Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: 6th

6th Sunday of Easter Year B

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Among the different religions in the world, one thing which makes Christianity different is that love is part of being a Christian, and being a Christian mean one needs to love. In other words, love is part and parcel of being a Christian.

But what does it mean to love as a Christian? In the second reading, St. John reminds us: “My dear people, let us love one another since love comes from God and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Anyone who fails to love can never have known God, because God is love.” Not many of us realise the implications of what love means. Some of us think that we are loving the way God loves us, but actually more often than not, our love has got strings attached. Our love tends to be a selfish love, a “what’s in it for me” love, or a love with conditions attached.

We are capable of loving the way God loves us only because we know and remember how much God loved us. Before we can begin to learn to love as Jesus did, we must be aware of how much we are loved by God. Love is never easy and is something we constantly struggle to do. But we need to remember that love isn’t about liking or disliking someone. Love is a decision, a choice and a commitment. We can decide and commit ourselves to love someone, even when we do not like that person. That’s love. This is possible only if we are reminded of how God loves us even when our love for him is not perfect and regardless of who we are. As Peter came to realise in the first reading: “The truth I have now come to realise is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.” God accepts and loves all of us, He does not love selectively as some of us may do.

Loving others is only possible when we remain in Christ’s love, and we can remain in Christ’s love when we keep his commandments. Today, Jesus reminds us in the Gospel: “This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.” Let us thus set aside our pride, our ego, and our prejudices, and truly love the way God loves us, so that Jesus’ own joy may be in us, and our joy be complete.

Tuesday of Week 6 Year 1

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Yeast is a useful substance which enables bread to expand and rise, making the bread more pleasing to look at and eat once baked. A little yeast can cause a small lump of dough to become a much larger loaf. Just a little of it affects everything. In today’s Gospel, Jesus warned us of a “yeast” that was both religious and political which we should be on our guard against. This “yeast” could be translated as “attitude”; and the “attitude” or “yeast” of the Pharisees and the “attitude” or “yeast”of Herod could corrupt one’s whole “attitude” as a Christian.

The problem with the Pharisees is not that they were bad people, but they tended to think only those like them had any value in the sight of God. The yeast of the Pharisees is narrow-minded religious exclusivism. It is an attitude that says only those who believe and behave like us are saved, everyone else is damned or are of no consequence. The yeast of the Pharisees makes people more concerned about who is ‘in’ and who is ‘out’ instead of doing the will of God. It makes people continually compare themselves over others and makes them think that they are ok and everyone else is not.

The “yeast” of Herod, on the other hand, is the exact opposite of the Pharisees. Herod was a friend with the Romans since it was the Romans who kept him in power. For him, the important thing was to keep the status quo as it was, since it favoured him. Herod was prepared to make any number of accommodations, and was prepared to water down the Jewish faith to suit his purposes. Herod was only interested in preserving His political power, and was not the least bit interested in doing the will of God.

What about us? Have we been corrupted or infected with the “yeast” of the Pharisees and the “yeast” of Herod? Have we been behaving as religious extremists, thinking that our beliefs and way of doing things is the only way and everyone else who does not follow our way to the minute detail are condemned to hell? Or have we become so worldly in our behaviour and conduct, only interested in protecting our power, position and prestige, and watering down our faith or even totally ignoring the ways of God? When we allow ourselves to be infected with such “yeast”, either by falling into the “yeast” of the Pharisees, or by falling into the “yeast” of Herod, we would have lost the true meaning of being a Christian, since our focus is no longer in doing the will of God and doing all for the greater glory of God, but our focus has become one of personal gratification and personal glorification.

Monday of Week 6 Year 1

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When we offer our services or talents to others, do we expect something in return? Some of us may expect others to be grateful to us; some of us may expect others to be nice to us or treat us favourably in return (like a “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” mentality); some of us may begin to feel proud, thinking that our ability to offer such services or talents is due to our own effort or our own capabilities. But what if we do not get a favourable response or the kind of response we expect from the other person; or the other person seems not grateful or thankful to us, or the other person does not respond in any way whatsoever? Would we become angry, upset, or fed up towards others? Or would we be humble enough to offer all we have done to God and give Him the glory?

In today’s reading, we come across two brothers, Cain and Abel. The reading tells us: “The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering. But he did not look with favour on Cain and his offering, and Cain was very angry and downcast. The Lord asked Cain, ‘‘Why are you angry and downcast? If you are well disposed, ought you not to lift up your head? But if you are ill disposed, is not sin at the door like a crouching beast hungering for you, which you must master?'” Cain was angry and jealous because his brother Abel had received the Lord’s favour. As a result, in a fit of rage, Cain killed Abel and tried to cover up the deed or pretend he did not know anything about it. But as we know, we can run but we cannot hide; we can pretend but God sees and knows all we have done, even if we have been able to prevent others from knowing the truth. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: are we offering our gifts, our services or talents for the glory of God and to build His Kingdom? Or are we doing things just to please others, to show off, to look good, and possibly for our own personal gratification and to build our own kingdom?

