Category Archives: 3rd

When some of us do something wrong, we may try to sweep it under the carpet, or try to create a ruckus or distraction so that the initial wrong committed may hopefully be forgotten. Some of us may even try to destroy the evidence of our initial wrongdoing. hoping that no one would be able to discover and use such evidence against us. Today’s reading shows us an example of trying to hide or destroy the evidence of wrongdoing. King David had committed sin by sleeping with another man’s wife, causing Bathsheba to become pregnant. Then he tried to hide the evidence by encouraging Uriah to go home and spend some time with his wife Bathsheba, hoping that Uriah would later think that the pregnancy was caused by him. When that failed, David got rid of Uriah instead.

If we look at today’s reading carefully, we can begin to discover that when we sin, we may end up committing greater sin while trying to cover up the initial sin. Why are we so afraid, when we have a loving and merciful God, who is willing to forgive us if we are truly repentant and seek forgiveness? It seems silly for us to try to hide or destroy the evidence, as we cannot hide from God. Let us take courage and confess our sins, instead of trying to hide and get ourselves into more trouble.

Many of us have got some form of skill, talent or know-how which could be put to good use, especially in building God’s Kingdom. Some are happy and willing to offer their abilities. However, there are some who seem to be stingy or unwilling to do so. Why is this so? There are many reasons. For some, they feel shy or inadequate, even though they really are competent and good. Some refuse to help because of pride or stubbornness, only wanting things done their way or no way. Others feel they have been hurt or angered by other faithful or even a priest, and they have been unable to find it in their hearts to forgive and move on.

While we empathise with such people, we should also take heed of the warning today’s Gospel tells us. Today’s Gospel reminds us that we are all called to be lamps to be put on a lamp-stand for all to see, not to be hidden. Also, we are reminded that: “The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” We ought to utilise our abilities for the glory of God, because if we don’t, we may in time lose such abilities. Are we wasting away our abilities for our own selfish pursuits? Or have we been humble enough to offer our abilities to God? Let us remember that God is patient and generous to us and He will reward us more than we can imagine.

How generous are we towards others? How generous are we in our time and wealth towards charitable pursuits? How generous are we in our time and wealth towards the church and church activities? Sometimes we ask so much from others and from the church, but how much do we happily and willingly offer in return? I remember some parishioners coming to me, saying, “Father, the weather is so hot. Why not we air-con the church?” I reminded them that it is easy to air-con the church, but are they willing to be generous in helping pay for the maintenance, electricity bill, etc to keep the air-cons functional? When confronted with such a response, many of these folks merely smiled and dropped the matter. Seems to me like there are some people who are more than willing to make suggestions, but are less willing to make these suggestions materialise.

In today’s reading, we see how king David wanted to build a house for God. Perhaps he felt it was not proper or fitting to let the presence of God remain in a tent. Perhaps he may have felt a little guilty or uncomfortable. But whatever reason he may have, God was even more generous than king David. God assured king David that his house and sovereignty will always stand secure before Him and his throne be established for ever. There seems to be no limit to God’s love and generosity. The question is: are we willing to be generous to others just as God was generous to king David and to us? Are we so calculative towards our time and wealth, or have we learnt to care and share generously?

When we read today’s Gospel, some of us may take offence with what Jesus said. Some of us may say that Jesus seems to be “kurang ajar” or impolite or even arrogant towards his family members, whether immediate or extended. However, the point of the Gospel passage is not to belittle Jesus or to show His negative side. The point of this passage is to remind us that our relationship with God and with Jesus should go beyond familial or blood relationship. We are related, associated or connected to Jesus when we do the will of God. This means that it is not enough to merely have blood relations with Jesus. Anyone can say that they know Jesus or they are adopted sons or daughters of God. But that is not enough, they should also “walk the talk” and show their relations with Jesus through their good works and exemplary lives.

Are we doing the will of God? Sometimes some of us may be carried away, thinking that being adopted children of God is sufficient. However, as James reminds us in his letter: “Faith Without Works Is Dead (James 2:14-26).” Let us not be complacent and do our part in building God’s Kingdom.

When we depend on God in whatever we do, we know that He will guide and help us. We see this happening in today’s reading. When David was anointed king, not everyone was excited or supportive about him being king. The Jebusites did not accept David as king and even dared to say: “You will not get in here. The blind and the lame will hold you off. (That is to say: David will never get in here.)” But David captured the fortress of Zion, and he did so not on his own accord, but because “the Lord, the God of Hosts, was with him.”

Sometimes we try to depend on our own strength and abilities to accomplish something. At times, our efforts may not bear the kind of results we hope for. However, as king David has shown us, we can accomplish greater things if we are humble and patient enough to seek God’s help. Are we still refusing to let God be our dependable guide?