Category Archives: Thursday

Evil exists, and evil will find ways and means to distract us and tempt us to sin. Some of us may think that we are capable and strong enough to resist temptation, but let us remember that the evil one knows our weaknesses and would use our weaknesses against us. Sometimes the temptations we face could be obvious, at other times, it could be very subtle. This is why, in today’s reading, St. Paul advises us: “Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. Put God’s armour on so as to be able to resist the devil’s tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens. That is why you must rely on God’s armour, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground.”

Not only do we need to put on God’s armour and depend on His care and providence, we also need to be consistent, committed and diligent in our prayer life. St. Paul also reminds us: “Pray all the time, asking for what you need, praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion. Never get tired of staying awake to pray for all the saints…” Sometimes we may feel tired, or we feel as if our prayers are not working or seem to be unheard; but God is listening; He may not answer our prayers straightaway, but He will not abandon us. Let us choose to put on His armour and continue to pray, knowing that God will guide us and protect us from evil.

I believe most of us would want to live a harmonious life with our parents, siblings and other family members. I do not think anyone in his or her right mind would want to create division among family members. After all, we are reminded that “blood is thicker than water” and “united we stand, divided we fall.” But sometimes, certain situations or circumstances could cause family relationships to become strained or even divided. For example, while we try to live harmoniously with our family members, there are also difficult situations where we need to choose whether to listen to our family demands and go against God’s commandments; or observe God’s commandments and risk division among the family. If you were to choose one or the other, with no middle ground or choice, what would you choose?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus cautions us: “Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” There are times, situations or circumstances where we need to make a choice, and the choice we make could cause our family members to become divided; some supporting us and some going against us. Such choices may involve matters concerning our faith and morals, and if put in such a difficult or even dangerous situation, the choice we make could have grave consequences. May we make a right and good choice, and be prepared to face the rewards or consequences.

What do you do when you have done something wrong? Some people choose to keep the wrongdoing under wraps, or pretend that it never happened, or sweep it under the carpet, thinking and hoping that no one would notice or investigate or interrogate further. Some people would try to find a scapegoat to put the blame on, refusing to take any responsibility for what had happened. How many of us are truly, humbly or willingly able to admit the wrongdoing, seek forgiveness and make amends where possible, and move on?

In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus exposing the many wrongdoings and nonsenses that the scribes and Pharisees had been guilty of. Instead of admitting or acknowledging their guilt, they reacted towards Jesus’ accusation in this way: “…began a furious attack on him and tried to force answers from him on innumerable questions, setting traps to catch him out in something he might say.” When we are proud, conceited or self-righteous, we may be behaving just like the scribes and Pharisees by refusing to change our ways. Are we setting ourselves up for eternal ruin and condemnation, by refusing to change our ways even though we have been given many opportunities to do so?

When I was a child, I thought that if I wanted something all I had to do was to pray really hard. A new toy for Christnas, a wonderful cake for my birthday, a raise in my allowance? I thought that all I had to do was ask. Eventually, of course, I figured out that the world didn’t work that way; and God did not answer prayers the way I thought He would. I did not fully understand why God did not answer my prayer, but I reasoned that maybe He was still thinking about it, like how my parents would think about it when I asked them for something.

Later when I grew older, I began to understand why sometimes my prayers were not answered. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us to be persistent in prayer. But being persistent in prayer does not mean that God will answer our prayer according to our whims and fancies. Persistent in prayer involves praying and asking God to answer our prayer, but at the same time having full trust and confidence that God knows what is best for us. God understands our hearts better than we do ourselves. If we open our hearts, we will receive what we really want and need, even if it’s not exactly what we might think we want and need. May we remain persistent and hopeful, knowing that God will do what is best for us, for His glory.

I find it amusing to see how some people go all out to pursue some qualification such as a Masters degree or a Doctorate. These people are willing to make major sacrifices to achieve such qualifications, but how does such qualifications help a person become a better person, a more loving person, a more responsible person, or even a person who is more dependent on God’s providence? A person could attain such higher qualifications, but if the person becomes haughty, proud, conceited, aloof, egoistic, or even vain, are such higher qualifications helpful or useful? Sure, you may get a better pay or position; some people may look up to you and admire your intellectual capabilities; but is this all there is to it?

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?