Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Ordinary Time

Monday of Week 20 Year 1

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Some of us find it quite difficult to detach ourselves from something. Some of us are so attached to our wealth and property, some of us are so attached to our titles, some of us are attached to our popularity and fame, some are even so attached to their spouse, so much so that they become easily jealous or suspicious of their spouse should they be just a little late, or they need to go some place. But whatever attachments we have towards people are things, the fact is we will not be able to remain attached to such persons or things forever. There will come a time where we may lose the person or thing for one reason or another. Then what do we do then?

In today’s Gospel, we come across a young man who claims to have observed all the commandments and wondered what more he needed to do to possess eternal life. While Jesus did not challenge the young man to prove that he had really observed all the commandments, Jesus did challenge the young man to become detached of his wealth, give it all away, and follow Him. This caused the young man to go away sad, for even though he may have supposingly observed all the commandments, he was still not able to observe the commandment to love, rich and poor alike. When we observe all the commandments, we observe them because we want to love God and neighbour, and not observe the commandments like robots. The young man may have thought that observing the commandments was good enough, but what he had failed to realise is that it is meaningless to observe without genuine love and charity towards others.

What about us? Are we observing all the commandments because we love God and neighbour? Or are we still entrapped in our own agenda, by observing the commandments only for our benefit or when it suits us? May we be humble and willing to become detached from things and persons around us, so that we could learn to depend more and more in God’s providence and care.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

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Some people think that they are very wise, or that they supposingly have wisdom beyond their years. Others think that they are very intelligent. But is an intelligent person considered a wise person? If a person is clever in doing something or accomplishing something, is that person considered wise? Sometimes we come across people who have given up much of their time and wealth helping others. There are some in society who view such people as foolish, silly or stupid, since they think that such people could have used their time “wisely” for better pursuits. But are such people wise in helping others? Or are those who think these folks are being foolish, silly or stupid the ones who are wise? What is wisdom, really?

In Proverbs 9:10, we are told: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This is quite a different picture of wisdom from what the world thinks as wisdom. In fact, St. Paul in today’s second reading reminds us: “Be very careful about the sort of lives you lead, like intelligent and not like senseless people. This may be a wicked age, but your lives should redeem it. And do not be thoughtless but recognize what is the will of the Lord.” When we are thinking with the mind of God, when we learn to fear Him with awe and reverence, we begin to learn and appreciate true wisdom, which is God’s wisdom.

This is why we would never be able to reconcile human wisdom with God’s wisdom. One classic example of how human wisdom differs greatly from God’s wisdom is the Eucharist. We Christians believe that Jesus is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine. The bread may continue to look and taste like bread, but our faith tells us that it is no longer bread but Christ himself. This is something really hard to understand or accept if we rely only on human wisdom. Moreover, in the Gospel, Jesus insisted that He is the living bread from heaven and that anyone who eats this bread will live for ever. Not only that, Jesus insisted that his “flesh” is that bread of life. Naturally, the Jews reacted in an understandable way, since they relied on human wisdom and logical intelligence, and they even argued among themselves: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” But God’s wisdom does not need to be logical, since His wisdom goes beyond our logic and our limited understanding. At Communion, it is Jesus that we are receiving, his flesh, his body. This may sound like foolishness or absurdity to the world, but for us it is wisdom, since we know and believe that Jesus is the only food that can satisfy all our wants and desires.

Therefore, let us not focus too much only on trying to be intelligent or clever, since these things are only temporary and will fail us some day. Let us also not depend too much on human wisdom, since what appears to be wise in human terms may not necessarily be so in God’s terms. Instead, let us make more effort to seek divine wisdom, so that with God’s help and guidance, we will grow closer to Him and one day be with Him for all eternity.

