Wednesday of Holy Week

When we are put in a difficult situation, or when we face persecution, or when our faith is challenged, what happens? Quite possibly our defence mechanism would kick in. We would begin to think of ways and means to rebutt the claims made towards us, or we begin to think of how we could answer or respond to the accusations. Some of us feel that we have the knowledge, know-how and convincing arguments to defend and protect ourselves. But sometimes, our defences may not necessarily be necessary or sufficient. So how should we as Christians respond to such situations?

In today's reading, we see how a Christian should respond. The reading tells us: "The Lord has given me a disciple’s tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech. Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple. The Lord has opened my ear...  The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults. So, too, I set my face like flint; I know I shall not be shamed." When we put our trust in God and let Him guide us, then we are responding to such situations not on our own effort or our own abilities or our own accord, but through His promptings. The way God guides us to respond accordingly can sometimes surprise us and even our accusers. May we learn to let go and let God be our hope and guide, knowing that He will help us.

Tuesday of Holy Week

Each and every one of us are given many options to choose in life. Sometimes we make good choices, sometimes we make not so good choices. But whatever choice that we have made, God is constantly inviting us to choose life and to dwell in His love. It is ironic and tragic that there are people who choose to avoid God, but that is the reality of having the freedom to choose, and whatever choice a person has made, the person would need to be prepared to face the consequences of the choice made.

In today's Gospel, we come across two individuals who made a choice. Judas chose to betray Jesus, even though he had been with Jesus for such a long time. Peter tried to be a bravado and claimed that he was willing to lay his life for Jesus, but later chose to disown or deny Jesus when he was confronted. But the difference between the betrayal and the denial is this: Judas was not repentant of his betrayal, since he later went and killed himself. Peter, on the other hand, sought to make amends with the risen Lord.

So which individual have we become or are becoming? Are we becoming more like Judas, refusing Jesus and preferring to go our own way? Or have we learnt to become more like Peter, acknowledging or admitting our mistakes, and seeking to return to the Lord's ways and growing closer to Him? May we choose wisely, for our eternal future is at stake.

Monday of Holy Week

What does it mean to be a "minister"? A minister is supposed to be serving the interest of the people, so that all would prosper and progress; or in the context of a church minister, so that the people would grow in holiness and grow closer to God. But how many of the "ministers" around us are really doing their duty for the good of all? How many of such "ministers" are really serving and not merely trying to please the boss, superior or certain persons who would be beneficial to him or her. How many of us who are "ministers" or the "ministers" around us, are impartially and dedicatedly serving for the glory of God, not for their own personal gratification or to boost their prestige, pride and ego?

In today's reading, we are reminded about what it really means to be a "minister" or a servant to God: "Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed... I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, 'to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.'"

Notice that such a "minister" or servant is supposed to bring true justice and to do all things for the glory of God. If you are a "minister," or if we observe the various ministers around us, are we as "ministers" really bringing true justice and serving for God's glory? Or have some of us been corrupted with greed, ego, power, wealth and personal glory, that we have begun to serve ourselves? May we take caution and not allow ourselves to fall into the ways of the world, or become conceited or corrupted. Instead, may we, in all we do, give glory to God.

Housekeeping - Holy Week

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

20 Mar 2016 - Palm Sunday
21 Mar 2016 - Monday of Holy Week
22 Mar 2016 - Tuesday of Holy Week
23 Mar 2016 - Wednesday of Holy Week
24 Mar 2016 - Maundy (Holy) Thursday
25 Mar 2016 - Good Friday
26 Mar 2016 - Easter Vigil

Palm Sunday

What is our worth in this world? What sort of criteria do we use to determine our worth? Some people seem to think that their worth is determined by how much or how little they are able to do things. Such people think that if they are talented and skilled in doing many things, then they are worth it, otherwise they think they are useless and a burden to others. This means that for some, we must always be doing something, otherwise we feel worthless, useless and helpless.

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday. Over the past few weeks, we had seen Jesus being very active in His ministry and great crowds followed Him to be healed and to listen to His words. But now we begin to see Jesus having a change in His ministry from an active one to a passive one. Jesus shows us during this time that the value of life is not dependent on what we can do but what God can do for us. When we are active and able to do things for ourselves, we do not seem to have room for God's help, since we think we are self-sufficient. But when we are powerless and helpless, we come to realise that life is meaningless without God. Over the next few days, we would recall how Jesus will be arrested, persecuted, nailed to the cross and finally left to die. He will become powerless and helpless, but it is in His powerlessness that He will accomplish our salvation. What seemed to be a life of failure will end in victory because God is victorious over sin and death.

