Some of us seem to assume that we know it all. For example, by just getting some information about a certain person, some of us form all sorts of conclusions about the person, and think that we know everything about the person. One situation where this may happen is when a priest is posted to his home parish as parish priest. Some may assume that they know him well, since they have seen him grow up from a child, and they assume that they know his background, character and so on. But can we really assume that we know a person completely? Could we ever admit that we have been wrong about some or even all of our assumptions?
In today's Gospel, a lot of assumptions had been made about Jesus, especially about His identity. The Pharisees thought they knew everything about Jesus, and assumed that Jesus could not possibly be a prophet, since they assumed that He came from Galilee. Also, the Pharisees condemned the crowd for following Jesus, and said about them: "This rabble knows nothing about the Law – they are damned." since they assumed they knew best about the Law and who Jesus was. In the midst of these assumptions, an unexpected challenge came from Nicodemus, who challenged the people to give Jesus a hearing and to discover for themselves who Jesus really was. But the assumptions far outnumbered and drowned out the challenge.
What does this mean to us? It means that when our minds are closed, and we choose to stick stubbornly to our assumptions, we can never grow or change. We begin to think that our ways are exactly what God expects of us, even though in reality, we could be quite wrong. This smacks of pride, prejudice and ego. Would we be really and ever willing to humble ourselves, and discover Jesus as He really is, and walk in His ways, not according to what we think are His ways?
Showing posts with label Lent 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent 4. Show all posts
Thursday, 17 January 2019
Friday, 11 January 2019
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
Who can we trust in this world? Some of us think that we can trust our parents; some think we can trust our spouse; some think we can trust our children; some think we can trust our brothers, sisters or other relatives; some even think we can trust our friends; but how much can we really trust such persons? Can we find a person we can trust completely, without any shadow of doubt? The challenge that we face is that we may be able to trust persons to a certain extent, but how many of us can claim to have absolute trust in certain persons?
In today's reading, Jeremiah is trusting of others until the Lord shows him the truth, and then he realises that they were plotting against him, even ready to kill him, and he was unaware of the deception. He would have gone on innocently, not knowing the danger, except that the Lord was looking out for him and showed him the way. We may think others are trustworthy, but they are at best human and at worst dangerous. Jeremiah was trusting of others, and they would have killed him. But he can trust in the Lord. In the same way, we too should be mindful whom we trust, and ultimately put full trust and confidence in the Lord.
In today's reading, Jeremiah is trusting of others until the Lord shows him the truth, and then he realises that they were plotting against him, even ready to kill him, and he was unaware of the deception. He would have gone on innocently, not knowing the danger, except that the Lord was looking out for him and showed him the way. We may think others are trustworthy, but they are at best human and at worst dangerous. Jeremiah was trusting of others, and they would have killed him. But he can trust in the Lord. In the same way, we too should be mindful whom we trust, and ultimately put full trust and confidence in the Lord.
Saturday, 6 January 2018
Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
It is easy for some of us to seek revenge towards those who have cause us harm or grief. We feel that we have been wronged greatly, and we want the person or persons who wronged us to suffer. But if we consider for a moment, what is the motivation behind wanting revenge? Isn't it because our pride and ego has been hurt, and we want to supposingly heal our pride and ego by causing hurt to the other? But the reality is that, revenge is never justified, no matter how grievous the original harm may have been. In fact, seeking revenge is only for one's personal gratification and to puff up one's ego. So what's a Christian to do when one has been wronged?
Perhaps a solution could be seen on how Jeremiah in today's reading dealt with people who have wronged him. The reading tells us: "But you, the Lord of Hosts, who pronounce a just sentence, who probe the loins and heart, let me see the vengeance you will take on them, for I have committed my cause to you." Instead of giving in to revenge, Jeremiah chose to leave it to God to do the judging. Instead of trying to salvage his pride and ego, Jeremiah chose to remain humble and let God be in control, knowing and trusting that God would not abandon him. It is wise for us to do the same.
Perhaps a solution could be seen on how Jeremiah in today's reading dealt with people who have wronged him. The reading tells us: "But you, the Lord of Hosts, who pronounce a just sentence, who probe the loins and heart, let me see the vengeance you will take on them, for I have committed my cause to you." Instead of giving in to revenge, Jeremiah chose to leave it to God to do the judging. Instead of trying to salvage his pride and ego, Jeremiah chose to remain humble and let God be in control, knowing and trusting that God would not abandon him. It is wise for us to do the same.
