Faithfulness and Love

Category Archives: Year 1

Wednesday of Week 33 Year 1

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Some of us seem to take for granted the gifts and talents that God has given us. Sometimes, some of us may begin to think that our talents or gifts are for ourselves or for our benefit, and some of us are unwilling to share our talents or use our talents to help in church and for the glory of God. But what happens if we try to keep our talents to ourselves? If we neglect to use our talents or to practise them, we may lose such talents eventually. Is this what is expected of us as Christians?

In today’s Gospel, ten servants were given one pound each. The first two servants promptly went and invested the money entrusted to them, benefiting their master with even more talents. The third servant claimed to be afraid of the master, but from the way he tried to explain himself, he was actually not interested in using his talents for his master’s benefit after all, and in the end, he was condemned and even lost the pound he had. This is why Jesus said: “I tell you, to everyone who has will be given more; but from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

What can we learn from this? Remember that all that we have: our wealth, our talents, our abilities and our gifts are from God. What God has given us, He can easily take away. That being said, shouldn’t we be using what we have for the good of all and for His glory? Why are some of us being so stingy or selfish with what we have? May we realise we are merely stewards of what we have, and may we be prudent and generous in how we use them.

Tuesday of Week 33 Year 1

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How excited are we to see Jesus? Some of us say we are excited, but we do not seem to make much effort to see Jesus, especially each day at Mass or in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Some of us do not seem to see Jesus in others, especially with the way we treat others or how behave towards them. This begs the question: are we really excited to see Jesus? Do we acknowledge His presence? Do we want to become closer with Him and walk in His ways? We say we do, but do our words and actions show what we say?

In today’s Gospel, we come across Zacchaeus who wanted to see Jesus. Despite his height, He made much effort to even “climb a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way.” When Jesus asked to stay at Zacchaeus’ house, Zacchaeus was so happy, that he was even willing to change his ways and made amends if he had cheated anyone. This led Jesus to say: “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.”

What about us? Are we like Zacchaeus, so excited and enthusiastic to see Jesus, that he even made a firm decision to change his ways? Do we value a relationship with Jesus like Zacchaeus did? Or have we become complacent with our relationship with Jesus, thinking that we are okay and there is nothing else for us to improve on? May we be humble enough to realise that, like Zacchaeus, we need Jesus to be our constant guide and help.

Monday of Week 33 Year 1

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How consistent and determined are we to ask God for something? Sometimes we ask God for something and we do not get it straight away, what happens? Some of us may begin to pout and throw a tantrum, demanding that God answers our request. But more often than not, God does not seem to give us what we want, even when we are behaving in this way, then what happens? Some us may give up, thinking that God would not listen to us anyway; some of us may be tempted to seek other forms of help; but how many of us are willing to patiently, persistently and consistently ask God for help?

In today’s Gospel, we come across the blind man who wanted Jesus to heal him. The blind man said: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” Even though people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, he shouted all the louder, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Eventually, the blind man was healed, because he had faith in Jesus. What about us? Do we have faith in Jesus like the blind man has? Are we willing to be patient, persistent and consistent in asking Jesus for help? May we not be so easily defeated but persevere and trust in God, knowing that He will do what is best for us.

Friday of Week 32 Year 1

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There are many things in this world which could be explained by science. What was once thought to be the consequence of malicious creatures or evil, or even divine retribution, could be scientifically proven. However, there are also many things in this world which science is still unable to explain or discover. For example, science has yet to fully understand or explain when and how exactly does conception take place or even when and how exactly we would die, since such things can happen at moments beyond our expectation.

This is why today’s reading tells us: “Naturally stupid are all men who have not known God and who, from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is, or, by studying the works, have failed to recognise the Artificer… if they are capable of acquiring enough knowledge to be able to investigate the world, how have they been so slow to find its Master?” Some people seem to think that science can solve or explain many things, but time and again we come across situations which cannot be explained with our intellect or with science, but with faith and trust that God is in the equation. May we learn to discover those things which science can explain and help us understand, while being firmly rooted in faith that God is there to guide us and be our help.

Thursday of Week 32 Year 1

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Some of us get very excited easily over the smallest things or incidences. For example, we are driving on the road and we notice a massive traffic jam ahead of us, and we later discover that the traffic jam is caused by onlookers and other folks who just have to slow down to see the result of an accident which has occurred at the opposite side of the road, some of us would slow down too. Some of us just cannot resist the urge to gaze at what is taking place at the accident site, even though the relevant authorities are already at the scene and are desperately trying to get folks to move on quickly instead of causing unnecessary congestion.

