Faithfulness and Love

Monthly Archives: March 2016

Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter

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It is interesting to listen to the conversion stories of those who have been recently baptised. Some of their stories may sound nothing out of the ordinary, some may sound spectacular, but each story is unique and special. In some cases, a conversion story could inspire others who have not been baptised to seriously consider doing so; and also strengthen the resolve and conviction of those already baptised. That is why it is good to record the conversion stories of those recently baptised, as sources of inspiration and reflection.

In today’s reading, the gaoler experienced an amazing conversion story. The reading tells us: “Late that night Paul and Silas were praying and singing God’s praises, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the gaoler woke and saw the doors wide open he drew his sword and was about to commit suicide, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, ‘Don’t do yourself any harm; we are all here.’ The gaoler called for lights, then rushed in, threw himself trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, and escorted them out, saying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” What the gaoler experienced led to him being transformed from a death to his old self to a birth to his new self. As a result, the gaoler and all his household were baptised.

Have we been inspired by our conversion story? Has our conversion story led us to a birth to a new self? Or have we slacken and gradually returned to our old selves? May we never forget our conversion story, and continue to grow in love of God and with others.

Monday of the 5th Week of Easter

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It is interesting to observe how some so called preachers behave or act when they claim to be able to heal others in the name of Jesus. Such persons tend to hold huge rallies, inviting many people to come and supposingly be healed. But when one looks at the way some of these preachers behave, it seems like their intention of holding such healing rallies is to boost their ego and increase the number of followers, as well as to increase their wealth and influence. Would such preachers take the trouble and effort to heal the poor, the marginalised, or even the sick in various places which some may think to be lowly or undesirable, instead of holding such big rallies, with possibly hidden intentions? Would such preachers heal at any place, time, or situation, without expecting anything in return?

In today’s reading, Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man. The crippled man was healed not because Paul and Barnabas are gods or some powerful being, but because they saw that the man had the faith to be healed. Paul and Barnabas could have basked in the glory of what they had accomplished through the healing and taken credit for it, but instead, they “tore their clothes, and rushed into the crowd, shouting, ‘Friends, what do you think you are doing? We are only human beings like you. We have come with good news to make you turn from these empty idols to the living God who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that these hold.'”

What does this mean to us? It means that, like Paul and Barnabas, the ability to heal is not for us to boost our pride or ego. It is meant for us to be used for the glory of God. If we have the gift of healing, may we used such gifts to build God’s Kingdom, and be of loving service to all.

Saint Joseph the Worker

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In this world, we need to work. If we do not work, we would not be able to survive. We may not necessarily be working in the same profession or task, but we still need to do our part. Just imagine what would happen if we do not work, or we neglect to do our part: the consequence could indeed be disastrous. For example, if farmers do not work, do not sow and reap, then we may not have food to eat. If fishermen do not go out to sea for a catch, we would not have fish and other kinds of seafood to enjoy. If we do not do our duty or our part in whatever profession, we may lose our livelihood. That is why work is essential, and we need to put effort into it. Not only that, we need to work with passion, with joy, since we would certainly want to live better lives and make a difference.

However, how many of us have thought about why we work? Do we work merely for survival, or do we work also because we want to serve God? In today’s second reading, we are reminded: “Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as if it were for the Lord and not for men, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ the Lord that you are serving.” When we try to work to please others, we will never be satisfied and happy, since more often than not, we would not get the kind of remuneration and recognition we expect or long for. But when we work for the glory of God, we can hope to receive happiness and peace, knowing that God will care and provide for us. Thus, let us not be lazy or aversive to work. Each and every one of us has talents and abilities which can be put to good use to help make this world a better place and especially for the glory of God.

Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Every year, especially in a parish, we may have a good number of neophytes (that is, those who have just been baptised and confirmed during the Easter Vigil). I believe most of us would have been quite happy and joyful to have new members in our church community. But the question which often lingers in my mind is this: how many of these neophytes, also how many of us who have been baptised, whether recently or quite some time back, have really had a transformation from our old selves, or our old ways, to a new self or a new way?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” At baptism, we were supposed to have been transformed from our old identity, to a new identity filled with the Spirit and given new life. However, some of us may be baptised and supposingly born again, but the way we live our lives do not seem to bear witness that we have really changed. Some of us continue to behave as we were before, doing things as we have been doing, living lives just like old times, as if nothing has really changed. Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel: “‘I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God: what is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” We may be born of the flesh, but have we really been born of the Spirit? Have we become witnesses and joyful proclaimers of the Good News, or have we been complacent and unappreciative of the gift God has given us? May we keep the fire of our faith burning, and not slack but redouble our efforts, as we make effort to live new lives in the Spirit.

