Saturday of Week 23 Year 2

Saying that we are Christians is easy, since mere words are easy and cheap, but how many of us are really follow Jesus' teachings and commandments faithfully and completely? There are some of us who may be Christians only in name, but we want to do our own thing and according to our own way. There are some of us who may claim to be Christians, but we follow only those teachings and commandments which are beneficial or convenient to us. How many of us are humble and willing to accept and follow Jesus' teachings and commandments in its entirety, even those teachings which are hard or challenging for us to follow?

In today's Gospel, Jesus admonishes us: "Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord” and not do what I say?" It is easy to say that we are followers of Christ, but it is certainly not easy for us to be steadfast and faithful in following all that He has told and taught us and not just pick and choose those teachings which we like. Being a Christian is not just accepting Jesus and listening to Him, but also acting on His words and growing in His ways. May we act upon His words, and help others to do the same, for His glory.

Saturday of Week 23 Year 1

 It is easy for us to say that we are Christians, but how many of us really follow Jesus' teachings and commandments faithfully and completely? Some of us may be Christians only in name, but we want to do our own thing and according to our own way. Some of us may be Christians, but we follow only those teachings and commandments which are beneficial or convenient to us. How many of us are humble and willing to accept and follow Jesus' teachings and commandments in its entirety, even those teachings which are hard or challenging for us to follow?

In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us: "Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord” and not do what I say?" It is easy to say that we are followers of Christ, but it is certainly not easy for us to be steadfast and faithful in following all that He has told and taught us. Being a Christian is not just accepting Jesus and listening to Him, but also acting on His words and growing in His ways. May we act upon His words, and help others to do the same, for His glory.

Friday of Week 23 Year 1

It is easy for some of us to find fault with other people. One reason why some of us only know how to find fault with others is because some of us are insecure and unwilling to come to terms with one's own faults. So to try and cover up our own faults, we would project such faults on others. This stems from the fact that some of us are too proud or egoistic or even having some sort of inferiority complex, making it difficult for some of us to be humble enough to admit one's faults and change for the better.

In today's Gospel, Jesus admonishes us when He says: "Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, "Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye," when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye."

Perhaps we need to take a good look at ourselves and discover whether we are willing and humble enough to admit our faults, before we look at others' faults. If we are aware of our faults and admit them, instead of trying to hide them or focus only in finding fault with others, then we would realise that, at the end of the day, we are all imperfect and we all need help to become better. Let us present our faults to God, asking Him to heal us and guide us, and give Him the glory.

Thursday of Week 23 Year 1

For some of us, our relationship with others could sometimes be seen as if it is some sort of barter trade. We do something for others, or we love others, but there are terms and conditions attached. We expect to receive something in return for what we have done for others. There's no such thing as a free lunch, seems to be the way things are for some. But as Christians, what sort of relationship should we be practising? Do we expect or do we feel entitled to receiving something in return just like others do?

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly." All these sound like insane things expected of us, but what Jesus is telling us is we need to go beyond basic humanity and love beyond how the world loves. This is because if we only love the way the world loves, with terms and conditions, then we are no different from the world. We as Christians are tasked to love just as God loves, and He loves all without fear or favour, and as the Gospel reminds us, He "is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked."

What does this mean to us Christians? It means that to love as God loves is indeed tough and challenging, since it goes beyond our human nature and the ways of the world. But when we do so, God's love will also grow in us, His love will strengthen us and comfort us, and the love of Christ will find a home in us. Are we willing to take up the challenge to love as God loves, trusting that God would help us to do so, and give Him all the glory?

Saturday of Week 23 Year 2

Why do some people choose to do evil? It seems strange that some people would do so, but each and every one of us are free to choose. In life, we make many choices, some good, some not so good. But the reality is that we take responsibility for our choices, and face the consequences should such choices turn out to be not so good. Even in our spiritual life, we can choose to grow closer to God, or we could choose to drift away from Him. Eventually, we need to make an ultimate choice, to do good, or to do evil. We call such an ultimate choice a "fundamental option" where we make a choice for keeps, as there is no middle ground.

