Category Archives: Friday

Some of us think that just because we have lots of property, wealth, power or political influence, we can do whatever we like. Because of this, some of us begin to differenciate ourselves from others, by considering ourselves as the “haves” compared to the “have nots.” When this happens, some of us begin to find ways and means to maintain our status, and in the process, we begin to suppress others, trampling and controlling them, even cheating them or witholding what is due to them, all for the sake of protecting our interest, or to show them who is boss. But by doing so, are we aware of the consequence of our actions? Do we not realise that we are sinning and bringing about God’s wrath?

In today’s reading, the prophet Amos warned about trampling and cheating the poor and the lower class. He warned that this not only destroyed the bond and fabric of society, it also stirs up God’s anger. God does hear the cry of the poor, and when we neglect, mistreat or abuse them, we are only going against God. Some of us may ask: “Where is the poor? Do we need to go to a certain place to find them?” Actually, we don’t need to go far looking for the poor, since they are already in our midst. They could even be working for you, or serving you in different ways. We just need to open our eyes and identify them. May we come to realise what we are doing, and do what is right and just for the poor, so that we may grow closer in relationship with God.

From a young age, we are taught to take care of our bodies. We learn about personal hygiene, and we are reminded to pay attention to certain parts of our bodies which would quite likely smell. We make effort to eat well, so that our bodies would get proper nutrition, and bathe once, twice or even three times a day. All these are good, since neglecting our bodies could lead to medical problems or even relational problems, since people would find it challenging being near to us because of the smell and to some extent, also because of our appearance. But what about our soul? How well do we keep our soul clean? Do we bother about our soul at all?

In today’s Gospel, we are cautioned: “The lamp of the body is the eye. It follows that if your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light. But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be all darkness. If then, the light inside you is darkness, what darkness that will be!” This eye refers to our soul, and when our soul is soiled with sin, our whole being will eventually be engulfed in darkness, causing us to lose contact with God. Are we going to allow ourselves to be consumed with the stench of sin, and tragically lose our eternal inheritance?

We sometimes have the impression that just because God is Omnipotent (all-powerful) and Omniscient (all knowing), he should reveal Himself in a spectacular or powerful way. Some of us think that a good example of God being revealed is through natural events such as a strong wind like a tornado or typhoon; or an erupting volcano; or a deafening thunder followed with frightening lightning; or a tremendous earthquake; or through some other powerful means which could be scary or phenomenal. But how does God really reveal Himself?

In today’s reading, we discover that God revealed Himself in a way least expected. He revealed Himself to Elijah in the sound of a gentle breeze. Just imagine, we have God who reveals to us not in a spectacular or powerful way according to what we expect, but in a calm and gentle way. This gives us some insight about God, that despite being Omnipotent and Omniscient, He has no need to show off or prove Himself. Likewise, we as children of God need not show off or prove ourselves, since we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of our qualifications, capabilities, strengths and abilities. May we learn from our Divine Master and providence, and remain humble and rooted in His love and care.

Each and every one of us are unique. No two of us are exactly the same, even though we may appear to look alike, especially if we are twins. God has given each and every one of us different gifts, different talents, different capabilities. But what do we do with such gifts, talents or capabilities? Some of us may begin to think that we are great and we use our gifts, talents or capabilities to show off and to boost our ego, pride and to gain fame and popularity. Some of us even use our gifts, talents or capabilities to lord it over others, belittle others or put other people down, because we think that they are not able to measure up to us. But what sort of attitude and behaviour should a Christian have towards such gifts, talents or capabilities?

In today’s reading, we are reminded: “Each one of you has received a special grace, so, like good stewards responsible for all these different graces of God, put yourselves at the service of others. If you are a speaker, speak in words which seem to come from God; if you are a helper, help as though every action was done at God’s orders; so that in everything God may receive the glory, through Jesus Christ, since to him alone belong all glory and power for ever and ever. Amen.” Ultimately, our gifts, talents or capabilities are meant to serve others with humility and sincerity, and to glorify God. Are using our gifts, talents or capabilities for our own glory? Or are we using them for the greater glory of God?

Some of us seem to be so quick in judging others, just because they think differently, or behave differently, or do things differently, or carry out instructions differently, from the way we think or expect. When we encounter such people, we may get angry, annoyed, upset, frustrated or even shun the person. But what we may fail to realise or perceive is that the person might be in agreement with us, or might be getting a task done, but not exactly as how we wanted. If you are encountering such a person, what would you do? How would you respond or manage such persons?

In today’s reading, we are reminded: “Do not make complaints against one another, brothers, so as not to be brought to judgement yourselves; the Judge is already to be seen waiting at the gates. For your example, brothers, in submitting with patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord; remember it is those who had endurance that we say are the blessed ones. You have heard of the patience of Job, and understood the Lord’s purpose, realising that the Lord is kind and compassionate. Above all, my brothers, do not swear by heaven or by the earth, or use any oaths at all. If you mean ‘yes’, you must say ‘yes’; if you mean ‘no’, say ‘no.’ Otherwise you make yourselves liable to judgement.”

Perhaps the challenge that we face is to understand and appreciate the difference of methods or opinions, and engage the person or persons in question, so that we could strive together in one common goal, that is building the Kingdom of God. After all, we may have heard of the phrase “unity in diversity” before. Let us thus be thankful for the unity we experience, while appreciating the diversity of persons who make up God’s children.