Faithfulness and Love

Monthly Archives: November 2014

Thursday of Week 4 Year 1

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If we are given an important task in our job, would we get to work immediately, or would we take things easy and procrastinate, thinking that the task could wait, no matter how urgent it may be? Quite likely we would get to work quickly, as our livelihood may be at stake, and we would want to make a good impression on our bosses or superiors, hoping that we would get a promotion or better pay. We certainly would not want to jeopardise our future by being lazy or complacent.

However, if it is Jesus calling us to perform an important task, how would we respond? In today’s reading: “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, ‘Do not take a spare tunic.’ And he said to them, ‘If you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.’” We can see the urgency and gravity of the task Jesus had given to the Twelve, and they had to go forth quickly and not be concerned or saddled with things which could hinder them from performing the task. Would we be willing to follow the Twelve’s example and perform the task quickly, as our eternal future may be at stake, or would we still procrastinate and remain complacent, thinking that we have more important things to do?

Wednesday of Week 4 Year 1

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Suffering is part and parcel of life. Before we were born, our mothers suffered labour pains and the pangs of childbirth. As we were growing up, we suffered growth pains such as our first attempts to walk only to fall down, possibly bump our heads or bottoms and cry, and then try again; the pain of our first teeth coming out, and we may have developed a fever and experienced great discomfort; and even the pain due to the consequence of our curiosity of touching something we should not be touching. We also suffered lost relationships such as the death of a loved one or when a loved one left us due to one reason or another. Indeed, we cannot avoid suffering, but what is more important is how we treat suffering. We could see suffering as a good or positive thing; or we could see it as a bad or negative thing.

In today’s reading, we are reminded of the necessity and advantages of suffering. We are told: “Have you forgotten that encouraging text in which you are addressed as sons? My son, when the Lord corrects you, do not treat it lightly; but do not get discouraged when he reprimands you. For the Lord trains the ones that he loves and he punishes all those that he acknowledges as his sons. Suffering is part of your training; God is treating you as his sons. Has there ever been any son whose father did not train him? Of course, any punishment is most painful at the time, and far from pleasant; but later, in those on whom it has been used, it bears fruit in peace and goodness. So hold up your limp arms and steady your trembling knees and smooth out the path you tread; then the injured limb will not be wrenched, it will grow strong again.”

We are all treated as sons and daughters of God, and when we suffer punishment from God, it is not because God does not like us or is out to get us. We are being trained to become better people, and we are growing closer to God. In this way, suffering ought to be seen as something good and worthwhile, for we are being prepared to remain happy and cared for in God’s loving presence.

Tuesday of Week 4 Year 1

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Each day, we are faced with all sorts of trials, tribulations and challenges in life. Some of us would trudge on and do the best we can, while there are some who would find life quite unbearable and may resort to substances or other ways to ease the pain. Some may even give up and despair, thinking that there is little hope in going on. However, as Christians, we should have faith and confidence in God. We know that God would help us according to His terms, and we are reminded to continue to trust in His love and providence.

Today’s reading reinforces our need to depend on the Lord for help. The reading encourages us by stating: “With so many witnesses in a great cloud on every side of us, we too, then, should throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that clings so easily, and keep running steadily in the race we have started. Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection…” The saints hsve gone through much persecution during their lifetime but they persevered till the end. We ought to follow their example “and keep running steadily in the race we have started.” Also, we are not in this journey alone, for we have Jesus to guide us and transform us into something better. Are we willing to be humble before God and walk in His ways, knowing that He will save us and lead us to Him?

Presentation of the Lord

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Malaysia is a melting-pot of different ethnic groups. Even within some ethnic groups, there is a further breakdown according to language dialect and place of origin. For example, among the Chinese, we have different language dialects which are spoken such as Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew and Cantonese, though the written word among these dialects is about the same. Even among people who for example call themselves Hokkien or Hakka, there are differences in traditions, customs and practices which have been passed down from one generation to the next and many Chinese children would have been taught from a young age on how to observe and keep alive such traditions, customs and practices.

