For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:
28 Sept 2014 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
29 Sept 2014 – Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels – Feast
30 Sept 2014 – Tuesday of Week 26 Year 2
1 Oct 2014 – Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor – Feast
2 Oct 2014 – The Holy Guardian Angels
3 Oct 2014 – Friday of Week 26 Year 2
There are times in our life where may we have been guilty of saying too much. Sometimes, we think we know it all, and try to show how much we know or how clever we are by giving comments, advice, suggestions, or even criticism, even though these were not asked for in the first place. Sometimes, we say things out of ignorance and do not really know the full situation. Sometimes, we try to be helpful and say things, only to later discover that what we had said only made matters worse. Sometimes we just can’t let things be (perhaps the mouth is too itchy) and add more fuel into the fire by saying things, only to be later burned by what we uttered. This is why we are reminded: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)” “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. (Proverbs 21:23)”
In today’s reading, we are presented with God’s response to Job’s lamentation. Job had lamented why he was going through all sorts of sufferings and calamities, and was trying to figure out where he had gone wrong. In response, God posed a number of rhetorical questions to Job, all of which are designed to show Job how small he is in relation to God’s plan. In posing such questions to Job, God was reminding Job that His wisdom isn’t like human wisdom; His ways are not human ways. Faced with such questioning, Job realised that he had said too much, perhaps he had overstep the line, and he said (possibly sheepishly): “My words have been frivolous: what can I reply? I had better lay my finger on my lips. I have spoken once… I will not speak again; more than once… I will add nothing.”
What about us? Have we realised that there are times we have overstep the line? Have we realised that we said too much? Why do we have the urge to say things? Can’t we be more cautious and control our tongue? Let us learn to know when to say things and when not to say. Let us also learn to be more humble and trusting in God’s providence. After all, He knows what is best for us. We may not understand why things happen, but does it matter? Let us let God be God, and let Him guide and help us according to His plan.
Each and everyone of us are precious to God. Sometimes some of us may feel as if we are being left alone or abandoned, but the fact is God loves us and wants us to be with Him. Our journey in life could be challenging, we may face uphill tasks, but God is always there to shepherd and guide us.
In today’s reading, we are reminded: “The Lord says this: ‘I myself will send an angel before you to guard you as you go and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Give him reverence and listen to all that he says. Offer him no defiance; he would not pardon such a fault, for my name is in him. If you listen carefully to his voice and do all that I say, I shall be enemy to your enemies, foe to your foes. My angel will go before you.’” Each and every one of us is given a guardian angel to watch over us and protect us from harm and from evil. Sometimes we do naughty things thinking that no one is looking, but the fact is our guardian angel is present. Sometimes we may have experienced our conscience being pricked; perhaps our guardian angel is telling us to watch out, lest we fall into sin. Thus, let us be mindful of the counsel and guidance our guardian angel offers us, and strive towards building our relationship with God, walking humbly before Him and learning His ways.
O Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love entrusts me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen
As adults, we tend to try and do things on our own. We think that we can handle things. We do not seem to need any help, and we value our freedom. Some of us may not take too kindly if someone were to offer suggestions or advice. We think that we are capable or sufficiently knowledgeable to take care of ourselves. But sometimes, we really do need help but perhaps we feel reluctant or too proud to ask. We think we know the answers, only to find that what we thought we know may not be sufficient. This is especially true when it comes to our spiritual life. We may be praying or doing things or getting involved in church, but are we really growing closer to God? Are we changing to truly become a child of God, part of God’s family?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us: “I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Being like a little child does not mean being childish, but being child-like. Just like a child depends on its parents for guidance, do we depend on God and seek His help? Sometimes there are issues which we cannot resolve and when we are stuck with such issues, are we willing to humbly and earnestly turn to God? Do we realise that our abilities and strength are limited, and that God is all powerful and all-knowing (omnipotent and omniscient), and that God could help us if we turn to Him? Let us make every effort to be like little children, and let our loving God be our providence and guide.
