SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 66

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

MARY, THEOTÓKOS: THE WOMAN WORTH CELEBRATING 

While we thank God for everything that has marked the year 2021, we want to begin the year 2022 with hope in the name of God who gives true peace to his people. There are two remarkable things in today's celebration. First, we 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). 

In effect, 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 (Theotókos), 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; and in the order of grace, Mary is also our Mother. It is thus 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. 

It can therefore be said that through Mary, the blessings announced in the Book of Numbers were extended to all humanity. Thus, through her intercession, may the Lord bless you and keep you; make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may he give you peace. May our Mother Mary continue to protect us and intercede for us. May her Son Jesus Christ grant us peace, joy, good health and prosperity to the works of our hands. 

Let us pray: O Father, we thank you for the new year which opens before us. Enable us with your grace to walk with you in faith, hope, truth, joy and peace, together with our brothers and sisters. May we live every moment of this year with serenity and trust in you. Amen.

Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, YEAR C

1 Sam. 1:20-22.24-28

Ps 83

1 John 3:1-2.21-24

Luke 2:41-52

 

We celebrate today the Solemnity of the Holy Family: the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. “Holy” family does not mean problem-free family; the holy Family was not spared the lot, pain and difficulties of life. Indeed, there is no perfect and problem-free family. What makes the difference is the place given to God in each family and the way we face difficult situations. This is the lesson we can draw from today’s liturgical readings. 

 

The first reading presents a polygamous family in which one woman, Hannah, was barren. She prayed and God listened to her prayer. She bore a son, named him “Samuel” and offered him to God. According to the second reading, two irreplaceable things contribute to the success of our relationship with God our Father and our relationship within the family: commitment to the Lord and love for one another. As such, we manifest our belonging to God’s family if we love and serve one another. 

 

The gospel presents one of the unpleasant situations that the Holy Family experienced. At the end of the feast of the Passover at Jerusalem, Jesus, then at twelve years, got missing. Mary and Joseph looked for him everywhere and found him in the Temple after three days.  After that they went back to Nazareth. 

 

The home of Nazareth teaches some important virtues that we can cultivate so as to have a peaceful and harmonious family even amidst challenges and difficulties. These are godliness, patience and humility. Going to church together, praying together, eating together, and being patient with one another are priceless gestures that can help the family stay together. It is important to be patient towards one another and support one another as members of the same family. Moreover, as children are invited to respect and obey their parents at the example of Jesus, parents also are invited to be humble, listen to the needs and desires of their children, and support them when they face difficulties. 

May the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph intercede for us so that we may have holy and united families. Amen. 

SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

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. On this day, we celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation: God has become one of us, the Eternal Word of the Father 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). 

In effect, God had spoken to our ancestors in various and 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). 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 God Himself. 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 will 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: “To those did accept him, he gave power to become children of God”.

This is the great Good News to the world of today; and we are the heralds of this Good News. We are to share this good news of peace, joy and hope to all (cf. Is. 52:7-10). This is the Good News we must carry to our world of fragile peace and broken promises. This is the good tiding we must bring to the world stricken by the covid-19 pandemic and many other social ills. This is the good tidings we must proclaim to our brothers and sisters through concrete and simple gestures of love and compassion. 

I wish you, therefore, a Merry Christmas. May the New born King reign in your heart and let his light be in your life. May he bring you a breakthrough and give you peace, joy, success and good health. Amen

Merry Christmas !!!

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Micah 5:1-4

Psalm 80

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45

DIVINE VISITATION

In few days, we will celebrate Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He came into the world in obedience to God the Father: “Behold, I come to do your will, O God” (cf. Heb. 10:5-10). Thus, we are invited today to begin focusing our attention on Bethlehem and to take Mary as our model of faith and charity for a fruitful celebration of Christmas.

In effect, the prophet Micah announces God’s intention to fulfill his promise to king David: the promise of a shepherd king who would bring peace and restoration to Israel. This king would come from David’s humble town of Bethlehem, a small town of Judea. Thus, this little and insignificant town that had become popular because of King David, would become also the place of birth of his Son Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

The gospel reading narrates the story of the visitation. The story is an encounter between two pregnant women, Elizabeth and Mary. But it is also a meeting between two unborn children: Jesus and John. John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb at the greeting of Jesus’ mother. The child rejoices because he is the herald of Jesus the Messiah. He has been privileged to witness the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. His joy describes the joy of God’s people when He visits them: yes, God has visited his people. Christmas is indeed the fulfillment of God’s promises; it is the time of God’s visitation in the person of Jesus Christ God.

It is therefore important to ask ourselves: how prepared are we to meet God who is coming to visit us? Is it a matter of having what to eat, drink and wear on Christmas day? Or rather making our hearts ready to receive him and to share the Christmas joy with others? Will we be able to recognize God in the little infant lying in a manger in Bethlehem? May God bless and keep our hearts ready to welcome him in joy. Amen.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Zephaniah 3:14-18

Isaiah 12:2-6 (Responsorial Hymn)

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:10-18

GAUDETE SUNDAY

Pope Francis remarks that “there are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter” (Evangelii Gaudium, 6). Indeed, there are people who always have funeral and morose faces. No smiling, no rejoicing, always complaining, always lamenting over the difficulties, sicknesses, losses, and problems of life. They have thousands of reasons not to be joyful. And yet, today’s liturgy invites us to rejoice, because we are people of hope.

One of the most exciting invitations to joy in the Old Testament is today’s first reading: “Shout for joy, daughter Zion, Israel, shout aloud.” Thus, the prophet Zephaniah summons the people to jubilate, for the Lord is in their midst as a victorious warrior who comes to drive away their enemies, give them peace and protection (Zeph. 3:14-18).

The prophet Isaiah in the responsorial hymn also exhorts the inhabitants of Zion to shout aloud and sing for joy, for great in their midst is the Holy One of Israel (Is. 12:2-6). In the second reading, St Paul admonishes the Philippians to always rejoice, for the Lord is very near. He also exhorts them to present their needs to God with prayer and thanksgiving (Phil. 4:4-7).

