Saturday of Week 9 Year 1

We sometimes come across persons who do things to attract attention, or to gain popularity, fame or recognition from others. For example, we may have come across certain persons who are quite nasty towards others, but when a priest or even a bishop asks them to carry out a task, they suddenly appear to be friendly or docile, and they seem to go out of the way to get the task done, especially in front of the priest or bishop, perhaps with the hope of gaining brownie points or to get on the good side of the priest or bishop. But when the priest or bishop is not present, they go back to their nasty ways.

In today's Gospel, "Jesus said, ‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers. The more severe will be the sentence they receive.’"

Have some of us become like the scribes, who appear to be serving but expecting to be noticed and recognised? Do we perform a task only to gain brownie points or to get on the good side of what they think are important persons or persons of authority? Or are we able to resist the need to be recognised and admired, check our motives and intentions, and serve not for ourselves but for the glory of God?

Saturday of Week 9 Year 1

Why do we get involved in various church activities and ministries? Do we do so because we want to serve God and His people? Or do we do so because we want to gain some recognition or fame? Do we serve because we want to glorify God in all that we say or do? Or are we trying to gain glory to boost our pride and ego? Are we serving because we want to be respected and noticed? Or are we humble enough to serve quietly, sometimes unknown and unappreciated, but nonetheless continuing to serve with dedication and commitment?

In today's Gospel, "Jesus said, ‘Beware of the scribes who like to walk about in long robes, to be greeted obsequiously in the market squares, to take the front seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets; these are the men who swallow the property of widows, while making a show of lengthy prayers. The more severe will be the sentence they receive.’"

Have some of us become like the scribes, who appear to be serving but expecting to be noticed and recognised? Or are we able to resist the need to be recognised and admired, check our motives and intentions, and serve not for ourselves but for the glory of God?

Saturday of Week 9 Year 2

One thing we need to be careful about is when we come across certain church teachings which seem too good to be true, or sound strange. When we come across such teachings, we need to discern whether such teachings end up appealing to our needs, wants and desires, instead of what the church actually teaches. This is because those who teach such so-called church teachings often have got a hidden agenda, and not for the good of the church. Perhaps one key question we need to ponder is this: are such so-called church teaching really what Jesus taught us?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching. The time is sure to come when, far from being content with sound teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths. Be careful always to choose the right course; be brave under trials; make the preaching of the Good News your life’s work, in thoroughgoing service."

The reading cautions us not to be so easily duped or led astray by such teachings, but remain steadfast to the truth, with patience and with the intention of teaching. May we always choose to preserve the truth, and help others do the same.

Friday of Week 9 Year 2

Being a Christian is never easy. Anyone who claims that being a Christian is easy is either not really living a Christian life, or they may be lying. This is because as Christians the ways of Christ quite often do not agree or do not comply with the ways of the world. For example, as Christians, we are told to love, even to love our enemies; but the world tells us to hate others, or try to put others down to lift ourselves up, and only love ourselves and be concerned only about ourselves.

When we do not follow the ways of the world, and instead follow the ways of Christ, what happens? Today's reading tells us: "You are well aware, then, that anybody who tries to live in devotion to Christ is certain to be attacked; while these wicked impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and deceived themselves You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

What does this mean to us? It means that following the ways of Christ is not going to be a bed of roses or a walk in the park. We will face many trials and tribulations, and as the reading tells us, we are certain to be attacked in some way. It also means that we must not let ourselves go astray, or give up and end up following the ways of the world. Instead, we must have faith in Christ Jesus, and remain steadfast in such faith. Are we willing to endure much challenges in the world, with hope and trust that Jesus will save us?

Friday of Week 9 Year 2

Among the Jews, the most common title for the 'Christ' was, 'Son of David.' In today's Gospel, the purpose why Jesus then said "The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand and I will put your enemies under your feet." (which is actually Psalm 110:1), is to show to the crowds and the Pharisees that the Christ was more than a descendant of David because David calls this descendant of his, “my lord.” This is to show that David views the Christ as his Lord and superior.