Housekeeping – Week 19 Year 1

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

9 Aug 2015 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
10 Aug 2015 – Saint Laurence, Deacon, Martyr – Feast
11 Aug 2015 – Tuesday of Week 19 Year 1
12 Aug 2015 – Wednesday of Week 19 Year 1
13 Aug 2015 – Thursday of Week 19 Year 1
14 Aug 2015 – Friday of Week 19 Year 1
15 Aug 2015 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday of Week 19 Year 1

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Different people have got different views about what a marriage is all about. Some think that it is ok for people to marry, and then if they find that they have differences that they supposingly cannot resolve, then they should divorce. Others, including the Catholic Church, insist that there is no such thing as a divorce and that couples should make every effort to reconcile their differences and seek help where necessary to maintain their marriage. Why is the Catholic Church so strict about marriages where some other denominations have relaxed the rules?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminded the Pharisees and reminds us too: “Have you not read that the creator from the beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a man must leave father and mother, and cling to his wife, and the two become one body? They are no longer two, therefore, but one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.”

This is why, when it comes to marriages, the Catholic Church pays particular attention to the pre-marital preparation and the pre-marital course, as well as other programmes to help couples in their married lives. Getting and staying married is not like changing clothes, so the couple should be fully aware of themselves, each other, and what they are getting themselves into. Sometimes, in the process of attending a pre-marital course and making the necessary pre-marital preparations with the parish priest, the couple may discover things about each other which may not have surfaced previously. This gives the couple a chance to decide whether they are still willing to remain united with each other before the marriage takes place. After all, a wedding is only a moment in time, but a marriage is for a lifetime. So, do not play play with marriage, unless one is ready and prepared to work at it and stay committed, united and remain in love with the other, no matter what happens.

Thursday of Week 19 Year 1

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How genuine are we when it comes to forgiveness? Some of us say we forgive, but we still keep the hurt in our hearts and even dwell on it. Some of us say we forgive, but we still remember what had happened and we cannot seem to let it go. So what exactly is forgiveness then? Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well. This also means that the victim no longer allows the offense to affect him or her, and is willing to let God help him or her heal over time.

The first servant in today’s Gospel had had his debt cancelled and he was allowed to go free. But this servant obviously did not appreciate the generosity of his master. He thought that he had been given a lucky break. That is why the first servant did not seem to understand or appreciate his master’s forgiveness. Instead of learning from his master and forgiving his fellow servant by cancelling his fellow servant’s debt, he became mean, arrogant and nasty towards his fellow servant, even to the point of having his fellow servant thrown into prison. In the end, this unforgiving servant ended up in prison himself, and his master in anger and disgust “handed him over to the torturers till he should pay all his debt.”

We ask God for forgiveness whenever we sin, but have we been just as forgiving to others, just as God is forgiving to us? May we take heed and be warned, that we too may end up in prison just like that unforgiving servant, as Jesus cautions us: “And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.”

Wednesday of Week 19 Year 1

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Many of us want quick solutions to our problems. This is often because we are so used to having many things done for us instantly. For example, we want to get money, we go to the ATM and withdraw the amount we require. We also have instant coffee, instant tea, instant noodles and so many other instant things which supposingly makes life easier. However, when it comes to relationships, could we ever have instant relationships? Would we be happy with a relationship where it is touch and go, or we hardly know the other, or the relationship is just shallow, sort of more like an acquaintance than a true friend type of relationship? Surely not. I believe most of us would want a lasting, happy, healthy and meaningful relationship.

This is why, in today’s Gospel, we are reminded about how we should deal with people, especially when there is a problem or issue at hand. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us: “If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.” This means that we should not expect instant solutions or jump the gun and go straight to a higher authority without dealing with the other party first. Thus, if we really and truly value our relationships, let us be mindful of how we treat others, since we too would want to be treated fairly, justly and with proper dignity.

Tuesday of Week 19 Year 1

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We sometimes hear certain folks saying: “children are to be seen, not heard.” Not only that, children are often treated according the demands, rules and regulations of their parents, teachers and those who are caring for them in one way or another. Most of the time, children have got little rights, as all that they have, all that they depend on, comes from their parents or guardian. For example, a child in school cannot just get up and go to the toilet as he or she likes. The child would often need to get permission from the teacher first before being allowed to go. Seeing all these, how can then a child be considered great, as mentioned in today’s Gospel?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus told His disciples: “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.” What Jesus is telling us is not be become childish. Rather, He is telling us to be like little children, by being dependent on God and trusting in His providence. As adults, we tend to try and do things our way or live according to what we think is right, but sometimes what we are doing and the way we are living may not necessarily be best for us. That is why Jesus is inviting us to put more trust in God and let Him care for us, since God will not abandon us. Are we willing to be child-like and let God be in charge of our lives, for our physical and spiritual well-being, and for His greater glory?

