Faithfulness and Love

Author Archives: Andrew Kooi

Easter Monday

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It is interesting to see the reaction of people who wake up and do not have anything urgent at hand, compared to people who wake up and realise that there is a pressing task ahead. Those who do not have any urgent matter at hand may likely find it difficult to get out of bed, and they may try to catch a few moments more of sleep. But what if there is a pressing task ahead and due to some reason or another, we have not completed the task? When we realise that the task is still pending, we may likely get out of bed quickly and start cracking on the task. Some of us may even wake up earlier than usual hoping to gain more time to work on the task at hand.

When Jesus rose from the dead, some people “woke up” and realised that an important event had happened and they had an important and urgent task to perform. In the Gospel, the women were filled with awe and great joy and they came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples. The Gospel then tells us: “And there, coming to meet them, was Jesus. ‘Greetings’ he said. And the women came up to him and, falling down before him, clasped his feet. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.'” Naturally, the women became quite excited and anxious to fulfil the task given to them, and they when on their way quickly to tell the disciples. At the mean time, we also come across some soldiers who were the guards at the tomb. These soldiers went off quickly into the city to tell the chief priests all that had happened. From here, we can see two different groups “waking up” and having urgent news to convey, and from the Gospel, we know the outcome of the story. One group chose to tell the truth, the other chose to spread lies. One group chose to do God’s will, the other was more interested in protecting their own interests and saving their own skin.

What about us? When we “wake up” and come to realise of an important matter, are we willing to face the facts, face the truth, admit our failings or wrongdoings if any, seek forgiveness where necessary and move on? Or are we trying to avoid and hide the truth? The truth may hurt at times, but we can choose to get over it and be at peace, or we can choose to live in denial, live in fear, and suffer the consequences.

Easter Sunday

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Circumstances sometimes bring out different outcomes to different people. Different people take good or bad news in a different way, and by observing how they react or response, we could learn more about others and learn from the experience, so that, hopefully, we would know what to do if we were involved in such a situation. Even in our faith journey, whether we can grow in faith or remain as we presently are depends on our response to certain situations. In today’s Gospel, we see three different characters responding quite differently to the tomb that first Easter morning.

The first character we come across is Mary of Magdala who came to the tomb while it was still dark. She sees the stone which covered the tomb has been moved away and does not enter. Perhaps, she was afraid, perhaps she was unsure what to expect, but instead of entering the tomb, she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. Sometimes we too are like Mary of Magdala. Instead of going further to discover what has happened, we choose to run away. We are not prepared to go further or deeper because we fear that we may not find what we were expecting or we fear that we would not be prepared to face what is inside. But unless we take the risk and enter the tomb, we will always be standing outside speculating, wondering, guessing, never knowing the truth, as we see in what Mary of Magdala said in the Gospel: “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we don’t know where they have put him.” Some people go through life without making important decisions; or they stay clear of commitment; or they fear going deeper into any relationship because they are fearful or are not prepared to face the changes that may take place. But unless we are prepared to take the risk, unless we are prepared to make the commitment, unless we are prepared to go deeper or further, we will always remain outside fearful, doubtful and uncertain.

Next we come across Peter. He and the other disciple run to the tomb upon hearing the news from Mary of Magdala. He is slower than the other disciple. Perhaps it is his age and he is unable to run that fast anymore (“no more spring chicken” as some may say) or perhaps he is also fearful of what he may find at the tomb. Even when Peter entered the tomb, he seemed clueless and confused as to what had happened, since the Gospel tells us: “Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of scripture, that he must rise from the dead.” Some of us may be like him, we hesitate, postpone, procrastinate, take it slow and easy or even drag our feet. We do this because we fear the truth which may challenge our status quo; we fear the pain, lost of face or embarrassment it may bring because our faults and our limitations may be exposed; we are afraid or are not prepared to face our weaknesses or shortcomings. Perhaps Peter may have been thinking: What if Jesus had actually risen? Would Jesus punish or reprimand him for not being faithful or confront him with his betrayal? Then upon seeing inside the tomb, Peter could have found it difficult to comprehend what was going on; or he could have been worried and bewildered as to what had happened to Jesus. For some, it seems better to pretend as if nothing had happened; to sweep it under the carpet and hope no one knows or finds out; or to be blind to the truth and continue living in our own world. But unless we are ready and willing to admit our faults and face up to our failures and move forward, there can never be growth, there can never be change or improvement, we could be stuck in a rut, we could be stagnant in our faith and our relationship with God.