So what does it mean to acknowledge Jesus as Lord? To acknowledge Jesus as Lord means that we should owe our full submission and loyalty to Him. If we owe our full submission and loyalty to Him, then He is our Lord and the Master of our lives instead of the many earthly things such as: our passions, the love of money, alcohol, drugs, and so on; which may distract us or which we may pursue as if these things matter more and may have become like our "lord" instead of Jesus. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: do we really give to Jesus our loyalty? Or have we allowed ourselves to divert our loyalty to other 'lords'?

Tuesday of Week 9 Year 2

Growing in holiness is not something we can do in an instant. We may be used to getting so many other things done instantly; such as withdrawing money from an ATM, or making a cup of coffee; but when it comes to growing in relationship with God and growing in holiness, it takes time and effort. We may experience temptations along the way, and some of us may commit sin; but we are constantly reminded to get up, seek forgiveness, move on and use such experiences to help us grow spiritually, as we let our loving God help us and guide us.

In today's reading, we are reminded: "You should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come... So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace. Think of our Lord’s patience as your opportunity to be saved. You have been warned about this, my friends; be careful not to get carried away by the errors of unprincipled people, from the firm ground that you are standing on. Instead, go on growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ."

As the reading clearly tells us, we need to be patient and long for the Day of God to come, and while doing so, we should be living holy and saintly lives. Of course, living holy and saintly lives is not easy, especially when we face so many challenges and temptations in the world. This is why our focus should be on Jesus, and let him take control of our lives. While it is necessary for us to live and survive in the world, we should not let worldly attractions overwhelm us or distract us from our ultimate goal. May we stay focused in our quest to be with Jesus, and help others to do the same.

Tuesday of Week 9 Year 2

When we want something, we would go all out to get it, hopefully in a legal, fair, just and proper way. For example, if we want to win a marathon, we would train our bodies by putting lots of practice in running marathons; we would go to the gym often to tone our muscles; we would eat nutritious food so that we would build energy; we would ensure we get enough rest; and we would not give up no matter how long it takes. All these efforts are made to achieve something in this life. But what about our spiritual life? Do we take as much effort or go all out to grow in relationship with God, and prepare ourselves for that which is more permanent?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "You should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come... So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace. Think of our Lord’s patience as your opportunity to be saved. You have been warned about this, my friends; be careful not to get carried away by the errors of unprincipled people, from the firm ground that you are standing on. Instead, go on growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ."

What we achieve here on earth is only temporary, and may one day be forgotten or become irrelevant. But God is patiently beckoning us to come closer to Him and to walk in His ways, and attain that which is premanent or eternal. May we open our eyes and come to realise what really matters in the end, and do our best to live lives without spot or stain, so that the Lord would find us at peace and ready to meet Him, when He calls.

Saturday of Week 9 Year 2

It is easy for some of us to be attracted to certain so-called church teaching which appeal to our needs, wants and desires. For example, some may have become quite influenced with certain so-called church teachings, where financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth. Quite often, such donations are to be given to the so-called church where such teaching is popularised. But if we consider rationally for a moment: can we really bribe God or try and scratch His back, expecting Him to scratch ours in return? Are such so-called church teaching what Jesus taught us?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching. The time is sure to come when, far from being content with sound teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty and collect themselves a whole series of teachers according to their own tastes; and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths. Be careful always to choose the right course; be brave under trials; make the preaching of the Good News your life’s work, in thoroughgoing service."

The reading reminds and cautions us not to allow ourselves to be led astray and turn to teachings according to our tastes, or turn to myths, but remain steadfast to the truth, come what may, with patience and with the intention of teaching. May we always choose the right course; be brave under trials; and not falter in preserving the truth, while continuing to follow in the Lord's ways, and Glorify His Name.

Friday of Week 9 Year 1

Among the Jews the most common title for the Messiah was Son of David.This title was connected to another, which is the title "the Christ" which means the anointed one. The religious authorities at that time maintained that the Christ must be a direct descendant of King David. However, this posed a problem, since Judah had been conquered by the Persians, and this caused King David's direct line of descendants to be terminated.

When Jesus quoted the psalm from David and explained it, He cleared the confusion and doubts the people had in their minds. Jesus quoted the psalm to show to the crowds and the Pharisees that the Messiah was more than a descendant of David because David calls this descendant of his, “my Lord.” This is to show that David views the Messiah as his Lord and superior. When Jesus said these words, the people were delighted, because they could now believe again. Many of them already accepted Jesus as the Messiah and as the Son of David, and what Jesus explained to them further strengthened their confidence in Jesus.

