Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent

We live in a world where most things in life are no longer free. For example, food, clothing and many other essential things we need to survive are not free. Education, especially if we want to attain higher education, is not free. Even in our relationships, many of us love or like another because of some reason, such as the other is good or kind to us, or the other has certain attributes we like, or even because the other is useful in one way or another. We seem to expect and give at some cost, but as Christians, what sort of way of living should we strive to follow?

In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches us: “Without cost, you have received; without cost you are to give.” Jesus lives this teaching because He did many things; including curing the sick, letting the blind see, expelling demons, feeding the hungry with His words and material food; restoring the dead to life; cleansing the lepers and so on; all these without asking for any payment. Some of us may think that Jesus could do all these things and much more since He is God; but if we think about it for a moment, could we not do the same? After all, we call ourselves brothers and sisters in Christ, and so we should follow His example in the way He lived. Are we willing to receive and give without cost; and for all things give God the glory?

Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent

Years ago, I recall receiving an e-mail about a lady who was looking for a Mr. Right. In other words, the lady was fishing for a husband. It so happened that the lady came across a building with a sign saying: "Search a Husband Here." Also, there was another sign saying: "You can enter this building only once and stop at each floor only once." The building had 7 floors and the lady excitedly entered the lift at the ground floor. When the lift reached the first floor, the doors of the lift opened and the lady saw a sign in front of her saying: "Enter here for a husband who is handsome and strong." The lady decided to remain in the lift, curious to know what the next floors would be. At the second floor, the sign in front of her said: "Enter here for a husband who is handsome, strong, and a good cook." The sign at the third floor said: "Enter here for a husband who is handsome, strong, a good cook, and loves children." The lady became more and more curious and excited, and she decided to remain in the lift and see what the other floors would reveal. As she reached the fourth, fifth and sixth floor, the sign in front of her on each floor revealed even more fantastic capabilities and attributes of the men supposingly to be found at each floor. Finally the lady reached the seventh floor and when she got out of the lift, all she saw was a flight of stairs going down, and a sign which said: "No men can be found here, since no men could ever meet your expectations at this level."

Today’s gospel tells us about a Mr. Right, the right man to foretell the coming of the Messiah. According to the scribes, the prophet Elijah is the right person to prepare the coming of the Messiah, since they believed that Elijah was the precursor of the Messiah, and that Elijah was a terrible man preaching doom and destruction. Yet when John the Baptist came and announced the coming of the Messiah, somebody greater than him, the scribes did not accept him as Mr. Right. For them, John’s person and message was not up to their expectations. He preached about baptism and personal conversion, not about the terror that will go with the day of the Lord. For them John was not Elijah, not Mr. Right. Yet, the irony is, John actually turned our to be Mr, Right, not according to our expectations, but according to God's plans.

What about us? Have our expectations clouded us and prevented us from accepting the message of John the Baptist, the actual Mr. Right, and prepare the way for the Lord? May we open our eyes, ears and hearts, so that we would be able to let the message of John the Baptist change us, so that we would learn to walk in God's ways and glorify Him in all we do.

Friday of the 1st Week of Advent

I once sat next to a blind beggar and observed him as he was trying to beg for a few ringgit. I was quite amazed at how this blind beggar had developed a heightened sense of touch, hearing and smell, even though he could not see. Just by the sound of a coin dropping onto his bowl, he could decipher correctly how much it was. By feeling the paper money, he could tell a RM1 note from a RM5, RM10 or RM100.

Today’s Gospel tells us about two blind men following Jesus and crying out. They might not see Jesus, but their heightened sense of hearing led them to Jesus. When Jesus entered a house, they approached him there, since their heightened sense of hearing and smell helped them encounter Jesus directly. Not only that, when Jesus asked if they had faith in him to heal them, they responded positively. Because the blind men had complete trust and faith in Jesus, they were healed of their blindness and their sight returned.

What about us? Would we have faith and trust in Jesus to heal us, especially from our spiritual blindness? Even though we may be able to see clearly, we may be spiritually blind, especially when we sin, when we have ego and pride in our hearts. May we, like the beggars in today's Gospel, have complete faith and trust in Jesus, and be regular in going for confession and receiving Him daily at Mass, so that Jesus can heal us and enable us to physically and spiritually see clearly once again.

Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent

In the world, people often look at qualifications and experience when hiring a person. When a candidate is being chosen for elections, he or she may not necessarily have the proper abilities, but may be chosen because of his or her popularity or clout among important or powerful figures in the political party. Looks, popularity, having close relationship with powerful figures, qualifications and experience are some of the criteria when it comes to choices made in the world.

That is why, if we look at today's Gospel, the scribes did not recognise John the Baptist as Elijah who has come to see that everything is once more as it should be; but treated him as they pleased, since he did not meet their worldly criteria, since Elijah preached doom and destruction, but John the Baptist preached about baptism and personal conversion, which was not what the scribes expected. But what the scribes failed to realise is that God's ways are not their ways, and His choices need not meet their expectations. Would we end up like the scribes, expecting choices to be made according to our terms, or would we put our trust in God, and let Him decide what is best for us?

Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent

We often take for granted the many things that God has given us. Sometimes, we even forget to say thank you to God, or pray before a meal, giving thanks for the food we are about to receive. But just imagine for a moment... if God were to start charging us for each and every blessing or gift He gives us... would we be just as grateful or thankful, since we are paying instead of getting it free? Fortunately for us, the God we know is a loving and generous One. He does not need all these material things and money. He even created us out of nothing.

In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches us: “Without cost, you have received; without cost you are to give.” Jesus lives this teaching because He himself cures the sick; lets the blind see, expels demons, feeds the hungry with His words and material food; restores the dead to life; cleanses the lepers and so on  without asking for any payment. Jesus shows us that the very nature of God is to give. God is a Giver. Because He is a Giver, we have received many things. Likewise, we too ought to follow God's example and be givers, instead of hoarding things only for ourselves. May we receive without cost, and also give without cost, and give God the glory.

Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent

There are times our understanding of the right person for the task at hand may not necessarily be the right person to God. For example, we sometimes wonder why a priest is posted to a particular parish, especially where the priest seems less energetic than previous parish priests. Or perhaps some may wonder why a certain person was chosen to become the bishop, even though there seem to be other candidates who seem better qualified or experienced. But as we know, God's ways are not our ways, and he choices turn out to be for the better in the long run.

In today's Gospel, we come across another example of how our understanding of the right person differs from God. According to the scribes, members of a learned class in Jesus’ time, the prophet Elijah is the right person to prepare the coming of the Messiah. Elijah’s return to earth is the great sign that the expected Savior is coming as prophesied by another prophet named Malachi, who prophesied that the precursor of the Messiah is a terrible man preaching doom and destruction. John the Baptist came and announced the coming of the Messiah, somebody greater than him, but the scribes rejected John the Baptist, since he preached about baptism and personal conversion, not about the terror that will go with the day of the Lord. What the scribes failed to realise is that, as already mentioned, God's ways are not their ways, and in fact, John the Baptist was Elijah, who came to prepare the way for the Lord.

What can we learn from this? At the end of the day, we must realise that God has a plan and purpose for persons chosen. His choices may not jive with our choices, but His choices are best. Would we still doubt His choices, just like the scribes did, or would we trust in Him and let Him be our guide?

Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent

When we were young and we did something wrong, our parents may punish us or scold us. Some of us may have even received a caning or a whack on the hand or butt. When our parents punish or scold us in this way, does that mean they hate us? Of course not! They punish or scold us because they love us, and in some cases use disciplinary actions to teach us the consequence of what we did. In this way, we would learn not to repeat the same wrong doing again, since we know what the outcome could be.

Likewise, when God punished His people, and us too, He is doing so not because of hate. He does so because He loves us and disciplines us so that we would walk in His ways. In today's reading, we see the kind of God we have, who "On that day the Lord dresses the wound of His people and heals the bruises His blows have left." Even though God had dealt blows to His people, He was kind and compassionate in dressing the wounds and healing the bruises inflicted. So what does this mean to us? It means that God is a loving God, who disciplines us so that we may become better persons. May we make every effort to walk in His ways, and let Him be our help and guide.

Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent

In society, we have certain rules, regulations and laws which are meant to be followed, for the good of society as a whole. If we do not follow such rules, regulations and laws, we could be causing inconvenience or even problems to others, because of our selfishness, attitude and behaviour. For example, if we drive our vehicle as we please by not wearing the seatbelt or driving too fast, we may be a danger or hazard to others, and the police would summon us for not obeying traffic laws. Likewise, we also have God's commandments which are there for the good of all, so that all may be loving and responsible in our words, deeds and conduct.

Today's reading tells us: "I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is good for you, I lead you in the way that you must go. If only you had been alert to my commandments, your happiness would have been like a river, your integrity like the waves of the sea." God is inviting us to let Him teach us and lead us. When we are open to following God's commandments, and be willing to let Him guide us, we would then learn to be loving and responsible as His people. Are we willing to let God be our guide, or do we still stubbornly insist in doing things our way?

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent

When you go for a holiday or a business or working trip, it is generally better if you have a tour guide or someone who knows the place of destination who can accompany you. This is so that the holiday or trip would be an enjoyable one, and you would not be so easily cheated or taken for a ride. In the season of Advent, there is somebody who is ever willing to help us in our journey. That person is John the Baptist, who is showing us the way and the preparations that we need to do. The preparations consist of repentance and the conversion of heart. In the Gospel, Jesus exalts John the Baptist because he is faithful and committed to His mission in life. He is indeed true to his purpose.

What about us? Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus, with repentance and conversion of heart? Are we being faithful and committed to our mission in life, so as to give glory to God? May we follow John the Baptist's example, and prepare the way not only for ourselves but for others too, so that we would be ready to meet our loving Saviour.

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

When a farmer wants to plough the field in preparation for planting crops, the farmer would put a yoke on an ox so that the animal could pull the plough. Some farmers have a yoke which is designed for 2 oxen, so that the burden of ploughing the field could be shared by the 2 oxen. Another reason why a yoke for 2 oxen is used is to train a new ox, since the more experienced ox would be guiding the new ox in ploughing the field.

In today's Gospel, Jesus is inviting us to " Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light." When we have Jesus to guide us, we would be able to go through the plough of life with less difficulty, since Jesus is pulling the plough with us. May we shoulder Jesus' yoke, and find rest for our souls in His care.

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

Supposing you are a rich man and you dropped some money while coming out of a building, would you go back to search for the money and retrieve it? If the amount dropped is substantial, some may go back to search and recover the money, but if the amount is negligible, quite likely it would be ignored. But if you are a poor person, any amount of money lost is a big deal, and quite likely a poor person would search and recover the money.

In today's Gospel, we see a man who chose to go after that one sheep that was lost, even though he had another ninety-nine. For some of us, losing one sheep may not have been a big deal; but for that man, each sheep was extremely precious and losing even one could be disastrous to the man's livelihood, and so he had no qualms about searching for that lost sheep till it was found. God is very much like that man. The Gospel tells us that "it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost." Even if we have done a lot of bad or nasty things, God is always looking for us and beckoning us to come home with Him. Are we going to stubbornly choose to remain lost? Or are we willing to return to the Lord's ways, and let Him be our providence and guide?

Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent

When a person is paralysed, he or she may not be able to move or do anything on their own, and would require the help of family and friends to attend to their daily needs. Some even suffer from a different form of paralysis, where a person is unable to speak or express oneself clearly and concretely, and may end up being misunderstood or even rejected. This is why being paralysed in one way or another is certainly no laughing matter, since we lose our freedom and independence to care for ourselves, and are at the mercy and generosity of others.

In today's Gospel, we come across a paralysed man who was brought on a stretcher by some men. These men went up on to the flat roof and lowered him and his stretcher down through the tiles into the middle of the gathering, in front of Jesus, as the crowd made it impossible to find a way of getting him in. It was the faith of these men that impressed Jesus and Jesus cured the paralysed man, based on such great faith. The paralysed man may have had faith, but there was no way of telling about the amount of faith he had, since he could not move or express himself. So this paralysed man was lucky and fortunate to have such great friends who had such great faith in Jesus.

