Category Archives: Ordinary Time

When people are jealous or envious of another person’s abilities, talents or achievements, some may begin to find ways and means to belittle the other person or put the other person down. Sometimes a person may go to the extend of committing character assassination on another person just to eliminate what they perceive is a threat to their prestige, power or position. There have also been cases of people actually going to the extend of committing murder. Pride could lead some people to committing hideous sins just to protect their interests or status.

In today’s Gospel, we see how some of the people were jealous when Jesus had cast out a devil, and they tried to belittle Jesus by saying “It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.” Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven. By trying to belittle Jesus, these people were actually making a fool of themselves. They were talking rubbish or nonsense, as their jealousy had clouded their minds and made them unable to think or argue logically or sensibly. Moreover, Jesus began to “go to town” giving these people a good lecture or reprimand for making such silly comments or accusations.

What about us? Have we been quite jealous of other people, that we may have made similar comments? Have we allowed pride to take control of us? Let us be cautious and not allow ourselves to be consumed with jealousy and pride, as these would only lead us to our ruin. Let us learn to be humble and thankful for our gifts, abilities and talents, as well as the gifts, abilities and talents of others. God made each and every one of us unique and special in different ways. Why should we be jealous and proud?

Nowadays we tend to expect things to be done quite quickly. For example, we have instant coffee, instant tea, instant milo, or instant noodles. We also have ATM machines which enable us to withdraw money without having to wait for too long. We have machines to deposit money or a cheque, which also enables us to do our banking transactions quite easily. The internet too has made it easy for us to get instant news or latest updates of certain issues.

However, there are things in this world which are not so instant. For instance, when we pray and ask God for something, we do not always get our prayers answered instantly. Sometimes our prayers get answered much later, sometimes not at all. When our prayers do not get answered, what do we do? Some may begin to feel that God does not care and they give up or despair. Some may turn to other sources such as medicine men, witch doctors or fortune tellers, hoping that these other sources could help them, only to find that these other sources do not really help. Some pray to God but in their mind, they are already thinking that God would probably not help them or answer their prayers. But what about us? As Christians, what should be our attitude towards prayer?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we should be persistent in our prayer. Sometimes we need to persistently, patiently and repeatedly pray for God’s help, and be convinced that God would help us in His time and according to His plan. Have we been praying with sincerity, conviction and for His greater glory?

When a person does something wrong, how would we respond? Supposing the person is a VIP (Very Important Person) or some high ranking official. Would we be daring or brave enough to tell the person that he or she is wrong (in a brotherly or sisterly manner perhaps)? But what if the person is somebody we happen to meet or know in our community, in our neighbourhood, or perhaps at church. Would we be willing to tell the person that he or she is wrong? Some of us may feel quite reluctant to tell a VIP or some high ranking official that he or she is wrong, but perhaps we may have no qualms to tell other persons of less importance or status. Why is this so? Are we being good examples by being fair and just to all?

In today’s reading, we see St. Paul being bold and willing to tell St. Peter off in his face. Even though St. Peter was an apostle and a VIP in those days, St. Paul was impartial in his counsel. St. Peter had done something wrong by suddenly changing his attitude towards eating with pagans, just because a certain group of friends of James arrived. St. Peter may have been unwilling to create tension or issues with those group of friends of James, but his conduct was unbecoming of an apostle, who is supposed to be loving and fair to all, without fear or favour. Because of this, St. Paul gave St. Peter a piece of his mind: he told him off!

What about us? As Christians, we should be fair and loving to all, regardless of status, rank, or importance. We should not discriminate in our praises or criticism. Are we one, united, brothers and sisters in Christ, children of God? Or have we become divisive and selective in our conduct and attitude towards people, imitating the ways of the world instead, when it comes to praises or criticism?

Every once in a while, we come across a preacher who seems to be sharing the Good News quite different from what we have heard. For example, we may heard about some so called preachers who claim that we will receive greater rewards from God if we are more generous in our contributions or love offerings. Some are so easily taken in by such easy access to God’s grace and providence, that they are duped into parting with their cash and even property, thinking that they can so conveniently and so easily buy their way to heaven. More often than not, such so called preaching is only meant to enrich the preacher.

In today’s reading, St. Paul warns us: “if anyone preaches a version of the Good News different from the one you have already heard, he is to be condemned. So now whom am I trying to please – man, or God? Would you say it is men’s approval I am looking for? If I still wanted that, I should not be what I am – a servant of Christ. The fact is, brothers, and I want you to realise this, the Good News I preached is not a human message that I was given by men, it is something I learnt only through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” St. Paul is cautioning us to be vigilant, because many preachers claiming to proclaim the Good News could emerge and give us false teaching. We could notice such preachers in their motives and in their fruits; whether what they are doing is for the glory of God, or for their own glory while lining their pockets. Let us not be so easily taken for a ride, and adhere to true and proper preaching, for the good of our eternal future.

