy eats away our being bit by bit, until we become monsters, filled with resentment, anger, or even rage. May we come to our senses and remove the envy and jealousy in our hearts, and learn to be content and happy with the Lord.

Monday of Week 18 Year 1

One of the many challenges parents face when feeding their children is when their children are fussy over food. Some children are so fussy and difficult to please, so much so that some parents just give in to their demands, and spoil the child. Some parents resort to walking away in frustration, and let the child be without giving the child the kind of food desired. Some parents even resort to punishment, including a smacking or a scolding, to try and get the child to eat up what is on the plate.

In today's reading, we hear how the Israelites began to be fussy, not because they were hungry but because they were tired of eating manna, day in day out. God had already provided manna to sustain His people, but the Israelites were still fussing for the food they had in Egypt, even though the manna was actually more than enough to meet their needs. This caused the Lord's anger to flare out, and greatly worried Moses. But instead of causing the Israelites to face the Lord's wrath, Moses complained to the Lord and tried to intercede for them, begging the Lord to be merciful and generous to them.

What about us? Have we been fussy over many things, and yet neglecting in the essentials? How many of us have been fussy about going for Mass more often, or even fussy about going for confession to keep our souls clean? Are we fussing about things here on earth, or have we made effort to fuss about our eternal future?

Friday of Week 18 Year 2

As children, we were encouraged to work hard so that we would do well in school. If we did well in school and attained good grades, then we may have opportunities to go to university. If we study hard and do well in university, we may graduate with honours or even go on to do a Masters degree or PhD. With such qualifications, we may be able to get a good job, with a good pay, and have a comfortable life. But notice that all these are geared only towards life here on earth. What have we been doing for our preparation towards eternal life? Are we preparing at all?

In today's Gospel, we are reminded: "What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life?" We may get plenty of wealth, recognition, titles, fame and other things this world has to offer, but would these things be of any use if we ruin our eternal future? All that we have here on earth are only temporary things, and while it is necessary for us to survive in this world, we should also focus especially in our relationship with God. May we take the necessary measures to get back on track with our relationship with God, while we have time and opportunities to do so.

Thursday of Week 18 Year 2

It is not easy for some of us to forgive others, especially if these others have done something very serious or caused us great pain or harm. The easiest thing for some of us would be to seek retribution or revenge, since some of us think that we deserve justice and the person who has wronged us should get his or her just desserts. But how many of us are willing to forgive such persons, despite the amount of hurt and pain the person has caused us? Are we willing to forgive and move on? Or are we forgiving but still harbouring the hurt in us?

In today's reading, God is willing to forgive the Israelites their iniquity and never call their sin to mind. This means that God is not going to hold anything against the Israelites, and He is willing to guide them as His people. Likewise, God is willing to forgive us too for the many sins we may have committed against Him and against others. If God is willing to forgive and move on, why can''t we do the same? Are we too proud or egoistic to let go of the hurt and move on? When we forgive, we are not allowing the hurt to control us any longer, and we are freed from further hurt and pain. May we learn to forgive others, just as God forgives us, and let God help us become better persons.

Wednesday of Week 18 Year 2

Are you aware how much God loves you? Sometimes you may feel that God is not present or not helping, but actually He is there. He may not always grant our desires right away, but He knows when to give us help and care. After all, God was even willing to send us His own Son, Jesus, to redeem us and to save us from our sins. If God is so willing to do such things for us, then there is no reason for us to worry or fret or doubt His love.

In today's reading, we are reassured of God's love for us: "I have loved you with an everlasting love,
so I am constant in my affection for you." God's love for us is not just for a certain period or for a certain reason, but His love is unconditional and everlasting. Even though we may have run away from His love, even though we may have done wrong, God is still loving us and beckoning us to return to His love and care. Let us not be so stubborn or afraid, and come back to Him, so that we can find rest for our soul.

Tuesday of Week 18 Year 2

When a parent punishes a child, the parent may use harsh words or raise the voice. Some parents, especially those who come from an older or traditional background, may resort to giving a little smack. Those of us who are older may remember our parents using the cane or rod to give us a little whack for being naughty or mischievous. But generally, our parents said or did such things not because they hated or despised us, they did so because they loved us and those methods of disciplining were the only ways known to them at that time. After all, we were born without a user manual, and our parents did what they thought was best for us.