When you are faced with problems, calamities, hardship, suffering, anxiety, stress, or depression, how would you respond? Some would give up and despair. Some would resort to abuse of substances, thinking that such things could alleviate the pain, only to fall into addiction and one could end up being worse off. Some would start blaming others for their condition, or even blame God. How many of us would bravely, resolutely and unwaveringly go through the situation, trusting God and knowing that God would help us?
In today’s reading, we come across Job who had been inflicted with one catastrophe after another. His friends believed he was suffering for heavy crimes or sins he may have committed. His wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” Satan was trying to make him curse God for the situation he was in. Yet, Job did not curse God or despair. He cursed the day he was born instead, wishing that he had not been born. No where did he put the blame on anyone or God. He was expressing his feelings via figures of speech and exaggeration. Ultimately, Job still trusted in God to see him through his predicament.
If we are ever faced with a similar situation, let us be steadfast in faith. Let us not give in to the temptations of the evil one, and continue to trust in God’s love and providence. Sometimes things happen to us for a reason, and God can transform our situation into something better or beautiful. Are we patient and humble enough to let God heal us in His time?
There are many things in this world which we believe because we have experienced and seen these things. There are also many things in this world which we have not seen. Some things not seen we still believe; some things not seen and we do not believe. But regardless whether we have seen or not, there are things which we do not see, and yet they are there. Some of us subscribe to an empirical attitude, where something is based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. But there are times empiricism or an empirical attitude fails us, and faith and trust is needed.
Few humans throughout history have had the privilege to see an archangel, let alone an angel. But throughout scripture, we see some examples where angels have made themselves present. Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels. The name Michael means “who is like God.” In Scripture, it was St. Michael who long ago led the battle against Satan (Rev. 12:7-9) and his will is focused and driven toward accomplishing goodness: he is a protector of souls, and wields his sword of righteous justice against Satan. Gabriel means “God is my strength.” In Scripture, He appears to Zechariah (Lk 1:13) and Mother Mary (Lk 1:27-28). Gabriel brought us God’s message of strength in which we draw our hope: God Incarnate was soon to enter history for love of man. Raphael means “God is my health.” Raphael is one of seven angels “who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord” (Tob 12:15). The meaning of Raphael’s name reflects the fact that he touched Tobit’s eyes in order to heal them of blindness.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read: “St. Augustine says: “‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.'” With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word” (CCC 329). The Catechism of the Catholic Church also reminds us: “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (No. 336). This tells us that the angels are always around: guiding, protecting and watching over us. We do not see them, yet they are there.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us another example of not seeing but believing. In the Gospel, we read: “When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. so You will see greater things than that.’”
Do we still need to see with our eyes to believe? Sometimes we see or do not see because our eyes can deceive us. For example, we see water in a desert, we think that there really is water, but in actuality, it is merely a mirage. Let us open our hearts and minds, so that we may “see” through the “eyes” of our hearts, and through the “eyes” of faith.
Some of us may have been attending Mass and activities in one parish community for years. Some of us seem to prefer to skip from parish to parish, going for Mass and activities as and when we please or where it is convenient to us. Some just go for Mass and do not get involved in any parish activities. There are some too who do not seem to value the Mass, or even being in a parish community, and only come occasionally. Which sort of person could you be?
People come or do not come for Mass and become part of a parish community due to a number of reasons. But whatever the reason may be, we need to ask ourselves honestly: Is our parish community united as brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we part of a parish community, or are we lone rangers (or “Sdn. Bhd” or “Pte. Ltd.”), only intending to fulfil our Sunday obligation and nothing more? What have you done to be part of a parish community? Some of us actually don’t feel that we are part of a parish community. Perhaps, some think that the church is just a place to go and pray and attend Mass. Perhaps, some don’t have a real sense of belonging, coming and going like a “rolling stone.” The Church becomes like a hypermarket or supermarket or convenience store where we come only to get what we need. When the church does not satisfy our needs, we complain, become angry, pout, feel frustrated, or feel resentment. But is that what being Church all about: for me, myself and I?
