Before we do anything or make any important decisions, do we pray and ask God for strength and wisdom to do what is right? Today’s Gospel shows us that Jesus “went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God.” Notice that He did not rush through prayer but took time to converse with God and listen to Him. Perhaps we too should take heed of this, as some of us may have the habit of rattling through our prayer without giving God a chance to talk to us and teach us.
Monthly Archives: October 2013
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Whenever we go for confession, how many of us are aware and willing to confess that we are guilty of the sin of pride in one form or another? Perhaps we are not truly aware of what exactly is pride. Perhaps we are aware, and are too proud or find it too difficult to confess. Thus, it is good for us to ponder about what is pride.
Pride can manifest itself in many ways, some obvious, some subtle.
When we belittle ourselves and cause others to praise us, we increase our pride.
When we tell lies because we do not want others to know the truth, thinking that if they know, they would not like us or respect us or remain our friend: that is pride.
When we are over concerned with appearance, beauty, looks, and clothes, and attempt to look good or appear to be better than we really are: that is pride.
When we are more concerned about what others think about us, comparing ourselves to others: that is pride.
When we think we know it all or don’t need to learn, and want things done our way or no way: that is pride.
When we are not willing to admit when we are wrong, refusing to ask for forgiveness, and trying to find ways and means to justify our sin instead of just admitting it: that is pride.
When we tend to criticise others, finding faults in others, and being quick to blame others, while having feelings of bitterness, anger or lack of forgiveness: that is pride.
The list can go on…
Today’s Gospel tells us about the Pharisee and the tax collector going up to the Temple to pray. One was so full of himself, so proud of what he has done and accomplished. The other knows his strength and weaknesses, and humbly asks God to “be merciful to me, a sinner.” Are we able to recognise ourselves as a Pharisee, or as the tax collector? Perhaps we are struggling to be more like the tax collector, and be less like the Pharisee? Let us offer ourselves to God, asking him to help us to understand the true meaning of humility, and make every effort to walk humbly before God.
Thursday of Week 29 Year 1
If you are put in a situation where you have to choose God’s law or family law, which would you choose? For some of us, keeping the family united is important and we would not want to offend our elders, due to “filial piety.”
However, there are times where choosing God’s law would cause friction in our family, especially if there are certain members in our family who are not Catholic. If we choose to obey our family in this situation, we may be committing sin. If you are faced with such a situation, how would you respond?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” What does this mean? It means, there are times we may have to choose between doing what is right in eyes of God, or doing what pleases our elders. Many sins have been committed in keeping the family honour, and as Catholics, we would certainly be put in a difficult and possibly dangerous situation. Would we be brave and wise enough to do make the right choice?
Friday of Week 29 Year 1
We are coming towards the end of October. Soon, November will be here. Soon, it will be Advent and then Christmas. All these things are what we hope to see.
However, we also know that there is no guarantee that we will be able to see the coming months or the coming celebrations. The situation around us is unpredictable, as we do not know what the future holds.
So what do we do? We hope, we pray, we trust, we love, and of course, we get ready.
Today’s Gospel warns us to make good with our opponent before we are dragged before the judge. This is no ordinary warning, because at stake is our soul. In life, we spend a lot of time, energy and wealth taking care of our bodies. Some of us bathe once or twice a day, put on perfume, make-up, eat good fruits and food, go for regular medical and dental checkup, etc. But how prepared are we spiritually? How prepared is our soul? Have we made peace with the many “opponents” in our life? Or are there hidden areas of darkness which could cause us to be “thrown into prison… unable to get out till you have paid the very last penny?”
Tuesday of Week 29 Year 1
On Sundays, we see quite a number of people attending Mass, some perhaps do so out of habit, some to fulfil the Sunday obligation, others because they genuinely want to be nourished by the Lord as they struggle through life.
However, it is interesting to note that few prepare themselves for Mass, especially in making a good confession to sweep clean the soul. Some make a confession only once or twice a year, especially during the Advent and Lent confessions, others perhaps do so only after a long period of time. We seem to be eager to attend Mass, but how many of us are eager to make a good confession? Seems like some of us procrastinate until it may be too late.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that we should make every effort to be ready to meet the Lord. The question is this: how truly ready are we? Are we ready to meet him immediately if he comes right now? Or are we going to scramble and prepare ourselves only when that moment comes?