In today's reading, St. Paul cautions us: "My dear brothers, you must keep clear of idolatry... I have no desire to see you in communion with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot take your share at the table of the Lord and at the table of demons. Do we want to make the Lord angry; are we stronger than he is?"

St Paul is cautioning us to keep clear of idolatry, since once we walk down that path, there is no turning back and such a choice would lead to our ruin. St. Paul is also cautioning us that, at the end of the day, we cannot share at the table of the Lord and at the table of demons, since we can only make one choice. May we choose wisely, since such a choice is for keeps and our eternal future is at stake.

Tuesday of Week 23 Year 1

We sometimes come across someone who seems to be teaching Christian faith and values. But if we scrutinise such persons carefully, we could discover that such persons are not really teaching Christian values and faith, but values and faith based more on the ways of the world, instead of the ways of Christ. Such persons often preach or teach in this way for their benefit, and are not really concerned about their followers spiritual well-being. Once they have achieved their objectives or goals, they may just make themselves scarce, and leave their followers in a lurch.

That is why, in today's reading, St. Paul cautions us: "Make sure that no one traps you and deprives you of your freedom by some second-hand, empty, rational philosophy based on the principles of this world instead of on Christ." The reading cautions us to not allow ourselves to be fooled into accepting such empty teachings of such persons, since doing so would only lead us astray. May we be discerning and careful in what we hear, and ensure that our community remain faithful to true teaching for our spiritual growth and to grow closer to God.

Thursday of Week 23 Year 2

What is a scandal? A scandal is an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage. Scandals come in many forms, including embezzlements that have ruined the good name or good reputation of banks; politicians having affairs; aid for the poor and hungry being siphoned off by the rich and those in power; even wealth of certain nations being robbed by those in power, causing such nations to end up in serious debt and poverty. Even the church has seen its share of scandals, including sex abuse cases, power struggles, schisms, heresies, certain corrupted practices for material or temporal gain, and so on. When a scandal happens, the trust and confidence of those affected could be reduced, or even to the point of being lost completely.

In today's reading, St. Paul talked about a different kind of scandal. He warned about eating foods that are sacrificed to idols, which could cause a scandal among the faithful, especially those who are weak in their faith. Some of us may think that it seems hardly a scandal, but in those times and even today, it would be enough to cause another's downfall in the faith. This is why we must always remember that whatever we do or say is not a private affair, especially when it comes to witnessing as Christians. The consequences of our unwise and imprudent words and actions could spread farther and wider than we think. May we be alert and discern what we say and do, so that we say and do what is just and right, for the glory of God.

Saturday of Week 23 Year 1

Sometimes we come across people who think that, since they keep on falling into sin, they should not bother to have their sins forgiven through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some even think that their sins are so shameful or embarassing, that they are reluctant to confess their sins, thinking that the priest would scold them or even punish them severely for committing such sins. Some even go to the extent of thinking that God would be like a fierce judge, who would punish them severely for committing such sins. But should Christians have such an attitude towards the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Should Christians numb themselves with such fear of punishment, even to the possibility of despair?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "Here is a saying that you can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I myself am the greatest of them; and if mercy has been shown to me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the greatest evidence of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who would later have to trust in him to come to eternal life." If Jesus can be so patient and merciful towards Paul, then surely Jesus can be just as patient and merciful towards us. If that is the case, we should not worry or fear about confessing our sins, and take every opportunity to do so, since Jesus is tenderly and patiently waiting for us to return and grow in relationship with Him.

Wednesday of Week 23 Year 1

From the moment we were baptised, our lives should have been totally transformed from our old ways and put on the ways of Christ, as we make much effort to love God and neighbour, not just with words, but also through our actions. But are we really living a Christian life, or are we only Christians in name, but living worldly lives and doing worldly things like everyone else?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "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... That is why you must kill everything in you that belongs only to earthly life... You have stripped off your old behaviour with your old self, and you have put on a new self which will progress towards true knowledge the more it is renewed in the image of its creator..."

