SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 66
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21

The Woman Worth Celebrating

There are two remarkable things in today's celebration. First, the Church invites us to begin this new year by celebrating a woman. Meanwhile, a woman is the symbol of life, fecundity and care. Second, the biblical passage that opens the liturgy of the Word speaks of how the priest Aaron was to bless the people of Israel (Num. 6:22-27). This shows that this new year is going to be a year of blessing.

In the second reading, St Paul says: "When the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman" (Gal. 4:4). This woman is the Blessed Virgin Mary, as we read in the gospel (Luke 2:16-21). Mary is therefore the Mother of God because the child she bore is God, who chose to dwell among men (cf. John 1:1-14).

Moreover, if the Spirit of the Son of God cries in us "Abba, Father", then we are sons and daughters of God. We are therefore brothers and sisters of Jesus. Thus, in the order of grace, Mary is our Mother also.

So it is appropriate to celebrate this woman through whom God entered our human history in human form. Through her faith and obedience to God, the Saviour of the world was born to us. She is the instrument God used to bless all humanity.

Through her intercession, may the blessings announced in the first reading become realized in our lives. May our dreams become true this year. May our Mother Mary continue to pray for us. May her Son grant us peace, joy, good health and prosperity to the works of our hands. Amen.

Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!

SOLEMNITY OF THE HOLY FAMILY, YEAR B

Genesis 15:1-6.21:1-3
Psalm 104:1-6.8-9
Hebrews 11:8.11-12.17-19
Luke 2:22-40

THE HOLY FAMILY

Still in the joyful mood of Christmas, we celebrate today the solemnity of the Holy Family. The purpose is to propose the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as the model for all families. It was the presence of the child Jesus that changed the identity and dignity of this family. The adjective “holy” may make us think of a family in which all was rosy, all the times happy. But no! Like any human family the holy family had its own time of distress, joys and sorrows, challenges and problems, anxieties and struggles.

Today's readings put the child at the centre of our reflection. Having children or not can be a source of anxiety and struggle in the life of the family. In the gospel reading, at the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple, his parents were told their child was “destined for the fall and the rising of many in Israel”, “a sign to be rejected”, and a “sword would pierce the soul” of Mary (Luke 2:22-40).

The first reading also presents us with two common struggles in our families: childlessness and the problem of heritage. Abram was anxious because he was without a child, despite the promises made to him by God (Gen. 15:1-6.21:1-3). But there was one thing remarkable about Abram and Sarah: their faith in God. They believed in God's promises (Heb. 11:8.11-12.17-19).

There are some families that are agonizing beneath the problem of childlessness. But one thing is sure. We serve a living and faithful God who is capable of changing our human impossibility into possibility. Trust in him, pray and do not give up.

There are also parents who do not care about their children. They are not concerned about their material welfare, let alone their spiritual welfare. Let us ask ourselves: Do we care about the spiritual growth of our children? Do we offer them in prayer to God? Do we encourage them to go to church? Like Mary and Joseph, let us cultivate the habit of praying, celebrating and worshipping together.

We may face challenges as family members. But always let us look up to the example of the Holy Family. May the Lord bless and keep us all.

Amen

SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD (MASS OF THE DAY)

Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 97:1-6
Hebrews 1:1-6
John 1:1-18

And God Became Man

This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Yes, today is Christmas Day, a day on which we celebrate the great mystery: God has become one of us.

God had spoken to our ancestors in various fragmentary ways, says the second reading. But in our time, he has spoken to us through his own Son, Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-6). The Word has become flesh, and he lives among us, and we have seen his glory as the only Son of the Father (John 1:1-18).

Thus, in this newly born Baby, lying in a manger, we contemplate God. In this little child, we see the radiant glory of God, the perfect copy of who God is. The Invisible God has become visible. Christmas, therefore, is not the celebration of the birthday of Jesus, where we will be adding a year to his age each time we celebrate Christmas. Otherwise, Jesus would be too old with time.