Finally, the call to conversion addressed to the crowd, the tax collectors, and the soldiers by John the Baptist teaches us that joy is also the result of a continuing effort of doing good (Luke 3:10-18). We experience deep joy when we share with others. When we act justly and do not cheat others. When we respect the dignity of all and do not oppress anyone. We experience joy when we are content with the little we have. We experience joy when we keep our hope alive even in seemingly hopeless situation. For with God, there is no hopeless situation. Our God is able and faithful. Let us therefore rejoice no matter what situation we may find ourselves in. Amen

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT, YEAR C

Baruch 5:1-9

Psalm 125

Philippians 1:3-6.8-11

Luke 3:1-6

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD!

As we continue our Advent journey, today’s readings challenge us to hope against all hope and work on ourselves so as to prepare the way of the Lord. The prophet Baruch’s message in the first reading was good news to the Israelites during the Babylonian exile (587-537 BC). It was a song to keep their hope alive. Through the prophet Baruch, the Lord announced that he was coming to bring to an end their sufferings and liberate them from bondage. Like the foreman of a road crew, God would order that mountains be leveled and gorges filled in for the building of a royal road on which “Israel may advance secure in the glory of God”.

In the gospel, St Luke takes up this imagery and gives us the historical and geographical context of the ministry of John the Baptist who was the precursor of Jesus Christ. John was preaching to a people subject to the Roman domination and announcing the coming of the promised Messiah. He was the voice crying in the wilderness, calling the people to a radical renewal and conversion of heart, and challenging them to prepare the way for the Lord.

We may be tempted to ask ourselves if these readings are still relevant to us today. The answer is yes for two reasons. First, no matter what we are going through, especially with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not to lose hope. For the Lord is coming and “all flesh shall see the salvation of God”. He has promised; and he will not fail.

Second, we must identify the valleys, mountains, winding ways and rough roads in our lives, and work on them so as to get prepared for the coming of the Lord. Our weaknesses, unfaithfulness, lukewarm attitudes, pride, inconsistencies, hardness of heart and any kind of negative attitude are to be worked on so that they do not constitute an obstacle in our relationships with God and with others. Let us make ours Saint Paul’s prayer for the Philippians in the second reading, so that we may remain pure and blameless for the coming of the Lord. Amen.

1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm 24

1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2

Luke 21:25-28.34-36

BE READY, THE LORD IS COMING!

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. Advent is a period of waiting and of a double preparation: preparation for the commemoration of the Birth of Christ at Christmas and preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is therefore a period of joyful hope.   

In the first reading, through the prophet Jeremiah, God assures his people that he is going to fulfill his promise. He is going to make a branch grow for David and his people will be saved and dwell in confidence (Jer. 33:14-16). This prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus of Nazareth. This coming is what we are preparing to commemorate at Christmas. 

However, Jesus himself tells us that he will come again in power and glory as the Judge of the universe. Talking about this second coming in the gospel, he uses images that may create fear and anxiety in us. Nevertheless, it is a message of hope, for it will be a day of our liberation. It is also an invitation to get prepared (Luke 21:25-28.34-36). But how do we get prepared?

Three ways are proposed to us. First, we should watch ourselves, by not indulging in debauchery, drunkenness and the cares of life. For St Paul in the second reading, we should live blameless lives, that is, lives of good conducts that please God. Second, we should stay awake. To stay awake means not sleeping, being active and aware of what is going around us. Thus, Jesus invites us to be spiritual “gate men”, to stand erect like soldiers for his coming. Third, we should pray at all times so as to keep in touch with God always. That is to say, being in constant dialogue with the Lord and building a relationship with him. 

If we are able to fulfill these three things, we should not be afraid or worry about anything. For the Lord’s coming will be for our redemption. May he grant us the strength to get ready to meet him whenever he comes. Amen

Happy New Year!!!

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING, YEAR B

Daniel 7:13-14

Ps 92:1-2.5

Revelation 1:5-8

John 18:33-37

CHRIST THE KING OF THE KINGS 

Today, we celebrate Christ, the King of the universe, a solemnity that is set at the conclusion of the liturgical year and which reminds us of our royal priesthood. We believe that Jesus Christ is the King of kings, and his kingdom has no end. Therefore, Jesus Christ can be identified with the Son of Man in the vision of the prophet Daniel. In effect, Daniel saw a Son of Man on whom was conferred sovereignty and glory. His kingdom was to be an everlasting kingdom and all people would serve him (Dan. 7:13-14). The Book of Revelation also presents Jesus as “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5).

Paradoxically, the scene of the Gospel presents the dramatic trial and interrogation of Jesus before Pilate. When asked by Pilate if he was a king, Jesus affirmed that he was a king. But with a quiet dignity, he explains, “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33-37). He had no body-guard nor weapon to defend himself, except the weapon of truth. He had no other ambition, except that of revealing the love of God to mankind by dying on the cross. For this, he was born and for this he came into the world. 

In this way, the cross remains the emblem of Jesus’ kinship and the symbol of our redemption. For on the cross, we contemplate the one who was pierced out of love for us. On the cross, we contemplate the Ruler of the kings of the earth, who has made us into a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. 

To celebrate Christ the King is therefore to celebrate our own identity as a chosen race, a royal priest, a people set apart to serve God. For by our baptism, we share in the kingship of Jesus Christ. We belong to the royal family of God. And we must behave as such. We must lead noble and praiseworthy lives, so that we may not bring shame onto our King. May Christ, the King of kings, help us to accept him as the Lord of our lives, and allow him to reign in our hearts so as to transform our lives. Amen

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Daniel 12:1-3

Psalm 15:5.8-11

Hebrews 10:11-14.18

Mark 13:24-32

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR 

Today is the last Sunday before the Solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of the liturgical year. It coincides with the annual celebration of the World Day of the Poor, instituted by Pope Francis in 2016. Today’s readings speak about the final consummation or end of time. That time will be marked by dramatic cosmic changes, the gathering of the nations for judgment and the manifestation of the glory and power of the Son of Man, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The first and gospel readings tell us that it will be a time of great distress. But the people of God, those who have remained faithful to the end, will be saved. The angels will gather the chosen ones, those whose names are written in the Book of Life, so that they may inherit eternal life and shine as bright as stars. However, the unrighteous, the unfaithful ones will go to shame and everlasting disgrace or eternal damnation. 