Living a true Christian life may seem difficult or even impossible, but to God, nothing is impossible. We will stumble and fall along the way, but we should get up and strive on, making steady progress in becoming more and more like Christ, while depending on His Grace and providence.

Tuesday of Week 23 Year 1

Every once in a while, we come across someone who seems to be teaching Christian faith and values. People become attracted to such persons since many of them have got the gift of the gab, and they become quite popular. But if we observe such persons carefully, we could discover that such persons are not really teaching Christian values and faith, but a warped or distorted view of Christian faith and values. There is a hidden intention of such persons in preaching in such a way, and once such persons have achieved their goals, they may just disappear or commit heinous acts, and their followers end up in a lurch or in dire straits.

That is why, in today's reading, St. Paul cautions us: "Make sure that no one traps you and deprives you of your freedom by some second-hand, empty, rational philosophy based on the principles of this world instead of on Christ." Instead of becoming influenced by such individuals, we should be clear about what we Christians believe in, and make every effort to remain clear and committed to the true Christan faith and values. May we not be so gullible or foolish into being led astray, and help others to be vigilant and do the same.

Monday of Week 23 Year 1

The institution of the Lord's Day is meant to help everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives. However, some of us seem to be taking the Lord's Day as an opportunity to make a profit, especially since the Lord's Day is usually a non-working day, and more people could be around shopping. On the other hand, some people take advantage of rhe Lord's Day to avoid any form of work, even if the task is a charitable, merciful or compassionate one. Such persons fail to realise that, ultimately, the Lord's Day is meant for all to rest and to give glory to God in our worship and in the good that we do.

In today's Gospel, the scribes and the Pharisees had extreme views about the Sabbath. These folks were so extreme and stubborn that not a single thing could be done during the Sabbath. Even charitable, merciful or compassionate acts were forbidden to these scribes and the Pharisees. Jesus was amazed with their attitude, and He still went ahead to cure the man with the withered hand. As a result, these scribes and the Pharisees began to discuss the best way of dealing with Jesus, since what Jesus did was illegal or wrong in their distorted minds, and something needed to be done to stop Him from embarassing them further.

Sometimes we too could be like the scribes and the Pharisees. We fail to realise that at the end of the day, the Lord's Day is for us to grow in relationship with God and with others, while giving glory to God. Some of us have forgotten that what God wants is "mercy, not sacrifice." May we come to realise the real meaning and purpose of the Lord's Day, and give God the greater glory in our words and deeds.

Friday of Week 23 Year 2

In life, some of us take on a task for a variety of reasons. Some do so because they like a challenge and want to display their capabilities. Some do so because they expect some sort of reward, having a "what's in it for me" attitude. Some do so because they are being forced into it, and they get the task done half-heartedly. But how many of us are willing to do so for the glory of God?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "All the runners at the stadium are trying to win, but only one of them gets the prize. You must run in the same way, meaning to win. All the fighters at the games go into strict training; they do this just to win a wreath that will wither away, but we do it for a wreath that will never wither." We may want to win, we may want to take on a task, but we should check our intentions on why we are doing so. Are we wanting to win or taking on a task for our own gratification or to boost our ego? Or are we wanting to win or taking on a task to give God the glory and to strive towards our eternal reward?

Wednesday of Week 23 Year 2

Some of us may have heard of the words: "don't go looking for trouble." What these words basically mean is whatever we do and whatever state of life we may be in or we may be thinking of getting into, we should consider the consequences and weigh the costs. In other words, we should not play play when making a choice concerning a state of life, and think carefully and thoroughly before making any commitments.

In today's reading, St. Paul advises us: "About remaining celibate, I have no directions from the Lord but give my own opinion as one who, by the Lord’s mercy, has stayed faithful. Well then, I believe that in these present times of stress this is right: that it is good for a man to stay as he is. If you are tied to a wife, do not look for freedom; if you are free of a wife, then do not look for one. But if you marry, it is no sin, and it is not a sin for a young girl to get married. They will have their troubles, though, in their married life, and I should like to spare you that." What Paul is trying to tell us is basically this: be faithful, contend, responsible, dedicated, and committed to the way of life you are presently in or chosen and soon to be in. Don't go "looking for trouble" by trying to run away or shirk from your duties and responsibilities in whatever way of life you have chosen. May we be faithful to the state of life we have chosen, and in all we do, give glory to God.

