Saturday of Week 1 Year 1

We sometimes come across persons who seem to be quite adept in putting on an appearance, so that others may think that such persons are a certain way, but the reality is that their true self could be quite different from what is perceived. For example, we see some persons behaving one way when it comes to persons of authority, but with others, especially with subordinates or even with certain colleagues, their attitude and demeanour could be quite different.

It may seem as if we may be able to appear in a certain way and give others a false impression, but we ought to realise that we cannot fool God. Today's reading reminds us of this fact: "The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him; everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves."

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: are we willing to cast aside our falsehoods and be real and genuine? Or are we still insisting in sticking to our masks or appearances? Let us not forget that God sees all and knows all. Instead, let us make more effort to remain true and grow in relationship with God.

Saturday of Week 1 Year 2

It is easy for us to condemn or ostracise a person, especially if the person has committed a serious crime; but how many of us are willing to give the person a second chance, especially if the person is genuinely remorseful and wanting to change his or her ways? What if we are the ones who have done something wrong and are asking for a second chance? Would we then be compassionate and merciful towards others and give them a second chance as well, just as we have been given a second chance?

In today's Gospel, Matthew, a tax collector was called by Jesus to follow Him. As a tax collector, Matthew was condemned and ostracised by his countrymen because he sold his services to the Romans to collect taxes and profited in the process. However, Jesus was willing to give Matthew a second chance by inviting him to follow Him.

What about us? Jesus gives us plenty of chances to start again. Would we be willing to set aside our prejudice, pride, self-righteousness and ego, and give others a chance, just as God has given us many chances to turn back to Him?

Saturday of the 1st Week of Lent

Are we able to forgive our enemies and those who have hurt us in one way or another? Jesus taught us to forgive in different parts of the Gospel, including today's Gospel. If we ponder on what it means to forgive, we would realise that forgiving is an act of our will, not our emotions. In the Our Father, we pray: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive others who sin against us.” When we pray in this way,  we are asking God to forgive us to the degree by which we forgive others; and it is the sign that we have received God’s forgiveness by our willingness to forgive others.

If we are able to forgive, we would save ourselves from restless nights and unnecessary anger and anxiety. Instead, we could channel our energies to more constructive things. If we find ourselves unable to forgive, it could be that God is not good enough for us. It could also be that God and His words do not occupy the first priority in our lives. Thus, let us set aside our pride and ego, and continuously choose to forgive, just as God forgives us.

Saturday of the 1st Week of Lent

I believe many of us like to pick and choose things in our lives. As children, our parents would pick and choose a kindergarten and primary school which they think and feel is best for us. When we look for clothing, we pick and choose something which fits us, and the colour and pattern of the clothing is something we like. Some of us are even particular about the food we eat, and we pick and choose certain types, flavour and quality of food.

One thing which we cannot pick and choose is when it comes to God's laws and customs. Today's reading reminds us: "Moses said to the people: ‘The Lord your God today commands you to observe these laws and customs; you must keep and observe them with all your heart and with all your soul." When it comes to God, we cannot pick and choose only that which is pleasant or easy to observe. God expects us to observe His laws and customs wholeheartedly, in fact, we are to do so with all your heart and all your soul.

Saturday of Week 1 Year 1

Every once in a while, we come across people who have mastered the art of putting on an appearance or seem to have a "poker face," where real thoughts and emotions are hidden or buried, and what is shown is merely an illusion. For example, such a person may be angry with someone or something, and the person may be fuming or seething with rage, but because the person does not want others to see the true self, the person may appear calm and pretend as if everything is fine, though in reality, the anger is eating him or her from the inside.

While we may be able to appear in a certain way and give others a false impression, one thing we ought to realise is we cannot fool God. Today's reading reminds us of this fact: "The word of God is something alive and active: it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely: it can slip through the place where the soul is divided from the spirit, or joints from the marrow; it can judge the secret emotions and thoughts. No created thing can hide from him; everything is uncovered and open to the eyes of the one to whom we must give account of ourselves."

So let us not be naive to think that nobody knows our thoughts and actions, since God is watching us. Instead, let us cast aside our falsehoods and be real and genuine, while doing our best to remain in God's care and guidance, for the betterment of our eternal future.