Contrary to the many so-called prophets who claim to know or to have received a vision of the end of time, Jesus tells us: “But as for the day or hour, nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.” Therefore, we should not allow ourselves to be fooled or deceived by anyone who claims to have a dream or a vision about the end of time as many are doing especially on social media. 

What is of great importance is that we stay awake and stand firm in the Lord. Jesus has achieved eternal salvation for us through his self-offering on the cross, as the second reading reminds us. Therefore, we should cling to him, instead of worrying about what will happen in the future. Let each day be an opportunity for us to change, love and serve. Let us keep on doing what is good, especially towards the poor and the marginalized. Let us keep on walking with the Lord. He will preserve us from any shame. May he grant us the grace to stand ready and keep us safe for eternal life. Amen.

32ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

1Kgs 17:10-6

Ps 145:7-10

Heb. 9:24-28

Mark 12:38-44

 

A DARING GENEROSITY

 

Do not to be afraid to give, for generosity pays. This is the main message of today’s readings. The first reading recounts the daring act of generosity of the widow of Zarephath. She used the last provisions she had to feed the prophet Elijah at the time of the drought. And her jar of meal was not spent nor the jug of oil emptied, in accordance with the word of the prophet (1Kgs 17:10-6). 

 

According to the second reading, Jesus made a total offering of himself to God out of love for us as a sacrifice of expiation, taking on himself the faults of many (Heb. 9:24-28). In the gospel, after teaching, Jesus sat opposite the treasury and was observing the people contributing into the treasury. Then came a widow who put all that she had to live on, two small coins. The inner attitude that accompanied her offer was so great that Jesus commends her to his disciples: Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury…” (Mark 12:38-44). 

 

What is common to the two widows of today’s readings is their daring generosity: giving out all that they had. They took a risk which translates their trust in God's providence. They were poor in material possessions, but rich in generosity. What we can learn from these two widows is that none of us is too poor that he or she has nothing to give; and that none of our “little offer” is insignificant before God. 

 

Every act of generosity will not go unrewarded. What matters is not so much what we give but how we give. It should be out of love and generosity. Indeed, if we wait to have much before giving, we will never give, because we will never have much. Though it is a terrifying and painful experience to give out of the little, it is in this risky act of giving out of the little that we experience God’s closeness to us. For those who trust God and show generosity to others are never disappointed in time of their own need. May the Lord teach us to give and give generously. Amen

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS

Revelation 7:2-4.9-14

Psalm 23 (24) 

1 John 3:1-3

Matthew 5:1-12

 

CALLED TO BE SAINTS

 

We celebrate today the Solemnity of All Saints. We often apply the title of Sainthood to those Catholics who have distinguished themselves with a life of faith, a heroic witness to Christ in martyrdom or a life of unparallel Christian virtues, and have been canonized (or beatified) by the Church. But “All Saints” refers to that great multitude of men and women, young and old, Christians and non-Christians alike, whose lives on earth were pleasing to God, and now are contemplating the glory of God. 

 

In the first reading, St John had a vision of one hundred and forty-four thousand people from the twelve tribes of Israel, and also another “great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.” They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches before the throne of God and the Lamb. They had survived the time of great distress and washed their robes, making them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

 

They were not supermen on earth, but ordinary men and women like us. They remained faithful to the end in spite of everything. They exhibited the virtues proclaimed by our Lord Jesus Christ in the Beatitudes, which may be rightly said to be “the Charter for Sainthood.” As such, anyone who lives in accordance with the Beatitude will inherit the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:1-12). For God has loved us and made us his children. But what we shall be has not yet been revealed. Thus, what we hope and long for is to be like him when we see him as he really is (1John 3:1-3).

 

It can be observed therefore that Sainthood is not reserved to a selected few. Each and every one of us is called to be a Saint, to be the best-version of himself or herself. We are all called to perfection. But let us remember that “perfection does not consist in doing extraordinary things, but in doing ordinary things in an extraordinary way.” In short, becoming a saint consists in doing good daily and doing it well. Again, we can do nothing without God’s grace. Therefore, let us ask him to grant us his grace so that we may follow the footsteps of the Saints and contemplate his glory one day in heaven. Amen 

Happy Feast to you all!

31ST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 6:2-6

Psalm 17

Hebrews 7:23-28

Mark 12:28-34

  

SHEMA ISRAEL

When asked, “Which is the greatest commandment?”, the Jewish Rabbi Hillel the Elder, a great scholar of the first century before Christ, gave this famous reply: “What you hate for yourself, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Law; the rest is commentary. Go and learn.”

In today’s gospel, the same question is put to Jesus by one of the scribes: “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus replied that love of God and love of neighbour.  He made a reference to the great “Shema Israel” as presented in the first reading: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:2-6). But Jesus added: “the second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:28-34). 

  

In fact, the “Shema Israel” was a profession of faith, and at the same time a call to obedience through listening to God’s voice, observing diligently his precepts and loving him unconditionally and without reserve. For he alone is the unique and true God. However, according to St John, he who says he loves God but hates his brother is a liar (1 John 4:20). Thus, the love of God and the love of the neighbour are like the two sides of a coin: they are inseparable.

But if loving God means obeying his voice and worshipping him faithfully, what does love of neighbour entails? Love simply means seeking the good of the other for the sake of the other. It is agape love; and Jesus Christ is our model of this free, total and unconditional love. During his earthly life, he went about doing good to people. In obedience to his Father and for love of mankind, he offered himself on the cross once for all as a perfect and pleasing sacrifice to God. Thus, he has become the High Priest par excellence; and his priesthood lasts forever (Heb. 7:23-28). Let us therefore ask him to teach us to love and serve him in our neighbours. Amen.

30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Jeremiah 31:7-9

Psalm 125

Hebrew 5:1-6

Mark 10:46-52

“I WANT TO SEE”

The readings of today celebrate God who is a miracle-worker, who delivers his people and restores them to integrity and peace. In this perspective, the second reading reminds us that the priesthood is not a right but a gift of God and must be lived as such. It is God who calls some men from among his people to represent them in their relationship with him. And through these chosen men, God continues to work wonders among his people and to save them.  