Tuesday of Week 23 Year 2

As Christians, we sometimes come into conflict with a fellow brother or sister. Sometimes the conflict could be a small matter. Other times, it could be a serious matter. But whatever the matter may be, we should settle issues among ourselves, within our community. However, some of us are still stubborn and insisting that we bring such matters, no matter how trivial it may be, to court, such as the local magistrate, or even high court.

This is why St. Paul in today's reading admonishes us: "How dare one of your members take up a complaint against another in the law courts of the unjust instead of before the saints? As you know, it is the saints who are to ‘judge the world’; and if the world is to be judged by you, how can you be unfit to judge trifling cases? Since we are also to judge angels, it follows that we can judge matters of everyday life; but when you have had cases of that kind, the people you appointed to try them were not even respected in the Church. You should be ashamed: is there really not one reliable man among you to settle differences between brothers and so one brother brings a court case against another in front of unbelievers?"

The church has got a tribunal which has priests and lay people as judges and lawyers. Some people think that the tribunal is only for marriage cases, but it is much more than that. Cases between Catholics concerning an issue could also be heard. Why do we stubbornly and vehemently insist in getting unbelievers to judge our cases, as St. Paul questions us, when we have a tribunal which could do the same in a Christian way?

Monday of Week 23 Year 2

Yeast is a helpful ingredient when making bread. You need just a bit of yeast to make the bread rise. However, when you put too much yeast, the bread becomes spoiled and can no longer be used. That is why, when it comes to baking bread, one needs to know the proper technique and the amount of yeast needed, otherwise one's efforts in baking bread would not be fruitful.

In today's reading, St. Paul warns us that, just as a bit of yeast can make bread rise, a bit of sin not addressed and confessed will eventually darken and damage our soul. If left further unchecked, we may even lose connection with God, as the infection becomes terminal. That is why we should not delay or think that we have plenty of time to go for confession and clean our soul, since the yeast of sin could create barriers within us and prevent us from making amends with God. May we not allow ourselves to come to a stage where we lose connection with God, and risk our eternal future.

Housekeeping - Week 23 Year 2

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

4 Sept 2016 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
5 Sept 2016 - Monday of Week 23 Year 2
6 Sept 2016 - Tuesday of Week 23 Year 2
7 Sept 2016 - Wednesday of Week 23 Year 2
8 Sept 2016 - Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Feast
9 Sept 2016 - Friday of Week 23 Year 2

Monday of Week 23 Year 2

Every once in a while, we come across people who are extremely stubborn and obstinate. No matter what you say or do, such people have become so set or fixated with their ways that nothing can change their thoughts or mind set. It is certainly not easy to deal with such people, and we could only imagine what Jesus went through with the scribes and Pharisees in today's Gospel, who were just as stubborn and obstinate in their ways.

In today's Gospel, the scribes and Pharisees were so extreme in their ways that even curing a man on the sabbath is forbidden, as the Gospel tells us that they "were watching him to see if he would cure a man on the sabbath, hoping to find something to use against him." Jesus was not dancing to their tune or following their strict interpretation of the law, and as a result, the scribes and Pharisees were going all out to get Him. When Jesus went ahead and cured the man with the withered hand, the scribes and Pharisees "were furious, and began to discuss the best way of dealing with Jesus."

Perhaps we should look at ourselves and the way we lead our lives: have some of us become so stubborn and obstinate like the scribes and Pharisees, so much so that the letter of the law has become more important than the spirit of the law? Sometimes we forget the purpose of what we do, and do things merely to observe and follow God's law, whereas we should be observing a greater law, which is the law of love. May we have a change of heart and attitude, and learn to be loving and compassionate, just as our God is loving and compassionate to all of us.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Is it easy to follow Jesus and be a Christian? No. There are many things about being a Christian which goes against the ways of the world, and this could lead to misunderstanding, conflict, persecution and even death. That is why we must count the cost before committing ourselves; we must know what we are getting ourselves into; and we cannot follow Christ blindly or be a Christian without considering the serious implications of our call.