Saturday, 28 November 2015
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
Throughout history, we have seen how certain people have been murdered, assassinated, belittled or treated with meanness or contempt, just because they speak the truth or they do things that do not conform to the ways of the world, or conform to a certain ideology or way of thinking. The fact is: the truth hurts, and some people refuse to admit their error and change their ways; or some people are benefiting from certain deals or privileges, and they refuse to give up on such benefits.
In today's reading, we come across some people who wanted to get rid of the virtuous man, since the virtuous man was exposing their hypocrisy and falseness. Likewise, the Gospel shows us how certain Jews, especially the scribes and the Pharisees, wanted to get rid of Jesus, because His words, way of life and deeds were challenging their comfort and so called authority. But the fact is: are we prepared, like the virtuous man and like Jesus to remain steadfast to the truth and to justice? Or have we become more and more conforming to the ways of the world? When we are on the side of truth, we should not be afraid as there is nothing to hide. So, let us stand firm and remain on the side of what is right and just, and we will see the fruits of our perseverance, knowing that our loving God will not fail us and be our help and guide.
In today's reading, we come across some people who wanted to get rid of the virtuous man, since the virtuous man was exposing their hypocrisy and falseness. Likewise, the Gospel shows us how certain Jews, especially the scribes and the Pharisees, wanted to get rid of Jesus, because His words, way of life and deeds were challenging their comfort and so called authority. But the fact is: are we prepared, like the virtuous man and like Jesus to remain steadfast to the truth and to justice? Or have we become more and more conforming to the ways of the world? When we are on the side of truth, we should not be afraid as there is nothing to hide. So, let us stand firm and remain on the side of what is right and just, and we will see the fruits of our perseverance, knowing that our loving God will not fail us and be our help and guide.
Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent
There is song called "When Will They Ever Learn" and part of the lyrics are: "Where have all the soldiers gone; Long time passing; Where have all the soldiers gone; A long, long time ago; Where have all the soldiers gone; Gone to graveyards, every one; When will they ever learn?; When will they ever learn?" In this song, we discover how people seem to have not learnt from the past; how people, especially among the younger generation who are experiencing peace and prosperity, easily forget the evil, the atrocities committed, the suffering endured. When people forget, the consequences can be disasterous. We have seen numerous wars, betrayals, and other deeds which happen over and over again at different points of history. Why is this happening? Some reasons could be: due to our pride, our ego, our impatience with God and with each other, our lack of forgiveness, our selective forgetfulness. When will they ever learn?
In today's reading, the Israelites experienced the liberation from Egypt and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. God had rescued the Israelites in a spectacular way. But did the Israelites learn from their past? No. They soon forgot about the God who saved them and they created an idol in the image of an animal and worshipped it. As a result, the Israelites ended up wandering in the desert for 40 years as a reminder of who they are and what God has done for them.
We too could end up wandering in the desert for 40 years or even more, if we forget who we are and what God has done for us. We could end up in a vicious cycle, forgetting the many bitter and painful lessons of the past, if we do not make effort to remember and change our ways, our attitudes and our conduct. God is so patient with us and giving us plenty of opportunities to repent, realign ourselves to Him, and live and grow in His love and care. Will we ever learn? Are we willing to learn?
In today's reading, the Israelites experienced the liberation from Egypt and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. God had rescued the Israelites in a spectacular way. But did the Israelites learn from their past? No. They soon forgot about the God who saved them and they created an idol in the image of an animal and worshipped it. As a result, the Israelites ended up wandering in the desert for 40 years as a reminder of who they are and what God has done for them.
We too could end up wandering in the desert for 40 years or even more, if we forget who we are and what God has done for us. We could end up in a vicious cycle, forgetting the many bitter and painful lessons of the past, if we do not make effort to remember and change our ways, our attitudes and our conduct. God is so patient with us and giving us plenty of opportunities to repent, realign ourselves to Him, and live and grow in His love and care. Will we ever learn? Are we willing to learn?
Friday, 27 November 2015
Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent
How many of us could claim to be able to remember almost everything that has taken place, or almost every item we own or had, or even most of the names of the many friends and acquaintances we have? Quite likely we would remember a few things, and forget others. We forget because the memory is possibly not so important to us; or we have had unpleasant or painful experiences which compel us to forget; or because we have too many things in our mind and too busy to remember too many details, possibly leading to information overload; or due to age. Sometimes, especially when times are good, when we are healthy or doing well in life, or when we are in crisis and think that we can solve issues on our own, we even forget about God.
But does God forget about us? No. Today's reading assures us that God will never forget us: "For Zion was saying, ‘The Lord has abandoned me, the Lord has forgotten me.’ Does a woman forget her baby at the breast, or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you." We may have forgotten about God at times, we even may have thought that we can do without God, and when we are in dire straits and think that God has abandoned us or forgotten us, we are assured in today's reading that God will never forget us and will guide us if we let Him. The question is: are we still stubbornly trying to go our own way and end up even more stuck in muck, or are we willing to humbly and earnestly turn to God, and let Him be our help and guide.