In the first reading, God promises liberation and restoration to his people in exile. He himself would lead them out of slavery and bring them to their own land. Thus, the psalmist celebrates the fidelity of God who accomplished his promise by delivering the Israelites from captivity and bondage. 

The gospel narrates the story of a man whom Jesus restored from his blindness. This man is identified as Bartimaeus, meaning “son of Timaeus”. He was a man with no proper name and no social status. He was a blind man and a beggar, sitting on the road side. But his encounter with Jesus, the Son of David, changed his situation. He regained his sight. 

Each of us needs such a transforming and healing encounter with the Lord. Some of us have no vision and direction for our life. Others cannot recognize the marvels God works for them so as to appreciate him. Still others have their sight, but cannot see the beauty of life and its meaning. Others too are unable to see the needy around them. There is therefore the need to throw off our cloak of fear, individualism, self-pity and social tagging and come to Jesus for healing. 

Moreover, Bartimaeus is given to us today as a model of faith: a faith that cries out to God in time of need. A faith that is not easily put off but perseveres amid obstacles, oppositions and discouraging comments of others. A faith that remains firm and always celebrates God. May the Lord open our eyes to see beyond the opacity of our life events and recognize his hand that guides and heals us. Amen

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 53:10-11

Psalm 32

Hebrews 4:14-16

Mark 10:35-45

We do not serve a heartless and indifferent God. We serve a living, loving, compassionate and faithful God. Out of his infinite love, he sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world for the salvation of mankind. Thus, by dying on the cross, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for his brothers, liberating them from the slavery of sin and death. We can therefore identify Jesus Christ with the Suffering Servant in the prophecy of Isaiah.

In effect, the prophet Isaiah spoke of an anonymous servant of God, who would give his life as an offering for the multitude. By his suffering and death, he would justify many (Is. 53:10-11). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews also presents Jesus as the compassionate High Priest, who by his own suffering is capable of sympathizing with us in our sufferings and weaknesses. Thus, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, having the assurance that he will show us mercy and help us in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

In the gospel, the sons of Zebedee, James and John, made a request to Jesus. They were eager to secure seats at the right and left of Jesus in his glory. In replying to their request Jesus made a reference to the cup he would drink and the baptism he would be baptized with. The images of cup and baptism refer to the humiliation, suffering and death he had to undergo for the salvation and redemption of mankind. By his Passion and death, Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many and left us a perfect example of humble and selfless service to others as the way to greatness (Mark 10:35-45).

We should not therefore be afraid because we have someone who has suffered for us. we have someone who has been tempted like us in every respect, except sin. We have to trust in him in every situation. In difficult moments, we should not despair but go to him for help. Let us pray therefore that the Lord may grant us faith so as to approach his throne of mercy every moment of our life. May he teach us to serve one another, knowing that real power is service. Amen.

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 7:7-11

Ps 89:12-17

Hebrews 4:12-13

Mark 10:17-30

THE RICH MAN 

The Word of God is alive and active. It works like a double-edged sword; it penetrates our inner being and reveals our secret thoughts (cf. Heb. 4:12-13). Yes, the Word of God always challenges us. Today, it challenges us to take a fresh look at our attitude towards riches and material possessions. Indeed, material possessions are good and necessary for our well-being; but the danger is that they can easily possess us instead of we possessing them, in which case, we become slaves to our wealth. 

In today’s gospel, a rich man came to Jesus, and kneeling before him, he asked: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This question reveals his deep quest for salvation which is the ultimate reward for good life. He was a genuine man who had observed the commandments of God from his youthful age. But there was something lacking: detachment from his wealth. Since he was too much attached to his wealth, he forfeited the joy of following Jesus. He went away very sad, when Jesus told him to go, sell all his belongings, give to the poor, and then come to follow him. His riches, or better still, his attitude towards his riches, became an obstacle for him to follow the Lord and inherit the life he was searching for. 

Indeed, asking a rich man to let go all his riches and follow an itinerant preacher was not a light decision to take on the road side. But the request of Jesus and his subsequent interaction with his disciples show us that the way to holiness is not merely observing the law. It demands detachment from earthly possessions in order to live for God and for others. It demands a breakup with what promises material comfort. 

The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus; so, their reward would be great. Likewise, the author of the book of Wisdom held everything, including power, riches, social status, privilege and beauty as nothing before the wisdom of God (Wis. 7:7-11). St Paul also considered everything he had gained in life as rubbish because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ the Saviour (cf. Phil 3:8). We too need to detach ourselves from material possessions so as to follow Jesus in freedom, and accept what he wants to give us, persecutions included. May he bless and keep all of us. Amen.

27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Genesis 2:18-24

Psalm 127

Hebrews 2:9-11

Mark 10:2-16

THEY SHALL BE ONE

Nowadays, homosexual unions, promiscuity and trial marriage are hailed, defended, legalized and celebrated. When things go wrong in marriage, many spouses think about divorce. But today’s readings tell us something different.

The first reading reminds us that marriage was willed by God himself. God created man and woman so that they may become one for life. They were created equal so as to know and accept each other in their differences. When the man saw the woman, he was very happy because he had found a helper, somebody to be with (Gen. 2:18-24). Marriage is therefore to be enjoyed, not to be endured, for it is meant for the fulfillment and wellbeing of the spouses as well as for the care and growth of children.

In becoming “one body” in marriage, the spouses are united for life. Hence to dissolve the marital bond is to go against God’s will: “So then, what God has united, man must not divide,” says Jesus to the Pharisees who asked him if it was allowed to divorce one’s wife (Mark 10:2-16). Marriage is a lifelong commitment. It is indissoluble. As such, the marital bond cannot be broken without breaking the hearts of a human person. 

What can we do therefore to keep our marriage for life? First, let’s us love like children. I admire children for their simplicity, humility and unconditional trust. They can quarrel and fight, but shortly after come together to play again; they have short memories of the pains, hurts and humiliations caused by their peers or playmates. So, when there are misunderstandings, hurts and problems in your marriage, do not quit. Choose the way of dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation. Be humble and say “I am sorry”, when you are wrong, or “Thank you” to show appreciation.