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

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Over the years, people have experienced all sorts of trials and temptations as they try to improve and progress in their spiritual life. Some have been tempted to lie, to misuse God’s name, to steal, to covet, to murder, to commit adultery or to do this or to do that. But one thing which some may have been tempted to do which is probably far more dangerous is to be tempted to despair on himself, herself, or even on others.

What does it mean to despair? It basically means a person has totally given up on himself, or herself or on others, as if he or she is or they think others are beyond hope, beyond redemption, beyond salvation. Some even go to the extent of committing suicide as they think that that is the only option open to them. What some of us sometimes fail to realise is that we are not perfect and that until we die, there will always be plenty of chances and opportunities for us to repent and seek forgiveness from God and grow closer to Him. If we have the audacity to think that we are already perfect, then we don’t need repentance, which inadvertently means that we don’t need God.

Today’s readings give us a message of hope and consolation, sort of like a big vitamin C boost (C for confidence and consolation). In the first reading, we hear the story of the prophet Elijah and how he felt like ending his life out of despair. But God gives him the strength by giving him food so that he could continue his mission. This shows that God will never abandon us just as he did not abandon Elijah when he felt as if he was really ‘down and out’ or ‘down in the doldrums.’ God gives us the strength to carry on and will help us pick ourselves up when we are down. St. Paul in the second reading also reminds us: “Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.” This means that we should never despair on others, for God can also strengthen them and help them pick themselves up, just as He could do so for us.

Some of you may be wondering: Are all these possible? Or are we only trying to fool or kid ourselves, since we are merely human? Humanly speaking, it appears impossible, but with God everything is possible. God will give us the grace to bounce back when we feel like giving up and carry on or press on; as well as the courage and strength to forgive others and accept their limitations. This is why it is so important for us to come regularly for Mass, better still if we can come for daily Mass. At the Mass, we receive physical and spiritual nourishment when we listen to God’s word in scripture and we receive the life-giving bread of Jesus, his own body, as Jesus reminds us in the Gospel: “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’. It is at the Mass that we will receive new life and a boost of energy to cope as we journey along as pilgrims on this earth. So, why are we not taking the many opportunities given to us to come for Mass and be nourished by our loving God? Why are we not accepting His invitation to banquet with the King of kings? It is Free of Charge (FOC) and the benefits are certainly out of this world!

Housekeeping – Week 18 Year 1

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

2 Aug 2015 – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
3 Aug 2015 – Monday of Week 18 Year 1
4 Aug 2015 – Tuesday of Week 18 Year 1
5 Aug 2015 – Wednesday of Week 18 Year 1
6 Aug 2015 – The Transfiguration of the Lord, Feast
7 Aug 2015 – Friday of Week 18 Year 1

Friday of Week 18 Year 1

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Many people call themselves Christians or claim to be followers of Christ. But are these people really following Christ? Or are they merely Christians in name only? Are we following and practicing Jesus’ teachings, or are we only picking and choosing what suits us or what is convenient to us? It is easy to call ourselves Christians, but it is a different matter altogether to remain faithful in following and practising His teachings, not just a portion or a part of His teachings which appeal to us, but all that He has taught us, even those parts which are difficult or challenging to observe. What exactly does Jesus expect of us then?

In today’s Gospel, we read: “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour.’

Being a follower of Christ basically means we are willing to renounce ourselves, renounce our old ways, our pride, our ego and our prejudices, and be willing to put on new ways in Christ. It means we are to follow the law of love which sums up what Christ has taught us; not just loving God, but loving neighbour as well. Have we truly been faithful disciples of Christ in word and deed?