Finally, we come across the disciple whom Jesus loved. His name is not mentioned because he represents and shows what a disciple should be, a disciple who is prepared to take risks, who is not afraid and willing to put one’s trust in God’s providence, who is willing to make a commitment, who is ready to face the truth, make the change and move forward. We are told in the Gospel that when he entered the empty tomb, “he saw and he believed.”

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, let us ask ourselves honestly: what sort of a disciple have we so far become? Are we like Mary Magdalene? Are we like Peter? Or have we become more like the disciple whom Jesus loved? The fact is: Jesus has risen, but there are still some who are not aware or are unwilling to acknowledge or admit this fact. What about you? Are you still crippled or paralysed by your fears and are fearful or reluctant to enter the tomb? Or are you prepared to take the risk, change your perception or ways, and make a firm commitment to become true followers of Jesus?

Housekeeping – Holy Week

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

29 March 2015 – Palm Sunday
30 March 2015 – Monday of Holy Week
31 March 2015 – Tuesday of Holy Week
1 April 2015 – Wednesday of holy Week
2 April 2015 – Maundy (Holy) Thursday
3 April 2015 – Good Friday
4 April 2015 – Easter Vigil

Easter Vigil

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At every Easter Vigil, we proclaim that Jesus is risen. But do we really believe that Jesus is truly risen? Do we behave as an Easter people? Some of us still seem to live as if Jesus is still dead in the tomb; some of us still seem to live in darkness, as if we are still trapped by sin, despair, anger, fear and unforgiveness, and that the light of Christ had not come. Some of us still seem to remain in the tomb, preferring to drown ourselves in self-pity and preferring to blame God and others for our suffering and pain. When we do such things or live this way, we have actually failed to recognise that Jesus has truly risen.

But the fact of the matter is Jesus has risen! The readings today tell us that God has triumphed over chaos; has defeated the powers of darkness; has conquered sin and death; and has quenched our thirst with the waters of eternal life. The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen! When we were baptised, St. Paul reminds us that “we went into the tomb with Jesus and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life.” In baptism, we are “dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.”

Thus, we are called to go forth and be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. God has conquered the powers of darkness through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross. The empty tomb reminds us that life is greater than death; that at the end, suffering is not defeat but victory; and that God’s power is far greater, no matter how powerful evil, suffering and darkness may appear. Today, as an Easter people, let us proclaim this great message of hope and joy. Let us sing with conviction the song of Easter: Alleluia! Praise the Lord! The Lord has risen!

Good Friday

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Each and every one of us have experienced suffering in one way or another at certain points of our lives. We can try to deny it, we can try to hide it, we can try to find ways and means to distract ourselves from it, we can even try to fool ourselves into thinking that it is okay or an illusion, but the fact is, suffering is a very real thing.

But one significant event brought suffering to a different level and meaning. God died on the cross. God allow himself to be crucified on the cross for our sake. He died on the cross to redeem us and to save us from our sins, as what Isaiah reminds us in the first reading: “And yet ours were the sufferings he bore, ours the sorrow he carried. But we, we thought of him as someone punished, struck by God, and brought low. Yet he was pierced through for our faults, crushed for our sins. On him lies a punishment that brings us peace, and through his wounds we are healed.” Thus, we should not see suffering as a bad thing, we should not think that God does not understand what we are going through, since Jesus suffered and died for all of us because of His immense love for us.

When we become aware of the significance and the power of the cross, we become witnesses of Jesus. We become more sensitive, compassionate and understanding to the needs and sufferings of others. Jesus, while suffering on the cross, did not forget about others. He reached out in love to all around him. For his enemies, he asked for forgiveness; for his mother, he found a new home by giving her to his beloved disciple, and in doing so, giving her to all of us who are like that beloved disciple; for his disciples, he made sure that they would continue to support each other. Thus, let us set aside our anger, self-pity, hatred, pride, prejudices and bitterness, so that we may give ourselves in love and selflessness to others, just as Jesus did for all of us. Let us, as the second reading remind us, “be confident, then, in approaching the throne of grace, that we shall have mercy from him and find grace when we are in need of help.”

Maundy (Holy) Thursday

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Have you ever wondered why you come for Mass? Do you come merely to fulfil a Sunday obligation, or because a parent or family member forced you to, or because you are attracted to some friends and would want to hang out with them, or just to accompany your spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, or for some other reason? For some of us, Mass may have become “normal” or “usual” that we have begun to lose its true value and taken it for granted. But if we consider for a moment what the Mass means, then we will never call the Mass “normal,” since every Mass challenges us to live fruitful and authentic lives as Jesus’ disciples.

