Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Weekday

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter

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How many of us are willing to put our lives in danger, or even face death, to uphold the truth? Sometimes we come across wrongdoings, slander, rampant bribery, corruption, crimes being committed, exploitation and enslavement among the weak, the poor and the migrants, and many other heinous acts being committed around us. Are we willing to do all we can to uphold the truth, even if it means that we could end up being ridiculed, persecuted, imprisoned or even murdered or assassinated? Or are we more interested in preserving our lives, afraid or reluctant to get involved, and look the other way?

In today’s reading, Stephen said some hard facts and truths to the people, the elders and the scribes which caused them to react in this way: “They were infuriated when they heard this, and ground their teeth at him.” But Stephen did not back down or change his stance over the matter, he held his ground and the more he said, the more antagonised the people, the elders and the scribes became, leading to Stephen being sent out of the city and stoned to death. What was Stephen’s response to all this? He merely followed what Jesus did on the cross: “‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and said aloud, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.'”

It has been said that for evil men to accomplish their purpose it is only necessary that good men should do nothing. Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves and be bearers of truth, justice and fairness? Or are we only interested in saving our own skin? Let us choose our conduct wisely, for the consequences of our actions is far reaching, and our eternal future is at stake.

Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter

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We need food to grow and survive each day. Even though we may be able to go without food for a certain period, eventually we would need to eat something to sustain ourselves. This is where we need to make a living so that we could continue surviving and prospering in this world. Our efforts are certainly not wrong, but sometimes we tend to forget who we really are and what is our ultimate purpose, our ultimate goal. Is this life all there is to us? The food we can taste in this world gives us pleasure and contentment only for a moment; after it has been processed in our stomachs, it becomes waste which we dispel.

This is why, in today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us: “Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.” Jesus is offering the kind of food which will satisfy us completely, not only physically, but spiritually as well. This food is found in His Body, the Eucharist, which we are encouraged to partake each day, so that our souls are nourished and our relationship with God is strengthened. Let us not take for granted or miss out on this precious and heavenly food which Jesus is offering us at no cost, food which has far greater effects and benefits on us as we journey towards our eternal future.

Housekeeping – 2nd Week of Easter

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

12 April 2015 – 2nd Sunday of Easter Year B
13 April 2015 – Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter
14 April 2015 – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
15 April 2015 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
16 April 2015 – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter
17 April 2015 – Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Humanly speaking, there are many situations or events which we find difficult to resolve or settle. Some of us may feel as if there is little hope or we feel that we are powerless to change anything or improve the situation. Some of us may resort to other forms of distraction or solace, to try and forget what has taken place. But how should a Christian respond when faced with what some may think are impossible odds?

In today’s Gospel, the disciples were faced with a logistical nightmare, so to speak. Jesus had thrown them a challenge to feed about 5000 men (not including women and children, mind you). With such a crowd, it looked humanly impossible to provide that much food to so many people. This led Jesus’ disciples to respond in this way: “Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would only buy enough to give them a small piece each.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?'” But what did Jesus do? He did not embarrass His disciples or leave them to deal with such a situation on their own. Instead, Jesus performed a tremendous miracle, feeding so many people with what was initially perceived as so few resources.

If Jesus could perform such miracles against the odds, just imagine what sort of miracles He has performed and will perform for us today. Sometimes we just need to have a little bit more faith in Jesus, seek His help and guidance consistently, earnestly and patiently, and let Him do wonders for us according to His terms and His time.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Have you experienced extreme anger or even rage before? There are many reasons why a person may experience such extreme anger or even rage, but one reason that is especially difficult is when a person is confronted with the truth or exposed for who he or she really is. In reaction to facing the truth or being exposed, such persons may resort to extreme anger or even rage to try and cover up, or divert attention with the hope that people would become confused or afraid to pursue the matter further, or in some cases such persons may even resort to greater crimes to get rid of any evidence, witnesses or any other means, thinking that by doing so, they would not be exposed further or “lose face.” But the fact is, the truth will prevail, and the truth will come back to haunt such persons in one way or another at a different time.