When we look at our lives and those around us, we too see changes taking place. There are some who were quite active before, but are no longer able to do much. For some, it seems scary and frightening to be helpless and powerless. This is because no one likes to grow old and become useless; or become sick and needing to be cared or helped by others. But we should also realise that unless we move from the active to the passive, unless we learn to let go and let God to be in control, we would not be able to experience true peace and happiness, the kind which only God can give.

Thus, during this Holy Week, let us learn not to focus too much on being active. Let us learn to be passive, and learn to discern and hear His voice. Let us journey with Jesus as we slowly die to ourselves, so that we may have everlasting life in His love and care.

Housekeeping - Holy Week

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

29 March 2015 - Palm Sunday
30 March 2015 - Monday of Holy Week
31 March 2015 - Tuesday of Holy Week
1 April 2015 - Wednesday of holy Week
2 April 2015 - Maundy (Holy) Thursday
3 April 2015 - Good Friday
4 April 2015 - Easter Vigil

Wednesday of Holy Week

Some of us Christians may have faced ridicule, some form of persecution, or even insult. However, one of the hardest things we may encounter is when we are betrayed by another person. It becomes even more painful when the one who betrays us is a close friend or family member. You thought you could trust them and depend on them, but as it turns out, they too have turned against you. To make matters worse, the reason why they decided to turn against you is not because they have something against you, but merely because of money or some promise of wealth, property or high position. Such are some people who are willing to betray others just for a small sum, property or title, all of which are temporary and will be lost.

This is the reason why Jesus said in today's Gospel: "but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!" When a person chooses to betray another for money, property or position, the betrayer has made his or her life and the life of others cheap. God treats us as His precious, but our betrayal treats us as cheap or worthless, easily to be discarded when the time comes. Have we become so easily influenced by temporary perks or benefits, that we are willing to betray others, and ruin ourselves in the end? Do we not realise that our life and the lives of others are far more valuable, precious and important compared to all the wealth, position and power the world has to offer, since all these things will fade away or be lost?

Tuesday of Holy Week

Do you know where are you going to? Is the path of life clear before you? Sometimes we are so caught up with things and situations of this world, that we become distracted and lose track of our ultimate destination. Sometimes some of us feel as if we are going through life just to make a living, raise children, gain some recognition, and then one day, when the children have grown up and have left the nest, when we are no longer able to make a living and are dependent on our pension or savings or other sources of income, when the many things we were able to do are no longer possible, due to age or illness, then what? Where do we go from here?

For some of us, such thoughts may have crossed our minds as we journey through life. At times, we may have wondered just as Isaiah wondered: "I have toiled in vain, I have exhausted myself for nothing." But what Isaiah later realised is: "and all the while my cause was with the Lord, my reward with my God. I was honoured in the eyes of the Lord, my God was my strength." We may have been running at other directions looking for joy, happiness, and peace, and all the while God is the best direction to go.

At the end of the day, we need to ask ourselves: are we still constantly running in circles and getting lost, just as some may experience if they depend on the worldly GPS ("Guna pun sesat" or "Use also can get lost"), or have we learnt to reposition our lives so that we are aligned towards our heavenly GPS (God our Powerful Source/Saviour)?

Monday of Holy Week

The way the world looks at service and the way God looks at service is quite different. More often than not, a person who serves according to the ways of the world is more interested only in himself or herself. He or she serves to please the boss, superior or certain persons who would be beneficial to him or her. Once the person has gotten what he or she wanted, or achieved one's goals, the person may start looking elsewhere for power, status, and recognition. Such persons often think that the world is a battlefield, or that it is a dog-eat-dog world, and they could be quite ruthless and would do everything they can to dispose of the competition, or get rid of potential opponents or threats, so that they would remain on course in getting what they want and achieving as much as they can.