But does God forget about us? No. Today's reading assures us that God will never forget us: "For Zion was saying, ‘The Lord has abandoned me, the Lord has forgotten me.’ Does a woman forget her baby at the breast, or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you." We may have forgotten about God at times, we even may have thought that we can do without God, and when we are in dire straits and think that God has abandoned us or forgotten us, we are assured in today's reading that God will never forget us and will guide us if we let Him. The question is: are we still stubbornly trying to go our own way and end up even more stuck in muck, or are we willing to humbly and earnestly turn to God, and let Him be our help and guide.
Thursday, 26 November 2015
Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
Some of us think of a church as a nice building with perhaps a nice altar, pews, tabernacle and other fixtures and fittings that make a church look like a church. But what we see is only the physical and structural part of a church. Do we also see the other part of the church, which is the people or the faithful? In fact, what is more important is not the building or the structures, but the people or the faithful; since the church, even from the earliest times of Christianity, are made up the faithful, and that the focus should be on building up the faithful and helping the faithful grow.
In today's reading, we are told that the waters flowing from the Temple, "flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome. Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows. Along the river, on either bank, will grow every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails; they will bear new fruit every month, because this water comes from the sanctuary. And their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal."
Notice that the waters flowing from the Temple brings health and life, enables the growth of every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails, and that their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal. If the waters flowing from the Temple could bring health and life, are our churches doing the same? Are our churches full of faithful who are "good to eat and the leaves medicinal" in their behaviour, attitude, care and concern towards others, and in their witnessing? Or have our churches become more and more divided, segregrated, like a marketplace? May we come to realise the true significance of the church and being church, and be life-giving and bringing the message of the Good News to all, so that all may have health and life.
In today's reading, we are told that the waters flowing from the Temple, "flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome. Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows. Along the river, on either bank, will grow every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails; they will bear new fruit every month, because this water comes from the sanctuary. And their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal."
Notice that the waters flowing from the Temple brings health and life, enables the growth of every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails, and that their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal. If the waters flowing from the Temple could bring health and life, are our churches doing the same? Are our churches full of faithful who are "good to eat and the leaves medicinal" in their behaviour, attitude, care and concern towards others, and in their witnessing? Or have our churches become more and more divided, segregrated, like a marketplace? May we come to realise the true significance of the church and being church, and be life-giving and bringing the message of the Good News to all, so that all may have health and life.
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Monday of the 4th Week of Lent
Why is it so hard for some of us to forgive, reconcile and move on? One reason could be because of the hurt we had experienced as a result of the wrong done upon us, and we find it almost impossible to let go of the hurt. Another reason could be because our pride and ego has been wounded, and we find it difficult to let it be and move on, since we seem to be constantly bombarded by our pride and ego to claim what we think is rightfully ours. But what sort of attitude should Christians have towards forgiveness and reconciliation? Is it really that difficult to forgive and reconcile?
In today's reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us: "Thus says the Lord: Now I create new heavens and a new earth, and the past will not be remembered, and will come no more to men’s minds. Be glad and rejoice for ever and ever for what I am creating, because I now create Jerusalem ‘Joy’ and her people ‘Gladness.’" God is willing to forgive His people and make things new, instead of dwelling in the past and allowing the past to ensnare His people, freeing them from the bondage of past wrongdoings. In other words, God is letting bygones be bygones, and willing to give His people new life. If God is willing to do such things, are we not willing to do the same? Are we still trapped in our past hurts, failing to see the wonders and newness that God is offering us? May we free ourselves from our unforgiving drunkenness and unforgiving stupor, and let the Lord heal us and guide us closer to Him.
In today's reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us: "Thus says the Lord: Now I create new heavens and a new earth, and the past will not be remembered, and will come no more to men’s minds. Be glad and rejoice for ever and ever for what I am creating, because I now create Jerusalem ‘Joy’ and her people ‘Gladness.’" God is willing to forgive His people and make things new, instead of dwelling in the past and allowing the past to ensnare His people, freeing them from the bondage of past wrongdoings. In other words, God is letting bygones be bygones, and willing to give His people new life. If God is willing to do such things, are we not willing to do the same? Are we still trapped in our past hurts, failing to see the wonders and newness that God is offering us? May we free ourselves from our unforgiving drunkenness and unforgiving stupor, and let the Lord heal us and guide us closer to Him.