So what does it mean for us when to acknowledge Jesus as Lord? To acknowledge Jesus as Lord means that we should owe our full submission and loyalty to Him. But do we really give to Him our loyalty? Do we take delight in knowing that we have a Lord who is far greater than any other? May we happily, gratefully and humbly acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and invite him to be the King of our hearts and the ruler of our thoughts, relationships, and in all that we do.

Thursday of Week 9 Year 1

Each and every day, we are faced with a continuous challenge. What sort of challenge is it? The challenge to love. It is easy to say we love, but to put what we say into practice is a different thing altogether. It seems easy to love our friends and family members, but would we be able to love others whom we are not close with, or who have been difficult to us, or who are our enemies? Are we able to observe faithfully the law of love, not just in loving God, but also in loving our neigbour? Or have we become selective in our love?

In today's Gospel, the scribe said: "'Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice." That is what the commandments are all about: loving God and loving neighbour. We cannot pick and choose, as we are required to love both God and neighbour completely. If we say that we love God, and have arguments or problems with our neighbour, then we are actually not really loving, since loving God and neighbour cannot be separated. That is why it is not so easy to love, since love involves both God and neighbour. Are we really willing to love without prejudice? Or have we been loving only when it is easy, beneficial or convenient to us?

Wednesday of Week 9 Year 1

What do you do when you are experiencing difficulty in life? What if you are experiencing misery or great pain or great suffering? For some of us, it would seem easy to give up or end it all, because the misery, pain and suffering seems too great for us to bear. Some of us may try to seek help from other sources, only to discover that these other sources are not much help after all. How many of us are willing and able to presevere, and wait patiently for God to help us?

In today's reading, we come across Tobit's prayer of lamentation. In his prayer, Tobit felt he was all alone in his suffering and said: "Therefore, Lord, remember me, look on me. Do not punish me for my sins or for my heedless faults ..." Also, in the reading, Sarah was insulted by one of the maids, and she grieved and sobbed and even contemplated suicide. Fortunately, Sarah came to her senses and did not go ahead in killing herself, but decided to seek help from God. God indeed heard their cry, and sent Raphael to bring remedy to both of them.

What can we learn from this? We can discover that God indeed hears the cry of the lonely, the lost, the least and the last, because these are the ones who have no one to turn to and they only have God to help them. When we turn to God for help, we are putting ourselves in His care, knowing and trusting that He would do what is best for us. Are we willing to humbly beg for His help and let Him be our providence and guide?

Tuesday of Week 9 Year 1

When we have jealousy and hatred in our hearts, we can sometimes degrade ourselves into committing all sorts of despicable and foolish acts. Pride and ego can colour our vision, and blind us from what is true, what is proper and just, what is truly holy and what is fair; just because we want to win at all costs, and we want to save face.

In today's Gospel, we see an example of what jealousy and hatred can do, in the form of the scribes, Pharisees and the chief priests. Even though these folks were enemies with the Herodians, they were willing to forgo their principles just to find a solution to get rid of Jesus. But these folks failed to realise that they were not dealing with just some ordinary person, and Jesus' answer to their question took them completely by surprise. If we consider carefully Jesus' answer, does anything really belong to Caesar? No! Ultimately, everything actually belongs to God. Unfortunately for the scribes, Pharisees and the chief priests, their jealousy and hatred towards Jesus blinded them to what is evidently truth.

What about us? Have we become more like the scribes, Pharisees and the chief priests or even the Herodians, in the way we conduct ourselves and the way we treat others? Let us be mindful and check ourselves from becoming jealous and harbour hatred, lest we lose ourselves and lost sight of our eternal goal.

Monday of Week 9 Year 1

It seems easy to call ourselves Christians, but to live as Christians in any given situation is a different thing altogether. When times are good and peaceful, being a Christian may seem easy, but when we are faced with grave danger or even the possibility of being put to death for our faith, how many of us Christians would persevere and remain faithful?