Monday of Week 1 Year 1

It is not easy for some of us to let go of something. For example, some of us find it difficult to let go of our wealth and property; some find it difficult to let go of our children or loved ones; some find it difficult to let go of our habits or certain ways of doing things; others find it difficult to let go of their pride, prejudices or pre-conceived notions. But what do we Christians need to let go of?

In today's Gospel, Jesus said to Simon and his brother Andrew: ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him. Jesus also called James son of Zebedee and his brother John at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him. Notice that when Jesus called, these men were willing to let go of all, including their families, relations and livelihood to follow Jesus.

What about us? If Jesus were to call us to follow Him, are we willing to let go of certain things, even to the extent of letting go of all, or are we still clinging on to certain things, come what may? May we be willing to let go of our old lives, and put on a new life in Christ, trusting in His providence and care, and glorifying Him in all we say and do.

Saturday of the 1st Week of Lent

Every once in a while, I come across people who seem to do things half-heartedly. It is as if the task is too difficult or complicated to do, even though in reality, the task is actually so simple that even a small child could have done it well. Such persons seem to drag their feet, or take their sweet time to get it done, but when their boss or superior comes along, they suddenly appear to be hard working or diligent, only to go back to their half-hearted routine once the boss or superior has left. Could some of us be guilty of such half-hearted attitude and behaviour?

In today's reading, "Moses said to the people: ‘The Lord your God today commands you to observe these laws and customs; you must keep and observe them with all your heart and with all your soul." While some of us could play games in front of authority, and then return to half-hearted ways, we cannot play games or behave half-heartedly when it comes to God. God expects us to observe His laws and customs wholeheartedly, in fact, we are to do so with all your heart and all your soul. Failing to observe such laws and customs wholeheartedly could lead to undesirable or even disastrous consequences. Are we willing to be humble and docile, and follow God's laws and customs, for our good and for His glory?

Saturday of Week 1 Year 2

How many of us are willing to give another person a second chance? Some of us may do so out of compassion, but there are also some of us who rather let the person be condemned or ostracised, especially if the person had done something to hurt us. What if we are the ones who have done something wrong and are asking for a second chance? Would we then "pay it forward," so to speak, by being compassionate and merciful towards others and give them a second chance as well, just as we have been given a second chance?

In today's Gospel, we come across Matthew, a tax collector who had been called by Jesus to follow Him. As a tax collector, Matthew was hated by his countrymen because he was selling his services to the Romans to collect taxes and, in the process, made a handsome profit. In the eyes of the Jews, Matthew had already messed up his life, and was considered beyond hope or redemption. However, Jesus was well aware of this and yet He was willing to give Matthew a second chance by inviting him to follow Him.

Likewise, Jesus gives us plenty of chances to start again. He sees us for what we are in terms of our past foolishness, but he also sees what we can become in terms of our future possibilities. Would we be willing to set aside our prejudice, pride, self-righteousness and ego, and give others a chance, just as God has given us many chances to turn back to Him?

Friday of Week 1 Year 1

After a long day at work or at school, I believe that most of us would want to go home for some peace and quiet, and to have some rest. We are not robots, and we need to recuperate from a heavy day, or we may feel fatique, tired or even may be stricken with some sort of disease or illness. Even robots and machines need rest, or their operational usefulness may be shortened due to wear and tear. But where is our home, really? Is earth really our home? We know that our being here is only temporary, so what have we been preparing for our true home?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "Be careful: the promise of reaching the place of rest that God had for the Israelites still holds good, and none of you must think that he has come too late for it... We must therefore do everything we can to reach this place of rest, or some of you might copy this example of disobedience and be lost." God is beckoning us to come home to our true home and be with Him, but going to our true home requires effort on our part. Have we been doing our part, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, in preparation to return to our true home?

Thursday of Week 1 Year 1

What are you looking for in life? Is life here on earth all that matters? We sometimes come across people who seem to think that life on earth are all that matters, and some of these people even go to the extent of abandoning their faith, especially when they are given fame, fortune and other opportunities in exchange of doing so. For example, there are people who have abandoned their Christian faith and embraced another faith, because they are promised that they would get perks and benefits from the government or from certain business circles. Some marry a woman of another faith and embrace the same faith the woman professes, because of certain advantages to be exploited. But is faith so insignificant that such persons would do such things?

