Saturday of Week 32 Year 2

Among the many tasks that the church needs to do, the one which is paramount is to go forth and preach the Good News. This means that the church is continuously on mission to bring the Good News to all. It also means that, at times, the church needs to send persons to places further away, or even far away, to bring the Good News to others. Thus, to enable the church to fulfil its duty and task in preaching the Good News with less delay or interruptions, it is necessary that the faithful support the mission of the church, especially in funds contributed and other supporting roles, so that those doing mission could focus on their duty.

Today's reading reminds us that "It is our duty to welcome missionaries and contribute our share to their work." This means that we not only need to encourage and support them, we also need to see to their upkeep and for other works of charity they may endeavour. As we know, doing God's work involves expenses, as nothing is free, and the more we are willing to contribute to missionary efforts, the more people can be sent to reach out to others, especially in areas where some of us may not be able to go ourselves.

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: are we contributing willingly, fairly and generously for the growth of the church and for its missionary efforts? Sometimes the little extra we offer could go a long way towards helping the church to continue in its efforts in bringing the Good News to all. May we be willing to give generously, just as God has been generous to us in many ways.

Saturday of Week 32 Year 1

Many of us are so used to having things or services done quite quickly, so much so that when we have to wait for a few minutes or for a while to get what we want, some of us may become quite impatient, or angry, or even give up waiting and go elsewhere, thinking that other places would be faster in their services.But the reality is that there are also many situations in life where we have no choice but to wait patiently, since such situations take time. For example, if we want to renovate our house, we need to wait for materials and manpower to arrive, and then for the renovation to be completed properly. Also, when a couple wants to conceive a child, they need to be patient and persistent in their efforts, with hope that they would be successful.

The same situation also happens when it comes to prayer. In today's Gospel, Jesus taught His disciples to "pray continually and never lose heart." When we pray, we cannot expect God to answer our prayers quickly. We need to be patient and persistent in our prayer, with hope and confidence that God would answer our prayers according to His purpose and for His glory. May we never lose heart, and pray patiently, humbly and continually, and let God do what is best for us.

Monday of Week 32 Year 1

We often hear of people spending a lot of time and effort in building their career, their wealth, their families, etc. This is because the cost of living has increased a lot, compared to the past, and the working environment has become more competitive. While our efforts to survive in this world is good and necessary, how many of us are also making effort to build our relationship with God? Have some of us allowed the need to survive and prosper in the world become more important than building our relationship with God?

Today's reading reminds us that we should "love virtue, let honesty prompt your thinking about the Lord, seek him in simplicity of heart; since he is to be found by those who do not put him to the test, he shows himself to those who do not distrust him." Instead of just focusing on our needs in the world which is temporary, we should also pay more attention to growing closer to God, which would be for our eternal future. Let us not be caught off-guard, and be prepared to meet the Lord.

Saturday of Week 32 Year 2

What does it mean to be a Christian? Some say that being a Christian means following the ways of Christ; some think that being a Christian means praying and observing church laws and precepts; some think that being a Christian means to reach out to the poor, marginalised, destitute, the lost, the little, and so on. All these efforts are good and they have their purpose, but perhaps one area which some of us should look at is supporting the mission of the church, especially in funds contributed and other supporting roles, so that those doing mission could focus on their duty.

Today's reading reminds us that "It is our duty to welcome missionaries and contribute our share to their work." This means that we not only need to encourage and support them, we also need to see to their upkeep and for other works of charity they may endeavour. As we know, doing God's work involves expenses, as nothing is free, and the more we are willing to contribute to missionary efforts, the more people can be sent to reach out to others, especially in areas where some of us may not be able to go ourselves.

Thus, we need to ask ourseves: are we contributing fairly and generously for the growth of the church and for its missionary efforts? Sometimes the little extra we offer could go a long way towards helping the church to continue in its efforts in bringing the Good News to all.