Some of us may be suffering from a different kind of paralysis, that is spiritual paralysis. We suffer from spiritual paralysis when we sin and allow ourselves to remain in the state of sin, until we become spiritually paralysed to God's promptings. The cure to such spiritual paralysis is to be regular and consistent in going for confession, and building our relationship with God. The question is: are we willing to be set free from such spiritual paralysis, or do we prefer to remain spiritually paralysed until it is too late?

Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent

Every once in a while, we come across people who know how to talk a lot. Such persons know how to sound as if they know a lot about a certain topic, or that they are able to do many things, or that they have quite a bit of wealth, property and power in society, and they claim that they would be willing to use their wealth, property or power to help others. But how many of such persons would be willing to "walk the talk" or be willing to put into practice what they say and show that action speaks louder than words? Or are such persons only saying such things to sound good, but their words and promises are empty and meaningless?

In today's Gospel, Jesus said to his disciples: "It is not those who say to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven." Jesus is emphasising that one not only needs to listens to His Words, but also needs to act on them. If we examine our lives, are we merely wasting our words frivolously and saying things only to sound good? Or are we practicing what we preach, for the good of all and for His glory?

Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent

When we see a beggar or some poor people coming to us and asking us for some food or money, what do we do? Do we help them, or do we ignore them completely? If we do help them, do we give them some money just to shoo them away or get rid of them, thinking that we have done our part, or do we go that extra mile and make effort to help them for a longer period, perhaps even helping them come out of their poverty?

In today's Gospel, we see a contrast between Jesus and His disciples. The disciples seemed to be more concerned about their needs, but Jesus was more concerned about the crowd, not only by teaching and healing them, but also in seeing to their welfare by giving them something to eat. Logistically speaking, the disciples seemed worried and concerned about their situation, since realistically, it seemed impossible to feed so many. But Jesus is not just any ordinary preacher, and He showed them the true meaning of love and compassion by willing to give until it hurts, and taking that extra step in giving the crowd something to eat.

What about us? Would we be willing to go that extra mile and help those in need, even if it means giving till it hurts? Or have we become so concerned only about the costs and about ourselves? May we learn to be like Jesus in the way He loved and served the crowd, so that in all we say and do, may His Name be glorified.

Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent

It is interesting to observe how some people behave or react or respond when certain situations or circumstances occur. Some people may think themselves as adults or mature, but in some of such situations or circumstances, such persons may be quite childish in their attitude or behaviour. Likewise, there are people who have learnt to be humble and dependent on God's providence, being childlike in their relationship with God, when such situations or circumstances occur. Where do you stand? Have you become childish when certain situations or circumstances happen? Or have you become more childlike?

In today's Gospel, we are reminded that there are things which are revealed to mere children and not to the learned or clever. Some may initially think that God is being unfair or discriminating towards the learned or clever. But if we read between the lines, we could discover that there are the learned or clever who have become quite full of themselves, thinking that they know it all. Such persons are unable to listen to the promptings of God, and they would not experience things which are revealed, because they have closed or shut their minds to God's care and providence.

What about us? Are we making effort to be more childlike in our relationship with God? Or have we allowed our minds and hearts to be closed or shut, thinking that we are learned and clever, and do not need God?

Monday of the 1st Week of Advent

Nowadays, we seem to see more and more conflicts and wars happening around the world. Conflicts and wars happen due to a number reasons. One could be because of pride, where persons of one nation react due to what persons of another nation have said or done. Even though at times what was said or done was not as serious as it seems, pride blinds and distorts the minds of persons into reacting unwisely. Another reason could be because of greed. A nation has resources that another does not, and the other nation goes to war to try and plunder such resources. Also, some nations or corporations promote (in a discreet way) conflicts and wars because it benefits them financially, since weapons from such nations could be sold to nations involved in the conflicts and wars, for a handsome profit.

Seeing such conflicts and wars happening around us, could we ever experience the peace that is given in the vision of Isaiah in today's reading: "peoples will hammer their swords into ploughshares, their spears into sickles; nation will not lift up sword against nation, there will be no more training for war."? I believe we can, if we humbly, genuinely, perseveringly and consistently "walk in the light of the Lord." Let us free ourselves from our pride, ego, greed and prejudice, and turn to Jesus who can heal the world and grant us peace.