Monday of the 2nd Week of Lent

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When we sin, we would seek forgiveness from God and go for confession to clean our soul from the sin which clings to us. But when someone else has sinned against us, or hurt us, or has done something terrible or mean towards us, how do we respond? Do we show love, compassion and mercy towards the other person, regardless of how bad the person has wronged us? Or do we seek retribution or revenge, or even avoid or shun the person?

In today’s Gospel, we are reminded: “Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned.” It seems so easy for us to ask God for forgiveness and compassion towards us, but how easy it is for us to forgive and show others compasssion, just as God has done so for us? Are we willing to let go of our pride, hurt, ego and self-righteousness, and learn to forgive and love others, just as God loves and forgives us?

Tuesday of Week 8 Year 1

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It is interesting to observe how some people seem to hold back on their time and wealth when it comes to certain situations, whereas they can be generous or lavish in other situations. For example, some people seem to have no qualms about buying an expensive car, or a luxurious house, or invest in some business, but they do not seem so generous when it comes to their wealth and time in church matters, church activities, assisting in programmes to help the poor, and other works of charity. Some of such people even demand many things from the church, but seem quite stingy or reluctant to give. Why is this so? Are some people so selfish, self-centered and self-serving, where “me, myself and I” seems more important than the wellbeing of the community?

In today’s reading, we are reminded “Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring. Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously as your means can afford; for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over.” God has been so generous to all of us in many ways, but some of us seem to be knowing only to take but not willing to give. Have we forgotten to be grateful and thankful for God’s providence, and share what we have with others, to the best of our abilities? May we learn to be generous, just as God has been generous to us.

Monday of Week 8 Year 1

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Some of us may have journeyed away from God at some point in our lives. We may have been caught up with making a living, getting some qualification, raising a family, and many other things which may have distracted us or caused us to try and move along on our own. But God has not given up on us, even though at times some of us may have given up on God. He is constantly and patiently waiting for us to come back to Him, no matter how bad we may have been.

In today’s reading, God is beckoning us to come back to Him. The reading tells us: “To those who repent, God permits return, and he encourages those who were losing hope. Return to the Lord and leave sin behind, plead before his face and lessen your offence. Come back to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hold in abhorrence all that is foul.” Are we still delaying and procrastinating? Let us not be caught off-guard and do something quickly, for the betterment of our eternal future.

Friday of Week 7 Year 1

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Some of us find making friends quite easy. But quite often, the friend that one makes is not really a friend, but an acquaintance, since finding friends who are true, generous and dependable is not so easy. We sometimes come across people who seem friendly, but they may have hidden agendas and they are friendly to us possibly because we have something to offer them, or the friendship is beneficial to them. Once we are unable to satisfy their needs, such persons may disappear or avoid us all of a sudden.

That is why, in today’s reading, we are cautioned: “Let your acquaintances be many, but your advisers one in a thousand. If you want to make a friend, take him on trial, and be in no hurry to trust him…” It may seem harsh, but life is such that we need to be careful when making friends, so as to not be taken advantaged of, or taken for a ride. May we find true, dependable, intimate and loyal friends, and may we be true, dependable, intimate and loyal as well.

Thursday of Week 7 Year 1

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I believe many of us make much effort to keep our bodies clean. Some of us may feel uneasy or embarrassed to emit body odour, and we not only bathe regularly, some of us even put lots of perfume to hide our “natural perfume.” But how many of us pay much attention to the cleanliness of our soul? Do we keep our soul clean the way we keep our bodies clean, by going for confession regularly? Or do we procrastinate and think that we have plenty of time to do so?

In today’s reading, we are urged to do something about the cleanliness of our soul. The reading reminds us: “Do not say, “I have sinned, and what happened to me?” for the Lord’s forbearance is long.” At the same time, the reading also warns us “not to delay our return to the Lord, do not put it off day after day, for suddenly the Lord’s wrath will blaze out” and it will be tragic for us. May we do our part in keeping our soul clean, so that when the time comes, we would be ready and prepared to meet our God.

Tuesday of Week 7 Year 1

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Some of the things we need to be prepared for when we want to serve God is the possibility of rejection, persecution, and even being put to death. Over the centuries, we have seen many saints and martyrs who proclaimed the faith with vigour, and some even went to their death for the faith. Some may have been spared torture or persecution, but they experienced hardship and many difficulties, especially when the faith was being proclaimed in new areas where the people and the conditions of the place was generally unknown.

In today’s reading, we are being affirmed and encouraged to persevere while serving God. The reading tells us: “My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him.” Let us not give up or waver in our vigour, but increase our efforts, knowing that God will guide us and help us in all we do, for His greater glory.