Faithfulness and Love

Author Archives: Andrew Kooi

Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent

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When we see a beggar or some poor people coming to us and asking us for some food or money, what do we do? Do we help them, or do we ignore them completely? If we do help them, do we give them some money just to shoo them away or get rid of them, thinking that we have done our part, or do we go that extra mile and make effort to help them for a longer period, perhaps even helping them come out of their poverty?

In today’s Gospel, we see a contrast between Jesus and His disciples. The disciples seemed to be more concerned about their needs, but Jesus was more concerned about the crowd, not only by teaching and healing them, but also in seeing to their welfare by giving them something to eat. Logistically speaking, the disciples seemed worried and concerned about their situation, since realistically, it seemed impossible to feed so many. But Jesus is not just any ordinary preacher, and He showed them the true meaning of love and compassion by willing to give until it hurts, and taking that extra step in giving the crowd something to eat.

What about us? Would we be willing to go that extra mile and help those in need, even if it means giving till it hurts? Or have we become so concerned only about the costs and about ourselves? May we learn to be like Jesus in the way He loved and served the crowd, so that in all we say and do, may His Name be glorified.

Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent

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It is interesting to observe how some people behave or react or respond when certain situations or circumstances occur. Some people may think themselves as adults or mature, but in some of such situations or circumstances, such persons may be quite childish in their attitude or behaviour. Likewise, there are people who have learnt to be humble and dependent on God’s providence, being childlike in their relationship with God, when such situations or circumstances occur. Where do you stand? Have you become childish when certain situations or circumstances happen? Or have you become more childlike?

In today’s Gospel, we are reminded that there are things which are revealed to mere children and not to the learned or clever. Some may initially think that God is being unfair or discriminating towards the learned or clever. But if we read between the lines, we could discover that there are the learned or clever who have become quite full of themselves, thinking that they know it all. Such persons are unable to listen to the promptings of God, and they would not experience things which are revealed, because they have closed or shut their minds to God’s care and providence.

What about us? Are we making effort to be more childlike in our relationship with God? Or have we allowed our minds and hearts to be closed or shut, thinking that we are learned and clever, and do not need God?

Monday of the 1st Week of Advent

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Nowadays, we seem to see more and more conflicts and wars happening around the world. Conflicts and wars happen due to a number reasons. One could be because of pride, where persons of one nation react due to what persons of another nation have said or done. Even though at times what was said or done was not as serious as it seems, pride blinds and distorts the minds of persons into reacting unwisely. Another reason could be because of greed. A nation has resources that another does not, and the other nation goes to war to try and plunder such resources. Also, some nations or corporations promote (in a discreet way) conflicts and wars because it benefits them financially, since weapons from such nations could be sold to nations involved in the conflicts and wars, for a handsome profit.

Seeing such conflicts and wars happening around us, could we ever experience the peace that is given in the vision of Isaiah in today’s reading: “peoples will hammer their swords into ploughshares, their spears into sickles; nation will not lift up sword against nation, there will be no more training for war.”? I believe we can, if we humbly, genuinely, perseveringly and consistently “walk in the light of the Lord.” Let us free ourselves from our pride, ego, greed and prejudice, and turn to Jesus who can heal the world and grant us peace.

Friday of Week 34 Year 1

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It is interesting to observe how people spend so much time and effort in obtaining things of this world, things which are only temporary and will not last. For example, we may have a brand new car today, but that same car would slowly depreciate in value, parts will breakdown, and there will come a time when the car would end up as scrap. The same goes for the computers and electronic gadgets we own or long to own. What is the latest and greatest today would become obsolete tomorrow. Whether we like it or not, that is the way things are here on earth, and we need to set our priorities right and focus on what really matters.

In today’s reading, we are reminded of One who will never disappear or fade away. The reading tells us: “His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.” No matter what happens, be it good or bad, Jesus will always be there for us. So we should make more effort to grow closer to Him and let Him be our guide, since all other persons and things are impermanent, temporary, and will sooner or later go away, but Jesus will always be around.

Wednesday of Week 34 Year 1

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Being a Christian is not easy, since there are many things we believe in and practice which are in contrast with the ways of the world. When we persist in doing things which are in contrast with the ways of the world, even though what we are doing is right and just, we may face persecution, condemnation or even the possibility of death. What is even more painful is when those who are against us, or are persecuting us, are from our friends and families, who have chosen to conform to the ways of the world. As Christians, when we are faced with such persecution, what do we do and how should we respond?

In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us: “Men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness… You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.” The key points we can gather from the Gospel is that we have an opportunity to bear witness as Christians,  and that our endurance will win us our lives. May we not try to save our skin, give up or abandon our faith in the face of persecution, but remain steadfast and committed, knowing that God will be our help and guide.

Tuesday of Week 34 Year 1

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Some of us may have watched several movies concerning the end of the world, and some have become so paranoid, that they begin to make extensive preparations for it, especially preparations like surviving a nuclear attack, or the disintegration of society due to some major disaster. Some even become influenced by certain doomsday groups, who claim to know when the world is going to end, and even trick people into parting with their wealth, property and other possessions. But what sort of attitude should a Christian have towards the end of the world?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus cautions us: “‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.’”