Whenever we celebrate the Mass we are celebrating the mystery of our salvation. In the First Reading. God commanded Moses and the Israelites to continue celebrating the Feast of the Passover so that they will remember how God saved them and liberated them from Egypt. Just as the Israelites remembered at every Feast of the Passover how God had saved them and liberated them from Egypt, we are reminded at every Mass of how God has saved us and is still saving us from the powers of darkness and evil, and giving us new life through his Son Jesus Christ. Also, the Mass reminds us of Jesus sacrifice of love on the cross. Jesus gave up his own life so all may live. When we participate at every Mass, we are challenged to give up our lives, to die to our sinfulness and selfishness, to die to our prejudice and hatred, to die to our pride and arrogance, so that all would come to know what it truly means to be a follower of Christ and live. Moreover, the Mass calls us to be of service to others, just as Jesus served all. Instead of seeking power and places of honour, instead of competing and arguing about who should have his feet washed, we should be following the example of Jesus, who humbled himself to wash the feet of those who we think are unworthy. In the Mass, there is no room for pride, arrogance, prejudice or power, there is only room for humble service.

Let us therefore thank Jesus for the gift of Himself and for the gift of the Mass. If we make effort to concentrate and participate at Mass, instead of allowing our minds to wander, get distracted with other things such as our handphones or other gadgets or even distracted with other persons, or become impatient with the time, we would slowly begin to appreciate the Mass. Let us make every effort to not just participate at Mass, but to live it where we are, and bring the Good News of Jesus to all around us.

Wednesday of Holy Week

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Some of us Christians may have faced ridicule, some form of persecution, or even insult. However, one of the hardest things we may encounter is when we are betrayed by another person. It becomes even more painful when the one who betrays us is a close friend or family member. You thought you could trust them and depend on them, but as it turns out, they too have turned against you. To make matters worse, the reason why they decided to turn against you is not because they have something against you, but merely because of money or some promise of wealth, property or high position. Such are some people who are willing to betray others just for a small sum, property or title, all of which are temporary and will be lost.

This is the reason why Jesus said in today’s Gospel: “but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!” When a person chooses to betray another for money, property or position, the betrayer has made his or her life and the life of others cheap. God treats us as His precious, but our betrayal treats us as cheap or worthless, easily to be discarded when the time comes. Have we become so easily influenced by temporary perks or benefits, that we are willing to betray others, and ruin ourselves in the end? Do we not realise that our life and the lives of others are far more valuable, precious and important compared to all the wealth, position and power the world has to offer, since all these things will fade away or be lost?

Tuesday of Holy Week

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Do you know where are you going to? Is the path of life clear before you? Sometimes we are so caught up with things and situations of this world, that we become distracted and lose track of our ultimate destination. Sometimes some of us feel as if we are going through life just to make a living, raise children, gain some recognition, and then one day, when the children have grown up and have left the nest, when we are no longer able to make a living and are dependent on our pension or savings or other sources of income, when the many things we were able to do are no longer possible, due to age or illness, then what? Where do we go from here?

For some of us, such thoughts may have crossed our minds as we journey through life. At times, we may have wondered just as Isaiah wondered: “I have toiled in vain, I have exhausted myself for nothing.” But what Isaiah later realised is: “and all the while my cause was with the Lord, my reward with my God. I was honoured in the eyes of the Lord, my God was my strength.” We may have been running at other directions looking for joy, happiness, and peace, and all the while God is the best direction to go.

At the end of the day, we need to ask ourselves: are we still constantly running in circles and getting lost, just as some may experience if they depend on the worldly GPS (“Guna pun sesat” or “Use also can get lost”), or have we learnt to reposition our lives so that we are aligned towards our heavenly GPS (God our Powerful Source/Saviour)?

Monday of Holy Week

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The way the world looks at service and the way God looks at service is quite different. More often than not, a person who serves according to the ways of the world is more interested only in himself or herself. He or she serves to please the boss, superior or certain persons who would be beneficial to him or her. Once the person has gotten what he or she wanted, or achieved one’s goals, the person may start looking elsewhere for power, status, and recognition. Such persons often think that the world is a battlefield, or that it is a dog-eat-dog world, and they could be quite ruthless and would do everything they can to dispose of the competition, or get rid of potential opponents or threats, so that they would remain on course in getting what they want and achieving as much as they can.