Wednesday, 3 June 2015
Thursday of the 4th week of Lent
How much do we really love God? Do we have genuine love for God and for others, or are we doing things just for show and to seek approval and be accepted? Some of us may have become so accustomed to the ways of the world, that we seek more and more approval from others around us, instead of doing what is right in God's eyes.
This is why, in today's Gospel, Jesus admonishes us: "As for human approval, this means nothing to me. Besides, I know you too well: you have no love of God in you. I have come in the name of my Father and you refuse to accept me; if someone else comes in his own name you will accept him. How can you believe, since you look to one another for approval and are not concerned with the approval that comes from the one God?" Have we become so attuned to winning approval among people here on earth, approval which would not last and would be lost? Are we risking our eternal future, just for the sake of experiencing temporary gratification and happiness? May we come to realise our folly, and change our lives before it is too late.
This is why, in today's Gospel, Jesus admonishes us: "As for human approval, this means nothing to me. Besides, I know you too well: you have no love of God in you. I have come in the name of my Father and you refuse to accept me; if someone else comes in his own name you will accept him. How can you believe, since you look to one another for approval and are not concerned with the approval that comes from the one God?" Have we become so attuned to winning approval among people here on earth, approval which would not last and would be lost? Are we risking our eternal future, just for the sake of experiencing temporary gratification and happiness? May we come to realise our folly, and change our lives before it is too late.
4th Sunday of Lent Year C
There are many things in life which we could avoid or have control of. Sometimes, it is for our personal good that we have the freedom to choose what we want and need, since some things may not necessarily be good for us in the long run. On the other hand, there are also many things in life which is beyond our control, beyond our choice. For example, we cannot control when we would actually die, since death can come at any time, at any place, at any moment. Another example of something beyond our control is change. As long as we are alive, we are constantly changing physically and biologically, and we have no control of such change. But we do have control over one important aspect, that is our direction in life. However, it is precisely this direction in life which is hardest to change and accept.
Today's readings tell us of different examples of change and how people respond to such changes. In the first reading, the Israelites had a change of lifestyle in the kind of diet they had been having. They now had finally arrived at their new homeland, after escaping Egypt and journeying 40 years in the desert. From that time on, they no longer had the manna which they ate in the desert; instead they had tasted the produce of that country, unleavened bread and roasted ears of corn. In the Gospel, we come across the younger son who started off on the wrong track but who later repented and decided to change his direction in life. The younger son represented the sinners among Jesus' followers who had repented and changed from their past lives, whereas the older son represented the pious and religious Pharisees and scribes who continued to hold on to their self-righteous beliefs, refusing to change because they felt that they were already good and they believed that they had no need to change. This is because change can be frightening and disturbing to some of us, but unless we change, we will remain like the elder brother: angry, frustrated, complaining always and we can never allow ourselves to be part of God's salvation. St. Paul in the second reading reminds us that "For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God’s work." If we are indeed a 'new creation' then change must take place, and we must begin to live this 'newness' of life.
At the end of the day, change of our direction in life can only happen if we are open to God's love and care. May we pray for grace to accept change, and let our loving God guide us in all we do, so that we glorify Him and move forward in faith, hope and love.
Today's readings tell us of different examples of change and how people respond to such changes. In the first reading, the Israelites had a change of lifestyle in the kind of diet they had been having. They now had finally arrived at their new homeland, after escaping Egypt and journeying 40 years in the desert. From that time on, they no longer had the manna which they ate in the desert; instead they had tasted the produce of that country, unleavened bread and roasted ears of corn. In the Gospel, we come across the younger son who started off on the wrong track but who later repented and decided to change his direction in life. The younger son represented the sinners among Jesus' followers who had repented and changed from their past lives, whereas the older son represented the pious and religious Pharisees and scribes who continued to hold on to their self-righteous beliefs, refusing to change because they felt that they were already good and they believed that they had no need to change. This is because change can be frightening and disturbing to some of us, but unless we change, we will remain like the elder brother: angry, frustrated, complaining always and we can never allow ourselves to be part of God's salvation. St. Paul in the second reading reminds us that "For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation; the old creation has gone, and now the new one is here. It is all God’s work." If we are indeed a 'new creation' then change must take place, and we must begin to live this 'newness' of life.
At the end of the day, change of our direction in life can only happen if we are open to God's love and care. May we pray for grace to accept change, and let our loving God guide us in all we do, so that we glorify Him and move forward in faith, hope and love.
Sunday, 11 January 2015
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
Each and every one of us have got a certain tolerance level or limit towards something. Once we reach that level and beyond, some may find it quite difficult to go on. Some have got a certain tolerance level towards pain. Once they reach that level, the pain may become quite unbearable that some may resort to drastic measures (such as suicide, or if the pain is caused by another, some may even go to the extent of committing murder) to end the pain, while others may turn to substances to dull the pain, and in doing so some may end up becoming addicted to such substances after prolonged usage. But what sort of tolerance level do we have towards the truth?
