Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: 2nd

2nd Sunday of Advent Year C

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There are some among us who have used the words “happiness” and “joy” so often, that the meaning may have become lost in translation. There is actually a huge difference between joy and happiness. You can experience joy without feeling happy, but you can’t experience happiness without being joyful. Happiness is a feeling that changes with the emotions we have in a day, but joy is a constant state of being that we choose. Happiness is an outward expression of a feeling we have inside, while joy is an inward peace and contentment that expresses itself through our responses and reactions. So, though we may be experiencing trials and sufferings in our faith life, we can still experience true or perfect joy, which we also call as Christian joy, since as the second reading tells us, God “who began this good work in you will see that it is finished when the Day of Christ Jesus comes.” It is a joy based on what God can do instead of what we can achieve.

Christian joy is a choice, a decision based on faith and hope, knowing that God will not abandon us, no matter what happens. God did not promise us an easy life, but that He will be with us at all times, and God is faithful to what He has promised. In today’s Gospel, we read the fulfillment of one such promise, where “All mankind shall see the salvation of God.” Jesus is the salvation of God, promised from of old and He is the source of our joy and our hope. If we believe that Jesus is our salvation, then we should remain joyful, and not live lives as if we are defeated or victims of tragedy. Though we may have undergone failure, experienced pain, disappointment, challenges and encountered all sorts of other difficulties or problems, our joy lies in knowing that God has won the victory for us. We may not see the signs of God’s victory at the moment, but it is there. This is God’s promise and He is always faithful.

So we cannot just sit down and sulk or do nothing. We must do our part. We must prepare a way for the Lord, by having a conversion in our lives. St. Paul in the second reading prays that “your love for each other may increase more and more and never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you can always recognise what is best. This will help you to become pure and blameless, and prepare you for the Day of Christ, when you will reach the perfect goodness which Jesus Christ produces in us for the glory and praise of God.” This too should be our prayer. May we grow and become ever more joyful in the Lord, and share this joy with all we meet.

Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Humanly speaking, there are many situations or events which we find difficult to resolve or settle. Some of us may feel as if there is little hope or we feel that we are powerless to change anything or improve the situation. Some of us may resort to other forms of distraction or solace, to try and forget what has taken place. But how should a Christian respond when faced with what some may think are impossible odds?

In today’s Gospel, the disciples were faced with a logistical nightmare, so to speak. Jesus had thrown them a challenge to feed about 5000 men (not including women and children, mind you). With such a crowd, it looked humanly impossible to provide that much food to so many people. This led Jesus’ disciples to respond in this way: “Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would only buy enough to give them a small piece each.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?'” But what did Jesus do? He did not embarrass His disciples or leave them to deal with such a situation on their own. Instead, Jesus performed a tremendous miracle, feeding so many people with what was initially perceived as so few resources.

If Jesus could perform such miracles against the odds, just imagine what sort of miracles He has performed and will perform for us today. Sometimes we just need to have a little bit more faith in Jesus, seek His help and guidance consistently, earnestly and patiently, and let Him do wonders for us according to His terms and His time.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Have you experienced extreme anger or even rage before? There are many reasons why a person may experience such extreme anger or even rage, but one reason that is especially difficult is when a person is confronted with the truth or exposed for who he or she really is. In reaction to facing the truth or being exposed, such persons may resort to extreme anger or even rage to try and cover up, or divert attention with the hope that people would become confused or afraid to pursue the matter further, or in some cases such persons may even resort to greater crimes to get rid of any evidence, witnesses or any other means, thinking that by doing so, they would not be exposed further or “lose face.” But the fact is, the truth will prevail, and the truth will come back to haunt such persons in one way or another at a different time.

This reaction of extreme anger or rage was evident among the officials, members of the Sanhedrin and the high priest in today’s reading. They knew that what the apostles were preaching about Jesus and about what these people had done is the truth. But due to their pride, their arrogance, their refusal to admit their wrongdoing, their determination to “save face” and because they were more interested in preserving their status quo, these officials, members of the Sanhedrin and the high priest became so infuriated when confronted with the truth that they wanted to put the apostles to death. But these apostles remained unflinched in their commitment to the truth and even said: “Obedience to God comes before obedience to men.” The apostles were prepared to die rather than keep quiet or hide the truth, since it is a duty and a privilege to preach the Good News to all.

What about us? Are we more interested in saving our skin and keeping quiet, even though it is obvious that the truth must be known? Who are we trying to serve? Do we value only things here on earth, or are we willing to sacrifice even our lives, so that we would gain eternal rewards?

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Some of us are afraid of the dark. Before we enter a dark room or a dark place, we would turn on the lights or if we have a torch, we would switch it on. Even in ancient times, people would light a fire near the entrance of their cave or house to deter wild animals or other unwanted beings from approaching. Light gives us some assurance and comfort that we would be safe and somewhat protected from possible dangers ahead. However, there are some who prefer darkness, because it is in darkness that they could go about doing naughty things or despicable acts.