What Jesus is telling us is not to be so easily duped or taken for a ride by those so called persons who claim to know when the world would end. This is because, as Christians, we should know our bible and if we know our bible, then we should know that Jesus Himself said that no one except God the Father knows when the end will be. Also, if we really trust God, should the end of the world come, there is no reason to fear or panic, because we have God to care for us. Moreover, we should not be lazy and think that by simply being counted or following such doomsday groups, we would be spared of the trials that accompany the coming of the end. Instead, we should focus in building a good relationship with God and with others, so that no matter what happens, God will be our providence. So let us not allow ourselves to be so easily deceived, and continue to have hope and trust in our loving God, as He is our everything and our guide.

Monday of Week 34 Year 1

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What does it mean to think outside the box? To think outside the box means to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective.When one thinks outside the box, one is looking at issues or challenges from different perspectives, and finding creative and innovative ways to solve the problem. It also means that one is not fixated in ideas or thoughts.

In today’s reading, we hear how Daniel and his friends faced the dilemma of having to eat forbidden food. Daniel understood the situation of those who were put in charge of him, and even though such persons in charge were fearful and fixated in their thinking, Daniel was able to think outside the box, and found a creative way of going round the problem of food. At the end, the results showed that Daniel and his companions “looked and were in better health than any of the boys who had eaten their allowance from the royal table; so the guard withdrew their allowance of food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.” In doing so, it became a win-win situation, where Daniel and his companions were able to survive without eating that which is forbidden to them, and those in charge of them avoided punishment for disobeying the king with regards to the food and wine.

What about us? Do we think outside the box when it comes to issues and challenges in church? Are we able to identify and utilise different methods to come to a solution? May we not be so fixated in our thoughts and ways, and be willing to explore new ways, so that in all we say and do, we give glory to God.

Friday of Week 33 Year 1

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In the reading, the temple was rededicated with so much reverence and rejoicing after the pagans had desecrated it. The people prostrated in adoration and praised God for being with them again, because the Temple symbolised the God presence among them. Yet, at the time of Jesus, the Temple had become a “den of thieves,” as mentioned in the Gospel, because of the selling that was going on, and in the hustle and bustle of selling, there would have been much noise and cheating going on, causing the Temple to be desecrated once again. Naturally, Jesus would not tolerate such nonsense going on in the Temple, and He drove out those who were selling, to restore the Temple to its sacred dignity as the dwelling place of God, a refuge for those in trouble and in need, and a sanctuary of life and love.

Just as Jesus drove out the sellers to restore the Temple to its sacred dignity, Jesus wants to cleanse the temple in our hearts, by driving out the sin which is desecrating it. Are we willing to let Jesus cleanse our hearts, especially through the sacrament of reconciliation, so that it would become a dwelling place of God once again? Or are we remaining stubborn and obstinate, preferring to let our hearts remain as a “den of thieves?”

Thursday of Week 33 Year 1

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Supposing you are the mayor of a city and you are known to be an impartial, fair, just and efficient leader. Then one day, you receive instructions from the higher ups in the government that all newborns are to be examined, and any newborn is found to have some defect, that newborn is to be exterminated without delay. Would you obey such an instruction? Or supposing the instruction says that all old people above 70 are no longer productive, and they are to be exterminated without delay. Would you obey such an instruction to protect your livelihood and avoid being persecuted or even put to death? Or would you rather go against the government, even if it means losing your job, your status, or even your life?

In today’s reading, we see how Mattathias and his sons chose to do what is right and just and obey God’s orders. The reading tells us that, “In his zeal for the Law, Mattathias went through the town, shouting at the top of his voice, ‘Let everyone who has a fervour for the Law and takes his stand on the covenant come out and follow me.’ Then he fled with his sons into the hills, leaving all their possessions behind in the town. At this, many who were concerned for virtue and justice went down to the desert and stayed there.”

Such leadership by Mattathias and his sons inspired many others to follow their example and remain faithful to God. As leaders, are we showing fervour and good example, encouraging others to do the same? Or have we misused our leadership for our own gain, and caused others to go astray? Are we leaders only for our own interests, even if it mean committing evil? Or are we being leaders for the good of all and for the glory of God?

Wednesday of Week 33 Year 1

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I believe most parents would want their children to succeed in life. To achieve this, most parents would make much effort to see that their children have got a good and comfortable home, good nutrition, the best education that they can afford, access to good learning facilities and equipment and much more. All these efforts and sacrifices are made in the hope that their children would gain an edge in the world.

But when it comes to matters concerning faith, what do parents do? Do they make much effort to ensure that their children receive good grounding in the faith? Also, if the faith is being challenged, there is persecution and the entire family could be wiped out, how would parents advice or teach our kids? Would we tell them to make a run for it and save themselves, reasoning that they are young and have got lots of life ahead of them? Or would we be like that mother in today’s reading, who “was especially admirable and worthy of honourable remembrance, for she watched the death of seven sons in the course of a single day, and endured it resolutely because of her hopes in the Lord.”

At the end of the day, we need to ask ourselves this: Is faith in God so precious, so valuable, so important, that we are willing to let our children and ourselves lose our lives so that we may gain eternal life? Or have we become so attached to the ways of the world that we are willing to compromise or abandon our faith, just for the sake of temporary riches and fame?