Wednesday of Week 32 Year 2

Two angels were sent to gather the prayers of petitions and the prayers of thanksgiving from the people. One angel had a basket to collect the people's needs and requests, and the other angel had a basket to collect the thanksgivings. When both angels had completed their rounds, the angel carrying the basket of people's needs and requests was full and overflowing, whereas the angel carrying the basket of people's thanksgiving was light, as there were very few thanksgiving prayers. Seems surprising, but the reality is that some people are more concerned about their needs and wants rather than the need to give thanks.

In today's Gospel, we see a similar situation. Ten lepers were cured by Jesus, but only "one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him." The question we need to ask ourselves is this: have we become so accustomed to only asking for help, and expecting to receive help sooner or later or even think that we are entitled to receiving help, that we have taken for granted the help we have received and neglected to give thanks? Have we become demanding in expecting our needs and wants to be fulfilled, and failed to be appreciative and be grateful and thankful when such needs and wants are fulfilled?

Saturday of Week 32 Year 1

There seems to be many things in life which we do not seem tired of doing. For example, we do not seem to get tired of watching tv, going for a movie, eating good food, surfing the internet, shopping, travelling, going for a holiday, socialising with friends, going for a party, attending a music concert, playing sports, and much more. All these things are fine and good, but when it comes to praying and growing in our spiritual life, how many of us are just as enthusiastic and not tired in doing so?

In today's Gospel, Jesus taught His disciples to "pray continually and never lose heart." Jesus reminded them, and us too, of the importance of prayer and perseverance in faith. When we are not tired of prayer and presevere in faith, then Jesus assures us: "Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily." The question is: would we "berazam" or remain steadfast in our prayer and perseverance of faith, knowing that God would help us according to His time and for His glory?

Friday of Week 32 Year 1

It may seem surprising to us, but there are people in this world who do not believe in God. Such persons do not believe in God for a number of reasons. Some of such people think that science has the answer to why things happen. Some think that since you cannot see, touch, or feel God, then they deduce that God does not exist. But if we consider a moment: there are many things in this world which we cannot see, touch or feel. For example, we cannot see, touch or feel germs, but they are there and we may experience the consequences of germs if we are infected by them through some means. Also, we cannot see air, and yet we are surrounded by air.

This is why today's reading tells us: "Naturally stupid are all men who have not known God and who, from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is, or, by studying the works, have failed to recognise the Artificer... if they are capable of acquiring enough knowledge to be able to investigate the world, how have they been so slow to find its Master?" While science may be able to explain some things, there are also many things that science cannot explain. When science cannot explain certain things, does it mean that such things are fiction or not true? Of course not. It basically means that science is limited, whereas God is unlimited. May we not be so naive as to think that we can do without God, and learn to depend on Him for wisdom and understanding.

Thursday of Week 32 Year 1

If someone were to come up to you and say that the world is going to end, and that you should come for a gathering to prepare for the end, would you go? Quite likely you would not, but there are some who are so easy to be tricked, and when they go for such gatherings, they may end up losing their wealth or posessions, since persons organising such gatherings use scare tactics to make others part with their belongings, in preparation for the so-called end. Then once these people have gotten their loot, they make a quick get-away, and those who were gullible enough to listen to them may find themselves in a lurch.

In today's Gospel, we are reminded that "The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation... They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit..." Are we going to be so easily tricked or influenced by others and start worrying and fretting? Or are we going to continue to trust in our loving God and build our relationship with Him, knowing that He will care for us no matter what happens? May we not be so easily duped or taken for a ride, and let the Lord be our providence and guide.

Wednesday of Week 32 Year 1

Some of us may have heard of the phrase: "With great power comes great responsibility." Such a phrase has great implications, since the power we hold is not to be used as one pleases, or to be used recklessly, but to be used in a responsible manner, for the good of all, and for the glory of God. Such responsibility is certainly not an easy or simple matter, and to be true and faithful in our conduct is not something we can accomplish on our own.We need to continuously depend on God's help for strength and perserverence.

