Category Archives: Tuesday

Growing in holiness is not something we can do in an instant. We may be used to getting so many other things done instantly; such as withdrawing money from an ATM, or making a cup of coffee; but when it comes to growing in relationship with God and growing in holiness, it takes time and effort. We may experience temptations along the way, and some of us may commit sin; but we are constantly reminded to get up, seek forgiveness, move on and use such experiences to help us grow spiritually, as we let our loving God help us and guide us.

In today’s reading, we are reminded: “You should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come… So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace. Think of our Lord’s patience as your opportunity to be saved. You have been warned about this, my friends; be careful not to get carried away by the errors of unprincipled people, from the firm ground that you are standing on. Instead, go on growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.”

As the reading clearly tells us, we need to be patient and long for the Day of God to come, and while doing so, we should be living holy and saintly lives. Of course, living holy and saintly lives is not easy, especially when we face so many challenges and temptations in the world. This is why our focus should be on Jesus, and let him take control of our lives. While it is necessary for us to live and survive in the world, we should not let worldly attractions overwhelm us or distract us from our ultimate goal. May we stay focused in our quest to be with Jesus, and help others to do the same.

How do we Christians bring the Good News to others? Do we expect others to accept the Good News from us immediately or quickly? What if such persons are resistant or slow to accept the Good News, then what do we do? Do we begin to use coercion, threats or force on such persons? The reality is that we cannot expect others to accept the Good News according to our agenda or schedule, since ultimately the gift of faith is from God. Are we willing to be patient and persistent in our efforts, with hope that others may accept the Good News according to God’s time?

In today’s Gospel, the brothers James and John said to Jesus: “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” This is because the people of the Samaritan village did not receive them well. But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village. Jesus showed His disciples, and us too, that using coercion, force or threats is not the way to preach the Good News. What is required of us is to do our part with Christian love, concern and care, then leave the rest in the hands of the Lord.

During Jesus’ time, widows were considered helpless and powerless, as they had no one to protect or support them in their needs. In today’s Gospel, the widow was considered practically dead too, since without her only son, she had no means to provide for herself. But then she encountered the compassion of Jesus. Jesus was moved with pity for her, saw her pain and grief, and felt her sorrow and helplessness. By restoring her only son to life, Jesus showed his love and concern, giving back to her hope and new life, and restored her to her community.

What about us, if we see someone who is helpless and powerless, would we do our utmost best to help the person, so that the person would get back hope and new life? Or would we mind our own business and look the other way, or simply wish the person well and not get involved? May we learn to imitate the love and compassion that Jesus shows us, so that all may know what it really means to be a Christian.

Some of us may have, from time to time, felt as if we are powerless and incapable of doing God’s will, especially when the problems and issues we face seem too big or too difficult to handle. When we are faced with such a situation, what do we do? Do we continue to struggle and persevere in doing our task, without being too concerned about whether we are successful in completing such a task? Or would we give up on the task or avoid it completely?

In today’s reading, the Lord turned to Gideon “and said, ‘Go in the strength now upholding you, and you will rescue Israel from the power of Midian. Do I not send you myself?’ Gideon answered him, ‘Forgive me, my lord, but how can I deliver Israel? My clan, you must know, is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least important in my family.’ the Lord answered him, ‘I will be with you and you shall crush Midian as though it were a single man.’” Even though Gideon felt that he was helpless and incapable of accomplish such a task, God assured him that he would be victorious, since God is with him to see it through.

What about us? Are we willing to trust in God’s providence and let God use us to see the task through? If God is helping Gideon to be victorious, even though Gideon felt weak and least important, just imagine what God would do for us if we put our full trust and confidence in Him.

It is easy for us to claim that we are related to Jesus, especially since we call ourselves brothers and sisters in Christ, sons and daughters of God. But being related to Jesus is not enough, since Jesus in today’s Gospel reminds us that having a relationship with Him is more than just familial or blood-relationship. In the Gospel, He says: “‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.'”

The question we need to ask ourselves is this: Are we claiming “relationship” with Jesus only in name, while we lord it over others or feel proud about being such a relationship? Or have we learnt to be humble, and do the will of God? Relationship with Jesus is more than just words; may we put into action our “relationship” with Jesus through our words and deeds.

It is a reality that a church cannot function and carry out its mission effectively without funds. Various kinds of bills need to be paid; salaries of workers need to be paid, since most parishes employ people to take care of various tasks such as office administration, gardening and cleaning, etc.; works of charity and providing help to the poor; the list of expenses could go on and accumulate to a sizeable amount. Such funds come from the offerings of the faithful and from generous donors. The question is: how many of the faithful are generous in their offerings? Are some able to offer more, but they seem to hold back for some reason or another? Are some expecting to see tangible results on what they have offered, or are they willing to offer generously without any terms and conditions?

In today’s reading, we are reminded “Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring. Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously as your means can afford; for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over.” God’s generosity knows no limits and He has been generous to us in many ways. Are we just as generous in return? May we “give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously as your means can afford”, and be grateful and joyful for His abundant love and care.

Some people think that being a Christian is an easy thing. Some may have been duped into thinking by certain so called church leaders that all they need to do is call on the name of Jesus and their salvation is guaranteed. What such persons do not realise is that it is easy to claim to be a Christian, but how many are able to remain Christian when faced with persecution or even the possibility of being put to death? Are such persons able to remain steadfast as Christians, come what may?

In today’s reading, we are called to persevere while serving God. The reading tells us: “My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him.”

The reading reminds us that if we want to be a Christian, we would need to serve the Lord and be prepared for trials and tribulations. Are we prepared to face any obstacles, persecution, torture or even death? Let us not abandon our resolve to remain in Christ, no matter what happens, and give glory to God with our lives.