Some of us are blessed with money and possessions, but are we making good use of these temporary things for our spiritual benefit? In today’s Gospel, Jesus praised a steward who misused his master’s money. The dishonest steward is praised not for mishandling his master’s wealth, but for his shrewdness and foresight in avoiding personal disaster while securing his future livelihood. However, Jesus is not trying to teach us how to prevent a financial or economic crisis. Instead, He is more concerned that we use our shrewdness and foresight to prevent a spiritual and moral crisis. If only we would make much effort in spiritual matters which have eternal consequences, just as we make much effort in earthly matters which have temporary consequences, we would be better off in this life and in the next.
Author Archives: Andrew Kooi
Thursday of Week 31 Year 1
For some of us, losing a few coins or something which seems small or insignificant may not be a big thing. This is especially when we have plenty to spare and we find that it is not worth worrying or fretting about such a lost. “Don’t sweat the small stuff” is what some may say.
However, sometimes the small stuff could be just as important or serious as the big stuff. For instance, some of us may think that going to confession can wait, as we assume that the small sins we commit is not a big deal. But IT IS a big deal. Just as a small stain can slowly ruin your shirt, a small sin can also slowly corrupt your soul. Also, a small lump may seem insignificant, but if we are not careful and see a doctor for diagnosis and quick treatment if necessary, we may be in big trouble as that small lump may turn out to be malignant.
Today’s Gospel shows us that, when it comes to saving us, God does sweat the small stuff. He wants each and every one of us to be with Him. Even if it is one sheep, or one drachma, or one whatever, each and every “small stuff” is important. Each and every one of us is important to God, and when we confess our sins and sweep clean our soul, “there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.” What an awesome and loving God we have!
Wednesday of Week 31 Year 1
Nowadays individualism seems to be more and more apparent in society. While individualism may not necessarily be a bad thing, one consequence of individualism is the preservation and protection of oneself without considering others. We see how people only think about themselves and become selfish in our attitude and behaviour. For example, when there is an accident on the road, few people would stop to help or see whether help is on the way. Instead, we see people slowing down just to glance at what is happening before speeding off, and some even try to look at the vehicle registration plate, perhaps with the intention of buying 4D and hoping to win a prize.
In contrast, today’s reading reminds us that we should “avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love.” We also read that “Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.” Do we really have genuine love towards others around us? Or have we become more and more self-centered, to the point that we must protect our rights? If we demand for our rights, there may be nothing left.
Tuesday of Week 31 Year 1
When we are invited to a free feast or grand function by a celebrity or royalty, many people may rush to attend, since this would be an opportunity to get a glimpse of the celebrity or royalty and possibly rub shoulders with them. However, it seems strange that when we are invited to a free feast at the Lord’s supper each day, not many people are “rushing” to dine with the King of kings, Lord of lords.
This is basically the gist of today’s Gospel. Some of us are so anxious to be at a feast or function by a human celebrity or human royalty, but few of us are anxious to dine with our Divine Celebrity and Divine Royalty. Seems ironic that some of us are focusing more on the temporary here on earth. Are some of us forgetting our ultimate goal in life, i.e. to be with our loving God?
Monday of Week 31 Year 1
When we organise a party or big “makan” (that’s big meal, for those of you who do not understand Malay), we may be inclined to invite our friends, relatives, loved ones, people whom we like and get along with. There seems nothing wrong with inviting these sorts of people, especially since we find it easier and meaningful to be among people we are familiar with.
But Jesus in today’s Gospel is cautioning us to come out of our comfort zone and be more inclusive and open towards others, not just people we are familiar with. When we are more open towards others, we begin to learn the sort of loving God we have, who loves all without favour. It is in this way that we discover that we are “fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.”
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Some people are physically short. When they talk to others, they often need to look up so that the other party can not only hear what they have to say, but also get cues from their facial and bodily expression. Some people are emotionally short. They feel as if they are not good, not important, not capable, etc., and they try to attain wealth and power to compensate their low self-esteem. Other people may be spiritually short. They feel as if God is not caring or loving enough, and some think God has abandoned them, especially when prayers are continuously unanswered or when they are faced with a crisis.
Zaccheaus in today’s Gospel appears, to a certain extend, to fit in these 3 categories. He is not only physically short, but possible feeling small both emotionally and spiritually, on how he sees himself and how he perceived others seeing him. Zaccheaus climbed the sycamore tree so that he could see Jesus. By doing so, he thought he could place himself at a same or higher level with others. We too may have done this at times through various means, hoping that people would accept and respect us. But by doing so, like Zaccheaus, we may only experience more rejection or alienation.