The truth hurts. Some of us prefer not to let others know the real us, or the real situation, and we would go through great effort to cover up the truth or sweep it under the carpet, and find ways and means to ensure it does not surface. In some cases, trying to avoid the truth could lead some of us to have malice, cruel intentions or wickedness in our hearts. Some begin to ill-treat, mock or even kill (either by actually committing such an act, or by bringing down a person's reputation through character assassination). This is the situation the godless in today's reading were in. They could not and refused to admit the truth, and their reasoning, common sense and sense of justice and fairness became corrupted and misguided. The reading even tells us: "This is the way they reason, but they are misled, their malice makes them blind. They do not know the hidden things of God, they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded, they can see no reward for blameless souls."
What about us? Have some of us become like the godless, only interested in finding ways and means to protect ourselves and our interests from being exposed or revealed? Are we running away, avoiding or hiding the truth? We may be able to run and hide, but for how long? Someday, somewhere, the truth will come back to haunt us and be brought to light. As a Malay saying goes: "sepandai-pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah juga" (roughly translated into English as: "no matter how clever a squirrel is able to jump, it would eventually fall to the ground"). Let us set aside our pride, prejudice and ego, and let God guide us to be true.
The truth hurts. Some of us prefer not to let others know the real us, or the real situation, and we would go through great effort to cover up the truth or sweep it under the carpet, and find ways and means to ensure it does not surface. In some cases, trying to avoid the truth could lead some of us to have malice, cruel intentions or wickedness in our hearts. Some begin to ill-treat, mock or even kill (either by actually committing such an act, or by bringing down a person's reputation through character assassination). This is the situation the godless in today's reading were in. They could not and refused to admit the truth, and their reasoning, common sense and sense of justice and fairness became corrupted and misguided. The reading even tells us: "This is the way they reason, but they are misled, their malice makes them blind. They do not know the hidden things of God, they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded, they can see no reward for blameless souls."
What about us? Have some of us become like the godless, only interested in finding ways and means to protect ourselves and our interests from being exposed or revealed? Are we running away, avoiding or hiding the truth? We may be able to run and hide, but for how long? Someday, somewhere, the truth will come back to haunt us and be brought to light. As a Malay saying goes: "sepandai-pandai tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah juga" (roughly translated into English as: "no matter how clever a squirrel is able to jump, it would eventually fall to the ground"). Let us set aside our pride, prejudice and ego, and let God guide us to be true.
Saturday, 10 January 2015
Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent
Some of us may have experienced some situation or danger or even some sort of illness which make us wonder whether we would be able to survive such an ordeal. Some may begin to wonder whether our prayers would be answered, so that we would be safe and be able to continue living. Some may think that they would not get the help they asked for, and may begin to look for other sources of help in an effort to preserve their life; whereas some may just give up and despair. But how should we Christians address such an issue?
In today's reading, we are given great assurance that God will never abandon us or forget about us. The reading tells us: "For Zion was saying, 'The Lord has abandoned me, the Lord has forgotten me.' Does a woman forget her baby at the breast, or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you." If God has made it clear that He would not forget us, even though others may, why do some of us still doubt His assurance? Let us remain hopeful, confident and steadfast in faith, knowing that God would help us in His time.
In today's reading, we are given great assurance that God will never abandon us or forget about us. The reading tells us: "For Zion was saying, 'The Lord has abandoned me, the Lord has forgotten me.' Does a woman forget her baby at the breast, or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you." If God has made it clear that He would not forget us, even though others may, why do some of us still doubt His assurance? Let us remain hopeful, confident and steadfast in faith, knowing that God would help us in His time.
Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
When we are stricken with a serious illness or facing some sort of crippling difficulty, who do we turn to? Some people start looking for the best doctors to try and cure them. When modern medicine or other forms of modern therapy fail to heal or cure, some people start looking for bomohs, medicine men, shamans or some other form of traditional healing; some people begin to listen to practitioners of feng shui or some other form of divination, thinking that these would give them some form of lucky charm, amulet or method which would cure them; some people may even think that their illness is incurable and may begin to despair. But what about us Christians? What should we do?
In today's Gospel, we come across a building at the Sheep Pool in Jerusalem, called Bethzatha in Hebrew, consisting of five porticos; and under these were crowds of sick people – blind, lame, paralysed – waiting for the water to move. These people had much faith that the water, when stirred or disturbed, would heal whoever was first to get into the water. One man there had an illness which had lasted thirty-eight years, and despite his faith that the water could heal him, he never had a chance to get into the water, since so many people were there and someone else always seemed to get there first. But Jesus came and said, ‘Get up, pick up your sleeping-mat and walk,’ and the man was instantly cured. There was no need for the man to inch his way to the pool with hope of receiving new life, since new life from Jesus came to him.
