Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: 10th

Wednesday of Week 10 Year 1

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From time to time, we come across people who claim to have received some great revelation from God and they begin to preach their own version of the Good News. Quite often, such people would preach the Good News to their advantage or benefit, and we have seen several instances where such people would embezzle wealth and property, and then make a disapperance after they have gotten what they wanted.

In today’s Gospel: “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.'” This shows that Jesus was not changing or customising the Law or the Prophets by offering new material. Rather, Jesus was helping his disciples and us too to return to the original meaning of the Law and the Prophets, since the original meaning had been diluted and interpreted to suit the scribes and the Pharisees. In the same way, we too are reminded to faithful in preaching the Good News by teaching what Jesus taught, and not bring in our own interpretation or opinion.

Tuesday of Week 10 Year 1

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Throughout our lives, we would have used the words “yes” and “no” several times. Sometimes both words are used quite a bit in a day. We may say “yes” when the circumstances befits us or provides us with some benefit or advantage. However, saying “yes” does not necessarily mean we are in agreement or we are happy, because sometimes we say “yes” out of peer pressure, or to save one’s skin, or to fit in with the crowd. Thus, our “yes” may not always bring us peace and happiness.

However, there is a “yes” which is more satisfying and uplifting which we can never find on earth. That “yes” is from God and in God. Today’s reading tells us: “with Him (Jesus) it was always Yes, and however many the promises God made, the Yes to them all is in him. That is why it is ‘through him’ that we answer Amen to the praise of God. Remember it is God himself who assures us all, and you, of our standing in Christ, and has anointed us, marking us with his seal and giving us the pledge, the Spirit, that we carry in our hearts.” At our baptism, we said “YES” to Jesus, and we received the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us throughout our lives. As we continue to say “YES” to Jesus, we are assured by Him and there is no need for us worry or fear of anything else. Let us thus joyfully, consistently and confidently say “YES” to Jesus, for it is in Him that we can find true joy, happiness and peace.

Monday of Week 10 Year 1

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Whenever we are faced with difficulties, challenges in life, or even persecution, what do we do? Some may try to isolate themselves and lick their wounds, some may think that God has abandoned them and allow such things to take place. But if we consider for a moment, what should a Christian response be in the face of such difficulties, challenges or persecution?

In today’s Gospel, our response to difficulties, challenges and persecution should be one of happiness. Some may wonder, are we being crazy or weird for being happy in such matters? Actually, it is a matter of perspective and purpose. Being happy, as described in the Gospel, is not because we are being gratified or exalted or even having an ego boost. Instead, being happy is when we have the opportunity to glorify God in all we do, including when we are facing difficulties, challenges and persecution, since we are being witnesses to the Good News. Let us therefore take courage, knowing that our happiness is in the Lord, and He will guide us and reward us for our faithfulness and love.

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?

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?