Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Weekday

Tuesday of Week 2 Year 1

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Those of us who have taken part in a race would know what it takes to succeed. We would need to put in hours of practice, eat proper food to gain energy, get enough sleep, and do many other things to be prepared. But whatever one’s motivation is to participate in a race, patience, perseverance and persistence is needed, so that one would hopefully achieve what one is looking for. When it comes to preaching the Good News and serving others, we also need to be prepared, be patient, persevere and be persistent in our efforts. There are times where our efforts seem to be not as fruitful as we wanted, but what matters is not how effective or efficient we have been, what matters is how earnest and diligent we are in performing our tasks.

In today’s reading, we are reminded: “God would not be so unjust as to forget all you have done, the love that you have for his name or the services you have done, and are still doing, for the saints. Our one desire is that every one of you should go on showing the same earnestness to the end, to the perfect fulfilment of our hopes, never growing careless, but imitating those who have the faith and the perseverance to inherit the promises.” We cannot do everything and we cannot please everyone, but let us not grow careless or complacent in our efforts, but be faithful and consistent, for the greater glory of God.

Monday of Week 2 Year 1

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Why do we have rules? If a country does not have any rules, then society would end up in chaos and disintegrate. People would begin to do as they please, and there would no longer be any commonly accepted form of morality, justice or even peace. For example, if we do not have rules, a person could commit murder for some insignificant reason and get away with it, since a “to each his or her own” mentality could prevail. That is why we have rules, since rules set us free from so many uncertainties. Rules define what is right and wrong, and when we know what is right and wrong, we would know how to conduct ourselves and live. Rules are not there for us to break as we please, or to change according to our own whims and fancies, but to be observed for the good of all. When we are obedient towards rules, what happens? We are able to live in harmony, peace and justice.

In today’s reading, Jesus too obeyed rules by obeying God the Father. The reading tells us: “During his life on earth, he offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation and was acclaimed by God with the title of high priest of the order of Melchizedek.” Jesus showed us that by obeying and submit to God, He became a source of eternal salvation to all of us. By being docile and humble enough to hear and obey God’s voice, we have no reason and no need to fear, for God will be our providence and guide. Let us offer ourselves in obedience to God, and let God transform us into something better, for His glory.

Friday of Week 1 Year 1

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After a long day at work or at school, I believe that most of us would want to go home for some peace and quiet, and to have some rest. We are not robots, and we need to recuperate from a heavy day, or we may feel fatique, tired or even may be stricken with some sort of disease or illness. Even robots and machines need rest, or their operational usefulness may be shortened due to wear and tear. But where is our home, really? Is earth really our home? We know that our being here is only temporary, so what have we been preparing for our true home?

In today’s reading, we are reminded: “Be careful: the promise of reaching the place of rest that God had for the Israelites still holds good, and none of you must think that he has come too late for it… We must therefore do everything we can to reach this place of rest, or some of you might copy this example of disobedience and be lost.” God is beckoning us to come home to our true home and be with Him, but going to our true home requires effort on our part. Have we been doing our part, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, in preparation to return to our true home?

Thursday of Week 1 Year 1

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What are you looking for in life? Is life here on earth all that matters? We sometimes come across people who seem to think that life on earth are all that matters, and some of these people even go to the extent of abandoning their faith, especially when they are given fame, fortune and other opportunities in exchange of doing so. For example, there are people who have abandoned their Christian faith and embraced another faith, because they are promised that they would get perks and benefits from the government or from certain business circles. Some marry a woman of another faith and embrace the same faith the woman professes, because of certain advantages to be exploited. But is faith so insignificant that such persons would do such things?

In today’s reading, we are cautioned: “Take care, brothers, that there is not in any one of your community a wicked mind, so unbelieving as to turn away from the living God. Every day, as long as this ‘today’ lasts, keep encouraging one another so that none of you is hardened by the lure of sin, because we shall remain co-heirs with Christ only if we keep a grasp on our first confidence right to the end.” When a person abandons his or her faith so easily, then it seems as if the person is only concerned about himself or herself, and is not bothered about God. Could some of us have ventured into such an attitude? Let us not forget that our life here on earth is only temporary, and we are merely pilgrims. What we enjoy is also temporary and when the fun ends, we may risk losing our eternal reward.

Wednesday of Week 1 Year 1

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Life is such that no one remains in the same place, same position, or same job forever. Situations change, the context we are in changes, our behaviour and attitude changes. What was once a passion in the past may no longer be so today. What we were capable of doing in the past may no longer be possible today. This is because, as we go through life, and as we age, we find ourselves being needed differently. Priests and religious, for example, are transferred from one community to another or from one parish to another or even from one role to another, when and where the need arises. The question is: are we ready and prepared to change and for change?