In today's reading, we are cautioned: "Take care, brothers, that there is not in any one of your community a wicked mind, so unbelieving as to turn away from the living God. Every day, as long as this ‘today’ lasts, keep encouraging one another so that none of you is hardened by the lure of sin, because we shall remain co-heirs with Christ only if we keep a grasp on our first confidence right to the end." When a person abandons his or her faith so easily, then it seems as if the person is only concerned about himself or herself, and is not bothered about God. Could some of us have ventured into such an attitude? Let us not forget that our life here on earth is only temporary, and we are merely pilgrims. What we enjoy is also temporary and when the fun ends, we may risk losing our eternal reward.

Wednesday of Week 1 Year 1

Life is such that no one remains in the same place, same position, or same job forever. Situations change, the context we are in changes, our behaviour and attitude changes. What was once a passion in the past may no longer be so today. What we were capable of doing in the past may no longer be possible today. This is because, as we go through life, and as we age, we find ourselves being needed differently. Priests and religious, for example, are transferred from one community to another or from one parish to another or even from one role to another, when and where the need arises. The question is: are we ready and prepared to change and for change?

In today's Gospel, we read: "In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils." It seemed easy and convenient for Jesus to settle down in one place, make Himself comfortable, and carry out His mission there. But as we can see from the Gospel, His mission was not only for one place indefinitely; He also went to other places to preach and cast out devils. By doing so, Jesus set an example for us to follow. Some of us may have become too used to a place, and we should be enthusiastic to go forth and preach the Good News, not stay put and take things easy or for granted. If some day we are asked to move on, let us humbly and joyfully do so, for the greater glory of God.

Tuesday of Week 1 Year 1

When we want to interpret the scriptures, we cannot just simply interpret it as we please. This is because the reason, context, background and nuances in the passages is different from our context and background today. Far too many so called preachers have interpreted the scriptures according to their preference and convenience, leading to a free-for-all interpretation. So how do we ensure that what we are interpreting is as close and accurate as what the passage was originally intended? By having some form of authority, of course. When you have some form of authority, the passage could be evaluated by experts who would be able to help ensure a more accurate and reliable interpretation.

In today's Gospel, we see Jesus whose "teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority." How was Jesus different from the scribes, and what sort of authority did He hold? Jesus was different because He had moral and spiritual authority, as He was one with the Father, and that what He is teaching and doing is not for His own personal gratification or benefit, but for the greater glory of God.

What about us? Is our so-called authority coming for Jesus? Or do we claim to have authority, which is actually self-appointed and for our personal gratification? May we learn to cultivate the moral and spiritual authority by Jesus, and use such authority wisely to glorify God.

Friday of the 1st Week of Lent

Do any of us hold grudges in our hearts? Do we have an unforgiving attitude? Sometimes I come across people who come for confession and say that they are unable to forgive a friend or family member who has hurt them or betrayed their trust. Why are such people unable to forgive? Could it be because of their wounded pride? Could it be because their ego is preventing them from forgiving and reconciling? Whatever the reason is, we should remember that at some point of our lives, we too could have hurt others, and when that happens, do we seek forgiveness with humility and sincerity? Or do some of us think that we are ok, that we have done nothing wrong, and everyone else owes us an apology?

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us: "If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." The scribes and Pharisees were known to have a self-righteous attitude, thinking that everyone else are sinners and anyone who is not like them or follow their ways is condemned. Have some of us become like the scribes and Pharisees, expecting others to be humble and kow tow to us and follow our example? May we come to realise our folly, our self-righteous attitude, our pride and ego, and make amends with God and with others. Otherwise, we may find ourselves "thrown into prison... and will not get out till you have paid the last penny."

Thursday of the 1st Week of Lent

Many of us would have prayed to God for help, for things, for health, and for many other reasons. But if we consider for a moment what we are praying for: are we praying for our needs, or our wants, or to fulfil our desires? Is what we are asking for really good for us? Or is what we are asking for merely to satisfy our pride, our prestige or our ego? Sometimes what we are asking for may seem deceptively good, but in reality, in may turn out to be not so good for us after all.

