Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Feast

Dec 26 – Saint Stephen, the first Martyr – Feast

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Is there anyone here on earth we can trust? Some of us may say that we can trust our parents. Some say that we can trust our siblings. Others say that we can trust a spouse or a close friend. But the question is: how much can we trust these people? 100%? Most of the time? Or do some of us have a tinge of doubt about these people, even if it is a very tiny tinge?

In today’s Gospel, we are told that there is a possibility that “brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.” This could happen when it comes to faith and members of the family are of different faith. It could even happen though members of the family are Christians. Why so? Because people could be coerced or bribed with money, power, position, fame and authority, or some other form of enticement, to commit such a despicable deed.

But all is not lost. Jesus reassures us in the Gospel: “But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.” When we trust in God and offer our lives completely to Him, we are under His care and protection. There is no need to worry, or fear, or fret. God will be our guide. St. Stephen, whose feast we celebrate today, trusted in God and let God take control. Certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, but he was confident in God’s help and as a result: “They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. They were infuriated when they heard this, and ground their teeth at him.”

Ultimately, our trust is in the Lord. He is faithful to us even though we may be unfaithful to Him at times. Let us make every effort to grow closer to Him, and place our confidence in Him, knowing that He will not fail us.

Saint Francis Xavier, Priest – Patron of Missions – Feast

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In most jobs or forms of employment, people expect to receive some form of remuneration, salary, wages or pay. It is unlikely that people would work for free, as generally we need to make a living and survive in this world. Moreover, some people who have achieved a particular position or status in their employment may begin to feel proud of their success and some may begin to demand more benefits, more perks, or even a higher salary. But what about preaching the Good News? Is it a job, or is it something else?

In today’s reading, St. Paul tells us that preaching the Good News is a duty which has been laid on him. He adds that he should be punished if he did not preach it, and that it is a responsibility which has been put into his hands. He continues to say that preaching the Good News is offered freely and that he made myself all things to all men in order to save some at any cost; and he does this, for the sake of the gospel, to have a share in its blessings. When we look closely at what St. Paul has told us, we can begin to realise that preaching the Good News is a duty, a vocation and ought to be a joyful effort. We do it not for our personal gain or gratification, but for the glory of God.

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

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Why do we celebrate the Feast of The Basilica of St. John Lateran? In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel in a vision sees waters flowing out of the temple. He sees how this water makes the “salt waters” fresh and how it brings food and life. Ezekiel describes the temple as life-giving. In the second reading, St. Paul describes the Church as “God’s building”. He describes the community as “the temple of God”, and “holy.” Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus refers His body as a temple when He says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews thought He was talking about the Temple in Jerusalem; the Apostles only understood this after the Resurrection. So today’s readings tell us that the temple of God gives forth life-giving water. They tell us that we, the Church, are the Temple of God as a community, the Body of Christ.

We worship in buildings; St. John Lateran ranks first among those buildings, as it is the Cathedral of the Pope. St. Paul tells us that we are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God lives in us. So, if we are the Temple of God, then life-giving waters ought to flow from us. If we are the Body of Christ, then people ought to see in us the hands and feet of Christ at work. Whatever issues we may face, at the end of the day, Christ calls us to be His presence in the world.

Thus the Feast of St. John Lateran is not just about a building. This feast day is about the Church, our Church, the Body of Christ. The building is special because of what flows from it: the Body of Christ, sent into the world to be Christ’s life-giving presence. Christ calls and sends us to be the waters flowing from His temple, bringing life, and bearing fruit in the world. He assures us that, no matter what happens, this Body of Christ, this Temple of the Holy Spirit, God’s Church, cannot be destroyed. So our mission is to flow, like the waters Ezekiel saw in his vision, to bring life. We are the Church, the Body of Christ, and we do our part to bring life to the world.

Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Feast

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There comes a time in life where we need to make important decisions. Sometimes such decisions could determine our future vocation, way of life, financial happiness, the man or woman we may marry, our family happiness, and many other things which we need to consider carefully here on earth. Some decisions could also determine our relationship with God. We do not want to end up making foolish or rash decisions, only to regret later. So what do we do? How do we find the wisdom, strength and inspiration to make a right and good decision?