In today's reading, we come across Tobit who said: "I, Tobit, have walked in paths of truth and in good works all the days of my life. I have given much in alms to my brothers and fellow countrymen, exiled like me to Nineveh in the country of Assyria." Even though Tobit was in exile in Nineveh, and even though the environment in Nineveh was hostile to Tobit and people of the same faith as him, Tobit was not afraid to practise his faith and be charitable to others. Tobit was willing to take risks and put his life on the line, to show his faith. What about us? Are we willing to do the same, even in the midst of severe persecution? Are we saying that we have faith only in mere words and nothing more? Or are we making effort to show our faith fearlessly?

Thursday of Week 9 Year 2

Life is such that we will face trials and challenges from time to time, and sometimes such challenges and trials could test our faith. When we are tested, we could respond in different ways: some of us would take the challenge and do our best in overcoming such tests; some of us would just sit and do nothing, thinking that such challenges will eventually go away and not bother us; or some of us could even give up and be overwhelmed by such challenges, even to the point of losing our faith. If you are in such a situation where you are facing a great challenge, how would you respond?

In today's reading, we are reminded: "Do all you can to present yourself in front of God as a man who has come through his trials, and a man who has no cause to be ashamed of his life’s work and has kept a straight course with the message of the truth." The reading cautions us that we are to do all we can; not just sit idle; or give up. Are we taking on such challenges for the glory of God? Or have we become too complacent and forgotten our identity and mission as Christians?

Wednesday of Week 9 Year 2

God has called and chosen each and every one of us to be His witnesses and to proclaim the Gospel as best we can. Each of us are different, and how much or little we are able to do in proclaiming the Gospel is not important. What is important is we do our part, no matter how big or small that part may be. Some of us may be able to travel a lot to preach the Good News; some of us may not be able to do so due to some reason or another but can still offer prayers for others. But in all our efforts, our goal is to preach the Good News according to our ability and situation, with gusto and with power, love and self-control.

In today's reading, we are reminded: "That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord..." If we believe strongly in our faith, then why are some of us feeling small, timid or scared to preach the Good News? Sometimes we do not even have to say so many words, since even our attitude, behaviour and actions can be a form of preaching. May we take heed of what today's reading is telling us, and do our duty in preaching the Good News to all, so that all may know what it means to be a Christian.

Monday of Week 9 Year 2

Christian faith in itself is meaningless if we do not show our faith. Christian faith is not something which we keep only to ourselves, or hide it in a closet, or sweep it under a rug. Christian faith must be shown, witnessed and lived, so that others would come to know what it really means to be a Christian, not by mere words, but by the example of our attitude, behaviour, conduct and our lives. So how do we show our faith? What do we need to do as Christians?

Today's reading gives us some ideas: "...you will have to do your utmost yourselves, adding goodness to the faith that you have, understanding to your goodness, self-control to your understanding, patience to your self-control, true devotion to your patience, kindness towards your fellow men to your devotion, and, to this kindness, love." If we say that we have faith, then we must show our goodness, our understanding, our self-control, our patience, true devotion, our kindness towards others, and ultimately, genuine love. Sounds like quite a lot is expected of us, isn't it? Well, nobody said that being a Christian is going to be easy, but let us be joyful and glad, since the benefits are out of this world.

Thursday of Week 9 Year 2

Some of us are not ashamed to be known as a successful doctor, lawyer or some other profession. Some of us even display our qualifications and achievements on the wall of our office or at a prominent place at home, to show our customers, guests and others how far we have made it in the world. When we go for a function or an important event, some of us have no qualms about dressing our best and even show off our medals and other decorations attained from royalty or for outstanding services rendered to the government. But what about our spiritual achievements? Have we been consistent and persistent in maintaining a good and healthy relationship with God, and observing not only His commandments but sharing the Good News with others?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "Do all you can to present yourself in front of God as a man who has come through his trials, and a man who has no cause to be ashamed of his life’s work and has kept a straight course with the message of the truth." Sometimes we may suffer humiliation and persecution for keeping the faith and defending the truth. But what are we really seeking at the end: temporary recognition here on earth, or eternal happiness with our loving God?