In today's Gospel, Jesus assures us: "If you, then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" This assurance sounds like a blank cheque where God would give us anything which we ask, as long as it is good and we ask. But if we observe the text carefully, we would begin to understand that the word "good" does not refer to our interpretation or expectation of "good," but according to God's choice and providence. This means that God would, for His glory, give us what is good, not to satisfy our pride, ego or personal gratification. May we discern carefully what we ask for, and have full trust and confidence that God would grant us the good that we truly need, so that in all things, we would give Him the glory.

Wednesday of the 1st Week of Lent

Jews and Ninevites were sworn enemies during the time of the Prophet Jonah. The Ninevites (a.k.a. the Assyrians) were Israel's most hated enemy, as they were the ones responsible for wiping out the northern Kingdom of Israel, and continuing to harass the Southern Kingdom of Judah. And now Jonah, a Jewish prophet, was sent to this pagan nation to preach about destruction in 40 days time. Such a deed would have been revolting, shocking or disgusting to the Israelites. Just imagine: a Jewish prophet helping the enemy to repent and change their ways? Absolutely incomprehensible! But that is exactly what happened: Jonah went and warned the Ninevites about their impending disaster and doom, and today's reading tells us that the Ninevites actually repented with fasting, penance and prayer. Even more shocking, God actually relented and did not inflict on the Ninevites the disaster which He had threatened.

What does this tell us? God is impartial; God's mercy and compassion is for all, not exclusive or restricted only to a certain people or to a certain group. The Israelites thought that God would only care for them and destroy all others, but today's reading shows us otherwise. As long as we are willing to show our repentance by taking our penance seriously, God would be merciful to us just He had done for the Ninevites. Are we willing to learn from the Ninevites, and make every effort to repent and seek forgiveness, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation? May we not waste the many opportunities given to us to return to the Lord and walk in His ways.

Tuesday of the 1st Week of Lent

Throughout our lives, some of us would have asked our parents for something. When we ask for something, some of us could have sounded quite whiny and some of us even started using baby-like noises, hoping that our parents would give in to our requests. Sometimes, some of us may even start bargaining with our parents, promising to behave, do better in school, or some other thing, hoping to convince our parents that we deserve what we are asking for. But do we really need to do or say such things? When we ask God for things, help, healing or something else, would we resort to such tactics, hoping that God would give in to our wants and needs, just like how some of our parents may do?

In today's Gospel, we are reminded not to "babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard." Instead of having to sound whiny or say so many things to God, Jesus taught us a simple but significant prayer: The Lord's Prayer or the Our Father. If we observe the way the prayer is prayed, we are actually asking for things which would give God the glory. Also, we are asking that God would help us to change, to be more loving and forgiving, and that truth and justice would increase in the world. Perhaps when we pray the Lord's Prayer with sincerity and conviction, the Lord may grant us our wants and needs, since what we are asking for is not for our own personal glory, gratification or to boost our ego, but for the greater glory of God.

Monday of the 1st Week of Lent

We sometimes take for granted the small issues or matters in life. We think that such small issues or matters are insignificant or not worth too much of our effort or time. We sometimes hear of people telling us: "Don't sweat the small stuff." But sometimes, small issues could lead to big issues, if we do not deal with them, or take appropriate action, or throw caution to the wind and make necessary preparations. For example, you have a minor toothache, and the pain subsides. This does not mean that the toothache is no longer there. It simply means that the affected tooth is temporarily not giving you any pain, but the pain could flare up at any time, and sometimes the pain we experience could get worse compared to the first few times we experienced it. If we do not go to the dentist for proper treatment, we may experience even greater pain and discomfort.

In today's reading, the Israelites were reminded of the many small issues that needed to be observed. These many small issues are the dos and don'ts that helped the Israelites to learn how to love their neigbour as themselves, in an effort to "Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy." Likewise, in the Gospel, Jesus also talked about paying attention to the many small issues of Christian life, issues like feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked and visiting those in prison. If we do not pay attention to these small issues mentioned in the reading and the Gospel, if we become complacent and neglect them, if we procrastinate and think that we have plenty of time to act later, then we may suddenly find ourselves faced with a big issue, and that big issue could involve our eternal future. Are we willing to take the risk and lose it all? After all, there is a Malay saying: "sedikit-dikit lama lama menjadi bukit" (roughly translated as: "little by little a hill is formed"). Let us do our part today, even if it is little by little, and let our God guide us and help us grow closer to Him.