People did not bother about Zaccheaus, but Jesus did. Jesus called Zaccheaus to come down from his tree of insecurity and unites him back to the community. By doing so, Jesus helped Zaccheaus to experience God’s love and restore his dignity. When we sin, we may feel that we have lost our dignity and acceptance in our community. We may feel ashamed and inadequate, and may have made and continue to make mistakes. But God still love us, and wants us to come back to Him. The question is: are we willing to humbly and joyfully accept and dwell in His love?
All Souls Day
In life, there are many things we can try to avoid. Some of us would go through great effort trying to avoid illnesses. We buy vitamins, healthy and wholesome food, regular medical checkup, etc. as part of our effort to stay healthy. Some of us try to avoid conflict and arguments in our family and relationship. Others try to avoid situations which could be dangerous or fatal.
However, we know that there are things which we cannot avoid. The first is taxes, which we pay in one form or another. Whether it is income tax, road tax, GST, Assessment Tax or Quit Rent (Cukai Pintu), we are taxed and taxed.
Another thing which we cannot avoid is death. All of us will die some day. Nobody lives forever. We can try to find ways and means to prolong our lives, but we will eventually die. Our bodies are corruptible. Even the things which we invent and use here on earth are corruptible. But there is something which lives on even after our bodies are dead and gone. That something is our souls.
Today we celebrate All Souls Day. We remember the many people (family, friends, acquaintances, loved ones, etc.) who have gone before us. We have hope that these people, through the love and mercy of God, would be with God. The 2nd reading reminds us that we are filled with joyful hope and trust in God. Thus, let us then rejoice today, knowing that Christ has won the victory for us. Death can no longer conquer us because death is already conquered by Christ. Let us not be saddened over the death of our loved ones. Instead, let us rejoice with them for they have finally come to their rest with God.
All Saints Day
Today we celebrate All Saints Day. We thank God for the many men and women, young and old, who through their lives showed us how to strive towards holiness. Some of us, perhaps, may think that we are just not good enough or capable enough to become a saint. The point is, we are all called to become saints in different ways. Perhaps a reading of Hebrews 12 would help.
If we read Hebrews 12, we would discover from the beginning that ” since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us; while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” We are also reminded that “for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?” The saints are the great cloud of witnesses who are surrounding us, cheering us on, encouraging us. On our part, we need to:
1. Rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
2. Persevere in running the race
3. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus
4. Endure your trials as “discipline”
Are we able to go forth and strive towards holiness and be saints with God’s help? Or are we still dwelling in self-pity, refusing to let our loving God transform us?
Thursday of Week 30 Year 1
Some Catholics seem to be stuck in a rut. When they commit sin, they begin to think that they seem to have no hope and that no matter what they do, they will end up in a continuous cycle of sinning. So what do they do? They either try to sweep things under the carpet, hoping that no one will find out, or they may become extremely anxious and scrupulous, seeking the priest very often for confession. What these faithful seem to lack is confidence: confidence in themselves; confidence in others; and ultimately confidence in God.
Today’s reading reminds us that “nothing therefore can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked.” This passage is a great confidence booster for those among us who may think that God has abandoned us. The reality is, He has not abandoned us. He is always there and He is encouraging us, nudging us to be closer to Him. The danger is, we may be abandoning ourselves, when we are unable to trust God and have confidence that He will save us.
Wednesday of Week 30 Year 1
Most of us would not like to be left out in one form or another. Some do not like to be left out of the latest juicy news (which may turn out to be gossip). Some do not like to be left out of the latest gadget or gizmo. Others do not like to be left out of career advancement or bonuses.
But how many of us truly do not want to be left out of being in God’s presence? The answer may seem obvious, but this is where we need to examine ourselves honestly.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus cautioned us: “Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.” What is Jesus trying to tell us here? Does it mean that only certain people are able to succeed and others are condemned and will fail? No. What Jesus is trying to tell us here is that we need to do our part (regular Mass attendance, regular confession, etc. sounds familiar?) and at the same time, depend on Him and trust in Him to help us. It is when we try to enter on our own effort that we will fail. The funny thing is, there are people out there who think they can do it on their own and stubbornly try to make it through their own way. But here, we have Jesus our Lord offering us lots of help. He is inviting us to “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)” It depends on whether we want to accept His help or not.