Christmas is rather the celebration of God’s love for us, when he left his abode to make his home among us. God wanted to be with us. He wanted to identify himself with our human condition, marked with frailty, struggles, suffering and death. He wanted to take what is ours to himself so as to give us what is his.

This is the great Good News to the world of today. We are therefore the heralds of this Good News. We must bring this good news of peace and joy to all (cf. Is. 52:7-10).

I with you, therefore, a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. May the newborn King reign in your heart. May he give you peace, joy, success and good health.
Amen

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

2 Samuel 7:1-5.8-12.14.16
Psalm 88:2-5.27.29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

The Uncovering of the Hidden Secret

The readings of this last Sunday of Advent speak of the fulfilment of God's promise to mankind. The hidden secret  has been revealed. God is going to take a human flesh of a woman, a Virgin from Nazareth.

In the first reading, king David wanted to build a tent for God. But God promised to build him a house, to establish for him an everlasting kingdom of peace and prosperity (2Sam. 7:1-5.8-12.14.16).

This promise made to king David finds its fulfillment in the Annunciation story. Per the announcement of the angel, Mary was to become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. And it was the Holy Spirit that would fecundate her virginal womb. The throne of his ancestor David would be given him.

Full of grace but also perplexed, Mary had a choice to make: to say “yes” or “no”. This choice could not be an easy one. She was very young, a virgin and had her own plans: to get married. But courageously, she said “yes” to God. She trusted God, with whom nothing is impossible. In saying “yes”, her trusting faith changed our story. With this “yes”, God became one of us. Here belies the greatness of Mary: by her “yes”, she became the Mother of God’s own Son (Luke 1:26-38).

Therefore, by Mary’s “yes” to God, the mystery kept secret for ages was revealed to us. God’s plan of our salvation became realized. This is the mystery that St Paul proclaims in the second reading (Rom. 16:25-27).

It could be observed that king David and the Virgin Mary had their own plans. But God had bigger plans for their lives. Thus, they allowed the will of God to be done. May we too learn to avail ourselves to God's will. Let each of us say a free, unconditional and courageous 'Yes' to God even if we must sacrifice our own plans.

Amen

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

Isaiah 61:1-2.10-11
Luke 1:46-50.53-54
1Thessalonians. 5:16-24
John 1:6-8.19-28

A Reason to Be Joyful

Today marks the beginning of the second half of the Advent season: the immediate preparation for Christmas. The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as the “Gaudete Sunday” (Sunday of rejoicing). Why should we rejoice when we are surrounded by thousands of problems and frustrations?

The Communion Antiphon offers the answer: “Say to the anxious: be strong and fear not, our God is coming to save us”. It is precisely in this that the advent season is a season of joyful hope. Thus, St Paul invites us to rejoice at all times, to pray without ceasing and give thank to God in every circumstance. For God has called us and he will not fail us (1Thes. 5:16-24).

The first reading talks about the Anointed of God who would bring the good news to the poor and inaugurate the era of grace, restoration and liberation (Is. 61:1-2.10-11). In Luke 4, Jesus declares that this scripture has been fulfilled in him. He is the person the Jews had long waited for. But it took the testimony of John to prepare the people to discover their Saviour who was standing in their midst, but unknown to them. John is therefore the voice that bears testimony to the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ (John 1:6-8.19-28).

Thus, from this gospel periscope, we learn that the source of our frustrations, worries, restlessness and unhappiness is our inability to discover that Jesus, our Saviour, is with us. We will never discover true joy unless we discover God in the person He anointed for our sake, Jesus Christ. May he help us to be aware that he is closer to us than we can think of.

Amen

2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

Isaiah 40:1-5.9-11
Psalm 84:9614
2Peter 1:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

A Voice that Cries in the Wilderness....

The Advent season is a period of joyful hope, for our Saviour is coming to console us and make all things new. This is the Good News of God’s love for us. As such, there is the need for real and sincere conversion of heart.