So what is so challenging and difficult about following Jesus and being a Christian? Today's Gospel gives us a few points to think about. Firstly, we are told: "Anyone who comes to me without hating father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, cannot be my disciple." This is difficult teaching especially since many of us are constantly taught that family comes first. But Jesus tells us that if we are asked to choose between what our family wants us to do and what God wants from us, we must always choose what God wants, even if this may go against the wishes of our family members. Does this mean that we should stop loving our family members? No. We must love them, but we must be strong in our commitment to the truth and to what is right. Great sins have been committed to maintain and to safeguard family honour. But being a Christian means our family should not be an obstacle to prevent us from being a good Christian and doing God's will. Secondly, we are told: "No one who does not carry his cross and come after me can be my disciple." This means that we must be willing to offer our lives totally to God, just as Jesus offered His life totally on the cross to save us from our sins. Thirdly, we are told: "None of you can be my disciple without giving up all that he owns." This means that if we choose to follow Jesus, then we must change completely our attitude towards the goods of this world. We must be willing to be detached from such worldly and temporary things, and use them not for our own selfish needs or for our personal gratification, but to help others and to glorify Him.

Humanly speaking, these points seem to give us the impression that it seems impossible to be a Christian, if we are only to rely on human reasoning. This is why we need to constantly seek that divine wisdom which the first reading speaks of: "As for your intention, who could have learnt it, had you not granted Wisdom and sent your holy spirit from above?" It is this divine wisdom which would help us recognise that the things we are prepared to give up in this world are nothing or insignificant, compared with the riches we shall obtain in the kingdom of God.

Today, we are presented with a choice: to remain with the ways of the world, or to follow Jesus and be firm and steadfast to the ways of God. Naturally, it is not an easy or straightforward choice, but we cannot have it both ways. If you are placed in such a situation, may you be prudent and choose wisely, since your eternal future may be at stake.

Friday of Week 23 Year 1

It is easy for some of us to find fault with other people. Some of us begin to see only the imperfect or less desirable things about others, instead of acknowledging their strengths and capabilities. One reason why people look down upon others or only know how to find fault with others is because the person himself or herself is insecure and unwilling to come to terms with one's own faults. So to try and cover up their own faults, the person would project such faults on others. But sometimes, the person's own faults would be exposed, and when confronted, they may become even more insecure and agitated. Quite often, this stems from the fact that the person is too proud or egoistic or even having some sort of inferiority complex, making it difficult for the person to be humble enough to admit one's faults and change for the better.

In today's Gospel, Jesus admonishes us when He says: "Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, "Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye," when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye." Perhaps we should learn to be less proud and egoistic and learn to be more humble, so that we could learn to grow into better persons as we grow closer in relationship with God. Nobody is perfect and if we think we are perfect, then we may be like gods and we may think that we do not need God. Our pride and ego will not help us in the long run, so instead of trying so hard and remaining so stubborn in our present circumstances, let us be willing to let go and let God be our guide and help. After all, what good is all the pride and ego in the world to us, if it would only lead us to eternal ruin in the end?

Thursday of Week 23 Year 1

Each and every one of us may have experienced conflict at some point of our lives. Sometimes the conflict could be a really small matter, nothing serious, and should be amicably resolved in short time. Sometimes the conflict could be of a more serious issue, and we may need more time to resolve it, but ultimately, we need to employ Christian charity and forgiveness, and not let such an issue blow out of proportion. As some of us may have heard, "let us not make a mountain out of a mole hill." In other words, we should be courageous, kind, firm and forgiving in getting the conflict settled, instead of adding more fuel to the fire and making things worse.

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful."

We should remember that when we pray the Our Father or the Lord's Prayer, we are also asking God to be our guide, our providence and also to forgive the many trespasses we may have committed. But at the same time, we too should do the same towards others, as St. Paul reminds us. Are we compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and loving enough to forgive and love others, just as God has forgiven us and loves us immensely?