In the same way, in today's reading, God had been quite harsh to the Israelites because of their stubbornness, sin, iniquity and obstinate refusal to change. It took many punishments and suffering for the Israelites to learn their lesson, but God did so to help them realise that ultimately, He is the one and only God. Eventually, God even restored His people and said: "And you shall be my people, and I will be your God."

What about us? When God punishes us for something we have done wrong, when we are reprimanded for sinning, will be be humble and docile in accepting such correction? We may feel pain and suffering at first, but by going through such correction, we may become better persons. Let us not feel dejected, since God is our help and guide, and all He does for us is for our own good.

Monday of Week 18 Year 2

Being a prophet is not something which one takes upon himself or herself, and the message to be delivered is to be from God, regardless whether message is good or bad. Sometimes, we come across so-called prophets who curry-favour or win over people who crave for good news, with the intention of gaining popularity, wealth and fame. Such so-called prophets are what we call false prophets, misusing the word "prophet" for their own ends and purposes.

In today's reading, we come across an example of a false prophet named Hananiah. The reading warns us of the consequences of being a false prophet: "The prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, 'Listen carefully, Hananiah: the Lord has not sent you; and thanks to you this people are now relying on what is false. Hence – the Lord says this, "I am going to throw you off the face of the earth: you are going to die this year since you have preached apostasy from the Lord."' The prophet Hananiah died the same year, in the seventh month." As we can see, a false prophet is asking for trouble, since such persons are not only deceiving others, but they would also face the wrath of God.

Are any among us behaving like a false prophet? Let us take heed of the warning the reading gives us. Let us stop our false ways and the nonsense we have been saying and doing, repent and return to God's ways, before it is too late.

Housekeeping - Week 18 Year 2

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

31 July 2016 - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
1 Aug 2016 - Monday of Week 18 Year 2
2 Aug 2016 - Tuesday of Week 18 Year 2
3 Aug 2016 - Wednesday of Week 18 Year 2
4 Aug 2016 - Thursday of Week 18 Year 2
5 Aug 2016 - Friday of Week 18 Year 2

Wednesday of Week 18 Year 2

How persistent and consistent are we in asking God for help? Do we ask God with hope or perseverance, or do we so easily give up when help does not seem to come? Are we patient enough to let God do what is best for us? Or do we expect God to cure us immediately, and when He does not submit to our demands, we begin to go for other sources, hoping and expecting these to help us, only to end up being disappointed? Sometimes, such other sources may not only be unable to help us, but may cause us even more problems. Then what happens? What would we do?

In today's Gospel, we come across a Canaanite woman whose daughter is tormented by a devil. Jesus seemed reluctant to help her, since Jews generally do not have anything to do with Canaanites, and Jesus was a Jew "sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the Canaanite woman was persistent, patient and being humble enough to continuously call out to Jesus and seek His help. In the end, Jesus gave the woman what she wanted, saying: "Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted."

What about us? Are we going to grumble and pout when Jesus does not seem to be helping us? Or are we going to follow the example of the Canaanite woman, who showed us what it means to be persistent, patient and humble? May we let Jesus do what is best for us, in His time and for His glory.

Tuesday of Week 18 Year 2

Every once in a while, we come across difficulties and challenges in life. Sometimes we feel as if such difficulties and troubles are too overwhelming, so much so that we may be tempted to give up. Instead of continuing to fervently pray and depend on God's help, some may have doubted in God's providence and turned to other forms of help thinking that these would really help them, only to later find that they are of no help.

In today's Gospel, the disciples were battling with a heavy sea, and they doubted when Jesus came towards them, thinking that He was a ghost. Peter also doubted when he felt the force of the wind, took fright and began to sink, and Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. When we doubt, we begin to question whether God is able to help us. We fail to realise that God can help us, but according to His time. When we ask God for help, we cannot expect or demand that He will help us immediately according to our terms. Are we trying to control God? Let us be patient and persistent in prayer, knowing that God can and will help us. When and how? Trust and pray, go do your best today, and leave it in the hands of the Lord.