St Mark introduces one of the main figures of Advent season: John the Baptist, the Precursor of Jesus the Messiah (Mark 1:1-8). John was sent by God as a messenger to prepare the people of Israel for the coming of their Saviour. He did so by proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. His coming was a fulfillment of God’s promise as announced by the prophet Isaiah, who was to bring the good news of liberation and consolation to the people in exil (Is. 40:1-5.9-11).

Indeed, the Lord Jesus did come in fulfillment of the prophecies of old. But such prophecies are still relevant to us, because we are still waiting for his second coming. St Peter tells us in the second reading, “What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heaven and new earth” (2Pet. 1:8-14).

However, thousands of years have elapsed without such promise being fulfilled. Is God not delaying, or being slow in carrying out his promise? Or has He forgotten that He had promised us such wonderful things? St Peter answers us by saying that for God one day can mean thousands years, and a thousand years is like a day. Moreover, God is not delaying, but He is being patient with us so that everybody should change his evil ways of life.

Such conversion consists in making low the mountains of our hearts, that is setting aside our selfish attitudes, arrogance, pride, etc. We must fill our valleys, that is letting go our sluggishness, laziness, lack of motivation, and self-defeating thoughts. We must make straight our ways by being truthful, honest, sincere, etc. This way, the Lord will find a home in our hearts when he comes. May he bless and keep all of us.

Amen

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

Isaiah 63:16-17;64:1.3-8;  
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
1Corinthians1:3-9; 
Mark 13:33-37

Today marks the beginning of the Advent Season, which opens a new Liturgical Year. In ordinary parlance, “advent” means the coming or arrival of an important event, person or invention. In Catholic circle, “Advent” is usually understood to mean the preparatory season for the commemoration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated at Christmas. But equally important is the joyful expectation of our Lord’s second coming that characterizes this season. It is a period of joyful hope, a period of waiting and watchfulness.

Thus, Jesus, in the gospel reading, invites his disciples to stay awake for his coming (Mark 13:33-37). Staying awake means keeping vigil, being on one’s guard, being conscious of one's surrounding and ready for action. It also means being alert and vigilant, so that one is not taken by surprise. Indeed, everybody stays awake for a reason.

For us Christians, we stay awake for the sake of Christ, for his second coming. In the second reading, St Paul reminds us that we are not left without the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we are waiting for our Lord Jesus to be revealed (1Cor. 1:3-9). This revelation of Jesus Christ is for our own salvation.

Thus, in this season, we must acknowledge our sinfulness, our frailty, our limitations, and pray that we may be saved when the Lord comes. Like the prophet Isaiah in the first reading, we must pray to God, the Ancient of days and our Father to come down from heaven and have pity on his sinful people (Is. 63:16-17;64:1.3-8).

Like the psalmist, let us call on the God of hosts, the Shepherd of Israel, to let his face shine on us so that we may be saved.

Amen

34TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST, THE UNIVERSAL KING

Ezekiel 34:11-12.15-17; 

Psalm 23: 1-3, 5-6

1Corinthians 15:20-26.28; 

Matthew 25: 31-46

We celebrate today, the Kingship of Christ, Jesus. Through his death and Resurrection, he overcame sin and death, thus establishing his kingship over all. Everything is therefore subjected to him. He is the centre of our human history and is leading us into the kingdom of God the Father (1Cor. 15:20-26.28).

But what kind of king is Jesus Christ? According to the first and gospel readings, Jesus Christ is the Shepherd and the Judge. In the first reading, God proclaims that he is the True Shepherd of Israel. As a shepherd, he knows us; he feeds us, protects and cares for us. If such is our Lord and King, then there is nothing we shall want (Ps. 23).

As the Judge, Jesus Christ will sit on his throne of glory to judge the nations at the end of time.  He will separate the sheep from the goats, thus fulfilling the word of God as announced in the first reading. The “sheep”, in our parable today, represent the righteous, the blessed, those for whom the kingdom of heaven has been prepared. The “goats” represent the cursed, those for whom the eternal punishment is reserved.