In contrast, today's reading paints quite a different picture of being a servant to God. Such a servant does things not to attract attention to himself or herself, but to glorify God, as the reading tells us: "Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed..." The reading also reminds us that such a servant is chosen and commissioned by God to perform things which are quite in contrast with the ways of the world: "I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, 'to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.'" Where the world tries to keep us blind so that only certain people would prosper and benefit, such a servant is sent to open the eyes of the blind; where the world imprisons, such a servant sets free; and where the world tries to keep things dark and hidden, such a servant brings to light. Ultimately, the purpose and goal of such a servant is to glorify God.

The question we need to ponder is this: which direction are we heading; are we becoming more and more worldly in our lives and serve ourselves, or have we begun to conform more to the ways of God? While we strive to survive and prosper in this world, let us be cautious not to become too attracted to it's lurings, at the expense of our eternal goal.

Palm Sunday

What is our purpose in life? What is it that really matters? Are we looking for recognition and admiration from others on earth, or are we looking to glorify God and to be glorified by God? Life is such that many of us want to be praised; to ‘save face’; to be liked by others around us; to be popular. No one wants to be mocked, made fun of or ridiculed. No one wants to be unpopular or rejected. We want to be seen as the "good guy" or "good girl."

But the fact is, we cannot always have our cake and eat it. We cannot always be the "good guy" or "good girl" and we cannot please everyone, if we want to follow Jesus. For example, we see a lot of gossipping, politics and in some cases, stealing of items in the office. If we want to be honest and be the "good guy" or "good girl," instead of following the crowd, we may find ourselves ostracised, or others may think we are queer. By being honest, we may lose business or have less chances to get a raise in salary or a promotion. For those of us studying in school or at university, we may discover that some of our classmates are cheating in exams or bribing certain lecturers or teachers or treating them in a special way (some call this "curry-favouring"), and we may lose out in getting better grades or better treatment as a result of refusing to follow their deeds. By remaining faithful to Jesus, we may find ourselves receiving insults, opposition, ridicule or even threats from others, including our family members and some so-called friends. Some people would think we are naive, stupid, silly or just dumb, and we may not be very popular. Are we ready and prepared to face all these?

This is the reality we face and the choices we need to make. This is the way Jesus took. Instead of conforming to the ways of the world, Jesus chose the Way of the Cross. Instead of self-glory, self-gratification and boosting one's prestige and ego, Jesus chose humility and servitude. Instead of being first at all cost, Jesus chose to be last. Instead of losing life by gaining everything, Jesus chose to lose everything for the kingdom of God. The way that Jesus chose is described to us in the second reading: "His state was divine, yet Christ Jesus did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross." If we call ourselves Christians, if we want to follow Jesus, then this too must be our fate. We must be prepared to face insults, opposition, humiliation and even the possibility of death, just as Jesus did. To follow Jesus means we must be prepared to be treated like Jesus, and be a sign of contradiction to the world.

All this may sound quite depressing or discouraging to some. Some may want to give up and say that it is impossible to live in this world and follow Jesus. The fact is, Jesus never promised us an easy life and He never said that following Him is going to be a piece of cake. But for those of us willing to go through what Jesus did and follow Him faithfully, the Lord will be our strength, our support, our guide, and our providence, as Isaiah assures us: “The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults.” Even though Jesus received rejection and humiliation from the hands of men, St. Paul in the second reading tells us that “God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names”. Being glorified by God is far greater, far more lasting, far more satisfying in the long run, and far more important than any insult or rejection we may receive from men.

This Palm Sunday and the many Palm Sundays to come, let us make a commitment to follow Jesus and remain faithful to Him, even when the going gets tough. Let us take up our crosses and follow Jesus, for we know that God will give us a glory more precious and lasting, which we can never find on earth. Are we willing to lose eveything, including our lives on earth for the glory of God? Are we willing to let God lead us to our true and everlasting home?

Housekeeping - Holy Week

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

13 April 2014 - Palm Sunday
14 April 2014 - Monday of Holy Week
15 April 2014 - Tuesday of Holy Week
16 April 2014 - Wednesday of holy Week
17 April 2014 - Maundy (Holy) Thursday
18 April 2014 - Good Friday
19 April 2014 - Easter Vigil

Wednesday of Holy Week

We sometimes hear of people betraying other people for one reason or another. Sometimes the reason could be personal pride, greed, money, jealousy, rage, etc. What some of these betrayers do not realise is that they may not necessarily get the "reward" promised to them at the end. We hear of cases where a person betrays another for an agreed reward, only to be put to death by those who hired the betrayer, as they may decide to destroy any evidence of involvement and they may not trust the betrayer to keep silent. As some say, dead men tell no tales.