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

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What does it mean to be treated as an outcast or to be ostracised from society? Have you ever experienced being treated as an outcast, ostracised or excluded from a group, a community or even from society? Many of us may have had the privilege of not having to experience such a thing, but there are some who go through this ordeal daily. Such people are treated this way due to a number of reasons: a person could have committed a crime so heinous or horrible that the person is locked away from others for the so called good of society; or a person could be infected with an extremely contagious or dangerous disease, that it is safer and better for such a person to be separated from others to avoid any further infection to others around the person or even to avoid an epidemic. One such disease which could cause a person to be ostracised is leprosy.

Most of us yearn for a good, happy and healthy relationship and companionship with our friends, our family and our loved ones. However, if one is stricken with leprosy, such a relationship and companionship may not be possible so long as the disease is still existing with the person. Leprosy is curable with the help of modern medicine, and people infected with the disease and are on proper medication could live a normal lifestyle. However, lepers in ancient times, including those during the time of Jesus, were not so lucky. Fear and prejudice led them to being treated with contempt and scorn as some people wrongly thought that they had become lepers because they had committed some great sin. Some lepers may even have felt isolated from God as they could not attend the synagogue services or visit the Temple at Jerusalem. Thus, the only company that they would have had would have been with other lepers.

The leper in today’s Gospel could have felt tremendous emotional and physical pain due to his condition. He would have had to live away from others, as the first reading tells us: “The man is leprous: he is unclean. The priest must declare him unclean; he is suffering from leprosy of the head. A man infected with leprosy must wear his clothing torn and his hair disordered; he must shield his upper lip and cry, “Unclean, unclean.” As long as the disease lasts he must be unclean; and therefore he must live apart: he must live outside the camp.” Can you imagine being called “unclean”? What a demeaning or insulting title! But that was what this leper had to go through. In desperation, he hoped that Jesus would cure him and release him from his predicament. And that is exactly what Jesus did; He cured the leper and gave him back his freedom: the man could come out of his isolation and be reunited with his loved ones and with society. The cured man could have been so delighted and excited about being cured, that he defied Jesus’ stern order: “Mind you say nothing to anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest, and make the offering for your healing prescribed by Moses as evidence of your recovery.” Instead, he started telling everyone about Jesus.

Today, we have many “lepers” in our midst. Do we know who they are? Have we thought about how we can bring Jesus’ healing presence to them? These “lepers” may not necessarily be suffering from leprosy, but they may be suffering a similar fate like lepers because of a number of reasons: they could be isolated, lonely and confined to their homes due to sickness or old age; they could be rejected by society due to prejudice and fear because they are suffering from some infectious disease or from some perceive as a dangerous and contagious disease or even from AIDS; they could have isolated themselves because of grief or poor self-esteem; or they could be migrants or even others suffering from ridicule or isolation due to language difficulties, prejudice and poverty. As Christians, we need to come out of our comfort zones, our pride and prejudice, and our fear, and reach out to these many “lepers” around us. Let us bring Jesus to them, and do our part in showing them God’s compassion, love, and mercy.

Friday of the 6th Week of Easter

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When we are faced with difficulties, challenges, persecution, or even the possibility of being put to death, would we be able to be steadfast in our faith and continue to trust in God’s providence? Giving up or running away seems like a tempting option, but today’s reading should be a reminder to us that God is on our side and watching out for us: “Do not be afraid to speak out, nor allow yourself to be silenced: I am with you. I have so many people on my side in this city that no one will even attempt to hurt you.” If God can protect and care for Paul, surely He can do the same for us.

Even Gallio who was proconsul of Achaia refused to get involved with petty things the Jews were coming up against Paul. Here, we can clearly see the envy and jealousy the Jews had towards Paul. Jealousy and envy can cause us to commit great sins and in our blindness, we may even do stupid things. Let us be on our guard against falling into the trap the Jews were in, and continue our efforts and vigour to proclaim the Good News. As the Letter to the Romans remind us: “If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)”

Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter

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Understanding our faith, what we believe in, is not something we can fully comprehend or accept all in one go. Sometimes we need time to slowly digest what we have heard, what we have learnt. Other times, we need to trust and believe, since not everything can be fully explained or understood.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you now. But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking as from himself but will say only what he has learnt; and he will tell you of the things to come.” The Spirit of truth is with us, from the time we were baptised and confirmed. The question is: are we patient and persistent enough to let the Spirit guide us? Are we humble enough to trust and believe, even when something seems difficult to accept or comprehend? Let us open our minds and hearts happily and willingly, and let the Spirit lead us.

Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter

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Each of us (especially those who were baptised as adults) would have had some sort of conversion story. Some stories could be spectacular, others may sound nothing out of the ordinary. However, a conversion story is nevertheless still a grace from God and an opportunity for all to give praise and thanks for God’s love and mercy. Sometimes a conversion story could inspire others who have not been baptised to seriously consider doing so; and also strengthen the resolve and conviction of those already baptised.

In today’s reading, the gaoler had an amazing conversion story. We read: “Late that night Paul and Silas were praying and singing God’s praises, while the other prisoners listened. Suddenly there was an earthquake that shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the gaoler woke and saw the doors wide open he drew his sword and was about to commit suicide, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted at the top of his voice, ‘Don’t do yourself any harm; we are all here.’ The gaoler called for lights, then rushed in, threw himself trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, and escorted them out, saying, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” What could have turned out to be the gaoler’s untimely death due to suicide, was transformed into a death to his old self and a birth to his new self. The gaoler and all his household were baptised. What an amazing turn of events!

Do we still remember our conversion story and continue to remain in our new selves? Or have we slacken and gradually returned to our old selves? At our baptism, we were enthusiatic and excited to become a child of God, a new creation. Let us not wane in such gusto and enthusiasm.

Monday of the 6th Week of Easter

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As witnesses of Christ, we often face lots of challenges, hardships, difficulties and even dangerous situations. Some of us may find the obstacles too much to handle and may be tempted to give up. Humanly speaking, it is not easy for us to hold on for a long time. However, with God’s help and continuous guidance, we will be able to persevere.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures us that He is sending the Advocate (Holy Spirit) to us from the Father. Jesus says: “When the Advocate comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father, he will be my witness. And you too will be witnesses, because you have been with me from the outset. I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken…” With the Advocate protecting us, there is no reason for us to fear or take flight. So, let us take courage and continue sharing the Good News, knowing that God will be with us all the way.

6th Sunday of Easter Year A

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Supposing one day you receive a letter and in that letter you discover that you had won a prize for a competition you had participated and had forgotten about. How would you feel? Surely you would want to tell your family members and close friends. Or supposing you are a woman and you have been trying for quite a while to conceive, and one fine day you do a pregnancy test and discover that the result is positive, and later confirm the result with the doctor. What would your reaction be? Surely you can’t wait to share the joy with your husband and loved ones.

Good news is not meant to be kept to ourselves. Often we would be happy and eager to share good news with others and invite them to rejoice with us. But what about the Good News of Jesus Christ? All of us, regardless whether we are priests, religious, or lay people, are called and sent forth to preach the Good News. In today’s first reading, we see how Philip took action and went to Samaria to preach the Good News, while working many miracles there. As a result, “the people united in welcoming the message Philip preached, either because they had heard of the miracles he worked or because they saw them for themselves.” In today’s second reading, we are are reminded to “always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience…”

The question is this: Are we eager and gung-ho in going forth to preach the Good News? Are we not aware that we should be missionaries of Christ wherever we are and in whatever circumstances we are in? Do we expect only certain folks like our religious and priests to do the work and we take things easy? Being Christian is certainly not easy, and preaching the Good News is also not so easy or straightforward. We may face many obstacles and suffering. However, let us trust in God’s help and as the second reading tells us: “if anyone of you should suffer for being a Christian, then he is not to be ashamed of it; he should thank God that he has been called one.” Are you happy and proud to be a Chrisian, and full of zeal to go forth and preach the Good News?

Friday of Week 6 Year 2

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Whenever we sing the hymn “They will know we are Christians,” I wonder whether we are fully aware of what we are singing. Sometimes we sing without realising the meaning or implications of the song. We get carried away with the melody, but do we mean what we sing?

In today’s reading, we are reminded that “Faith is like that: if good works do not go with it, it is quite dead.” Also, the reading tells us that “A body dies when it is separated from the spirit, and in the same way faith is dead if it is separated from good deeds.” We say that we have faith; we believe in God; we recite the creed every Sunday; we call ourselves Christians; but is our faith merely words? Is our faith all talk but no or little action? Let us show our faith by the way we behave; the way we live; the way we love others, regardless of who they are or whether they are our family, friends, or even those who are against us; then only would people “know we are Christians by our love.”