In contrast, today’s reading paints quite a different picture of being a servant to God. Such a servant does things not to attract attention to himself or herself, but to glorify God, as the reading tells us: “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights. I have endowed him with my spirit that he may bring true justice to the nations. He does not cry out or shout aloud, or make his voice heard in the streets. He does not break the crushed reed, nor quench the wavering flame. Faithfully he brings true justice; he will neither waver, nor be crushed…” The reading also reminds us that such a servant is chosen and commissioned by God to perform things which are quite in contrast with the ways of the world: “I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right; I have taken you by the hand and formed you; I have appointed you as covenant of the people and light of the nations, ‘to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison, and those who live in darkness from the dungeon.'” Where the world tries to keep us blind so that only certain people would prosper and benefit, such a servant is sent to open the eyes of the blind; where the world imprisons, such a servant sets free; and where the world tries to keep things dark and hidden, such a servant brings to light. Ultimately, the purpose and goal of such a servant is to glorify God.

The question we need to ponder is this: which direction are we heading; are we becoming more and more worldly in our lives and serve ourselves, or have we begun to conform more to the ways of God? While we strive to survive and prosper in this world, let us be cautious not to become too attracted to it’s lurings, at the expense of our eternal goal.

Palm Sunday

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What is our purpose in life? What is it that really matters? Are we looking for recognition and admiration from others on earth, or are we looking to glorify God and to be glorified by God? Life is such that many of us want to be praised; to ‘save face’; to be liked by others around us; to be popular. No one wants to be mocked, made fun of or ridiculed. No one wants to be unpopular or rejected. We want to be seen as the “good guy” or “good girl.”

But the fact is, we cannot always have our cake and eat it. We cannot always be the “good guy” or “good girl” and we cannot please everyone, if we want to follow Jesus. For example, we see a lot of gossipping, politics and in some cases, stealing of items in the office. If we want to be honest and be the “good guy” or “good girl,” instead of following the crowd, we may find ourselves ostracised, or others may think we are queer. By being honest, we may lose business or have less chances to get a raise in salary or a promotion. For those of us studying in school or at university, we may discover that some of our classmates are cheating in exams or bribing certain lecturers or teachers or treating them in a special way (some call this “curry-favouring”), and we may lose out in getting better grades or better treatment as a result of refusing to follow their deeds. By remaining faithful to Jesus, we may find ourselves receiving insults, opposition, ridicule or even threats from others, including our family members and some so-called friends. Some people would think we are naive, stupid, silly or just dumb, and we may not be very popular. Are we ready and prepared to face all these?

This is the reality we face and the choices we need to make. This is the way Jesus took. Instead of conforming to the ways of the world, Jesus chose the Way of the Cross. Instead of self-glory, self-gratification and boosting one’s prestige and ego, Jesus chose humility and servitude. Instead of being first at all cost, Jesus chose to be last. Instead of losing life by gaining everything, Jesus chose to lose everything for the kingdom of God. The way that Jesus chose is described to us in the second reading: “His state was divine, yet Christ Jesus did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross.” If we call ourselves Christians, if we want to follow Jesus, then this too must be our fate. We must be prepared to face insults, opposition, humiliation and even the possibility of death, just as Jesus did. To follow Jesus means we must be prepared to be treated like Jesus, and be a sign of contradiction to the world.

All this may sound quite depressing or discouraging to some. Some may want to give up and say that it is impossible to live in this world and follow Jesus. The fact is, Jesus never promised us an easy life and He never said that following Him is going to be a piece of cake. But for those of us willing to go through what Jesus did and follow Him faithfully, the Lord will be our strength, our support, our guide, and our providence, as Isaiah assures us: “The Lord comes to my help, so that I am untouched by the insults.” Even though Jesus received rejection and humiliation from the hands of men, St. Paul in the second reading tells us that “God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names”. Being glorified by God is far greater, far more lasting, far more satisfying in the long run, and far more important than any insult or rejection we may receive from men.

This Palm Sunday and the many Palm Sundays to come, let us make a commitment to follow Jesus and remain faithful to Him, even when the going gets tough. Let us take up our crosses and follow Jesus, for we know that God will give us a glory more precious and lasting, which we can never find on earth. Are we willing to lose eveything, including our lives on earth for the glory of God? Are we willing to let God lead us to our true and everlasting home?