Today, we see Judas receiving 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. We are already reminded in Monday's Gospel that Judas "was a thief; he was in charge of the common fund and used to help himself to the contributions." So 30 pieces of silver seemed a nice sum for him and something hard to resist. The problem is, is friendship so cheap that it can be sold for 30 pieces of silver, which is the price of a slave? Like Judas, some of us give little thought to the consequences of our sins. Some of us only look at self-gratification and temporary pleasure we get from committing such sins, and never stop to think about its long-term consequences. We are blinded by our personal interests, and we forget that we are selling our souls just for a measly sum. Why do we commit such acts only for temporary gratification but could lead us to an eternity away from God? Do we consider ourselves so cheap and worthless that even that temporary sinful act is enough for us, only to suffer eternal consequences?

Tuesday of Holy Week

Each of us experiences our days and our nights. Life is never the same, since we have choices to make, and sometimes these choices will influence how our life turns out. We are given many opportunities to let God steer us closer to Him, but our behaviour, attitude, stubbornness, pride, etc. can cause us to drift further and further away, especially when our minds and hearts remain closed and we choose to avoid His loving embrace. Indeed, it may sound strange or tragic, but there are people who vehemently choose to remain away from God.

Today's Gospel tells us of Judas. Jesus knew what he was up to, and he was given a choice to stay with the group or betray Him. One can imagine the turmoil which may have initially been going on in Judas' heart, but when one is further engulfed in wrongdoing, in sin, in dissatisfaction, etc., one becomes more and more convinced to make an alternative choice. Judas took the bread and then left. Night had fallen. A soul had made its choice.

Which path are we choosing? Are we heading the same direction as Judas chose to go? Or are we choosing to remain in that narrow road which leads to life? Let us not be distracted or diverted from making a wise choice.

Monday of Holy Week

Some people can be deceptive and cunning. They could appear to be good, but they have hidden motives or hidden agendas. If a situation suits them, they act quickly for their own benefit. If a situation is not favourable, they may lie low and wait for a different time.

Judas Iscariot in today's Gospel is one example of such a person. He was not interested in others. He was interested only in himself. He said: "Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor?" He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but he cared only about himself. The Gospel further tells us that Judas Iscariot "was a thief; he was in charge of the common fund and used to help himself to the contributions."

Another example of such a person are the chief priests, who only cared about themselves. They were more concerned about losing their "crowd" and even had the audacity to "decide to kill Lazarus as well, since it was on his account that many of the Jews were leaving them and believing in Jesus."

What about us? Are we doing things for our own benefit? Are we more interested in our wants and needs, even to the extent of lying, cheating, betraying and killing others? Let us not be fooled into thinking that we can get away with such despicable acts. God is watching, and one will be repaid according to one's deeds (Matthew 16:27).

Palm Sunday

Today's celebration is full of ironies. At the beginning of the celebration, Jesus is cheerfully and warmly welcomed. People are waving palms and Jesus is treated like a VIP. However, when we come to the readings and Gospel in the middle of the celebration, the mood suddenly changes. Jesus is jeered, rejected and put to death.

The people had expected a messiah, but not the kind of messiah Jesus was. They wanted a messiah who would lead them and rescue them from their enemies, especially the Romans. When Jesus turned out to be not the type of messiah they expected, they got rid of Him. Instead of the King of kings, they chose a brigand called Barabbas. Jesus came to save them from their sins, but they were more interested in someone who could save them from their enemies. Jesus came to spread peace and love to all, but the people were not interested in such things. Indeed, so many ironies.

What about us in this present time? Are we also just as guilty in protecting and preserving our own interests by supporting those who could be of use to us? Or are we letting Jesus save us from our sins? Are we making effort to grow closer to God by sincerely and earnestly loving God and neighbour? Or are we no different than these people in the readings? Situations may have changed, but what is our real agenda? Jesus invites us to follow Him, take up our cross and let Him save us. Are we still rejecting and "crucifying" Jesus even today?