If Jesus could cure the man instantly, He could do the same for us. Are we willing to put our trust in Jesus instead of running around looking for all those other means, which more often than not would not cure us but may make matters worse? Sometimes we just need to be humble and patient, consistent and persistent in our prayer, and let Jesus heal us according to His time.
In today's Gospel, we come across a building at the Sheep Pool in Jerusalem, called Bethzatha in Hebrew, consisting of five porticos; and under these were crowds of sick people – blind, lame, paralysed – waiting for the water to move. These people had much faith that the water, when stirred or disturbed, would heal whoever was first to get into the water. One man there had an illness which had lasted thirty-eight years, and despite his faith that the water could heal him, he never had a chance to get into the water, since so many people were there and someone else always seemed to get there first. But Jesus came and said, ‘Get up, pick up your sleeping-mat and walk,’ and the man was instantly cured. There was no need for the man to inch his way to the pool with hope of receiving new life, since new life from Jesus came to him.
If Jesus could cure the man instantly, He could do the same for us. Are we willing to put our trust in Jesus instead of running around looking for all those other means, which more often than not would not cure us but may make matters worse? Sometimes we just need to be humble and patient, consistent and persistent in our prayer, and let Jesus heal us according to His time.
Friday, 9 January 2015
Monday of the 4th Week of Lent
Every now and then, some of us may have experienced a situation, event or persons which leave a bitter taste, which some may find quite difficult to forget. Some of us may begin to dwell more and more into the memory of such a situation, event or persons, so much so that the more we think of and relive what we had gone through, the more angry and bitter we become. If we are not careful, we could become consumed with disgust, hatred and hurt as we drown and suffocate more and more in such memories, to the detriment of our sanity and sanctity.
However, God is reaching out to us to let go, be humble and willing to forgive, and move on. We are not doing ourselves any good in dwelling and getting stuck in such memories. Instead, as mentioned in the 1st reading, God will create new heavens and a new earth, and the past will not be remembered, and will come no more to men's minds. God wants His people to rejoice because He wants to give joy and gladness to His people. God wants to heal us of our bitterness and resentment so that we can be a new people who will proclaim joy and gladness to all. Are we willing to be transformed into something new, and experience God's healing grace of joy and gladness?
However, God is reaching out to us to let go, be humble and willing to forgive, and move on. We are not doing ourselves any good in dwelling and getting stuck in such memories. Instead, as mentioned in the 1st reading, God will create new heavens and a new earth, and the past will not be remembered, and will come no more to men's minds. God wants His people to rejoice because He wants to give joy and gladness to His people. God wants to heal us of our bitterness and resentment so that we can be a new people who will proclaim joy and gladness to all. Are we willing to be transformed into something new, and experience God's healing grace of joy and gladness?
Thursday, 8 January 2015
4th Sunday of Lent Year B
Every now and then. we come across people who do not seem to feel good about themselves. Such people seem to think that they are not good enough, not smart enough, not handsome or pretty enough, not loving enough, not talented enough or not capable enough. When these people think and feel this way, they are suffering from low self-image and low self-esteem. They are unable to accept themselves for who they are, even though in reality they are doing just fine. Some even begin to be critical of others or constantly find fault in others, thinking that by doing so, they would be able to boost their ego and self-esteem. But such efforts would only end up in failure, because these people would become more and more alienated from others, or others may avoid or shun them.
But if we consider for a moment what today's readings and Gospel tells us, we are actually much loved and appreciated. We are so loved and appreciated that, as the Gospel tells us: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved." Moreover, St. Paul remind us in the second reading: "We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it." Imagine that... we have a God who loves us so much that He sent His son to save us. We are not just any other old thing or useless or hopeless, but we are God's work of art. With such assurance from God, why do we still need to look for other forms of assurance?
Since God loves us so much and we are His works of art, then we should making every effort to stop sinning. When we sin, we are actually lacking of belief in God’s love for us. When we sin, we believe that God’s love for us is not enough and we doubt His love for us. When we sin we are actually calling God a liar, since we claim that there is something more than what God can give to us.