The Gospel today also tells us about keeping traditions, and in this case, Jewish traditions. Mary and Joseph kept the traditions of the Law of the Lord. They took Jesus up to Jerusalem to consecrate Jesus to the Lord since He was their firstborn, and also for the purpose of purification. By doing so, we are then introduced to Simeon and Anna, who had waited long until they finally set eyes on the Christ of the Lord, the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

We too have an obligation to keep the tradition of the Law of the Lord. In our case, that tradition is the Sunday Mass. Keeping our tradition by coming for Mass every Sunday may not be always exciting and inspiring, but it is necessary and beneficial for us, as we are being nourished both physically and spiritually by the Eucharist. Are we willing to be faithful and consistent in keeping our tradition of the Law of the Lord, so that we could grow closer to Him and He could nourish and care for us?

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

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In ancient times, we read of emperors and kings who claim to have a mandate or the authority from heaven to rule their subjects. Some of these emperors and kings even believed that they were actually divine, or that they were descendants of the divine (even if they believed they were somewhat divine was good enough for them), or that they had received a divine message or confirmation to support their right and privileges as a ruler. Few people questioned whether these emperors and kings were genuine in their claims, but in hindsight, we could discover that such claims are questionable.

But what do we mean when we speak of authority? When we speak about authority, we are talking about the power a person has received, usually through a voting process, though at times, such powers could have been seized with the support of the military or through some other means. Such persons would then have the power to determine the actions of another person or a group of people. Society creates laws to protect its citizen and then gives authority to certain people such as the police or in some cases the military to enforce these laws. In general, authority is intimately connected with its source and such authority is temporary and subject to review and possible change or even to be discarded when it no longer serves its purpose.

However, today’s Gospel tells us of a different kind of authority. Such authority comes from God, since we believe Jesus is the Son of God. In today’s Gospel, the people were amazed because they had never experienced someone speaking with such authority. This authority would never be removed from Jesus because Jesus was intimately united to His Father, the source of the authority. Likewise, we share in the authority of the Lord if we are united to the source of this authority. God can remove this authority if we refuse to stay intimately united to him. God has entrusted us with his authority only to the extent that we allow him into our lives. This is why, in today’s reading, we are warned: “The man who does not listen to my words that he speaks in my name, shall be held answerable to me for it. But the prophet who presumes to say in my name a thing I have not commanded him to say, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.” In other words, we should not play play with the authority God has given us, for such authority is not meant for our personal gratification or benefit, but to do His will and to glorify His name.

Today, as we look back at our history, we are reminded of the many instances where authority has been misused or abused. We are also reminded of the many examples of proper use of authority. Have we who have been given authority, either from sources on earth, or from the divine, used such authority wisely and justly for the benefit of all and for the greater glory of God?

Housekeeping – Week 3 Year 1

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

25 January 2015 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
26 January 2015 – SS. Timothy & Titus, Bishops – Memorial
27 January 2015 – Tuesday of Week 3 Year1
28 January 2015 – Wednesday of Week 3 Year1
29 January 2015 – Thursday of Week 3 Year1
30 January 2015 – Friday of Week 3 Year 1

SS. Timothy & Titus, Bishops – Memorial

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What does it mean to be a Christian? Are we only Christians in name, or do we consider being a Christian to be more than just a title? In the past, there have been people who became Christians because it was beneficial or advantageous for them to do so. For example, in some places, a person who became a Christian could get better education or a better position or status. It was “fashionable” as some may say, to be a Christian. But is Christianity merely a tool or a convenience for some of us to use and take advantage of?

As Christians, Jesus has commissioned us to go forth and proclaim the Good News. This is not merely a request, but a command, an order, a duty. We should not be shy or timid in fulfilling our duty, as St. Paul in today’s reading reminds us: “That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, or ashamed of me for being his prisoner; but with me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy.” Moreover, today’s Gospel reminds us about the urgency and importance in preaching the Good News. The Gospel tells us: “Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you.”