Lastly, let Christ have a place in your marriage. The second reading tells us that Jesus is both the Son of God and our brother. He was made lower than the angels so as to sanctify us and become our brother (Heb. 2,9-11). If Jesus is our brother, then it is as a family that we can meet him more intimately. His presence thus becomes a source of blessing, peace and consolation for the family; for a family without Christ is a family with crises. May he bless our homes with peace, joy and fruitfulness. Amen.

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Numbers 11:25-29

Ps 18:8.10.12-14

James 5:1-6

Mark 9:38-43.47-48

“DON’T STOP HIM”

We usually call “outsiders” those who do not belong to us. We tend to exclude them, discriminate against them and try to monopolize everything. In a similar way, we try to cage God and set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. We pretend to be the only privileged or authorized to be used by God. Hence, today’s readings warn against exclusivism and elitism, because the Holy Spirit is free; his action is not limited to any one or to any particular group.

In the first reading, Joshua asked Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying in the camp because they were not in the Tent of Meeting with the rest of elders. Moses rebuked him and expressed his wish that God could give his Spirit to all the people so that they might prophesy (Nbers 11:25-29).

Similarly, John reported to Jesus that they had stopped a man from casting out devils in Jesus’ name, because the man was not one of them. Jesus condemned such attitude and asked them not to stop such a man. He went on to warn them against being a scandal or obstacle to any of the little ones who have faith in him (Mark 9:38-43.47-48).

The temptation of trying to cage God is great among Christians. We tend to look down on those who do not belong to our church; we criticize them; we condemn almost everything they do. This is also true with regard to the various associations and prayer groups within the Church. We claim others are wrong and we are right. We monopolize everything. We are like the rich men to whom St James addresses in the second reading. They claim to have immense wealth after oppressing and cheating the poor. They become obstacle to the growth and well-being of others. But God will not keep silent (James 5:1-6). 

Let us not forget therefore that God is the Father of all. He is free; and his Spirit is like the wind that “blows where it chooses” (John 3:8). We cannot therefore monopolize his grace. Neither can we set boundaries to the action of the Holy Spirit. May our belonging to Christ make us more open to others and distinguish ourselves through our charity towards all. Amen

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 2:12.17-20

Psalm 53

James 3:16 – 4:3

Mark 9:30-37

I WANT TO BE GREAT

Every human being aspires to achieve greatness. In our homes, churches, workplaces, in politics and public institutions, everyone wants to get promotion and be “the boss”, to be in charge, to have power. Unfortunately, we often achieve such greatness through the wrong way. Sometimes, we even destroy the reputation or persecute innocent and good people. For the life of the good person is a threat to our own malicious ambitions and evil living (cf. Wisdom 2:12.17-20). For St James, in the second reading, the root of our fighting, quarrels, wars and shameful actions lies in jealousy and selfish ambitions (cf. James 3:16 – 4:3).

That is why Jesus teaches us the right way to achieve true greatness: being the servant of all. When Jesus announced his Passion and death for the second time, his disciples were busy arguing about who was the greatest among them. So, Jesus told them: “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last and slave of all”. For Jesus, therefore, greatness is achieved through humble service to others, especially the most vulnerable in our communities. This is what the symbol of the little child placed in the midst of the disciples implies (Mark 9:30-37).

Here, the little child is a symbol of vulnerability. Thus, the child represents those who have no social status, no power, no influence, no defense on their own; a person who can easily be controlled and abused: the poor, the sick, the prisoner, the physically challenged, the elderly, the immigrant, and so forth. Welcoming these people, caring for them and serving them is the way to true greatness.

Therefore, when we set aside our jealousy and envy, our evil driven desires and selfish concerns and become welcoming, tender, kind, loving, compassionate, and humbly serving others, especially the vulnerable, we will be great. Like St Francis of Assisi or Mother Teresa who achieved their greatness through selfless service to the most vulnerable, let us seek the good and welfare of the little ones, for whenever we do good to the little ones, we do it to Jesus. As Pope Francis said in his homily at his inaugural Mass: “Let us not forget that authentic power is service." May God bless and keep all of us. Amen

24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 50:5-9

Psalm 114

James 2:14-18

Mark 8:27-35

“WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?”

Today’s first reading is one of the four songs of the prophet Isaiah that describe the astonishing figure of the Suffering Servant. What characterizes this Suffering Servant in today's passage is his trusting faith in God even in the midst of suffering, opposition and rejection (Is. 50:5-9). According to St James in the second reading, faith without deeds is dead (James 2:14-18).

At the heart of today’s Gospel (Mk 8:27-35) lies the question that permeates the whole Gospel account of Mark: who is Jesus? But this time it is Jesus himself who puts it to his disciples, so as to help them gradually discover his real identity. In effect, after receiving the opinion of the crowds about himself, Jesus asks his disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” Then, Simon Peter answered: “You are the Christ” (that is, the Messiah, God’s Anointed One).

It is noteworthy that when Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ, he was probably thinking of a political leader who would free the Jews from Roman domination, just like his contemporary Jews expected. He was thinking of a glorious Messiah-King, not of a Suffering Servant. Hence, he began to rebuke Jesus when he predicted his humiliation, rejection, suffering and death.

Peter's misconception about Jesus is still present with us. It can happen to us that we passionately and enthusiastically affirm that Jesus is the Christ; but at the same time, we may protest and rebel because this contrasts with our expectations. We may want to follow Jesus but be unwilling to embrace the way of Jesus, which is the way of the cross, self-denial and sacrifice. We may be carried away by the prosperity gospel which promises a life full of miracles, a life without suffering and difficulties. However, we must know that a life without suffering is an illusion; and being a Christian without accepting the cross is to follow a caricature of Jesus Christ: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.

May the Lord help us bear patiently our daily crosses, and follow him with courage and trust even in the midst of trials and challenges. Amen.

23RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 35:4-7

Psalm 146:7.8-10

James 2:1-5

Mark 7:31-37

EPHPHATHA: BE OPENED

Today’s readings present Jesus Christ as the one who came to liberate man, so as to enable him to live fully his relationship with God and with others. In the gospel, a deaf-mute man was brought to Jesus in the Decapolis, a pagan territory. Jesus took him aside and touched his ears and his tongue and then, looking up to heaven, he said: “Ephphatha” which means “be opened”. The man was healed: thanks to Jesus’ intervention, the deaf-mute “was opened”. He was closed, unable to communicate properly; but now, he can do so. This made great Jesus’ reputation among the people of the area: “He has done all things well” (Mark 7:31-37). 

The healing of this man echoes the prophetic words of Isaiah in the first reading: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unsealed; then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy…” (Isaiah 35:4-7). The future promised by the prophet has now arrived. 

Though we may not be physically deaf and dumb, do we realize that we display deafness and dumbness in many life situations? Whenever we close our ears and hearts to the Word of God, we become spiritually deaf. When we fail to listen to the cries of the poor and the needy around us, or we are indifferent to the groaning of a suffering person, we become deaf. Whenever we fail to share our faith with others, or utter a word of comfort to someone in difficulty, we become spiritually dumb. We become dumb if we cannot proclaim the truth that liberates men, or speak out against the injustices, corruption, inequalities, favouritism and discriminations in society and in our churches, just as St James does in the second reading (James 2:1-5). 

Thus, we need the Ephphatha ritual just as it is exemplified in the Rite of Baptism, when the priest pronounces the same word, praying that the baptized may hear the Word of God and profess the faith in words and deeds. We therefore need to come to Jesus for healing. This way, we will be “opened” and enabled to proclaim the goodness and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, he who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen

22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 4:1-2.6-8 

Psalm 14 

James 1:17…27 

Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23

TRUE RELIGION

Religion is not to be understood simply as a system of beliefs, rules and practices. It should be a way of life. Thus, Christianity is a way of life, characterized by an intimate and loving relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ.

In the first reading, Moses presented the immutable character of the Law received from God who is very close to his people. He called on the Israelites to put it into practice. For faithful obedience to this Law would make the people of Israel unique and great in the eyes of the surrounding peoples (Deut. 4,1-2.6-8).

However, obedience to God’s laws does not mean external observance of a set of traditions, but adherence and fidelity to God’s will. This is what justifies Jesus’ criticisms against the Pharisees and scribes in today’s gospel (Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23). They were attached to human traditions on external purity, forgetting what true religion means. In fact, external observance of the ritual purity is good, but when it is divorced from the heart, it leads to hypocrisy and rigidity. And it is this hypocrisy that Jesus denounces.

True religion therefore consists in loving, forgiving, sharing, showing compassion, seeking truth and justice, etc. Such practices come from the heart and make man righteous. But negative thinking and evil deeds (fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly, etc.) come from the heart, and make man unholy. Thus, it is only when we allow the Word of God to purify our heart and transform our way of life that we can become true worshippers of God.  

As such, our salvation does not simply depend on our being baptized, being a member of a church, going to church on Sunday, paying our tithes or even only listening to the Word of God. It does depend on how we put God’s Word into practice, for we are not to be just listeners but doers of the Word (cf. James 1:17…27). It is evident that unless we build an authentic and personal relationship with God in fidelity and care for our fellow human beings with a genuine and sincere heart, all our religious practices will be sterile and lip-service. Let us pray therefore that the Lord may fill our hearts with genuine love for him and for our brothers and sisters.

 Amen

21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Joshua 24:1-2.15-18

Psalm 33:2-3.16-23

Ephesians 5:21-32

John 6:60-69

A TIME TO DECIDE

Faith is a personal adherence to God. It is not by force. To believe in God is therefore a free and conscious act, knowing it leads to freedom and salvation. In fact, how we live our life depends on our choice to believe or not to believe.

In effect, the first reading narrates the unanimous decision of the people of Israel, gathered by Joshua at Shechem, to serve God and remain faithful to him. This was a significant stage in their history. It was a form of a profession of faith, followed by the renewal of the Covenant when the Israelites reached the Promised Land (Jos. 24:1-2.15-18). 

The gospel also presents a decisive stage of Jesus’ public ministry. At the end of his discourse on the Bread of Life, it was time to make a decision: to believe in him or not to believe. Many of his disciples decided to stop following him, because his words were difficult and unacceptable. Jesus did not try to convince them or water down his language, but he asked the Twelve: "And you, do you also want to go away?" Simon Peter replied: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe, and we know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6: 60-69).

Sometimes, we need to make such act of faith, to decide to hold unto Jesus no matter what. When the enthusiasm of our commitment begins to wane, when doubts begin to set in and tiredness weighs us down, when strong winds begin to blow and the world rages around us, when nothing seem clear and despair begins to set in, we need the courage to say: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” No need to quit or to give up: we need to hold unto Jesus, to stand by him. His words are spirit and life. 

However, we must also know that deciding to stay with Christ is to allow him to give a new orientation and meaning to our life. It is to choose the way of trust, selfless love and sacrifice. We no longer live to dominate others but to love them, serve them, and respect them, especially within the family. In doing so, our families and homes will become a source of healing, fulfilment and sanctification (Eph. 5:21-32).  May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Revelation 11:19.12:1-6.10

Psalm 44

1 Corinthians 15:20-27

Luke 1:39-56

Today we celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, as defined by Pope Pius XII in his apostolic constitution "Munuficentissimus Deus" (1950). Initially known as the Dormition of Mary, this solemnity proclaims that the Virgin Mary, at the end of her earthly existence, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. In fact, Sacred Scripture does not tell us what happened, much less how it happened. However, we may understand this solemnity using three words.

First, gratitude. The Gospel narrates Mary’s visitation to Elisabeth. In response to Elisabeth’s greeting, Mary expressed her joy and gratitude to God in the Magnificat: by looking upon her lowliness and making her the Mother of his Son Jesus Christ, God associated Mary in a unique way to the work of our redemption. She was closely associated with the life, Passion, death and resurrection of Christ. Thus, the Assumption is nothing other than Mary's participation in her Son’s glory. The Magnificat is therefore not only the hymn of her election, but also the song of her glorification: “Henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me.”