In today’s Gospel, we read: “though the light has come into the world men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed; but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.” If we are doing what is right in the eyes of God, then we have no reason to fear. But if we choose to be evil and corrupt in our words and deeds, then we would find ways and means to remain dark in God’s presence. The question is: how long can we run and hide from the truth? Let us be reminded that “God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.” God is inviting us to come to the light and come closer to Him. It is up to us to choose whether we want eternal happiness or eternal ruin.

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Some of us seem to live a life where only our needs, our wants and our expectations matter. We try to achieve wealth, fame, power, popularity and recognition for ourselves. Sometimes in our pursuit for such things, we may have become ruthless or cold in our relationship with others, and some may even resort to different forms of intimidation or tactics to eliminate the competition. “What’s in it for me?” or “What do I gain from this?” are some of the questions some may ask when asked to help or offer assistance to others. But is such an attitude or way of life compatible to being a Christian? What sort of attitude or way of life should a Christian have?

In today’s reading, we are told about the early Christian community and the sort of attitude and way of life they lived: “The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common. None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any members who might be in need.” While living such a life style, way of life, or attitude may seem quite challenging these days, we need to ask ourselves: do we really care about others sincerely and with concern and charity? Or have we become so engrossed with the world and with ourselves, that the individual and individualistic ways have taken over our lives and our values? Are we united with our Christian community, or have we become loners, only thinking about ourselves and our needs?

Let us be mindful that people take notice of what it means to be a Christian by the way we witness to others in our community. May we be examples and not stumbling blocks of what it means to be Jesus’ witnesses, so that others may know we are Christians by our love.

Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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When we are faced with persecution or difficult situations, what do we do? Some of us may resort to prayer, and when we pray, what do we say? Some of us may ask God to free us from our persecutors or difficulties experienced, some of us may ask God to change the hearts and minds of those who persecute us or cause us difficulties, but how should we pray to God?

In today’s reading, the community of believers had heard from Peter and John what the chief priests and elders had said. When the community prayed, they asked God to “take note of their threats and help your servants to proclaim your message with all boldness, by stretching out your hand to heal and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” By praying in this way, the community of believers were not asking God to get rid of their enemies, or deliver them from persecution or difficulties. Instead, the community asked God to help them be bold in preaching and healing, so that God would ultimately be glorified.

What about us? Have we been praying for God’s help so that we could be courageous and determined to preach the Good News? Have we offered ourselves totally to God, so that in all we do, God will be glorified? Let us not be afraid or discouraged, but be bold in our efforts, for God will not abandon us.

2nd Sunday of Easter Year B

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What sort of way of life are you living as a Christian? What sort of lifestyle should a Christian be living? Some of us think that being a Christian means keeping God’s commandments, going to church, avoiding temptations or occasions of sin, praying regularly or even reading the bible consistently. But are these the only sort of lifestyle a Christian should have? Many of the things we do as Christians may seem fine, but what Jesus is trying to tell us in today’s readings is that our lifestyle as a Christian cannot be confined only to between us and God, we cannot live on our own island or in isolation, but we are called to witness our faith in a community and as a community. How we live our lives in community will show others what it means to be a true believer and a witness of Christ to the world.

If we look at the first reading, we discover that the early Christian community “was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common.” The benefit, good, and needs of the community were more important than personal needs or wants. This was how they showed others the meaning of being a Christian, by living as a community instead of living on their own, isolated and separated from anyone and everyone. Are we living as a united community in heart and soul at our church, and even at our housing area? Do we care about the needs of others before our own? Or have we grown more and more individualistic, only thinking about ourselves and keeping to ourselves? If we refuse to live as a community, if we prefer to mind our own business and ignore others, if we are only concerned about ourselves and perhaps those dear to us, then what sort of Christian witnessing are we showing to others?

Some of us may be thinking or even complaining: “But living as a community is hard! Some people can be so difficult to please. I get hurt with the remarks of others or even the back-biting or politicking that is going around!” The fact is, living in a community is never easy, since we are not dealing with robots, saints or angels here, but with different types of people. Jesus did not assure us that living as a community was going to be a piece of cake or a walk in the park. But what did Jesus say to the disciples in today’s Gospel? He said: “Peace be with you.” Despite the difficulties and challenges in living as a community we may face, Jesus assures us His peace. Peace does not mean that there would be no conflict or that we must agree on everything. Peace means recognising that the risen Lord is in our midst, and knowing that Jesus is present in the community, even though we face difficulties, problems, unhappiness and conflicts. Jesus did not solve all our problems and conflicts we may face in the community. Rather, Jesus gave us something better, that is the power, the ability and the opportunity to forgive. In the Gospel, Jesus breathed his Spirit on his disciples and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.” When we put on Christ, if we consider ourselves followers of Christ, then we should learn to love and forgive others just as He has done the same for all of us. Forgiveness is necessary because we do not live in a perfect community and also because we too are still not perfect.

