Category Archives: 25th

Some of us are very activity-centered or task-oriented. It seems as if we cannot sit down for a while, or slow down or wait. We must do this or that; go here or there; or complete this or that. Life can seem quite busy as a bee or hectic. On the other extreme hand, some of us could be procrastinating in our tasks. We sometimes hear complaints of something not being done, or not done properly, or not according to what was expected. What about you? Where do you fit in?

In today’s reading, we are reminded that “There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven.” We are also asked to ponder: “What does a man gain for the efforts that he makes? I contemplate the task that God gives mankind to labour at. All that he does is apt for its time; but though he has permitted man to consider time in its wholeness, man cannot comprehend the work of God from beginning to end.” Indeed, there is a time and place for everything. When we are doing too much, we may end up neglecting other things. When we are doing too little, the task or matter at hand would be delayed or stagnant. Perhaps we need to learn to strike a balance between being and doing. Sometimes we could gain better perception or ideas when we take a step back for a while and let God guide our actions and conduct.

“Do I look alright?” “Hmm… My hair’s in a mess. I need more hairspray.” (Though the hair is actually already well groomed) “Better touch up my lips before we go, just in case.” (Despite the fact that the person had already touched up the lips earlier) “I must buy this moisturiser. Why? I’m worth it!” (As if the moisturiser determines one’s worth) “I’ve got more qualifications than that person! How come I am not getting the position?” “See those trophies? I am the greatest tennis player!” “Hey you! Get out of my way!” (a driver of a big, expensive vehicle intimidating a driver of a small sedan to move aside, by flashing his or her vehicle lights menacingly, or blaring the vehicle horn extensively, so that he or she can speed past) “I’m smarter than you are! See? I have a Doctorate. You are just a diploma holder. You better be good to me or else!” “They better toe the line! I have the support of the entire management!” “I’m the greatest pianist. You’re nowhere near my class!” “Listen pal! I’m older than you and I know better. Do as I tell you!”

Do these sound familiar? Perhaps at some point in our life, we may have heard someone say similar words. Perhaps we ourselves may have said such words. When we hear such words being uttered, how would we respond? Some of us may look at the person with indignation. Perhaps we may try to avoid such persons. But what if we are the ones who are saying such words? Have we ever thought about the consequences of speaking in this way?

In today’s reading, we are reminded: “Vanity of vanities, the Preacher says. Vanity of vanities. Vanity of vanities. All is vanity! For all his toil, his toil under the sun, what does man gain by it?” Vanity is defined as having excessive pride in one’s appearance, qualities, abilities, or achievements; being conceited; thinking that the world centres around oneself. Have we been vain or conceited in one form or another? What do we really gain by being so vain? All these things are temporary. Shouldn’t we be striving more for that which is eternal?

If you were given a choice of being rich or being poor, which would you choose? Some of us may go for being rich, thinking that riches would help us be comfortable and happy. Also, some may say that riches enable them to be without worry. Others may choose to be poor, thinking that poverty enables them to live simple lives, going back to basics and perhaps living off the land. But regardless of whether we choose to be rich or poor, does it really help us spiritually?

In today’s reading, we discover a choice which transcends or goes beyond the need to be rich or poor. In the reading: “keep falsehood and lies far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches, grant me only my share of bread to eat, for fear that surrounded by plenty, I should fall away and say, ‘the Lord – who is the Lord?’ or else, in destitution, take to stealing and profane the name of my God.” Seeking to be rich or seeking to be poor does not satisfy us completely, since either way, our desires will never be fulfilled. As the reading says: “grant me only my share of bread to eat.” We also recite a similar request in the Lord’s Prayer when we say: “Give us this day our daily bread.” In this way, we are contend with what we have each day; there is no need for more or less.

Some people say that blood is thicker than water. They believe that your immediate family members are the ones you can mostly count on or depend on. To a certain extend, this may be true. As children, we depended on our parents for many things: food, shelter, love, education and guidance. When we grew up, we became less dependent on our immediate family members, but the familial bond is still there. However, is familial bond all that matters?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” This shows that to Jesus, familial relationship is not all that matters. What really matters is we hear God’s word and act on it. Jesus is reminding us that if we hear and do God’s will, then we are part of a family relationship which goes beyond just blood-relationship. We become members of God’s family, we become brothers and sisters in Christ. More importantly, we become closer to God our loving father. Do we only want to focus on our relationship here on earth, or are we making more effort to focus on a relationship which is eternal?

What sort of a person do we consider ourselves at this present time? Are we a loving, caring, generous, courteous, respectful, compassionate, or merciful person? Or have we become more and more cold towards others, even to the point of plotting against them? Sometimes, we could be just as guilty if we are indifferent, couldn’t be bothered, aloof, over-demanding or rude towards others. We may not realise it ourselves, but sometimes a good, trustworthy and reliable friend could point out our abilities as well as our shortcomings to us, enabling us to become better people.

In today’s reading, we are reminded to be good examples towards others. But being good examples is not sufficient. We also need to suppliment our being with doing. As some may say, we need to “walk the talk.” Today’s reading cautions us: “Do not emulate the man of violence, never model your conduct on his; for the wilful wrong-doer is abhorrent to the Lord, who confides only in honest men. The Lord’s curse lies on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the virtuous. He mocks those who mock, but accords his favour to the humble.” Let us take a deep, honest look at ourselves. Are we people of peace, bringing love, joy, compassion or mercy to all? Or are we wilfully doing wrong, committing abhorrent or wicked things in one way or another, thinking only of ourselves and ultimately distancing ourselves from God?