However, for those among us who abuse their positions, who think that we can do as we please, today's reading warns: "power is a gift to you from the Lord, sovereignty is from the Most High; he himself will probe your acts and scrutinise your intentions... If, as administrators of his kingdom, you have not governed justly; nor observed the law, nor behaved as God would have you behave, he will fall on you swiftly and terribly. Ruthless judgement is reserved for the high and mighty; the lowly will be compassionately pardoned, the mighty will be mightily punished."

Such warnings ought to remind us that we are to serve and not lord it over others. The question is: are we making efforts in humility to remain loyal, faithful and dependent on the Lord, or have we allowed ourselves to go astray? Are we aware and careful of the consequences of our actions, or have we become blind and deaf, refusing to admit any guilt or wrongdoing? May we come to realise the graveness of the responsibility entrusted upon us, and in all we say and do, give glory to God.

Tuesday of Week 32 Year 1

When you are given a task or some responsibility, what is your motivation to do it? Some do the task because they see it as a means to impress others. Some do so to gain recognition and hopefully rewards. Some do so because they want to prove themselves and prove their abilities and capabilities. Some do so because they see it as part of their duty or job. But how many of us are willing to get the task done, without expecting recognition, reward or to show off for our own gratification?

In today's Gospel we are reminded: "So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, 'We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.'” In whatever we do, are we doing things just to serve ourselves, or are we really serving the Lord? Let us always remember that all our abilities and talents are meant to give God the glory, not for our own selfish ends.

Monday of Week 32 Year 1

Life is meant to be lived with simplicity and joy. But the problem that we get ourselves into is when we allow our lives to be complicated and cluttered with sins like hypocrisy, craftiness, being cunning or scheming, wanting things only our way, and so on. We begin to think and deceive ourselves that the sins we commit are not so serious, and that we have plenty of time to go for confession to remove such sins. But sin stains our soul, and the longer we take to have it removed, the harder it would be for us to remove the stain. Just as a stain on clothing would ruin the clothing, the stain of sin on our soul would ruin us and ruin our relationship with God.

In today's reading, we are cautioned: "Wisdom will never make its way into a crafty soul nor stay in a body that is in debt to sin; the holy spirit of instruction shuns deceit, it stands aloof from reckless purposes, is taken aback when iniquity appears." When we allow sins to fester in our soul, we lose our connection with God, for God and sin are incompatible. That is why, we should make every effort to have our sins removed by being regular in confession, and strive to "love virtue... let honesty prompt your thinking about the Lord, seek him in simplicity of heart; since he is to be found by those who do not put him to the test, he shows himself to those who do not distrust him." Are we willing to take action and return to the Lord's ways, before it is too late?

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Are successful businessmen considered wise? What about university professors? Are they considered wise? If a person has a PhD or some Academic Doctorate in some area of specialisation, is that person considered wise? It seems as if many of us have equated wisdom with knowledge, intelligence and good business acumen. A man who knows how to save, how to make good investments, who becomes rich as a result of hard work and intelligence, who has many influential friends and colleagues, or even a person who has many followers, seems to be considered by many as wise. But what is wisdom really?

Wisdom is when we realise that all comes from God and all will return to God. Wisdom reminds us that the most important things in life are not just having friends, or having lots of children or grandchildren, or even having prosperity and luck. All these are impermanent, temporary and cannot be brought with us when we die. Instead, when we begin to realise that our faith and trust in God is what really matters, when seek treasures in heaven instead of focusing only on treasures on earth, then we begin to understand and strive towards true wisdom.

When it comes to worldly investments, many of us seem to be ready to make preparations and sacrifices, all for the sake of making life easier for ourselves, for our children and hopefully for our descendants. But how many of us have been making preparations and sacrifices, when it comes to spiritual investments? We seem so eager to make preparations for any eventuality in this life, but how eager are we in preparing for death and eternal life? In today’s gospel, we see an example of how prepared we could be. In the Gospel, Jesus contrasts the foolish bridesmaids with the sensible ones. The sensible ones are prepared to meet the bridegroom at any time. The foolish ones thought that they had enough oil, they had enough time. But time waits for no man or woman, and if we are not prepared or careful, we may find ourselves outside the door, like what had happened to the foolish bridesmaids in the parable, since we have not enough oil burning in our lamps.