So let us not be so concerned about looking for acceptance from others, from our peers, from our families, friends and loved ones. No matter how much we do things for others or say nice things to others, we will never be able to please everyone, and we may end up miserable and unhappy. We also do not need to try and please God by trying to be more prayerful or by merely trying to follow the commandments, since as St. Paul reminds us in the second reading: "It is by grace that you have been saved, through faith; not by anything of your own, but by a gift from God; not by anything that you have done, so that nobody can claim the credit." Instead, we should learn "to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it." All that we say or do should not be to win admiration or approval from others, or we hope to win admiration or approval from God, but because we know that God loves us and all that we say and do is ultimately for His greater glory.
But if we consider for a moment what today's readings and Gospel tells us, we are actually much loved and appreciated. We are so loved and appreciated that, as the Gospel tells us: "God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life. For God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved." Moreover, St. Paul remind us in the second reading: "We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it." Imagine that... we have a God who loves us so much that He sent His son to save us. We are not just any other old thing or useless or hopeless, but we are God's work of art. With such assurance from God, why do we still need to look for other forms of assurance?
Since God loves us so much and we are His works of art, then we should making every effort to stop sinning. When we sin, we are actually lacking of belief in God’s love for us. When we sin, we believe that God’s love for us is not enough and we doubt His love for us. When we sin we are actually calling God a liar, since we claim that there is something more than what God can give to us.
So let us not be so concerned about looking for acceptance from others, from our peers, from our families, friends and loved ones. No matter how much we do things for others or say nice things to others, we will never be able to please everyone, and we may end up miserable and unhappy. We also do not need to try and please God by trying to be more prayerful or by merely trying to follow the commandments, since as St. Paul reminds us in the second reading: "It is by grace that you have been saved, through faith; not by anything of your own, but by a gift from God; not by anything that you have done, so that nobody can claim the credit." Instead, we should learn "to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it." All that we say or do should not be to win admiration or approval from others, or we hope to win admiration or approval from God, but because we know that God loves us and all that we say and do is ultimately for His greater glory.
Monday, 3 March 2014
Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
Are we blinded with anger, rage and malice? When we are blinded in such ways, we may do things which could only later lead to regret or in other situations, indifference. When we are proud, arrogant, stubborn, or selfish, we could end up being "blind" towards others.
Today's reading cautions us: "This is the way they reason, but they are misled, their malice makes them blind. They do not know the hidden things of God, they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded, they can see no reward for blameless souls." When we are unable to appreciate the goodness in others and their capabilities, when we refuse to admit our faults and shortcomings, when we become self-absorbed with our achievements, then we may become "blind" with jealousy which may lead to malice. We may begin to put other people down because we do not want competition and want to look good. Ultimately, we may end up trying to build our own kingdom. Have some of us fallen into such a state? Let us open our eyes, minds and hearts, and stay on our guard from being dragged into such a state.
Today's reading cautions us: "This is the way they reason, but they are misled, their malice makes them blind. They do not know the hidden things of God, they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded, they can see no reward for blameless souls." When we are unable to appreciate the goodness in others and their capabilities, when we refuse to admit our faults and shortcomings, when we become self-absorbed with our achievements, then we may become "blind" with jealousy which may lead to malice. We may begin to put other people down because we do not want competition and want to look good. Ultimately, we may end up trying to build our own kingdom. Have some of us fallen into such a state? Let us open our eyes, minds and hearts, and stay on our guard from being dragged into such a state.
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent
What sort of approval are we seeking? Are we looking for fame, approval, recognition, status and fortune here on earth? Or are we seeking a closer relationship with God? Sometimes we may be so zealous in one that we forget the other, or we think that one is more important than the other. Some of us think that God is too difficult to please or it takes too much time to have a right relationship with Him. But ultimately, what sort of approval do we really want to achieve?
In today's Gospel, Jesus says: "I have come in the name of my Father and you refuse to accept me; if someone else comes in his own name you will accept him. How can you believe, since you look to one another for approval and are not concerned with the approval that comes from the one God?" The Jews were so zealous in keeping with their customs and traditions, that they forgot the main reason why they were keeping such customs and traditions in the first place. Instead of keeping such customs and traditions so that they could grow in relationship with God, their focus began to sway and such customs and traditions are kept so that others would look up to them. Are we trying to draw attention to ourselves, for our self-gratification, to fuel our pride, to lord it over others? Or have we learnt to walk humbly before God and do things for His greater glory?
In today's Gospel, Jesus says: "I have come in the name of my Father and you refuse to accept me; if someone else comes in his own name you will accept him. How can you believe, since you look to one another for approval and are not concerned with the approval that comes from the one God?" The Jews were so zealous in keeping with their customs and traditions, that they forgot the main reason why they were keeping such customs and traditions in the first place. Instead of keeping such customs and traditions so that they could grow in relationship with God, their focus began to sway and such customs and traditions are kept so that others would look up to them. Are we trying to draw attention to ourselves, for our self-gratification, to fuel our pride, to lord it over others? Or have we learnt to walk humbly before God and do things for His greater glory?