Monday of Week 18 Year 2

Every once in a while, we come across people who claim to be some sort of prophet of God. They start to tell others all sorts of messages, and sometimes people can be so easily duped by such so-called prophets. The fact is, being a prophet is not something which one takes upon himself or herself, and the message to be delivered is to be from God, not some message which sounds good or pleasing to others. Sometimes, the motivation behind such so-called prophets is to curry-favour or win over people who crave for good news, with the intention of gaining popularity, wealth and fame. Such so-called prophets are what we call false prophets, misusing the word "prophet" for their own ends and purposes.

In today's reading, we come across an example of a false prophet named Hananiah. The reading warns us of the consequences of being a false prophet: "The prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, 'Listen carefully, Hananiah: the Lord has not sent you; and thanks to you this people are now relying on what is false. Hence – the Lord says this, "I am going to throw you off the face of the earth: you are going to die this year since you have preached apostasy from the Lord."' The prophet Hananiah died the same year, in the seventh month." As we can see, a false prophet is asking for trouble, since such persons are not only deceiving others, but they would also face the wrath of God.

If any among us are behaving like a false prophet, let us take heed of the warning the reading gives us. Let us not think that God is not watching or ignoring our deeds, but stop our false ways and the nonsense we have been saying and doing. Let us repent and return to God's ways, before it is too late.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Among the many things that concern us in this life here on earth, one which ranks quite high is security. We are concerned about security not only in ensuring that our family and us are safe from robbers, brigands, thieves and other undesirable characters, we are also concerned about other forms of security such as wealth and property. To plan for the future and save up for a rainy day, we make much effort to buy insurance policies, make investments, save money in banks, because we are often thinking about our financial future and the future of our children.

The question is: as Christians, is it wrong to work for security for our families and for ourselves here on earth? Of course not. We still need to live and survive on earth. But what we should be aware of is our yearning for security here on earth should be put in its proper perspective. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us of a rich farmer who had a perspective for security which caused him to lose it all in the end. What was the rich farmer's mistake? What did he do wrong? He was greedy. He was "storing up treasures for himself." Jesus warned us before telling the story of the rich farmer by giving us this warning: "Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs." Greed causes a person to rely solely on material possessions for his security, since having material possessions makes him think that he is in control of his life, and he begins to depend only on himself for his security, forgetting that he has obtained all these riches only through the grace of God. Ultimately, he forgets that his life is in God's hands. Greed prevented the rich farmer from thinking of others and sharing with others what he has. Instead, he had plans to build more barns and thought of  hoarding or "storing treasures for himself" and for no one else.

So does this mean that having riches and wealth is sinful or wrong? No. Jesus is not condemning riches, but He is telling us to share our riches and our possessions. Jesus is telling us that, in the end, we cannot bring our riches with us when we die. Instead, life should be spent investing in things that really do matter, in things that will last. As St. Paul reminds us in the second reading: "Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with him." In other words, our true security lies not in things in this world, but in Jesus.

The fact is, life is tough. We all know that. We face challenges each day. We work hard to make our lives more comfortable, and to do so, we accumulate all sorts of things, gadgets, gizmos and other conveniences. Sometimes, when we are so busy making our lives more comfortable here on earth, we forget about God, church and even our own families. We pressure our children to study hard and to get good jobs. No one is saying that these should be ignored or avoided, since these things have their purpose and importance, but they should not be the most important things in our lives. We should never let these things control our lives, because when we do, we become enslaved to them. We must never forget that we can never bring any of these things with us when we die. We entered into this world without having anything and we will leave this world without bringing anything.

Today, let us reflect the kind of lives we are living. Are our words, efforts and actions ultimately helping us to grow in relationship with God and grow closer to Him? Or are we leading ourselves astray, influenced and enslaved by the ways of the world, only to regret later? May we come to realise the condition our soul is in, and do the necessary while we have time and opportunities to do so, for the benefit of our eternal future.