So let us strive towards true wisdom, by investing for eternal life. Let us be ready and prepared to meet the Lord at any time, as Jesus cautions us in the Gospel: "So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour." May we not be caught off-guard or unprepared, because our eternal future and happiness is clearly at stake.

Friday of Week 32 Year 2

In today's world, we have easy access to information, especially from the internet. But not everything posted or shared on the internet is true. Some people may have posted things which are lies, rubbish, nonsense or deceiving. Some of such persons do so for many reasons, including the intention to lead astray and bring about confusion. Some people even utter teachings which seem contrary or somewhat different to what Jesus taught, especially because they have picked and chosen what they want or like to hear or what suits them, and refuse to admit the truth. When we are faced with such a situation,what do we do?

In today's reading, John warns us: "There are many deceivers about in the world, refusing to admit that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. They are the Deceiver; they are the Antichrist. Watch yourselves, or all our work will be lost and not get the reward it deserves. If anybody does not keep within the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it, he cannot have God with him: only those who keep to what he taught can have the Father and the Son with them."

This is why we should not blindly agree to what certains persons have written or said, even though they may be so called persons of authority or importance. We should make every effort to understand our faith better through the various courses available to us, so that we would not be so easily duped by certain others. We also need to discern what we have heard, and verify its authenticacy. Let us not be so easily taken for a ride, and be vigilant and watch ourselves.

Thursday of Week 32 Year 2

In anything that we do, there needs to be some sort of preparation. We cannot expect to get good results or good progress if we try to get something done all of a sudden. For example,if we want to do well in an exam, we would need to begin studying early, so that we would have had enough practice to answer the questions efficiently and effectively. If we want to run a race, we would need to train our bodies early, so that running the race would not be that strenous to our bodies. If we want to climb a mountain, we would need to work out our leg and and hand muscles, so that we would be ready and prepared to withstand the pressure of climbing.

In today's Gospel, we are reminded that "The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation... They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit..." If we have been faithful to our duty as Christians, then there is no reason to fear. We know that God will guide and care for us no matter what happens. Instead of becoming worrywarts or fret about such things, we should prepare ourselves and focus in building our relationship with God and also with others. If we have made the necessary preparations, we would be ready to meet the Lord at any time. Let us not slack or procrastinate, since the time to prepare is now.

Tuesday of Week 32 Year 2

When we try our level best to get a task done and the task is completed successfully, many of us would like to be appreciated or recognised for the task well done. Some of us hope to get into the good books of our boss, superior, bishop or leader. Others may hope for some form of reward, bonus, promotion or gift. But as Christians, what sort of attitude should we have when we have done something well or completed successfully?

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us: "when you have done all you have been told to do, say, "We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty."" Instead of expecting others to admire us, or reward us, or appreciate us, or say good things about us, we should be thankful and grateful to God for the gifts, talents and abilities He has given us to be able to get the task done. Instead of looking for rewards, praises or recognition to boost our ego, pride and personal gratification, we should give glory to God. After all, we do such things not to bring attention to ourselves or to build our own kingdom, but to build God's Kingdom.

Monday of Week 32 Year 2

As Christian leaders, we should be careful how we guide others, since sometimes the way we are guiding others may not necessarily be following God's will, but following our own agenda. Some Christian leaders may appear to be guiding others, but in actual fact, they are merely getting others to align to their ways. When there is dissent or disagreement from certain members, some of such leaders may reproach such members, or issue warnings to them to toe the line, or even have such members suspended, even though what is being dissented or disagreed is sensible and valid. This begs the question: are we as Christian leaders only expecting members to become "yes men or yes women" just to rubber stamp what we do, without proper evaluation, scrutiny or discernment?

