Category Archives: Monday

If we are told by Jesus to let go of things and people for the sake of the Gospel, would we be willing and humble enough to do so? It is easy to say that we would be willing to do so, but when it comes to having property or possessions, titles or positions, or even people who mean a lot to us or are close to us, would we still be willing to let go of them?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to consider exactly that. He said: “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus also said: “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their dead.” Would we be willing and able to be detached from what we have, even to the extent of being detached from family relationship, so that we would be free to follow Him and preach the Good News? It is certainly not an easy thing to do, but if Jesus calls us to leave everything behind and follow Him, how would we respond? Would we do so happily, sincerely and wholeheartedly?

Some of us like to feel proud or great about our achievements. Though there is inherently nothing wrong about feeling proud and great about our achievements, especially when it concerns self-esteem or self-worth, the problem that some of us may fall into is when we allow pride to get over our heads; when we begin to become arrogant, egoistic or look down on others; or when healthy, humble delight in one’s accomplishments have easily transformed into unhealthy, arrogant over-valuing of oneself.

In today’s Gospel, we are told: “An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.'”

A little child is great because the child is docile and dependent on his or her parents, instead of trying to boost one’s ego; or developing a proud, unhealthy, arrogant over-valuing of oneself. We too can be great, when we learn to humble ourselves and be dependent on God’s help and providence. We are also being great when all we do is for the glory of God, and not for our personal gratification. May we set aside any unhealthy, arrogant over-valuing of oneself, and strive to walk more in God’s ways.

Have some of us ever doubted whether God really cares or listens to our prayers, especially when we do not seem to be getting any answers or solutions? When this happens, how many of us are willing to wait, with patience and perseverance, knowing that God would do what is best for us, in His time and for His glory?

In today’s reading, the Jews were in exile in the foreign land of Babylon and they had been in exile for 70 years, but as we can see from the reading, God did not abandon His people. Instead, He roused the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia to let the Jews go back to their homeland and Cyrus even offered to help them rebuild the Temple. 70 years of darkness, uncertainty and hopelessness gave way to the long-awaited light.

What does this mean to us? It means that we should never doubt God. We should be patient, persevere and be persistent; knowing and trusting that God would do what is best for us, in His time and for His glory. Let us be humble and willing to let God be in control, and let Him be our providence, help and guide.

When we pray, what do we pray for, and who do we pray for? Do we pray only for our needs or perhaps the needs of those we care about or love? Have we ever prayed also for others, especially those we do not know, or we do not like, or those who have been hurtful towards us in one way or another? Do we keep everyone in our prayers; or do we pick and choose who we pray for, or do we pray for only certain reasons?

In today’s reading, we are told: “My advice is that, first of all, there should be prayers offered for everyone – petitions, intercessions and thanksgiving – and especially for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet. To do this is right, and will please God our saviour: he wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth.” May we remember all around us in our prayers, for the good of all and for the glory of God.

Is it so difficult for some of us to grow closer to God? Actually, the simple answer is no, it is not difficult, since growing closer to God requires that we be willing and humble enough to, as today’s reading tells us: “…fear the Lord your God, to follow all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, to keep the commandments and laws of the Lord that for your good I lay down for you today.”

When we fear the Lord, and also follow all His ways, love Him, and serve Him, then we should also love and serve others, especially by keeping God’s commandments and laws. This is where it gets difficult for some, since loving and serving God appears to be easier since we do not see Him; but loving and serving others may seem harder since we may see them often, and we are required to love and serve not just those whom we like, but also those whom we find difficult or not like.

As Christians, are we willing to show what it really means to be a Christian by following His ways, love Him and serve Him, as well as being loving and offering service to others, without prejudice or favouritism? It is easy for us to call ourselves Christians, but are we Christians only in name, or are we also Christians by example? May we always be mindful of what is asked of us as Christians, and do all we can to love and serve the Lord.

Some people seem to think that just because they have been committing the same sins over and over again, they begin to think that they have no hope or no possibility of changing. This leads to some even giving up, even to the point of despair. But the reality is: we are sinners, and we must continue to hope and trust in God to help us in overcoming our sins. Even though we may have sinned, we should pick ourselves up and continue our level best to stop sinning.

In today’s reading, we are assured: “To those who repent, God permits return, and he encourages those who were losing hope. Return to the Lord and leave sin behind, plead before his face and lessen your offence. Come back to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hold in abhorrence all that is foul.” God is not giving up on us, even though we may at times feel like giving up. When we sin, let us go to confession as soon as possible, to seek forgiveness for our sins, and do our very best to stop sinning. Of course, it is a struggle to remain without sin, since many temptations surround us. But we know that Jesus has won the victory for us, and we should place our trust and confidence in Him, knowing that He will help us and guide us in our struggle.