In the same way, some of us get very excited about whether we would be with God in heaven or otherwise. Some of us would begin to fret and worry about what is going to happen to our eternal future. At the other extreme, there are some who worry about hell, and become paralysed with fear that they may have done something wrong that would cause them to be thrown into hell. But Jesus in today’s Gospel tells us: “The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation… They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit…” If we have been consistent and persistent in building our spiritual lives and our relationship with God, if we have been regular in attending Mass and going for confession, then we have no need to be easily excited. It does not matter when the Kingdom of God comes, nor does it matter what would happen to us, if we have done our part and done our best. Do we not trust in God and His providence, help and mercy?

Wednesday of Week 32 Year 1

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I sometimes wonder whether some of us have begun to take a lot of things for granted. Have we ever thought about the farmers who work hard to plant crops so that we would have food on our tables; the many people who have to treat our sewage and waste so that our homes and surroundings would be clean; the many people who sweep the roads and cut the grass so that our roads and highways are clean, tidy and safe from debris; the teachers who have spent many hours preparing for classes so that we and our children would be well educated; the list goes on. When things are not done right, we complain and make a big fuss, but when things are done well for our comfort and safety, are we appreciative, thankful and grateful?

In today’s Gospel, we see a good example of being appreciative, thankful and grateful for what has been done for us. In the Gospel, ten lepers were cured by Jesus, but only “one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.” Have we learnt to be like that one leper, who was appreciative, thankful and grateful for being cured? Or are we still taking things for granted, thinking that we had paid for it, or we deserve or are entitled to such help, or we are only interested in ourselves and our needs? Remember that all things come from God and are gifts to us. May we give Him the glory for His generous providence and care.

Tuesday of Week 32 Year 1

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What do you look for in life? Some look for wealth, some look for fame and popularity, some look for recognition and titles, some want to be seen as persons of power and authority, but how many of us are willing to be looked as a lowly servant? All around us, we see people going for the ways and attractions of the world and they are driven by ambition, self-interest, pride, personal gratification and even self-preservation. Being seen as a lowly servant and seen as insignificant is, according to the ways of the world, a disadvantage or a weakness. But this is where we need to choose, we cannot have it both ways: do we choose the ways of the world, or do we choose the ways of Christ?

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us about what it means to be a lowly servant: “When you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”” What does this mean? It means that in all we do, we are doing it for the Lord, for His glory, for His Kingdom to come. It also means that at the end of the day, we realise that what we get from the ways of the world is only temporary and would be lost sooner or later, and that it makes more sense to focus on that which is permanent. Are we willing to redirect our focus for our eternal future?

Friday of Week 31 Year 1

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There is nothing wrong with having money and possessions, since we need to survive and prosper in this world. But what becomes wrong is when we become focused only in using such money or possessions in a wasteful manner, or in a way which contradicts the values of the Gospel. Instead, we should be using our wealth and possessions for our spiritual growth and for the glory of God, since that would bring about growth in our relationship with God and with others.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus praised a steward who misused his master’s money. The dishonest steward is praised not for mishandling his master’s wealth, but for his shrewdness and foresight in avoiding personal disaster while securing his future livelihood. What Jesus is trying to teach here is not so much on how to prevent a personal financial or economic crisis. Instead, He is more concerned that we use our shrewdness and foresight to prevent a spiritual and moral crisis.

May we make more effort in spiritual matters which have eternal consequences, instead of only focusing on making much effort in earthly matters which have temporary consequences, so that we would be better off in this life and in the next.

Thursday of Week 31 Year 1

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Each and every one of us has an impact on others in one way or another, whether we like it or not, and whether we are aware of it or not. For example, a child would follow or imitate your habits, words and expressions, and after a while, the child would become accustomed or used to such things. The expression “a chip of the old block” may apply to a certain extend here. That is why in matters of faith, parents are responsible to pass on the basics of faith, good conduct and virtues to their children. If the parents themselves are not bothered about their faith, then their children may follow suit, though by the grace of God, some of such children may rediscover God and faith later in life.

That is why St. Paul cautions us in today’s reading: “The life and death of each of us has its influence on others; if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord. This explains why Christ both died and came to life, it was so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. This is also why you should never pass judgement on a brother or treat him with contempt, as some of you have done.” We ought to be careful how we conduct ourselves and how we behave, since some others may get the right or wrong understanding or impression of Christianity, depending on our words and actions. May we be prudent and good examples to others, so that we may truly be light of the world and salt of the earth.

Wednesday of Week 31 Year 1

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Love is a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that ranges from interpersonal affection to pleasure. It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment. It can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection. It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one’s self or animals. All in all, the word “love” can be simple and complicated to fully understand. But what is a Christian understanding of love?

In today’s reading, St. Paul gives us a clue of what Christian understanding of love is all about: “Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.” If we truly love others, including those we find difficult to love, then we would be living in harmony and peace. But the problem is, some of us are still holding on to our needs and wants, our pride and prejudice, our insecurities and low self-esteem, that we are unable to love the way God loves all. May we be open and humble enough to let God change us, so that we may learn to truly and genuinely love all, just as God loves all.