Category Archives: Monday

In recent times, we have seen increased persecution among our Christian brethren in many different countries. Often the persecution stems from just being a Christian, and such persecutors are only interested in either forcing these Christians to convert to another faith, or to wipe them out from where they are. We have seen how, in some cases, the property and belongings of our Christian brethren have been seized and sold to further the cause of the persecutors. So it seems like the persecutors are committing such heinous acts not only in the so-called name of their religion, but also out of greed and jealousy. In the face of such vile acts, how do we Christians respond?

In today’s gospel, Jesus assures us: “I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but be brave: I have conquered the world.” Jesus already knew that as Christians, we would have challenges, difficulties and trouble, since our ways are in contrast with the ways of the world. But Jesus is also assuring us of His peace and to be firm and steadfast in our faith in Him. Despite all the turmoil that we are facing around the world, let us not be disheartened or give up, since as Jesus tells us, He has conquered the world. Let us be patient and remain in Jesus, for He will save us and lead us to victory.

Every once in a while, we hear of persecution happening at certain places where the Christian community there is quite badly affected. Some of these communities end up losing their homes, their property and even their lives. Some are given a choice by their aggressors, to convert or die. We have seen many of these Christian communities fleeing from such persecution. Some are even willing to die rather than trying to save their skin and convert. Fortunately for many of us, we are spared from such a situation at the moment.

But what if one day, we too are faced with such a choice: to convert or die? What would our response be? Would we be willing to remain steadfast in our faith and face death, or would we so easily give up our faith just to preserve our lives? In today’s Gospel, Jesus has warned us of the persecutions to come: “I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken. They will expel you from the synagogues, and indeed the hour is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is doing a holy duty for God. They will do these things because they have never known either the Father or myself.” Are we ready and prepared to face such persecutions, knowing that our reward is far more valuable and precious than anything this life could ever offer? Or are we going to allow ourselves to fall away just to save our lives, only to lose it later?

Many of us are gifted with certain talents or capabilities which make us unique and different. Some of us are good at academic pursuits, some are good at art, some are good at music, some are good at using their hands to make or fix things, some are good at singing or dancing; but whatever it is we are good at, are we thankful for such talents God has given us? Do we glorify God when we use such talents or capabilities? Or are we using such talents or capabilities to boost our ego and pride?

In today’s reading, Paul healed a man who was crippled from birth. The reading tells us: “When the crowd saw what Paul had done they shouted in the language of Lycaonia, ‘These people are gods who have come down to us disguised as men.’ They addressed Barnabas as Zeus, and since Paul was the principal speaker they called him Hermes. The priests of Zeus-outside-the-Gate, proposing that all the people should offer sacrifice with them, brought garlanded oxen to the gates.” Of course, Paul had healed the man with the help of God, but the crowd did not know about this and thought that Paul had some sort of divine power in him. Paul and Barnabas could have basked in the glory of what they had accomplished through the healing and taken credit for it, but instead, they “tore their clothes, and rushed into the crowd, shouting, ‘Friends, what do you think you are doing? We are only human beings like you. We have come with good news to make you turn from these empty idols to the living God who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that these hold.'”

When we look at the kind of attitude Paul and Barnabas had, we can learn that though we have certain capabilities or talents, such capabilities or talents are meant to be used to give glory to God. In some ways, the capabilities and talents we have could also be used to preach the Good News. Are we using our capabilities and talents for such purposes?

Which voice are we listening to? Which gate are we entering through? Sometimes in life, we may be tempted and lured to listen to the voice of the world and all the splendour it appears to offer. But what we see is merely an illusion, something like an advertisement to make something appear greater or better than it really is. When we fall into listening to such a voice, we may find out that we have been duped. What we heard may not quite turn out to be what we expected. If we are not careful, we may even lose our lives just for the sake of something which is temporary and not up to expectations. Why do we allow ourselves to go astray and end up in a mess?

In contrast, Jesus in today’s Gospel is reminding us that He is the shepherd and the sheep follow Him because they recognise His voice. Jesus also reminds us that He is the gate of the sheepfold. As long as the sheep go through the gate of Jesus, and follow His voice, the sheep are safe. The other voices are thieves and brigands, who come only to steal and kill and destroy; but Jesus has come so that we may have life and have it to the full.

The question is: are we still trying to trust in our own abilities and intuition, thinking that we can make our own choices and continue listening and being influenced by other voices? Or are we willing to be cared for and protected by Jesus by listening to His voice and going through His gate. The choice is ultimately ours to make, but let us be aware of the consequences of our actions, as it could be a matter of life or death.