Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Easter

Pentecost Year A – Mass of the Day

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Have we been filled with the Holy Spirit? Are we willing and daring enough to go and preach the Good News? When the Holy Spirit came and rested on the heads of the disciples, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.” Today’s 1st reading also tells us that “there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language about the marvels of God.” The Holy Spirit gave these disciples courage to go forth to proclaim the Good News fearlessly.

Today’s 2nd reading also reminds us that “there is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose.” This means that all of us are filled with the Holy Spirit. We received the Holy Spirit at baptism, and further strengthened at confirmation. Strenghtened with the Holy Spirit, we should be going forth with gusto and joy to proclaim the Good News. The question is: why are some of us still procrastinating? Why are some of us cowering in fear or not willing to commit ourselves to proclaiming the Good News in whatever way of life we are in? Are we doubtful that God can help us? Are we expecting only others to proclaim the Good News? There is no such thing as a nominal Christian; for each of us have been called, chosen, and strengthened to go forth and proclaim the Good News. Are we shirking from our responsibility?

Housekeeping – 7th Week of Easter

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For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:

1 June 2014 – 7th Sunday of Easter Year A
2 June 2014 – Monday of the 7th Week of Easter
3 June 2014 – Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter
4 June 2014 – Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter
5 June 2014 – Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter
6 June 2014 – Friday of the 7th Week of Easter

Friday of the 7th Week of Easter

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How much do we love Jesus? We say we love Him, but sometimes our actions do not correspond with what we say. We say we love Jesus, but we do not seem to love our family members. We say we love Jesus, but we do not show much love or patience towards others on the road, in our daily dealings, etc. We say we love Jesus, and yet we are willing to drag others to the police or even to court over trivial matters. How much do we really love Jesus?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Jesus did not just ask Simon Peter this question once, but 3 times. If Jesus were to ask the same question to us, what would we reply? Sometimes it seems easy to say that we love Jesus, but do we know the full implications of loving Jesus? Are we aware of what we are replying? It is easy to say things, but committing to what we say is not so easy. Jesus told Simon Peter: “Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Would we be willing to love Jesus, even to the extend of going to places against our will?

Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter

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Sometimes when we are being persecuted or put on trial, one should be prepared spiritually and mentally to face our accusers. Sometimes the kind of accusers we are facing can be manipulated to our advantage. This is the tactic which Paul used in today’s reading. Because of the squabble which broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees due to Paul’s crafty statement, the accusations brought about by both parties were set aside and they became engrossed with arguments among themselves. As a result, Paul was rescued and brought into the fortress under the protection of the tribune.

Jesus reminds us: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This means that, at times, we need to be cunning and able to defend ourselves, so that we would be able to continue in our mission in proclaiming the Good News. Are we using our intellect effectively and efficiently for the greater glory of God?

Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter

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In every Christian community, we need to be fervent in prayer and be watchful over the many dangers around us. This does not mean we become paranoid or fearful, but we should be prepared for any situation with full of faith. In today’s reading, St. Paul addressed these words to the elders of the church of Ephesus: “Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers, to feed the Church of God which he bought with his own blood. I know quite well that when I have gone fierce wolves will invade you and will have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks there will be men coming forward with a travesty of the truth on their lips to induce the disciples to follow them. So be on your guard…”

Dangers indeed lurk in many places, even among certain members of our Christian community. Some of our own Christian members may not necessarily be who they appear to be. There is more than meets the eye. Even among Jesus’ disciples, Judas Iscariot later betrayed Jesus. This is why Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) reminds us: “Let your acquaintances be many, but for advisers choose one out of a thousand. If you want to make a friend, take him on trial, and do not be in a hurry to trust him” (Sirach 6:6-7).” Be careful who we trust, and let us seek God’s help for His guidance.

Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

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How urgent is the Good News to us? Are we enthusiastic and ever-ready to give our all and risk our lives to go forth and preach the Good News? In today’s reading, St. Paul tells us: “life to me is not a thing to waste words on, provided that when I finish my race I have carried out the mission the Lord Jesus gave me – and that was to bear witness to the Good News of God’s grace.” Here, we see how St. Paul was more concerned about preaching the Good News, even to the extend of facing persecution and endangering his life.

What about us? Have we become comfortable with our lives on earth, and preaching the Good News seems to be less important? Are we becoming more and more complacent as Christians? Are we losing sight of our mission the Lord Jesus has given us, just He had given Paul, that is to bear witness to the Good News of God’s grace? Let us not squander our lives away in only things which are temporary here on earth. Are we willing to change and finish the race, just Paul had done?

Monday of the 7th Week of Easter

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In our lives, are we trouble-free? Do we live in total peace and harmony? Quite likely, we are not so fortunate to live in total peace and harmony or trouble-free. We face all sorts of challenges and setbacks. Sometimes, we wonder how long we would be able to persevere and keep going. In the world, we may not experience the kind of peace we long for. However, Jesus in today’s Gospel assures us: “I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me.” It is when we are willing to let Jesus take control, when we are ready to let Him be our guide, that we wll find true peace.

Despite the many difficulties we may face, Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel: “In the world you will have trouble, but be brave: I have conquered the world.” If Jesus has conquered the world, then there is no reason for us to give up or despair. Jesus is our saviour and He will lead us to victory. Are we still having doubts and hesitations about letting Him take charge?

7th Sunday of Easter Year A

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What does the word “glory” mean to you? For some, it could mean to become famous, to be popular, to be accepted publically as someone important or significant, or perhaps to have a good name. For others, it may be to be in a position where people would admire, praise and look up to you, and perhaps treat you as a role model or a VIP. But what is the Christian understanding of glory?

To glorify as a Christian means to be willing to embrace the cross. The cross to some may be a symbol of shame, rejection and death but for us Christians, it is a symbol of victory, glory and life. When we are going through suffering, rejection, persecution, or even faced with the possibility of being put to death, we are glorifying God and we are experiencing true glory. St. Peter in today’s second reading writes: “Rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” How many of us can happily, truly and wholeheartedly rejoice in such a situation?

Today, if you are suffering because of your faith, rejoice and be glad. St. Peter reminds us that “whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.” Being glorified in Christ is not about how great or wonderful we are, but about our perseverence, commitment and enthusiasm in bringing the Good News to all, even if we are to suffer. Ultimately, our glory is not of this world and let us rejoice and be glad, for God is there to help us and lead us back to Him.

Housekeeping – 6th Week of Easter

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For your easy reference, the following is a list of weeks and years with their corresponding date:

25 May 2014 – 6th Sunday of Easter Year A
26 May 2014 – Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
27 May 2014 – Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter
28 May 2014 – Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter
29 May 2014 – The Ascension of the Lord
30 May 2014 – Friday of the 6th Week of Easter

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)”