Wednesday of Week 9 Year 2

It is often tempting and easy, when it comes to preaching the Good News, to rest on our laurels and avoid coming into conflict with others, especially when times are peaceful and churches seem full of faithful. Some of us become reluctant to share the Good News with others, and some even do not respond when their faith is questioned, preferring not to get involved. But what sort of attitude should we Christians have concerning this matter?

In today's reading, St. Paul reminds us: "God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, or ashamed of me for being his prisoner; but with me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy – not because of anything we ourselves have done but for his own purpose and by his own grace." This means that we cannot just remain silent and idle in our faith, but be bold, courageous and willing to go forth and preach the Good News, as well as to make clear what our faith is really about if questioned. Are we willing to bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, following the example of St. Paul?

Monday of Week 9 Year 2

Some of us priests are appointed parish priest of a certain parish for a certain period of time. After the time is up, or if the bishop has got valid reasons or certain other reasons, we could be removed from the parish and transferred elsewhere, or given some other task. This is because the parish does not belong to a particular priest or a particular group, and the temporal and spiritual care of the parish could be given to a priest chosen by the bishop according to his discernment and decision. However, we sometimes come across some people who seem to think that the parish belongs to them, and some of them even think that the parish priest belongs to them.

This is the problem which the tenants had in today's Gospel parable. They thought that the land belonged to them, after probably having lived there for quite a while. The Gospel reminds us that the landowner had only leased the land to the tenants, but these tenants had become too comfortable living on the land and began to treat the land as theirs. When the landowner tried to collect his share of the vineyard, the tenants went against him by ill-treating the landowner's servants and killing some of the servants, and even killed his son. Eventually, the landowner got rid of the tenants and leased the vineyard to other tenants.

Some of you may be wondering: why were the chief priests, scribes and elders furious and wanted to arrest Jesus? Because as the Gospel tells us, they realised that the parable was aimed at them. They were like the tenants, who had been given a lease to care for the temple and faithfully observe the commandments that God had given to them. But instead of being faithful to their task, they began to think that the temple and the commandments could be manipulated according to their whims and fancies. The prophets had been sent to admonish these people, but they ill-treated these prophets and killed some. Even Jesus, who is the son in the parable, was ill-treated by these chief priests, scribes and elders, and they even tried to do away with Him. Because of this, Jesus warned the chief priests, scribes and elders that they would eventually lose control of the temple and the commandments, and these would be entrusted to others who were more worthy.

What about us? Have we manipulated the church we are in, trying to take control and do things as we please? Have we become like these chief priests, scribes and elders, in danger of losing it all due to our pride, ego, prejudice and stubborn ways? May we change our ways and let God take control, depending on His care and guidance, since we too are merely tenants on this earth, and if we fail to be faithful and sincere in our duties, we may lose even the little we have.

Friday of Week 9 Year 1

Do you believe that miracles can happen? Have you experienced a miracle before in your life? There are some who do not seem to believe that miracles happen, since they seem to take on a worldly view that science could give an answer and if it doesn't, then they would accept the fact that their fate is sealed. The funny thing is, such people sometimes experience a miracle and become believers. Such is the power of our loving God, who does wonders for us, though at times we may not realise it or experience it directly.

In today's reading, we see a series of miracles happening. In the reading, Anna was so full of joy of being able to see her son again that she exclaimed: "Now I can die. I have seen you again." We must remember that the Jews were in exile in Nineveh at that time and they were facing persecution, and for a Jew to leave Nineveh safely and return safely was indeed a miracle. Tobias used the fish gall on his father's eyes as medicine and as a result, Tobit was able to see again. Once again, another miracle had happened. Who would have thought that fish gall could be used to make a blind man see, but that was exactly what happened. Then, to top up the series of miracles, Tobias was able to bring Sarah his wife home. Sarah, in case some of you may not know, had been given in marriage seven times, and that Asmodeus, that worst of demons, had killed her bridegrooms one after another before ever they had slept with her as man with wife. But this time, God had intervened and the angel Raphael had chased the demon Asmodeus away, so that Sarah and Tobias could be together in peace.

Indeed, miracles do happen. Sometimes we realise it and give thanks to God. At other times, we may not realise it. But perhaps one miracle which we experience each day but we may of taken for granted, is the miracle of life. The fact that each of us is able to wake up every morning is already a miracle. Are we thankful for the gift and miracle of life that God has granted us each day?