Today, let us renew our commitment to be Jesus’ witnesses to the world. Let us learn to do our part to help our community grow into a loving and forgiving community, the kind of community which is united in love as followers of Jesus, and united in love for others around us. It is in this way that others will know we are Christians by our love.

Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent

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Let us consider for a moment… Is there anything in this world that we really own? Do we have sole, complete and eternal rights to things, persons and ideas? Some of us may think that we have total rights and total control over such things, persons and ideas, and we become quite possessive towards them, but do we really have such total rights and total control? When we die or are one day incapable of controlling such things, persons and ideas due to some sickness or due to some other reason, what would happen then?

In today’s Gospel, we come across a parable of a vineyard. In this parable, Jesus was actually talking about the scribes and Pharisees. The owner of the vineyard is God, who is ever so patient, merciful and kind, giving the scribes and Pharisees plenty of opportunities to change and walk in His ways. But the scribes and Pharisees became quite possessive with their way of thinking and to them, only their way of rituals, sacrifices and other observances of their version of God’s law would enable themselves and those who followed them to grow closer to God. Prophets were sent to try and change the attitude and behaviour of the scribes and Pharisees, but thy remained obstinate, refused to listen or change, and got rid of the prophets. Jesus is the son the land owner had sent, but the scribes and Pharisees once again refused to listen or change, and even plotted to get rid of Him. Ultimately, Jesus gave the scribes and Pharisees a stern warning that they would not only meet their wretched end like the tenants in the parable, Jesus even added: “I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”

What about us? Have we been like the scribes and Pharisees in one way or another? Have we been having “holier than thou” attitudes or become quite possessive with our position in church, possessive with our families and friends, or even tried to be possesive with God? Let us be reminded that our time here on earth is short, and make every effort to change our minds and hearts, so that we may produce good fruit and glorify God.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent

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There are some people in this world who think that riches is a blessing from God.  They begin to think that just because they are rich or someone is rich, they or that someone can do whatever they like and possibly get away with it. For example, we have come across people who are rich in material wealth and property, and think that they can buy their way to privileges and perks, or they think they are entitled to certain benefits reserved only for those who have the means. Some even become conceited and boastful, thinking that money, wealth and property are all that matters. So does this mean that being rich is wrong or sinful? No. It depends on one’s attitude and behaviour, since we do come across people who are rich, but they live lives quite detached from the riches they have. In fact, some of these rich people use their riches not for themselves, but for charity and the benefit of mankind. Some even end up penniless at the end of their lives, because they had used up their riches to be of service to others less fortunate. If you are wealthy, what sort of person have you become?

In today’s Gospel, we come across the story of Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man ended up in Hades not because he was a rich man per se, but because of his attitude or behaviour. The rich man was rich only for himself, since as the Gospel tells us, he: “used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.” He knew that Lazarus was there, but he refused to take notice, he was only concerned about himself, and he did not lift a finger or at the very least get someone to help Lazarus out. After all, the rich man was enjoying himself to the fullest, and he did not want to have anything to do with others. It is only when the rich man ended up in Hades that he realised his folly, but by then it is too late.

What about us? Have we become like the rich man in one way or another? We may have wealth, some of us may be rich in other ways, such as riches in intellect, riches in talent, riches in abilities, but are we keeping such riches only for ourselves? Let us not become complacent, indifferent or have a “tidak apa” or “tidak peduli” attitude (roughly translated from Malay as “don’t care” or “doesn’t matter to me” attitude), but use our “riches” for the greater glory of God.

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Lent

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What do you look for in life? Some of us may be looking for riches, wealth and financial security. Some may be looking for continuous happiness with family and friends. Some may look for titles, recognition and power. Some may look for popularity among peers. But what about you? What are you really looking for?

In today’s Gospel, we come across the mother of Zebedee’s sons coming to Jesus and asking Jesus to give her two sons important positions in heaven. These two brothers were looking for power and prestige, even in heaven. It seems strange that these two did not ask Jesus themselves and got their mother involved, but if we consider for a moment their actions, we can understand why they did so, since some of us would do the same. What they did could be called a form of “intercessory syndrome,” where a person feels more comfortable to ask another to ask the authority or important person instead of asking themselves. Some of us do the same by asking our father or mother to ask the other parent, instead of asking the other parent directly. In the same way, some of us do the same by preferring to ask Mother Mary instead of asking God or Jesus directly.

But Jesus response to their request is a lesson in service and humility. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us: “You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” To be great is to be a humble servant to all. This is quite in contrast with what the world thinks of greatness, and if we call ourselves disciples of Jesus, then we need to learn to shed away the ways of the world and put on the ways of Christ. May we learn to walk humbly before our loving God and let Him be our guide.