Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Advent

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent

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When our parents give us some chores or some task, would we do it willingly, or would we do it grudgingly, or would we pretend to not hear and not do the chore or task? What if God were to give us some chore or task, what would our response be? Sometimes, we come across people who do a task because they expect to gain something out of it. How many of us would do a chore or task without expecting anything in return? How many of us would do a chore or task simply to glorify God?

In today’s Gospel, we come across two brothers who were asked by their father to go and work in the vineyard. The first boy was at first reluctant to go, but later chose to go. The second boy perhaps tried to sound good and please his father by saying that he would go, but he may have said it thinking that it would make his father happy with his response, but in his heart, he had no intention whatsoever of going. Which of these two brothers would we identify with?

Ultimately, saying is one thing, but doing is a different matter altogether. Words are easy and cheap but meaningless if no action is taken. Let us consider the words we utter, and be genuine not only in what we say, but also in carrying out what we say for the greater glory of God.

17 December – Season of Advent

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Among the many types and choices of food in Malaysia, one delicacy which is quite popular among the many ethnic groups in Malaysia is rojak. Rojak is a mixture of ingredients with sauce and other condiments or spices similar to salad in the West, but it has quite a different taste and texture compared to what the West considers as salad. Moreover, each ethnic group in Malaysia would have a different form and taste of rojak. The rojak made by the Malay ethnic group is quite different compared to that made by the Chinese or Indian ethnic groups, but regardless of which ethnic group one belongs to, rojak is loved by all (especially if the ingredients in the rojak can be consumed by all without any religious prohibition specific to certain ethnic groups).

In today’s Gospel, we see the geneology or ancestry of Jesus. At a glance, we see all sorts of people, some good, some not so good, some rich, some poor, some powerful, some who are peasants, a sort of big bowl of rojak, so to speak. But regardless of who and what sort of person mentioned, one thing is clear: God uses all sorts of people to work wonders and to show His saving love for us. The Gospel reminds us that each and every one of us are like different ingredients or flavours in a rojak bowl (making the rojak yummylicious and shockalingamly tasty), and we have a role to play in God’s plan of salvation, no matter how big, small, important or insignificant that role may be. May we be humble, open and willing enough to be mixed in God’s rojak bowl, so that we can do our part for His greater glory.

Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent

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Every once in a while, we hear of people putting their foot in their mouth by trying to act smart and end up saying something foolish or stupid. When we are so full of ourselves, when we think we know it all, when we look down at others, we may sometimes try to show off our so-called superiority, only to be shot down or humbled, especially when we are cornered with a response which we are unable to counter. Some are even so thick-skinned that even when they have been proven wrong, their minds have been so conditioned to think that they are still right and everyone else is wrong, no matter how silly or absurd their arguments may be.

Today’s Gospel gives us an example of some people who have put their foot in their mouth. These people who are known as the chief priests and elders of the people knew very well who Jesus was and also who John the Baptist was, but they were unable and unwilling to admit and change their ways. Instead, they had the gall to ask Jesus: “What authority have you for acting like this? And who gave you this authority?” As a result, Jesus shot back a question to them which left them cornered and unable to answer. They knew what the answer was, since they could still “argue it out this way among themselves”, but pride had infested into them and they were stubbornly refusing to admit the truth.

In some cases, we too may have inadvertently put our foot in our mouth, especially when we lack humility and a willingness to admit our mistakes. At the end, we may only cause ourselves to look foolish, and we may even lose our status or credibility. Are we willing and able to walk humbly before our God, and let Him change our lives, our behaviour and our attitudes, or are we still stubborn and adamant in remaining as we are?

3rd Sunday of Advent Year B

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How much joy is there in our hearts? Are we a joyful people, or have we become so preoccupied with so many things that we have become less and less joyful? Sometimes the way we have lived our lives or the circumstances around us, either through our own doing, or through other factors, could cause us to become weary and our joy may be diminished. But as Christians, how do we remain joyful? How do we continue to radiate joy and hope in the Lord?

Today’s readings remind us of the joy we should continuously radiate. From the first reading, we are reminded that “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me.” When you have the spirit of the Lord, there is no reason to fear, to be anxious, or to be insecure. Instead, we should be joyful, as the reading tells us: “I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation, he has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity.” Likewise, the second reading echoes the need for us to remain joyful: “Be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God, because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus.” Why should we continue to be joyful? Because, as the reading assures us, “God has called you and he will not fail you.”

Our life here is too short to be tainted or saddled with worries or fear. God has assured us of His love and care, if we are willing to open our minds and hearts and let Him take control. Let us hold on to what is good and avoid every form of evil, and let us share the joy God has given us to all.

Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent

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Growing in relationship with God requires us to be in tune with the will of God. We need to get involved and do our part. Some of us may have thought that we could become closer to God by praying all the time, but we neglect in being loving and charitable to others. On the other hand, some do a lot of charitable deeds, but they do not pray or spend time listening to God’s promptings. These people may appear to be good and generous in what they do, but sometimes it may be done for personal gratification and not to glorify God. In other words, we need to learn to dance to God’s tune by doing His will, not ours.

