Author Archives: Andrew Kooi

Stubborn people are often difficult to change. Such people are often fixed in their mindset, that other ideas or possibilities would not be able to get into their heads. Even though other ideas or possibilities may turn out to be a better way, or a more efficient way of doing things, or a more meaningful approach, such people would stick to their guns and refuse to listen. Some of them would rather see the project or task die or be shoddily completed or completed late, as long as their way of getting done is used and unchallenged. This, of course, is a form of pride, and a wastage of talent, resources and abilities.

In today’s Gospel, we see the stubbornness of the Pharisees who insisted that absolutely no work can be done during the Sabbath. Jesus challenged them by healing a man with dropsy, and then questioning their stubbornness and motives when he said: “Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a sabbath day without hesitation?” Naturally, the Pharisees could find no answer to Jesus’ accusation. Instead of reconsidering their position, or even having a tinge of mercy, love or care for others, the Pharisees chose to remain stubborn or obstinate.

What about us? Have we been stubborn at times? Some of us may be extremely stubborn, refusing to accept anything other than our own ideas, our own views, our own perceptions or our own ways. When we allow ourselves to become like that, we are only nurturing our pride and we may be shutting ourselves out of God’s guidance. Let us look honestly at ourselves, and rid ourselves of such stubbornness, so that we would to live humbly and happily in God’s guidance and providence.

There are many things in this world we need to deal with and watch out for. We need to be diligent in our relationship with others; we need to take care of ourselves and our families; we need to be loving and compassionate; so many things which occupy our time. But no matter how busy we are or what needs to be done, we need to be extra careful and cautious when it comes to our efforts in building and maintaining a good relationship with God. This is because evil exists, and evil will find ways and means to distract us and tempt us to sin. Some of us may think that we are capable and strong enough to resist temptation, but let us remember that the evil one knows our weaknesses and would use our weaknesses against us.

This is why, in today’s reading, St. Paul advises us: “Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. Put God’s armour on so as to be able to resist the devil’s tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens. That is why you must rely on God’s armour, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground.” Not only do we need to put on God’s armour and depend on His care and providence, we also need to be consistent, committed and diligent in our prayer life. St. Paul also reminds us: “Pray all the time, asking for what you need, praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion. Never get tired of staying awake to pray for all the saints…” Sometimes we may feel tired, or we feel as if our prayers are not working or seem to be unheard; but let us remember that God is listening; He may not answer our prayers straightaway, but He will not abandon us. Let us choose to put on His armour and continue to pray, knowing that God will guide us and protect us from evil.

What does it mean to obey? Obedience, in a Christian context, is to hear, trust, submit and surrender to God, letting Him be our providence and guide. This is in contrast with a worldly concept of obedience, where in some cases, people are not really obeying, but are simply complying to the instructions or demands of their superiors or leaders. People comply due to a number of reasons: some do so because it is in their best interest or advantage; some out of fear; some because of peer pressure; some for family, job or personal security. But how many of us are wholeheartedly, willingly, humbly, happily and faithfully obeying?

In today’s reading, St. Paul reminds us: “Children, be obedient to your parents in the Lord – that is your duty… And parents, never drive your children to resentment but in bringing them up correct them and guide them as the Lord does. Slaves, be obedient to the men who are called your masters in this world, with deep respect and sincere loyalty, as you are obedient to Christ: not only when you are under their eye, as if you had only to please men, but because you are slaves of Christ and wholeheartedly do the will of God. Work hard and willingly, but do it for the sake of the Lord and not for the sake of men… And those of you who are employers, treat your slaves in the same spirit; do without threats, remembering that they and you have the same Master in heaven and he is not impressed by one person more than by another.” Do you see a pattern here? Ultimately, we obey our parents, superiors or masters because by doing so, we are obeying God and doing things for the sake of the Lord. Our motivation is not to please our earthly masters or leaders, with the possible hope of gaining fame, status or recognition; instead we should be doing what is pleasing to God.

How many of us prefer brightness? How many of us prefer darkness? It may sound or seem strange, but there are people who prefer to be in the dark. Out in the light, many things are exposed or revealed, and some people may behave themselves to avoid being exposed or caught red-handed, for fear of retribution or punishment. Some people prefer to remain in the dark, since they can do hanky-panky things, thinking that they would less likely get caught. But as Christians, are some of us in the light? Or have some of us chosen to remain in the dark?

In today’s reading, St. Paul reminds us: “Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ. Try, then, to imitate God as children of his that he loves and follow Christ loving as he loved you, giving himself up in our place as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.” As children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, we should strive to remain in good relationship with God and with others. We cannot be in good relationship if we choose to be in the dark. This is where St. Paul also reminds us: “Do not let anyone deceive you with empty arguments: it is for this loose living that God’s anger comes down on those who rebel against him. Make sure that you are not included with them. You were darkness once, but now you are light in the Lord; be like children of light.” As Christians, we are supposed to be like children of light. But let us ask ourselves honestly: are we really like children of light? Or have some of us stubbornly and vehemently chosen to remain in the dark?