Wednesday of Week 29 Year 1
In life, we need to make all sorts of choices. Sometimes the choices we make today can have far-reaching consequences, some good, some bad.
In today’s reading, we are reminded that we have a choice to make: to be slaves to sin or to be ‘slaves’ of righteousness. To many of us, this seems to be a no-brainer. After all, who wouldn’t want to be ‘slaves’ of righteousness, since we would be striving towards being with our loving God? However, this is where we need to do something: regular confessions, regular Mass attendance and participation, awareness examen, good conduct, etc. The question is this: are we still procrastinating, or have we started becoming more proactive for the betterment of our souls?
Monday of Week 29 Year 1
What sort of riches are we striving for? Are we focusing only on riches here on earth, or have we been making effort to attain riches in heaven?
Today’s Gospel gives us an excellent opportunity to reflect what is most important to us. This passage also reminds me of an e-mail I received awhile ago:
A man lay dying on a bed surrounded by his wife and children. He had millions in the bank and was afraid of losing it all. So he said to his wife: “When I die, make sure you withdraw all my money and place it in my coffin for burial.” His children were aghast with such an idea but dared not say anything. The man died. After the funeral, the children asked their mother: “Mom, did you actually do as dad asked?” The mother smiled and replied: “Don’t worry. I am not stupid. I wrote him a cheque and placed it in the coffin!”
Is wealth and property here on earth all that matters? Or have we been making effort to be in good terms with our loving God?
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
As we become more accustomed to having things done quickly, we become less tolerant in waiting. We want bigger (or smaller in some cases), faster, better, cheaper, etc. What was acceptable years ago is now not enough. Things very quickly become obsolete.
Perhaps some of us have forgotten what it means to slow down, to wait, to spend time with family and with God. How many of us actually spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament with the Big Boss? When we pray, do we discover that we cannot rush and take time to listen to His voice? Otherwise, what is the point of praying?
In today’s Gospel, we see how the widow kept on coming to the judge for justice. She was persistent and had faith that she would get justice. Eventually, the judge gave her what she wanted, though she did not get it as quickly as what we would have expected. The important point here is this: the widow had faith she would get justice, and she was willing to wait and remain persistent.
What about us? When our prayers are not quickly answered or if the Lord does not grant us our requests, are we going to give up? Or are we willing to wait and have faith that our loving God will do what is best for us?
Saint Luke, Evangelist – Feast
When we go for trips, some of us may fret about what to bring with us. Some would start packing lots of clothes, toiletries, make-up, etc. Others might just pack what they feel is necessary and travel light.
When the Lord sends us on a “trip” (mission), what have we been instructed to do? In today’s Gospel, there is a sense of urgency for us to make the trip. We are told to:
1. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
2. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals.
3. Salute no one on the road.
4. Stay in the same house… do not move from house to house.
Our duty, from today’s Gospel, is to go and preach the Good News through words and deeds. This duty is so urgent that we should not be hampered and distracted with other matters.
Should the Lord call you right now to go and preach the Good News without delay, would you be able and willing to do so immediately?
Thursday of Week 28 Year 1
People who have done something wrong may try to hide their wrong doing in many different ways. Some may keep quiet and sweep it under the carpet, hoping the matter does not surface. Some may try to find a scapegoat and put the blame on the other party. Some may even make lots of noise or fuss and hope that by creating a ruckus, people will get confused and forget about the issue at hand.
Today’s Gospel shows Jesus giving it nicely (or in BM, taruh betul-betul or kow kow) to the scribes and Pharisees for their many wrong doings. However, as we can see, instead of acting justly and humbly to correct their wrongs, the scribes and Pharisees tried to attack back with “innumerable questions, setting traps to catch him out in something he might say.” Pride and arrogance have consumed these scribes and Pharisees, and we too could be guilty of the same.
Are we willing to change our ways, and walk humbly before God? Or have we become proud, arrogant and self-righteous like the scribes and Pharisees have here?