Friday of Week 1 Year 2

We sometimes ask for things from God without realising the consequences of our request. For example, some of us may have asked God to help us win a lottery so that we would have enough wealth to survive on; or some of us may have asked God to help us get a job we have been desiring. But the problem is, when we do get our requests, what happens? When we strike the lottery, we may be wealthy, but we may also begin to feel insecure and afraid, and end up finding ways and means to protect ourselves and secure our wealth from thieves and robbers (both imaginary and real). When we get the job we have been desiring, we may be happy for a time, but the job may turn out to be quite demanding beyond our expectations, and cause us to experience stress or even health problems, family problems and other issues which may crop up. So at the end of the day, is what we are asking God to grant us really good or helpful for us in the long run? Are we asking such requests for our own gratification, or for the glory of God?

The Israelites in today's reading had asked Samuel for a king. To Samuel, the only king they needed was God, but the Israelites were not happy, not satisfied, not content. They wanted a human king, thinking that such a human king would bring them fame, prestige, wealth and power. But we see that throughout the history of Israel, a human king ended up bringing shame, destruction, abuses and even exile to the Israelites.

What about us? Are we still stubbornly and obstinately insisting that God give us what we want? Sometimes what we ask for may not be what we really want or need after all. May we be open, humble and docile enough to let God do what is best for us, since He knows our true wants and needs.

Thursday of Week 1 Year 2

It is interesting to observe how some people behave when they want or need something. Some of such people may all of a sudden appear to be extra nice towards others or extra prayerful, hoping that God would take notice and be nice to them in return and grant their wants or needs. Some may begin to become demanding towards God, expecting Him to listen to their prayers or requests. But what happens when God does not give them their wants or needs? Some of such people may begin to look for other gods or other means, thinking that they would by hook or by crook get what they want. But does God have to listen to our requests and obey our will? Are we trying to control God and build our own kingdom?

In today's reading, Israel tried to force God to help them win their battles against the Philistines. They brought the ark of God to their camp, thinking that God will have no choice but to protect them and help them, since in their mind, they thought that God was in the ark and He would not allow the ark to be captured and desecrated by foreign hands. But what Israel failed to realise is that God's thoughts are not our thoughts and God's ways are not our ways. God would act according to His Will, His terms and His purposes. In the end, the ark was captured: a major catastrophe for Israel, but not an issue for God.

What about us? Have we tried to get God to do our bidding? Have we forgotten that God is God and we should be doing things to build His Kingdom and for His glory, not ours? May we learn to be humble and docile, letting God be our help and guide, and surrendering to His Will. 

Wednesday of Week 1 Year 2

A vocation is a calling from God and we are invited to respond to the call. Some may choose to respond to the call wholeheartedly; some may respond with hesitation or with some fear; whereas some may choose to ignore or reject the call. The question is: how do we know that God is calling us? Sometimes we may be called by God, but we may not recognise His voice. This is where it may be helpful for us to seek help from another person such as a priest, a religious, a vocation director, or someone who could help us to discern whether we are being called by God, or we are just imagining things. Such a person would journey with us for a while, so that we would be able to hopefully recognise God's calling and make our choice.

In today's reading, we read about Samuel being called by God, but Samuel was unable to recognise God's voice, since he "had as yet no knowledge of the Lord and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." Fortunately for Samuel, Eli was there and he "understood that it was the Lord who was calling the boy." With Eli's help, Samuel was able to respond to God's call, and later "all Israel from Dan to Beersheba came to know that Samuel was accredited as a prophet of the Lord."

What about us? Have we received God's call to a way of life? Are we able to recognise God's voice? Some of us may be fortunate to be able to recognise God's voice on our own. Some of us may need a little help from another person, especially from one who has been called and has recognised God's voice. Whatever the case may be, may we discern and think carefully, and may we be generous in our response for the glory of God.