This reaction of extreme anger or rage was evident among the officials, members of the Sanhedrin and the high priest in today’s reading. They knew that what the apostles were preaching about Jesus and about what these people had done is the truth. But due to their pride, their arrogance, their refusal to admit their wrongdoing, their determination to “save face” and because they were more interested in preserving their status quo, these officials, members of the Sanhedrin and the high priest became so infuriated when confronted with the truth that they wanted to put the apostles to death. But these apostles remained unflinched in their commitment to the truth and even said: “Obedience to God comes before obedience to men.” The apostles were prepared to die rather than keep quiet or hide the truth, since it is a duty and a privilege to preach the Good News to all.

What about us? Are we more interested in saving our skin and keeping quiet, even though it is obvious that the truth must be known? Who are we trying to serve? Do we value only things here on earth, or are we willing to sacrifice even our lives, so that we would gain eternal rewards?

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Some of us are afraid of the dark. Before we enter a dark room or a dark place, we would turn on the lights or if we have a torch, we would switch it on. Even in ancient times, people would light a fire near the entrance of their cave or house to deter wild animals or other unwanted beings from approaching. Light gives us some assurance and comfort that we would be safe and somewhat protected from possible dangers ahead. However, there are some who prefer darkness, because it is in darkness that they could go about doing naughty things or despicable acts.

In today’s Gospel, we read: “though the light has come into the world men have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were evil. And indeed, everybody who does wrong hates the light and avoids it, for fear his actions should be exposed; but the man who lives by the truth comes out into the light, so that it may be plainly seen that what he does is done in God.” If we are doing what is right in the eyes of God, then we have no reason to fear. But if we choose to be evil and corrupt in our words and deeds, then we would find ways and means to remain dark in God’s presence. The question is: how long can we run and hide from the truth? Let us be reminded that “God sent his Son into the world not to condemn the world, but so that through him the world might be saved.” God is inviting us to come to the light and come closer to Him. It is up to us to choose whether we want eternal happiness or eternal ruin.

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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Some of us seem to live a life where only our needs, our wants and our expectations matter. We try to achieve wealth, fame, power, popularity and recognition for ourselves. Sometimes in our pursuit for such things, we may have become ruthless or cold in our relationship with others, and some may even resort to different forms of intimidation or tactics to eliminate the competition. “What’s in it for me?” or “What do I gain from this?” are some of the questions some may ask when asked to help or offer assistance to others. But is such an attitude or way of life compatible to being a Christian? What sort of attitude or way of life should a Christian have?

In today’s reading, we are told about the early Christian community and the sort of attitude and way of life they lived: “The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed for his own use anything that he had, as everything they owned was held in common. None of their members was ever in want, as all those who owned land or houses would sell them, and bring the money from them, to present it to the apostles; it was then distributed to any members who might be in need.” While living such a life style, way of life, or attitude may seem quite challenging these days, we need to ask ourselves: do we really care about others sincerely and with concern and charity? Or have we become so engrossed with the world and with ourselves, that the individual and individualistic ways have taken over our lives and our values? Are we united with our Christian community, or have we become loners, only thinking about ourselves and our needs?

Let us be mindful that people take notice of what it means to be a Christian by the way we witness to others in our community. May we be examples and not stumbling blocks of what it means to be Jesus’ witnesses, so that others may know we are Christians by our love.

Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter

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When we are faced with persecution or difficult situations, what do we do? Some of us may resort to prayer, and when we pray, what do we say? Some of us may ask God to free us from our persecutors or difficulties experienced, some of us may ask God to change the hearts and minds of those who persecute us or cause us difficulties, but how should we pray to God?

In today’s reading, the community of believers had heard from Peter and John what the chief priests and elders had said. When the community prayed, they asked God to “take note of their threats and help your servants to proclaim your message with all boldness, by stretching out your hand to heal and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” By praying in this way, the community of believers were not asking God to get rid of their enemies, or deliver them from persecution or difficulties. Instead, the community asked God to help them be bold in preaching and healing, so that God would ultimately be glorified.

What about us? Have we been praying for God’s help so that we could be courageous and determined to preach the Good News? Have we offered ourselves totally to God, so that in all we do, God will be glorified? Let us not be afraid or discouraged, but be bold in our efforts, for God will not abandon us.

Housekeeping – Holy Week

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

29 March 2015 – Palm Sunday
30 March 2015 – Monday of Holy Week
31 March 2015 – Tuesday of Holy Week
1 April 2015 – Wednesday of holy Week
2 April 2015 – Maundy (Holy) Thursday
3 April 2015 – Good Friday
4 April 2015 – Easter Vigil