Second, victory. In John’s vision, we have two signs: a great sign of a pregnant woman and the sign of a dragon. If it is true that this vision does not refer directly to Mary but to the Church, the persecuted Bride of Christ, it is also true that Mary is the perfect image of the Church. So, Mary appears here as the symbol of God’s triumph. This way, Pope Pius XII was right when he wrote that the object of this feast is not only the incorruption of the body of Mary, but also her triumph over death and her heavenly "glorification" in the likeness of her Son. The Assumption is therefore a confirmation of Christ's victory over evil, sin and death, that last enemy to be annihilated, as St Paul says in the second reading. 

Third, hope. As we contemplate Mary’s Assumption into heaven, the certainty is renewed in us that the goal of our life journey on earth is heaven. For it confirms our glorious destiny: if we live well in obedient faith and faithfulness like Mary, we shall share in God’s glory. We shall participate in Christ’s victory; and this is our hope in the resurrection. But now, let us entrust ourselves to God and ask the Blessed Mother to protect and lead us in our life journey. Amen

19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

1Kings 19:4-8 

Psalm 33 

Ephesians 4:30—5,2 

John 6:41-51

NOURISHMENT FROM ABOVE 

In today’s liturgy, we continue our meditation on the mystery of the Eucharist. In the first reading, we are presented with the story of the prophet Elijah. His zeal to fight against the paganism promoted by queen Jezebel had sapped his energies and attracted the wrath of the queen who sought to kill him. So, the prophet flew for his life. On his way, hunger, tiredness and discouragement led him to pray for death: “Lord, I have had enough. Take my life”. But God fed him with a miraculous food; and in the strength of that food, he journeyed to Horeb, the mount of God, where he encountered the Lord. In this nourishment, we see a figure of the Eucharist, the Bread that sustains us in our journey through life. 

In the gospel, Jesus does not water down his words about the Bread of Life despites the murmuring of the Jews. For the Jews could not accept Jesus’ claim that he is the bread from heaven; they knew well his family background. Jesus reiterates his statement by adding that the bread given for the life of the world is his own body. He meant what he said: the manna in the desert was only a material food, unable to lead to eternal life. But whoever eats the Bread Jesus gives will live forever. And that life begins now. For the Eucharist communicates to us the very life of Jesus; it sows in us the seed of eternal life. 

Therefore, the secret of a meaningful life, a life full of hope amidst the crosses and difficulties of this life is in Jesus, really present in the Eucharist. And when we eat of this Eucharistic Bread, we realize that we too can show sincere love and be kind to one another, as Saint Paul tells us. We can share the love and joy we have experienced in the Eucharistic celebration. This way, we cannot approach the Eucharistic Table with hate, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness or revenge in our hearts. That will be a kind of sacrilege. 

Let us pray, therefore, that God may strengthen and renew us through the nourishment we receive in the Eucharist. Thus, we may journey with him and radiate his love in our homes and communities. Amen

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Exodus 16:2-4.12-15

Psalm 77

Ephesians 4:17.20-24

John 6:24-35

NO MORE AIMLESS LIFE!

Why must we believe in Jesus Christ and follow him? Are we miracles-driven Christians or faith-driven Christians? Why do we go to church? These are few questions we are invited to reflect upon today.

In today’s gospel, which is a continuation of last Sunday’s gospel reading, the crowd whom Jesus fed in the wilderness came back, looking for him, wanting more of the bread he had provided. So, Jesus told them: “I tell you solemnly, you are looking for me not because you have seen signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” He then challenged them to seek for food that does not perish but which endures for eternal life, the bread which the Son of Man will give.

Indeed, this crowd is not much different from many Christians today. For some people go to church because they get emotionally enthused over the singing and preaching during liturgical celebrations. Others go to look for solutions to their problems. Others too attend Mass because they “should be there” to avoid social tagging… All these people go to church, but with a wrong motive. That is why in front of difficulties, they either wander hopelessly looking for miracles or become angry with God like the Israelites in the wilderness.

In effect, the Israelites had just witnessed the wonderful deeds of God who delivered them from slavery in Egypt and how God made them passed through the red sea dry-shod. But they still murmured against Moses and God because they were hungry. They forgot that God could feed them out from nothing. And indeed, God did feed them with the manna.

Similarly, when we are faced with challenges, we often forget God’s power. We go about looking for miracles everywhere: we move from church to church, from one pastor to another, from mallams to fetish priests looking for quick answers to our problems. We forget that the Jesus who fed the people, healed the sick and worked signs is the same Jesus in the Eucharist, that we celebrate every day. 

Thus, St Paul exhorts us saying: “I urge you in the name of the Lord, not to go on living the aimless kind of life that pagans live.” Do not go looking for miracles. You are a miracle yourself. Follow Jesus in faith, he alone can satisfy your deepest hunger and thirst. Be a faith-driven Christian and your life will never be the same. Amen

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

2 Kings 4:42-44

Psalm 145

Ephesians 4:1-6

John 6:1-15

 

 

FEEDING MANY FROM A LITTLE

 

 

With this Sunday, the liturgy interrupts the reading of the Gospel according to Mark. It inserts John’s narration of the story of the multiplication of the loaves and Jesus’ discourse on the bread of life, as a way to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist, which is the Bread of Life. 

 

 

It is important to note that John’s version of the multiplication of loaves has many points of contact with Elisha’s miracle of feeding hundred people with twenty barley loaves, as narrated in the first reading. The two miracle episodes are built around four elements: the presence of a real need (hunger), the disproportion between the loaves of bread available and the number of people to be fed, the intervention of God, and the left-over. For our meditation, we may highlight two important lessons. 

 

 

First, the sign of a bread given in abundance is the sign of the way in which the Lord accompanies our journey towards the fullness of life. As the psalmist expresses it, the eyes of all look hopefully up to God, who provides food to every living being in due season. He opens his hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing (Ps 145). Indeed, we serve a God of Providence. He does not only take care of us, but he does so in abundance, so much so that there is always some left over.