In today’s Gospel, we are told that Jesus went out into the hills to pray; and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. It was only after spending a substantial amount of time praying and listening to God that Jesus was able to choose twelve from His disciples, and he called them ‘apostles.’ Jesus took His time in praying, and listening attentively to God, before He made His choice. In the same way, we too should not treat decisions lightly. We should follow Jesus’ example in praying earnestly, and taking time to listen to God. Sometimes we can get inspiration and ideas when we humbly and patiently seek God’s help and providence through prayer. Are we willing to be patient and committed in prayer, listening to God’s promptings, and letting Him help us? Or do we still insist in doing things our way, only to regret our decision later?

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor – Feast

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As adults, we tend to try and do things on our own. We think that we can handle things. We do not seem to need any help, and we value our freedom. Some of us may not take too kindly if someone were to offer suggestions or advice. We think that we are capable or sufficiently knowledgeable to take care of ourselves. But sometimes, we really do need help but perhaps we feel reluctant or too proud to ask. We think we know the answers, only to find that what we thought we know may not be sufficient. This is especially true when it comes to our spiritual life. We may be praying or doing things or getting involved in church, but are we really growing closer to God? Are we changing to truly become a child of God, part of God’s family?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us: “I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Being like a little child does not mean being childish, but being child-like. Just like a child depends on its parents for guidance, do we depend on God and seek His help? Sometimes there are issues which we cannot resolve and when we are stuck with such issues, are we willing to humbly and earnestly turn to God? Do we realise that our abilities and strength are limited, and that God is all powerful and all-knowing (omnipotent and omniscient), and that God could help us if we turn to Him? Let us make every effort to be like little children, and let our loving God be our providence and guide.

Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels – Feast

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There are many things in this world which we believe because we have experienced and seen these things. There are also many things in this world which we have not seen. Some things not seen we still believe; some things not seen and we do not believe. But regardless whether we have seen or not, there are things which we do not see, and yet they are there. Some of us subscribe to an empirical attitude, where something is based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. But there are times empiricism or an empirical attitude fails us, and faith and trust is needed.

Few humans throughout history have had the privilege to see an archangel, let alone an angel. But throughout scripture, we see some examples where angels have made themselves present. Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels. The name Michael means “who is like God.” In Scripture, it was St. Michael who long ago led the battle against Satan (Rev. 12:7-9) and his will is focused and driven toward accomplishing goodness: he is a protector of souls, and wields his sword of righteous justice against Satan. Gabriel means “God is my strength.” In Scripture, He appears to Zechariah (Lk 1:13) and Mother Mary (Lk 1:27-28). Gabriel brought us God’s message of strength in which we draw our hope: God Incarnate was soon to enter history for love of man. Raphael means “God is my health.” Raphael is one of seven angels “who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord” (Tob 12:15). The meaning of Raphael’s name reflects the fact that he touched Tobit’s eyes in order to heal them of blindness.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read: “St. Augustine says: “‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.'” With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word” (CCC 329). The Catechism of the Catholic Church also reminds us: “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (No. 336). This tells us that the angels are always around: guiding, protecting and watching over us. We do not see them, yet they are there.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us another example of not seeing but believing. In the Gospel, we read: “When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. so You will see greater things than that.’”

Do we still need to see with our eyes to believe? Sometimes we see or do not see because our eyes can deceive us. For example, we see water in a desert, we think that there really is water, but in actuality, it is merely a mirage. Let us open our hearts and minds, so that we may “see” through the “eyes” of our hearts, and through the “eyes” of faith.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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What is the meaning of the cross? Why do we celebrate this Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? The Cross of Jesus Christ does not promise us success, fame, health, or pleasure. The Cross only promises us that Jesus will be with us, no matter how badly we suffer, no matter how difficult the situation we may face, and no matter how horribly we feel. Jesus said, “Behold I am with you always until the end of the age.” It is through His Cross that Jesus is with us.

God enters into the depth of human experience through Jesus’ crucifixion and death. This means that we are not alone. The Holy Cross means that God chose to suffer with us and for us, and to save us from our sins. In our churches, the only image that is explicitly required is a cross, depicting Christ crucified. How often do we struggle to believe in God when things are going well? How much more do we need to remember that God is with us, even in our sufferings?