In today’s Gospel, we read: “In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils.” It seemed easy and convenient for Jesus to settle down in one place, make Himself comfortable, and carry out His mission there. But as we can see from the Gospel, His mission was not only for one place indefinitely; He also went to other places to preach and cast out devils. By doing so, Jesus set an example for us to follow. Some of us may have become too used to a place, and we should be enthusiastic to go forth and preach the Good News, not stay put and take things easy or for granted. If some day we are asked to move on, let us humbly and joyfully do so, for the greater glory of God.

Tuesday of Week 1 Year 1

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When we want to interpret the scriptures, we cannot just simply interpret it as we please. This is because the reason, context, background and nuances in the passages is different from our context and background today. Far too many so called preachers have interpreted the scriptures according to their preference and convenience, leading to a free-for-all interpretation. So how do we ensure that what we are interpreting is as close and accurate as what the passage was originally intended? By having some form of authority, of course. When you have some form of authority, the passage could be evaluated by experts who would be able to help ensure a more accurate and reliable interpretation.

In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus whose “teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority.” How was Jesus different from the scribes, and what sort of authority did He hold? Jesus was different because He had moral and spiritual authority, as He was one with the Father, and that what He is teaching and doing is not for His own personal gratification or benefit, but for the greater glory of God.

What about us? Is our so-called authority coming for Jesus? Or do we claim to have authority, which is actually self-appointed and for our personal gratification? May we learn to cultivate the moral and spiritual authority by Jesus, and use such authority wisely to glorify God.

Thursday of Week 34 Year 2

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Among the many ways the evil one could use to tempt us to sin, the use of deception and disappointment is quite common and dangerous. This is because, when we are going through trials and tribulations, we could be deceived with various false promises of security and safety, and when things don’t work out and such promises of security and safety end up crumbled and destroyed, some of us may become quite disappointed, even to the point of giving up or even despairing.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus paints us a picture of troubles and dangers to come when He says: “There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken.” For those who have let fear taken over their lives, such a message may seem like we are doomed. But Jesus did not stop there. He continues: “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.” If we have faith and hope in God, then we should not allow any other forms of promises of security and safety to distract and deceive us. Instead, we should be persistent and consistent in trusting in His providence, knowing that He will take care of things, according to His time and for His glory.

Friday of Week 34 Year 2

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For some of us, a vision could be seen as a warning or reminder to behave or to be good, otherwise some calamity or disaster may occur. However, visions need not necessarily be seen in that way. When a vision occurs, it could also be seen as a prompting from God, inviting us to look into our lives and grow closer to Him. God is reaching out to us, giving us opportunities to walk in His ways, trust in His providence, and let Him be our help and guide.

In today’s reading, John had a vision where he “saw the dead, both great and small, standing in front of his throne, while the book of life was opened, and other books opened which were the record of what they had done in their lives, by which the dead were judged.” John also saw in his vision a burning lake which is the second death “and anybody whose name could not be found written in the book of life was thrown into the burning lake.” If we have been consistent, committed and persistent in our efforts to grow in relationship with God, then such visions should not startle us or cause us to fear, since we can be confident and trust that God will take care of us. God is inviting us to live, it is up to us to accept His invitation and be alive in His love.

Wednesday of Week 34 Year 2

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Some of us think that when we are persecuted, mocked or put on trial, we should be bold and say many things in defence. Some of us think that to be vocal and loud is the better solution, since some of us think that keeping silent means that one is agreeing to the accusations or one has no defence at all. But sometimes, confidence is silent and dignified, whereas insecurities are loud and offensive, since being silent means one is confident in oneself and considers such accusations to be nonsense, baseless, and not worth arguing about.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.” The eloquence and wisdom here need not necessarily mean that we would be inspired to say many things, since a smile and keeping silent could be just as effective and deafening as using many words. There were times Jesus made profound statements of truth; but there were also times when He just remained silent. A smile is one way to solve many problems; and silence is one way to avoid many problems; and at times, Jesus has shown us that being silent with a smile is a better way or a good answer to insults and false accusations. Do we still need to say so many things, when being silent with a smile is sometimes all that is needed?

Tuesday of Week 34 Year 2

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Do you know what is a sickle? No, it does not mean someone is being sick, but it is a type of a hand-held agricultural tool with a curved, sharp blade used for harvesting grain crops or cutting certain edible plants to feed livestock. It is an ancient tool effective for reaping and harvesting, and if used as a weapon, it can be deadly and dangerous. You definitely would not want to be at the receiving end of a sickle, since the cut could be devastating, or even mortally wounding (in other words, one could get killed quite easily if struck by a sickle).

In the 1st reading, the sickles were being used for a harvest of a different sort; it was the harvest of the earth, and it refers to the judgement of the earth. In the reading, we are told that “the angel set his sickle to work on the earth and harvested the whole vintage of the earth and put it into a huge winepress, the winepress of God’s anger.” While the imagery of the reading may seem terrifying, its message is meant to awaken us from our complacency and our indifference to the call for repentance. Are we willing to change our ways, turn away from our sins, and return to the Lord’s ways?