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent
As we go about in life, we may be tempted to do things our way and for our own benefit. This is especially evident as we climb the career ladder, as we try to impress the boss with hope of getting a promotion, as we go out of our way to gain admiration or approval from our professors or teachers at university or at school, hoping that we would gain better grades. Even in church circles, we see some people trying to curry favour with the parish priest or bishop, hoping that they would gain prominence and perhaps some sort of important position or title.
However, today's Gospel paints us a very different picture. Jesus tells us "I tell you most solemnly, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees the Father doing: and whatever the Father does the Son does too." Towards the end of the Gospel, Jesus reminds us "I can do nothing by myself; I can only judge as I am told to judge, and my judging is just, because my aim is to do not my own will, but the will of him who sent me." Are we doing things in obedience to the will of God? Or are we doing things for our own will? In the Lord's Prayer, we are pray: "Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done." Are we making effort and doing our part in building God's Kingdom? Or are we only interested in building our kingdom?
However, today's Gospel paints us a very different picture. Jesus tells us "I tell you most solemnly, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees the Father doing: and whatever the Father does the Son does too." Towards the end of the Gospel, Jesus reminds us "I can do nothing by myself; I can only judge as I am told to judge, and my judging is just, because my aim is to do not my own will, but the will of him who sent me." Are we doing things in obedience to the will of God? Or are we doing things for our own will? In the Lord's Prayer, we are pray: "Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done." Are we making effort and doing our part in building God's Kingdom? Or are we only interested in building our kingdom?
Friday, 28 February 2014
Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
Some people can be extremists in the way they do things. One does not necessarily need to be killing or torturing other people to be called extremists. These sort of people are murderers, terrorists perhaps, but not all extremists do such things.
Today's Gospel shows us one form of extremism. The Sabbath was meant for people to spend time in growing in relationship with God and not to do unnecessary work. Yet, certain Jews were so extreme that they interpreted unnecessary work to mean not doing anything at all. Even curing people and carrying or moving things is considered work to them. Even today, if we go to the Holy Land, some hotels observe the practice where, on the Sabbath, the lift or elevator will stop at every floor so that people would not need to "work" by pressing the button to whichever floor they wish to go to.
When Jesus cured the man, the Jews began to persecute Him because he was not observing their interpretation of the Sabbath. What about us? Are we extreme in our conduct in one way or another? Do we observe the Lord's day and spend time with Him in prayer and listen to Him? Or are we so engrossed or extreme in our ways, that we fail to genuinely love God and neighbour?
Today's Gospel shows us one form of extremism. The Sabbath was meant for people to spend time in growing in relationship with God and not to do unnecessary work. Yet, certain Jews were so extreme that they interpreted unnecessary work to mean not doing anything at all. Even curing people and carrying or moving things is considered work to them. Even today, if we go to the Holy Land, some hotels observe the practice where, on the Sabbath, the lift or elevator will stop at every floor so that people would not need to "work" by pressing the button to whichever floor they wish to go to.
When Jesus cured the man, the Jews began to persecute Him because he was not observing their interpretation of the Sabbath. What about us? Are we extreme in our conduct in one way or another? Do we observe the Lord's day and spend time with Him in prayer and listen to Him? Or are we so engrossed or extreme in our ways, that we fail to genuinely love God and neighbour?
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Monday of the 4th Week of Lent
How much do you trust God? Some people say that they trust God, and yet go to shamans, witch doctors, or even medicine men, thinking that these can help them or cure them. Some people say they trust God, but at the back of their mind, they doubt whether God is really listening and whether God would really heal them or help them. How many of us trust God unreservedly and wholeheartedly?
In today's Gospel, a court official whose son was ill at Capernaum believed what Jesus had said and started on his way, trusting that Jesus would heal his son. When he received news that his son was healed, he and all his household believed. If we were put in a similar situation, would we believe that Jesus would heal us? Sometimes healing may take place immediately, at other times, gradually. Are we expecting Jesus to heal us according to our time-frame? Or are we willing to be patient and wait, knowing and trusting that Jesus would do what is best for us?
In today's Gospel, a court official whose son was ill at Capernaum believed what Jesus had said and started on his way, trusting that Jesus would heal his son. When he received news that his son was healed, he and all his household believed. If we were put in a similar situation, would we believe that Jesus would heal us? Sometimes healing may take place immediately, at other times, gradually. Are we expecting Jesus to heal us according to our time-frame? Or are we willing to be patient and wait, knowing and trusting that Jesus would do what is best for us?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)