There are times in our life where may we have been guilty of saying too much. Sometimes, we think we know it all, and try to show how much we know or how clever we are by giving comments, advice, suggestions, or even criticism, even though these were not asked for in the first place. Sometimes, we say things out of ignorance and do not really know the full situation. Sometimes, we try to be helpful and say things, only to later discover that what we had said only made matters worse. Sometimes we just can’t let things be (perhaps the mouth is too itchy) and add more fuel into the fire by saying things, only to be later burned by what we uttered. This is why we are reminded: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)” “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. (Proverbs 21:23)”

In today’s reading, we are presented with God’s response to Job’s lamentation. Job had lamented why he was going through all sorts of sufferings and calamities, and was trying to figure out where he had gone wrong. In response, God posed a number of rhetorical questions to Job, all of which are designed to show Job how small he is in relation to God’s plan. In posing such questions to Job, God was reminding Job that His wisdom isn’t like human wisdom; His ways are not human ways. Faced with such questioning, Job realised that he had said too much, perhaps he had overstep the line, and he said (possibly sheepishly): “My words have been frivolous: what can I reply? I had better lay my finger on my lips. I have spoken once… I will not speak again; more than once… I will add nothing.”

What about us? Have we realised that there are times we have overstep the line? Have we realised that we said too much? Why do we have the urge to say things? Can’t we be more cautious and control our tongue? Let us learn to know when to say things and when not to say. Let us also learn to be more humble and trusting in God’s providence. After all, He knows what is best for us. We may not understand why things happen, but does it matter? Let us let God be God, and let Him guide and help us according to His plan.

When you are faced with problems, calamities, hardship, suffering, anxiety, stress, or depression, how would you respond? Some would give up and despair. Some would resort to abuse of substances, thinking that such things could alleviate the pain, only to fall into addiction and one could end up being worse off. Some would start blaming others for their condition, or even blame God. How many of us would bravely, resolutely and unwaveringly go through the situation, trusting God and knowing that God would help us?

In today’s reading, we come across Job who had been inflicted with one catastrophe after another. His friends believed he was suffering for heavy crimes or sins he may have committed. His wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” Satan was trying to make him curse God for the situation he was in. Yet, Job did not curse God or despair. He cursed the day he was born instead, wishing that he had not been born. No where did he put the blame on anyone or God. He was expressing his feelings via figures of speech and exaggeration. Ultimately, Job still trusted in God to see him through his predicament.

If we are ever faced with a similar situation, let us be steadfast in faith. Let us not give in to the temptations of the evil one, and continue to trust in God’s love and providence. Sometimes things happen to us for a reason, and God can transform our situation into something better or beautiful. Are we patient and humble enough to let God heal us in His time?

Some of us are very activity-centered or task-oriented. It seems as if we cannot sit down for a while, or slow down or wait. We must do this or that; go here or there; or complete this or that. Life can seem quite busy as a bee or hectic. On the other extreme hand, some of us could be procrastinating in our tasks. We sometimes hear complaints of something not being done, or not done properly, or not according to what was expected. What about you? Where do you fit in?

In today’s reading, we are reminded that “There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven.” We are also asked to ponder: “What does a man gain for the efforts that he makes? I contemplate the task that God gives mankind to labour at. All that he does is apt for its time; but though he has permitted man to consider time in its wholeness, man cannot comprehend the work of God from beginning to end.” Indeed, there is a time and place for everything. When we are doing too much, we may end up neglecting other things. When we are doing too little, the task or matter at hand would be delayed or stagnant. Perhaps we need to learn to strike a balance between being and doing. Sometimes we could gain better perception or ideas when we take a step back for a while and let God guide our actions and conduct.

“Do I look alright?” “Hmm… My hair’s in a mess. I need more hairspray.” (Though the hair is actually already well groomed) “Better touch up my lips before we go, just in case.” (Despite the fact that the person had already touched up the lips earlier) “I must buy this moisturiser. Why? I’m worth it!” (As if the moisturiser determines one’s worth) “I’ve got more qualifications than that person! How come I am not getting the position?” “See those trophies? I am the greatest tennis player!” “Hey you! Get out of my way!” (a driver of a big, expensive vehicle intimidating a driver of a small sedan to move aside, by flashing his or her vehicle lights menacingly, or blaring the vehicle horn extensively, so that he or she can speed past) “I’m smarter than you are! See? I have a Doctorate. You are just a diploma holder. You better be good to me or else!” “They better toe the line! I have the support of the entire management!” “I’m the greatest pianist. You’re nowhere near my class!” “Listen pal! I’m older than you and I know better. Do as I tell you!”

Do these sound familiar? Perhaps at some point in our life, we may have heard someone say similar words. Perhaps we ourselves may have said such words. When we hear such words being uttered, how would we respond? Some of us may look at the person with indignation. Perhaps we may try to avoid such persons. But what if we are the ones who are saying such words? Have we ever thought about the consequences of speaking in this way?

In today’s reading, we are reminded: “Vanity of vanities, the Preacher says. Vanity of vanities. Vanity of vanities. All is vanity! For all his toil, his toil under the sun, what does man gain by it?” Vanity is defined as having excessive pride in one’s appearance, qualities, abilities, or achievements; being conceited; thinking that the world centres around oneself. Have we been vain or conceited in one form or another? What do we really gain by being so vain? All these things are temporary. Shouldn’t we be striving more for that which is eternal?