At the judgment of the King, both the sheep and the goats were surprised. For the sheep, in being sensitive and coming to the aid of the needy and sufferers, they never knew they were welcoming and caring for Jesus himself. On the other hand, out of negligence, insensitivity and carelessness of the goats, they failed to serve Jesus in the least of men and women (Matt. 25:31-46).

This tells us how the King of the universe will judge us at the end our lives: how sensitive have you been to the miseries and needs of others, especially the needy, the marginalized and those suffering.

May the King of kings help us to recognize him in the least of our brothers and sisters so that we may share in his Kingdom.

Amen

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR

Proverbs 31:10…31;
Psalm 128:1-2,3,4-5;
1Thessalonians 5:1-6;
Matthew. 25:14-30

As we are getting closer to the end of the liturgical year, the readings draw our attention to the Day of the Lord, a day of rendering account to him. The first reading tells us that the “perfect” and praiseworthy wife is hard to find. But when found, she is a treasure. She is the example of a humble and faithful servant who goes about her daily chores with love and dedication. She opens her doors for the poor and needy (Prov. 31:10…31).

For St Paul, the Lord will surely come; but when, how, and where, we do not know. What is important is to stay wide awake and sober because we are sons of the day (1Thes. 5:1-6).

What should we do to keep ourselves awake? The parable of the talents in the gospel reading tells us to be at work, using and making fruitful the talents we have received. The three servant received talents each according to his abilities.At the end, the first two were praised and called to share in their master’s joy because they used their talents and made profit. The third servant hid his talent out of fear of his master, whom he judges to be too demanding and usurper (Matt. 25:14-30).

Indeed, none of us is bereft of God's grace. God has endowed each of us with great potentials and talents that need to be explored, exploited and made fruitful. Thus, the talents we have are not to be put in the pocket. They are to be used for our own growth and the benefit of others, especially the poor and the needy.

Sometimes, out of fear, envy and resentment, we decide to do nothing, but complaining and accusing others. We must therefore remember, to work or not to work is our personal decision. In any case, we are responsible for our success or failure, for our gains or losses.

May the Lord help us to use the graces we have received and make ourselves ready for his coming.

Amen

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

Wisdom 6:12-16;
Psalm 62: 2-8;
1Thessalonians 4:13-18;
Matthew 25:1-13

Christian life is about searching for God who is the source of wisdom. Thus, those who seek wisdom find God. This way, the first reading tells us that wisdom is readily found by those who look for her. When found, wisdom becomes the light that enlightens one’s way and dispels anxiety and trouble (Wisdom 6:12-16).

Meanwhile, we cannot search for something while asleep. Searching requires alertness and awareness of one’s surrounding. In this perspective, the believer, like the psalmist, must stay awake even at night. For the psalmist says: “On my bed I remember you. On you I muse through the night” (Ps 62). This staying awake for God nourishes in us hope. For us Christians, our hope lies in Christ Jesus who died and rose from the dead. For we too will be raised from the dead to meet him when he comes again. This hope is that which comforts us (1Thessalonians. 4:13-18). 

Similarly, in the gospel reading, Jesus ends the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom with a call to stay awake. Among the ten virgins, five were wise because they took oil with their lamps. The five others were foolish because they took lamps without oil, either out of negligence or forgetfulness. 

But whatever the case may be, the parable teaches us three important lessons:

1. We must always take an “extra oil” or a "power bank". We must make adequate provision for unexpected situations.

2. Last minutes preparations can be dangerous. So always be ready, by always praying and doing good.

3. Not everything can be borrowed. For instance, we cannot borrow someone’s good works to go to heaven, the Lord will not recognize us. Thus, each of us must work for his or her own salvation.

May the Lord help us to always and everywhere take the oil of good works and prayer.

 Amen.