St. Paul in today’s reading reminds us: “If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing which would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, So that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead. In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus.” We call ourselves Christians or Catholics, but that is not enough. We come to church, but that is not enough. We say we are brothers and sisters in Christ, but that is not enough. We need to show and mean what we say through our actions. If we are only concerned about our own needs, then how can we say we are united as brothers and sisters in Christ?
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us a parable of two sons: one says he would go to the vineyard but only says this just to sound good and to please his father but did not go. The other said he would not go, but decided to go in the end. This parable reminds us that we need to walk to talk, talk is cheap, action is what matters. We say that we are one community, but just saying it is not enough. We need to prove it through our actions and by making effort to remain united as brothers and sisters in Christ. This means we must come out of our comfort zone; we must stop thinking only about ourselves and start thinking about others, about the community; we must learn to love happily, joyfully, willingly and meaningfully. It is only when we do our part and work together as one, united family, that we could truly become one family, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Some of us are very activity-centered or task-oriented. It seems as if we cannot sit down for a while, or slow down or wait. We must do this or that; go here or there; or complete this or that. Life can seem quite busy as a bee or hectic. On the other extreme hand, some of us could be procrastinating in our tasks. We sometimes hear complaints of something not being done, or not done properly, or not according to what was expected. What about you? Where do you fit in?
In today’s reading, we are reminded that “There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven.” We are also asked to ponder: “What does a man gain for the efforts that he makes? I contemplate the task that God gives mankind to labour at. All that he does is apt for its time; but though he has permitted man to consider time in its wholeness, man cannot comprehend the work of God from beginning to end.” Indeed, there is a time and place for everything. When we are doing too much, we may end up neglecting other things. When we are doing too little, the task or matter at hand would be delayed or stagnant. Perhaps we need to learn to strike a balance between being and doing. Sometimes we could gain better perception or ideas when we take a step back for a while and let God guide our actions and conduct.
For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:
21 Sept 2014 – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
22 Sept 2014 – Monday of Week 25 Year 2
23 Sept 2014 – Tuesday of Week 25 Year 2
24 Sept 2014 – Wednesday of Week 25 Year 2
25 Sept 2014 – Thursday of Week 25 Year 2
26 Sept 2014 – Friday of Week 25 Year 2
“Do I look alright?” “Hmm… My hair’s in a mess. I need more hairspray.” (Though the hair is actually already well groomed) “Better touch up my lips before we go, just in case.” (Despite the fact that the person had already touched up the lips earlier) “I must buy this moisturiser. Why? I’m worth it!” (As if the moisturiser determines one’s worth) “I’ve got more qualifications than that person! How come I am not getting the position?” “See those trophies? I am the greatest tennis player!” “Hey you! Get out of my way!” (a driver of a big, expensive vehicle intimidating a driver of a small sedan to move aside, by flashing his or her vehicle lights menacingly, or blaring the vehicle horn extensively, so that he or she can speed past) “I’m smarter than you are! See? I have a Doctorate. You are just a diploma holder. You better be good to me or else!” “They better toe the line! I have the support of the entire management!” “I’m the greatest pianist. You’re nowhere near my class!” “Listen pal! I’m older than you and I know better. Do as I tell you!”
Do these sound familiar? Perhaps at some point in our life, we may have heard someone say similar words. Perhaps we ourselves may have said such words. When we hear such words being uttered, how would we respond? Some of us may look at the person with indignation. Perhaps we may try to avoid such persons. But what if we are the ones who are saying such words? Have we ever thought about the consequences of speaking in this way?
In today’s reading, we are reminded: “Vanity of vanities, the Preacher says. Vanity of vanities. Vanity of vanities. All is vanity! For all his toil, his toil under the sun, what does man gain by it?” Vanity is defined as having excessive pride in one’s appearance, qualities, abilities, or achievements; being conceited; thinking that the world centres around oneself. Have we been vain or conceited in one form or another? What do we really gain by being so vain? All these things are temporary. Shouldn’t we be striving more for that which is eternal?