20 December - Season of Advent

If you were in Mary's shoes, and the angel Gabriel came to you to tell you that you would conceive and give birth to a son, how would you respond? Perhaps you might be excited, elated or happy and humbled to be given such honour and opportunity. Perhaps some locations of society today are more tolerant and understanding towards such a situation, and if you are in such a society, then you may experience less issues. But supposing you are in a place, like Mary, where becoming pregnant out of wedlock was unacceptable, or even a crime or a sin? How would you respond then?

In today's Gospel, the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive and give birth to a son and his name would be Jesus. Certainly Mary would have been fearful of the consequence of having a child in this way, since she could be accused of adultery and stoned to death for becoming pregnant before marriage, as she was only betrothed and not yet married. But the angel assured her that God would take care of things and that nothing is impossible to God, since her kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month. When Mary heard these, she chose to have faith and trust in God and said: "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let what you have said be done to me."

What about us? Are we willing to put our trust and faith in God, no matter how difficult or challenging the situation may seem? Would we let God take care of things and continue to do His will? May we, like Mary, remain courageous and confident, and leave it in the hands of the Lord.

19 December - Season of Advent

Nowadays, being barren or infertile in many societies is no longer a stigma or issue. People in these societies have moved on in their thinking and adoption is a possible and acceptable alternative. However, some societies still view being barren as a great embarrassment or a punishment from the divine. Being barren in such societies was seen as grounds for a divorce (such societies usually put the blame on the woman), and in some cases, the woman was badly treated, shunned or became a source of ridicule and gossip.

In today's reading, we come across Manoah and his wife who was barren. In today's Gospel, we also come across Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth who was barren. Even though these couples had suffered much due to being barren; even though they suffered much embarrassment and were a source of gossip and ridicule; they chose to stayed on with each other, bore the burden together, and were faithful to each other. God did not abandon them and gave them a precious gift of two babies, Samson and John the Baptist, who later carried out great deeds for the greater glory of God. If God can do wonders for these couples and cast away their shame, just imagine what He can do for us today. Let us not feel down or embarrassed but remain faithful and hopeful, knowing that God will help us and not abandon us.

Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent

Every once in a while, we come across certain so called religious groups who claim that only their group are eligible to be with God in heaven. These people so easily and conveniently condemn others, saying that unless one joins their group or follow certain ways, one would be condemned to hell. Such persons even misquote certain scripture passages to prove and back up their claims. However, we should take caution and watch out for such persons, since they may have a hidden agenda and we should not fall for their gimmicks.

In today's reading, we are assured: "Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples. It is the Lord who speaks, who gathers the outcasts of Israel: there are others will gather besides those already gathered."

God is not restricted only to certain groups or if one follows certain ways, but anyone who attaches themselves to the Lord is acceptable to Him. Let us not so easily and conveniently condemn others just because they think differently or pray differently than we do, but build peace and harmony among all, while giving Gof the glory in all we do.

Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent

We sometimes come across some people who seem to think that they have life figured out, as if they are in full control of their life, or they think that they are masters of their own destiny, or that they seem to have a plan in life. Such people, especially when they seem to be doing well in life, begin to think that all that they have achieved is due to their own efforts, hard work and determination. But behind the facade, the show of confidence, there may be issues that these people are facing, of which there seems to be no plan. When these people find themselves without a solid, reliable plan to face such issues, then what happens? If you are in their shoes, what would you do?

God has a plan for us, and He invites us to participate in His plan. His plan is that all of us are to be with Him. In today's Gospel, we come across some people who chose to stick to God's plan, while others chose to reject it. The Gospel tells us: "All the people who heard him, and the tax collectors too, acknowledged God's plan by accepting baptism from John; but by refusing baptism from him the Pharisees and the lawyers had thwarted what God had in mind for them." God did not abandon the Pharisees and the lawyers, and invited them to play according to His plan, but they chose to do things their own way, thinking adamantly that their way was a better way compared to God's plan.

Likewise, we too are invited to play according to God's plan. God does not force us to be a part of His plan, but we know from history that God's ways are far better than human ways. It is a question of whether we trust in Him and are humble and willing to let Him be our providence and guide.