Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Easter 2

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 Easter

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Sometimes in life, we get someone who is willing to talk sense or reason out with others for us. Such people know that it is important to have a balance of head knowledge and heart knowledge, so that we would make choices with some clarity and without prejudiced eyes. One such person in today’s reading is a Pharisee called Gamaliel, who was a doctor of the Law and respected by the whole people. Even though the Pharisees were filled with jealousy, Gamaliel was wise enough to caution the Pharisees concerning the apostles: “If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.”

If someone or some people were to go about doing good things and giving glory to God, would we stop them? Sometimes, because such people are doing better than us or they do not belong to our community, we may become jealous of their success and achievements. What some of us fail to realise is that what they are doing is not necessarily for their own glory, but for the Glory of God. If we begin to find ways and means to belittle them or stop them, then we too may become like the Pharisees, who were blinded with jealousy, anger and pride. Ultimately, we may end up being guilty of building our own kingdom when we think that only we can do good and others are prohibited from doing so. Have some of us become so conceited or proud? Aren’t we all working in the vineyard of the Lord for His greater glory?

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Who do you obey? Do you obey God’s laws? Or do you obey man’s laws? Sometimes we may be asked to do something which is according to man’s laws, but by doing that something, we are breaking God’s laws. On the other hand, we may be obeying God’s laws, but that could cause us to be unpopular or persecuted because we are not going with the flow or joining the crowd. Man’s laws are not always just, not always fair, not always right, not always proper, and yet, some of us still obey them, because some of us think that by doing so, we would save our own skin, or perhaps gain an advantage or promotion, or maybe gain respect or recognition from other people.

Today’s reading reminds us that “obedience to God comes before obedience to men.” Ultimately we need to decide and check our conscience. Are we doing the right and proper thing to remain in good relationship with God? Or are we doing things to please people? Are we looking for eternal rewards, or are we merely satisfied with temporary rewards here on earth? Let us choose wisely for our eternal future.

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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People get jealous for different reasons. Some are jealous in a joking or playful manner: they say they are jealous but they say it in jest. Some are jealous but they do not allow jealousy to get into their head and control them; instead they use their ‘jealous’ energies to do something positive or good. Others are jealous and allow their jealousy to control their thoughts, feelings and emotions; a good example of this kind of jealousy is found in today’s reading, where: “The high priest intervened with all his supporters from the party of the Sadducees. Prompted by jealousy, they arrested the apostles and had them put in the common gaol.”

When we allow jealousy to take control of our lives, we become slaves to our passion and pride. We see others doing God’s work or doing good deeds as a threat to our popularity and power. Great crimes and heinous deeds have been committed as a result of this unhealthy form of jealousy. Have some of us become like the high priest and all his supporters from the party of the Sadducees; jealous of the gifts and abilities of others and refusing to admit or acknowledge God’s gifts to them? Or have we learnt to be humble and content, praising God for the gifts of others and the gifts bestowed on us?

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Are we generous with our time and our possessions? Some of us may be making much effort to own more and more things, money, property, etc., but are we clinging to these items only for ourselves and perhaps for our immediate family members? Today’s reading tells us: “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.”

Looking at society today, we find that more and more of us may be becoming individualistic. What is ours is ours and some of us may find it difficult to share. Our rights seem to be more important than the needs for the common good. However, if we persistently demand for our rights, we may face the danger that nothing will be left. Could we ever become just like the early disciples? Perhaps, due to our present circumstances, we may not be able to live exactly like the early disciples. But perhaps we could learn from their attitude towards possessions. Possessions are meant to be shared as far as possible, not to be hoarded for ourselves. After all, we know that we cannot bring our possessions with us when we die. Are we able to change our attitude on possessions from one of hoarding and attachment, to one of sharing and detachment?

Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Are you born again? Has you life changed from your old self to a new self? In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” At baptism, we were transformed from our old identity, to a new identity filled with the Spirit and given new life.

However, some of us may be baptised and supposingly born again, but the way we live our lives do not seem to bear witness that we have really changed. Some of us continue to behave as we were before, doing things as we have been doing. Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel: “‘I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God: what is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” We may be born of the flesh, but have we really been born of the Spirit? Have we become witnesses and joyful proclaimers of the Good News, or have we been complacent and unappreciative of the gift God has given us? The greatest gift of all has been given to us; are we still looking elsewhere?