In today’s Gospel, we read of Jesus commenting that the people of His generation knows how to criticise John the Baptist and Himself, but they wouldn’t dance to pipes nor mourn to dirges. They were not wise enough to see that John the Baptist and Jesus were trying to teach them a tune for their salvation. This is because these people wanted to dance to their own tune, instead of dancing to God’s tune by doing His will. Some of us may be like that: we want to grow in relationship with God, but we want to do it our way. We try to dance to our own tune and when others don’t join in, we criticise them for being stubborn or resistant to change. The problem is, it is actually us who are being stubborn or resistant to change, since we are adamant or insistent that our way is the better way or the only way. Are we willing to let our Lord of the dance guide us and teach us better “dancing techniques” for His glory?

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent

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Some people are quite fearful of different things. Some are fearful of what is going to happen to their future, some are fearful of their health or family situation, some are fearful of being lonely and abandoned, some are even fearful of unnecessary things. But as Christians, what should be our attitude towards fear? Should we be fearful in the first place?

In today’s reading, we are assured of God’s love and care: “I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, ‘Do not be afraid, I will help you.’” When we have trust and confidence in God’s help and providence, there is no reason to be fearful. God will take care of things in His time. Are we willing to let God be in control and let Him keep us in His loving embrace?

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

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Every once in a while, some of us may be suffering from some form of burnout or tiredness, depending on how severe our situation has become. This is why we are constantly advised not to overdo things and not to try to be a hero. We are called to glorify God, but we should also learn to take care of ourselves, not only physically, but also spiritually, so that we can serve the Lord with joy and vigour. There needs to be time for mission, time for rest and relaxation, and even time for updating oneself.

Naturally, we cannot rely only on our own strength to preach the message of the Gospel to others. Today’s reading tells us: “The Lord is an everlasting God, he created the boundaries of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the wearied, he strengthens the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, youths may stumble, but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength they put out wings like eagles. They run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire.” When we hope in the Lord and depend on Him, we would be able to accomplish many things for His glory. At the same time too, we ought to rest in His care, so that He can heal us and help us grow. Let us make every effort to let God guide our lives and actions, so that in all we do, may He be glorified.

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

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How many of us actually bother about the small things or the small stuff? Sometimes we hear people tell us, “don’t sweat the small stuff,” or “look at the bigger picture,” or even “think big.” When we have plenty, would we still look out for one small item or thing which has been lost? Some of us may not bother and let it be, but others may go hunting high and low for that small item or thing. Somethings, the small item or thing may turn out to be just as precious as the bigger ones.

In today’s Gospel, we see a man who chose to go after that one sheep that was lost, even though he had another ninety-nine. For some of us, losing one sheep may not have been a big deal; but for that man, each sheep was extremely precious, and he had no qualms about searching for that lost sheep till it was found. God is very much like that man. The Gospel tells us that “it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” Even if we have done a lot of bad or nasty things, God is always looking for us and beckoning us to come home with Him. Are we going to stubbornly run away and hide, and choose to remain lost?

2nd Sunday of Advent Year B

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If you were given a choice to drive from one place to another, either by using the old road, or by using the highway, which would you choose? Some of us may not be so keen to use the highway, since the highway may impose hefty toll charges. But supposing the highway had no or minimal toll charges, would you still use the old road? Quite likely more people would use the highway, especially if the highway has more straightened roads which makes it easier and possibly faster to drive, enabling us to arrive at our destination earlier; compared to the old road which could be winding and narrow, making it a difficult and dangerous drive.

The prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading tells us of a highway: “Make a straight highway for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley. ” What sort of highway is the prophet Isaiah talking about? This highway is the highway of our lives. Over the years, our highway may have become bogged down with diversions, winding paths, narrow roads and sharp corners, as we in one way or another have become more and more immersed in the ways of the world and more and more distant from God. Our behaviour, attitudes and way of life may have contributed to the condition of the highway of our lives. Isaiah’s call in the first reading is a call for us to make a radical and consistent change to the landscape of the highway of our lives. It is not just a cosmetic change such as repairing potholes or resurfacing the road here and there, but a total change, so that the highway of our lives would be straightened and God would have easier access to us. John the Baptist in today’s Gospel echoes this call of Isaiah where he says: “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.”

When we were baptised, we began a journey of transforming our highway into one which is straight and easily accessible. Our journey requires repentance, a turning away from our sins, and a rejection of our old way of life. We cannot expect others to change for us; we must change ourselves. If we think we are already ok and others are not; if we claim that there is no need for repentance or conversion on our part; then we may begin to think that we are already perfect. If we are perfect, then we do not need God.

Change is difficult, and can be painful; but change is necessary for us to grow closer to God. Let us put aside our stubbornness, our pride, our sinfulness and any obstacles which we may have placed, so that God can straighten us and transform us into something beautiful. Are we willing, humble and docile enough to let God straighten us, so that we would remain in His loving embrace?

Friday of the 1st Week of Advent

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How much faith do we really have in God? Some of us say we have faith but at the back of our mind some may be doubting whether God really listens to our prayers or cares for us. Some look for other sources for help, thinking that it is better to have a backup plan, in case they do not get any response from God. Some may have given up on God altogether. What about you? What sort of faith do you have in God? Is your faith a convenient faith, where you pick and choose when to trust in God’s providence?

In today’s Gospel. two blind men followed Jesus shouting, “Take pity on us, Son of David.” These blind men did not just sit around and expect Jesus to heal them, they took effort to follow Jesus till He reached the house. They had total faith that Jesus would heal them and due to their faith in Him, their sight was returned to them. From this Gospel reading, we too can learn from these blind men. Our faith cannot be an armchair or stagnant one. We need to show our faith earnestly, with hope that God would grant our requests. Let us remain in faith in God, for He knows what is best for us and would help and guide us in His time.