In today's Gospel, Jesus cautions us: "Obstacles are sure to come, but alas for the one who provides them! It would be better for him to be thrown into the Sea with a millstone put round his neck than that he should lead astray a single one of these little ones. Watch yourselves!" When we try to enforce our own agenda, without any room for scrutiny or dissent; when we expect others to blindly or obediently accept our ways or our views; when we insist that only our way is the way to go; then we may be creating obstacles for others to grow and be of service to God. We may also be leading others astray, since we are concerned only with our own agenda, our ego, and our pride. May we come to realise what we are doing, and change our ways so that in all we do, we do it for the glory of God.

Housekeeping - Week 32 Year 2

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

6 Nov 2016 - 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
7 Nov 2016 - Monday of Week 32 Year 2
8 Nov 2016 - Tuesday of Week 32 Year 2
9 Nov 2016 - Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
10 Nov 2016 - Thursday of Week 32 Year 2
11 Nov 2016 - Friday of Week 32 Year 2

Friday of Week 32 Year 1

There are many things in this world which could be explained by science. What was once thought to be the consequence of malicious creatures or evil, or even divine retribution, could be scientifically proven. However, there are also many things in this world which science is still unable to explain or discover. For example, science has yet to fully understand or explain when and how exactly does conception take place or even when and how exactly we would die, since such things can happen at moments beyond our expectation.

This is why today's reading tells us: "Naturally stupid are all men who have not known God and who, from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is, or, by studying the works, have failed to recognise the Artificer... if they are capable of acquiring enough knowledge to be able to investigate the world, how have they been so slow to find its Master?" Some people seem to think that science can solve or explain many things, but time and again we come across situations which cannot be explained with our intellect or with science, but with faith and trust that God is in the equation. May we learn to discover those things which science can explain and help us understand, while being firmly rooted in faith that God is there to guide us and be our help.

Thursday of Week 32 Year 1

Some of us get very excited easily over the smallest things or incidences. For example, we are driving on the road and we notice a massive traffic jam ahead of us, and we later discover that the traffic jam is caused by onlookers and other folks who just have to slow down to see the result of an accident which has occurred at the opposite side of the road, some of us would slow down too. Some of us just cannot resist the urge to gaze at what is taking place at the accident site, even though the relevant authorities are already at the scene and are desperately trying to get folks to move on quickly instead of causing unnecessary congestion.

In the same way, some of us get very excited about whether we would be with God in heaven or otherwise. Some of us would begin to fret and worry about what is going to happen to our eternal future. At the other extreme, there are some who worry about hell, and become paralysed with fear that they may have done something wrong that would cause them to be thrown into hell. But Jesus in today's Gospel tells us: "The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation... They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit..." If we have been consistent and persistent in building our spiritual lives and our relationship with God, if we have been regular in attending Mass and going for confession, then we have no need to be easily excited. It does not matter when the Kingdom of God comes, nor does it matter what would happen to us, if we have done our part and done our best. Do we not trust in God and His providence, help and mercy?

Wednesday of Week 32 Year 1

I sometimes wonder whether some of us have begun to take a lot of things for granted. Have we ever thought about the farmers who work hard to plant crops so that we would have food on our tables; the many people who have to treat our sewage and waste so that our homes and surroundings would be clean; the many people who sweep the roads and cut the grass so that our roads and highways are clean, tidy and safe from debris; the teachers who have spent many hours preparing for classes so that we and our children would be well educated; the list goes on. When things are not done right, we complain and make a big fuss, but when things are done well for our comfort and safety, are we appreciative, thankful and grateful?

In today's Gospel, we see a good example of being appreciative, thankful and grateful for what has been done for us. In the Gospel, ten lepers were cured by Jesus, but only "one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him." Have we learnt to be like that one leper, who was appreciative, thankful and grateful for being cured? Or are we still taking things for granted, thinking that we had paid for it, or we deserve or are entitled to such help, or we are only interested in ourselves and our needs? Remember that all things come from God and are gifts to us. May we give Him the glory for His generous providence and care.