The Holy Cross becomes a sign of hope. When we gaze upon the Holy Cross, we can believe that there is hope beyond our suffering, our trials and difficulties, our failures, and our loss. We can believe that there is hope because God will not abandon us. Jesus turned the Cross, an instrument of cruelty and shame, into a symbol of God’s love and glory. As He hung on that Cross, He transformed the world and transformed history. Let us always be thankful and grateful of the power and promise of the Cross, and willingly share its sign with the world.

St. James, Apostle – Feast

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“Look before you leap” is an English idiom which tells us to be careful and to weight the costs before doing something. Sometimes it is only after we get into trouble that we realise that we had been too rash or too quick in doing or saying something. So, before we endeavour into something which could be dangerous or highly risky, we should think things through.

In today’s Gospel, we come across St. James whose Feast we celebrate today, and his brother John, the two sons of Zebedee, who were bold and appear to be rash. Their mother was equally bold in asking Jesus for her sons to be seated on the left and right of Jesus in His Kingdom. Jesus’ reply is indeed classic… We read: “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.””

Indeed, we are sometimes like James, asking for something without knowing the consequences. Does this mean we must be careful and not take risks? No. Sometimes we need to be bold. We need to be willing to take risks, especially when preaching the Good News. But at the same time, we should be aware of the kind of risk we are taking. We should not be reckless in our efforts, but be knowledgeable of the situation before us. There is a time and place for everything, and we should constantly listen to God’s prompting and let Him guide us.

Saint Thomas, Apostle – Feast

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Do we believe everything we see or hear? Sometimes we may see something or hear of something, but what we see or hear may not necessarily be true. This is why we may sometimes be sceptical or unconvinced about something until we have clear and indisputable evidence. At other times, there are certain things we cannot see or hear, but they are present. This requires faith and trust in God.

St. Thomas in today’s Gospel doubted when the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ Considering the amount of stories and rumours St. Thomas may have heard, he had every reason to doubt. Of course we should discern when we accept what is being said, and when to doubt, since not everything we hear or see is true. However, we should also take heed of what Jesus said in the Gospel: “Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.” This is where we need to know when we should use our reasoning and when to depend on faith. Let us ask our God to guide us, so we would be able to be balanced in faith and reason.

Saint Matthias, Apostle – Feast

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There are certain things that we do in church which require a certain amount of authority. For example, a church organisation such as the Liturgical Committee or RCIA team ought to have a chairperson or leader, so that the organisation would be properly represented in the church structure. If there are any matters concerning a particular organisation, the leader or chairperson would be informed, so that other members could also be informed.

This idea of proper authority and structure was also evident in ancient times. In today’s reading, we see how the apostles eventually appointed Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot: “We must therefore choose someone who has been with us the whole time that the Lord Jesus was travelling round with us, someone who was with us right from the time when John was baptising until the day when he was taken up from us – and he can act with us as a witness to his resurrection.”

Being an authority in church is certainly not easy, as one is called and chosen to be even more zealous in proclaiming the Good News. Notice here that one is not an authority through self-appointment. There is a danger that when a person is self-appointed, that person could be doing so for personal glory, personal gain, or personal gratification (syiok sendiri, as what some would say in Bahasa Malaysia).

In today’s reading, we see how a person is chosen to a position of authority. In the reading: “Having nominated two candidates, Joseph known as Barsabbas, whose surname was Justus, and Matthias, they prayed, ‘Lord, you can read everyone’s heart; show us therefore which of these two you have chosen to take over this ministry and apostolate, which Judas abandoned to go to his proper place.’ They then drew lots for them, and as the lot fell to Matthias, he was listed as one of the twelve apostles.”

Notice here in the reading:

  1. There is nomination: The candidates are nominated, not self-appointed.
  2. There is prayer: Prayer is necessary so that a wise decision is made
  3. There is drawing of lots: voting or undi is performed. We hope and pray that this is done fairly and after proper discernment, and not because the candidate is a friend or advantageous to certain persons.
  4. There is listing or acceptance: The person who has received the most number of votes fairly is then listed as the person of authority.

Thus, let us be mindful of how we choose persons to positions of authority. Let us properly discern and seek God’s help, so that those who are truly worthy to be in positions of authority are appointed. Such persons are appointed not to please others or for personal gain, but for the greater glory of God. May those among us chosen to be in positions of authority be continuously and consistently tireless in serving all and building God’s Kingdom.