Faithfulness and Love

Author Archives: Andrew Kooi

Tuesday of Week 11 Year 2

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How much do we really love others? Do we love only those who are nice to us or love us or do good things for us? Some of us find it easy to love those who are friendly or kind to us, but some of us may find it quite difficult to love our enemies.

Today’s Gospel reminds us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In the world, this may sound like a crazy or unreasonable request. But if we call ourselves Christians, then we should imitate Jesus, who even prayed for His enemies as He died on the cross. Are we willing and humble enough to follow Jesus’ example and also love our enemies? Or have we become no different than the rest of the world? Our enemies may some day become our friends, or even followers of Jesus, if we love them and show compassion and good example. Are we willing to take up the challenge and love all as Jesus did?

Monday of Week 11 Year 2

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Wrath or rage is one of the seven capital sins we need to watch out for. We may fall into wrath or rage quite easily, especially when we have a short fuse or a quick temper. Wrath or rage can lead us to do worse things. Sometimes, we may even kill a person or several people. In the aftermath, we may become proud and refuse to feel any remorse, or we may regret our actions utterly. By then, it is often too late.

Today’s first reading shows us how Ahab fell into wrath or rage, since Naboth refused to sell him his ancestral land. Naturally, Naboth had every right to sell or not sell, but Ahab was determined to get the land at all cost. Ahab had the gall to allow Jezebel to “settle things” for him, so that he could get the land he wanted. Here, we see a classic example of not only wrath or rage, but also greed and pride thrown into a deadly mixture.

Are we guilty of wrath or rage at times? We may not necessarily kill a person, but the words we utter in our rage could still kill. Let us be mindful of our temper and seek God’s help to avoid falling into wrath or rage, lest we only bring ruin to ourselves.

Trinity Sunday

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How do we explain something which is not so easily explainable? Can we ever satisfactorily describe or define God? Today’s readings give us some important points.

Firstly, the doctrine of the Trinity reminds us that God is a mystery. A mystery is something which we can never fully understand or fathom. We do not have all the answers and we should be humble enough to let God guide us and take charge.

Secondly, the doctrine of the Trinity tells us that God is into relationships. God chooses to come close to us by sending His Son to save us. This helps us realise that God is not distant from us, He is with us and wants us to be with Him.

Finally, God is love. This love is not just in the Trinity, it is also shared with us. God loves us so much that Jesus came to help us and save us.

When we look at the Trinity, we are reminded to be humble and happy in letting God take control. Sometimes there are things which we cannot fully explain and cannot fully understand. But if we trust and believe, God can help us. Are we still insisting in finding the answers, or are we letting God be God?

Housekeeping – Pentecost & Week 10 Year 2

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

8 June 2014 – Pentecost – Mass of the Day Year A
9 June 2014 – Monday of Week 10 Year 2
10 June 2014 – Tuesday of Week 10 Year 2
11 June 2014 – Wednesday of Week 10 Year 2
12 June 2014 – Thursday of Week 10 Year 2
13 June 2014 – Friday of Week 10 Year 2

Friday of Week 10 Year 2

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Some of us look for God in the spectacular. We think that God should make Himself known via a grand entrance. Some of us look for God in beauty, wealth and riches, or in some sort of environment we think would be more fitting and appropriate. However, would we really find God in such situations?

In today’s reading, Elijah came to the presence of God when he heard a gentle breeze. It is in the simple situation, the unlikely place, the strangest circumstances, that we may find God. The question is: are we sensitive enough to God’s promptings? Or have we, over the years, been so flooded with all sorts of noise, expectations or experiences, that we have failed to recognise and acknowledge His presence? God is calling us in His own way and in His own terms to do His will. Are we able to listen and obey?

Thursday of Week 10 Year 2

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Some of us try to do the minimum and expect to get maximum returns. For example, we may not be so hardworking in our studies or job, but we expect to do well or gain an increase in salary or a promotion. However, today’s Gospel reminds us that we cannot just do the minimum and expect to get into the Kingdom of heaven.

In today’s Gospel, “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.'” In the Gospel, we are reminded to do more than the minimum, and also to be in good terms with others. If we have problems or difficulties with a brother or sister, we cannot just ignore the problem or sweep it under the carpet. We must make every effort to forgive and reconcile, while we have the chance to do so. After all, the Gospel warns us: “Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.”

Are we making much effort to love God and neighbour? Or are we content in doing the barest minimum, and put our eternal future at risk?

St. Barnabas, Apostle

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Some of us may have become so used to being in a particular way of life or in a particular place that we may have gradually become complacent. We may resist change or new ideas, since such things appears to be a threat to us. However, sometimes things happen for a reason and we may not be in control of the situation.

In today’s reading, we are told that “the Holy Spirit said, ‘I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them.'” This shows that our plans, our aspirations, our hopes and dreams; all these things can change according to God’s plan. The question is: are we open, willing and humble enough to do what God has planned for us? Or are we stubborn and obstinate, refusing to budge or move on? Are we doing things God’s way, or do we still insist in doing things our way?

Tuesday of Week 10 Year 2

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Salt and light are important things in our lives. Salt adds flavour to the food we eat. Light enables us to see and also enables us to grow and prosper.

In today’s Gospel, we are reminded that “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” We are called to be good examples to others, no matter how small or insignificant it may be. We may not necessarily be famous, rich, powerful or influential, but the good that we do can sometimes be more significant than we could ever fathom. Jesus reminds us that “your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Are we making more effort in doing good for the glory of God?

Monday of Week 10 Year 2

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Some of us may be so used to doing things on our own. Sometimes we try to make a name for ourselves and hope that we would gain acceptance and recognition for our efforts. But how many of us are willing and are prepared to be like Elijah in today’s reading? In the reading, “Elijah left and did as the LORD had commanded.”

If God commands us to do something, would we obey? If what God commands us is something which is not pleasant, seems difficult, or challenging, would we still obey? Some of us may say we would do it, but would we really be true to our word? Elijah surrendered to God and did what he was commanded. Are we able to set aside our preferences and surrender to God’s will also?

Pentecost Year A – Mass of the Day

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Have we been filled with the Holy Spirit? Are we willing and daring enough to go and preach the Good News? When the Holy Spirit came and rested on the heads of the disciples, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.” Today’s 1st reading also tells us that “there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language about the marvels of God.” The Holy Spirit gave these disciples courage to go forth to proclaim the Good News fearlessly.

Today’s 2nd reading also reminds us that “there is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose.” This means that all of us are filled with the Holy Spirit. We received the Holy Spirit at baptism, and further strengthened at confirmation. Strenghtened with the Holy Spirit, we should be going forth with gusto and joy to proclaim the Good News. The question is: why are some of us still procrastinating? Why are some of us cowering in fear or not willing to commit ourselves to proclaiming the Good News in whatever way of life we are in? Are we doubtful that God can help us? Are we expecting only others to proclaim the Good News? There is no such thing as a nominal Christian; for each of us have been called, chosen, and strengthened to go forth and proclaim the Good News. Are we shirking from our responsibility?