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: are we all fired up, full of energy and gusto to go forth and preach the Good News? Or have we become complacent and fearful of ruffling feathers or rocking the boat? Do we not value our faith and consider it so exciting and so important that it must be shared with others, or do we think that only certain people such as clergy and religious are meant to preach the Good News? No! All of us are called, chosen and sent forth, not just a select few. We may not be able to go everywhere to preach the Good News, but we can do so with conviction within our family, our friends, and even our community. Let us not slacken or become “domesticated” in our faith, but fulfil our destiny in bringing Jesus’ message to all.

Friday of Week 3 Year 1

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Whenever we face troubles or persecution because of our faith, some of us may be tempted to give up or give in. The lures and temptations of riches, wealth, status and power are certainly a challenge for us to keep at bay. But we need to truthfully ask ourselves: are we looking for temporary gratification here on earth, or do we seek that which is eternal? Our persecutors could use all sorts of dirty tricks, ways and means to try and make us fall, but are we willing to be steadfast, firm and hold on to our faith at all costs?

Today’s reading gives us some words of encouragement to hold on and persevere: “Be as confident now, then, since the reward is so great. You will need endurance to do God’s will and gain what he has promised. Only a little while now, a very little while, and the one that is coming will have come; he will not delay. The righteous man will live by faith, but if he draws back, my soul will take no pleasure in him. You and I are not the sort of people who draw back, and are lost by it; we are the sort who keep faithful until our souls are saved.” If we believe in the promises of Jesus, we should not waver or cheapen ourselves into submitting to what this world can offer, but fight on and be on our guard against all forms of temptation, knowing that what we would gain in the end is far more precious and valuable than what we could ever attain in this temporary life.

Thursday of Week 3 Year 1

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Owning a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle is a great timesaver and a great convenience for many of us. With such a vehicle, we could go to different places quickly and safely. Also, we could go to places where there may not be any public transport easily or cheaply available. However, owning such a vehicle also means we need to maintain it regularly. It is no point owning such a vehicle, only for it to breakdown or be rendered unusable, due to our neglect in sending it for proper repairs and maintenance. We are responsible for the upkeep of the vehicle, if we want to continue using it.

In the same way, we are also responsible for the upkeep of our faith and relationship with God. We cannot call ourselves Christians and do nothing, thinking we could just sit idle and care only for ourselves. The reading today reminds us of the need for us to be together in faith as a community in communion with God: “let us be sincere in heart and filled with faith, our minds sprinkled and free from any trace of bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful. Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works. Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near.” Also, we are reminded in today’s Gospel that we need to do our part in faith, and be generous and diligent in our conduct and efforts. The Gospel tells us: “Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: are we doing proper repairs and maintenance to our lives as Christians, just as a vehicle requires proper repairs and maintenance? Or have we become complacent and lazy? Let us do what is necessary to avoid a “breakdown” in our faith and in our relationship with our loving God.

Wednesday of Week 3 Year 1

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Some of us often like to think of ourselves as good Christians. Some think that we are good because we have been regular in coming for Mass and other church activities. Others think that we are good because we have been generous with our contributions. But if we consider for a moment, how many of us truly have the Word of God embedded in our hearts and minds? Do we listen to God’s Word and then transform it into action? Or do we just hear God’s Word and then carry on doing things in our own merry way? Some of us may think that so long as we are not doing something bad or hurting others, we should be okay. But is that really the case?

In today’s Gospel, we read about the parable of the sower. If we ponder a while, we may begin to realise what sort of Christian we have become. We may appear to be good Christians, but God’s Word may have gotten lost in our lives, or as some may say, “gotten lost in translation.” How many of us could truly and sincerely say that we come under the category of “those who have received the seed in rich soil: they hear the word and accept it and yield a harvest, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” Let us not despair or give up should we discover that we have not really measured up to arrive in this category. Instead, let us be more diligent and double our efforts, so that God’s Word could truly live in us and transform us into the best He wants us to be.