 

 

Second, God needs our cooperation in order to bring us to fulness of life. It can be observed that Jesus does not make the bread fall from heaven like the manna, but he blesses and multiplies the bread that comes from human hands. Similarly, in the Eucharist, the bread and wine that will become the Body and Blood of Christ are the fruits of human hands. Thus, in order to experience the power of God, we need to offer him what we have, for he uses our little to perform great works in our life and in that of others. 

 

 

May the Lord grant us the grace to live a life of peace and harmony with all, as Saint Paul exhorts us, so that his name may be glorified now and for ever. Amen 

 

 

Happy World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly ! 

 

 

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm 22

Ephesians 2:13-18

Mark 6:30-34

JESUS: GOOD SHEPHERD AND MODEL OF LEADERSHIP

Compared to last Sunday, the focus in today's Gospel is shifted from the figure of the missionary to that of the shepherd. Returning from their missionary campaign, the apostles gather together around Jesus. They give account of what they had done; and he asks them to withdraw to a lonely place so as to rest for a while. But before they could reach their place of rest, a large crowd was already waiting for them. The sight of the crowd, like sheep without a shepherd, filled Jesus with compassion; and he began to teach them (Mark 6:30-34). This way, Jesus is the good, loving, caring and tenderhearted shepherd of souls.

These are qualities that were lacking in the leaders of Israel at the time of the prophet Jeremiah. They did not take care of the flock, neither did they seek the lost sheep. Consequently, God denounced their misdeeds, and promised to raise up faithful shepherds for his people. He would raise up a “righteous shoot to David”. In his days, right, justice and security will reign in the land (Jer. 23:1-6). Thus, it can be said that Jesus is the righteous shepherd promised to the people of Israel.

Moreover, St Paul proclaims Jesus as our Peace who broke the dividing wall of enmity and hatred, bringing both Jews and Gentiles into one people (Eph. 2:13-18). By his death on the cross, he has reconciled all of us into one family. He is the shepherd who promotes togetherness, peace and unity.

Jesus is therefore our Shepherd (Ps 23) and our model of leadership. As Pope Francis often says: closeness, tenderness and compassion characterize the style of Jesus. So, each one of us must strive to be like Jesus: caring, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. Sometimes, we may need to let go our rights and privileges, our cherished time of rest in order to bring relief and consolation to someone. Other times, we may have to work hard to break the barriers of hostility, hatred and division that are tearing apart our relationships, families, parishes and communities. May the Lord grant us the grace to accept Jesus as our Shepherd, and learn from him the skills of good shepherding. Amen

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Amos 7:12-15

Psalm 84:9-14

Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:7-13

THE GOOD NEWS OF LIBERATION

Today’s readings remind us that we have been chosen and commissioned to go and tell our story, the story of our relationship with God. According to Saint Paul, God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing so as to be holy and blameless before him. Thus, as Christians, we have been called to live in God’s presence as his adopted children. This is an experience we cannot keep for ourselves, but which must be shared.

This is exemplified in the first missionary experience of Jesus’ disciples (Mark 6:7-13). Having spent some time with him, Jesus sends them out to cast out demons, heal the sick and preach repentance. He also instructs them not to take anything for the journey, but to depend on God’s providence. Two things may be highlighted.

First, by sending them two by two, Jesus teaches that the missionary work is a team work which requires collaboration. This has an undeniable pastoral benefit: mutual help and consolation in time of need and difficulties. But most importantly, there is a trace of the Jewish tradition according to which a testimony was only admissible when it was borne by at least two people (cf. Deut. 19:15). Thus, the disciples were sent as witnesses; and the credibility of their testimony depended on the love and care they had for one another.

Second, Jesus instructs his disciples not to take anything for the journey, except sandals and a walking staff. It could be observed that these are similar instructions given by God to the Israelites as they were to begin the Exodus, which marked their freedom from Egyptian slavery. Thus, Jesus sends out his disciples to free and liberate others; but if they were to help people recover their freedom, they too had to be free.

As baptized, we too have been sent to share our experience of God with others. We may face rejection and opposition, just as Amos who was considered as an unwanted prophet (Amos 7:12-15). But this must not stop us from delivering the message of salvation and freedom we carry. We need to put our trust in God and free ourselves from unnecessary worries and anxieties. Therefore, let us pray the Lord to grant us the grace to be credible and joyful witnesses of Christ. Amen

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Ezekiel 2:2- 5

Psalm 122

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Mark 6:1-6

A THORN IN MY FLESH

It can be observed that messages urging conversion, truth, justice, peace, freedom, etc. are often met with resistance, hostility, hatred and rejection. The advocates of these values often suffer threats, persecutions and violent deaths. This reality is more evident in the lives of the prophets and men of God.

In the first reading, Ezekiel is warned in a vision that he would meet with resistance from the rebellious House of Israel, his own people to whom he was sent as a prophet (Ez. 2:2-5). In the Gospel, Jesus comes to Nazareth, his hometown. But while the other towns hailed him for his miracles and powerful preaching, the people of Nazareth took offense at him, because they thought they knew him and his family background. Hence, he said: “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home” (Mark 6:1-6).

St Paul’s words in the second reading are excerpted from the so-called “letter in tears”, in which he defends the authenticity of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians who had been seduced by eloquent ecstatic speeches of some other apostles. Paul was therefore facing challenges related to his ministry. Nevertheless, he expresses his joy in bearing with his weaknesses, hardships and persecutions for the sake of his mission as a preacher, for God’s grace is sufficient for him (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

Two lessons may therefore be drawn from today’s readings. First, they remind us of the unhappy lots that await us for the fact that we are Christians, called to be prophets. We may be humiliated, ill-treated and ridiculed whenever we stand for the truth, justice and peace. Also, there are times when we may be afraid or feel incompetent, inadequate for the mission entrusted to us. But we are not to be discouraged, for the Lord’s grace is sufficient for us and his power is made perfect in weakness.

Second, we are invited to examine ourselves if we do not act sometimes like the Israelites, the Corinthians or the people of Nazareth: Do we hate people who stand for justice, truth, peace, and freedom? Are we so lacking in faith that Jesus cannot act powerfully in our lives?

May the Lord grant us the sufficient grace so that we may not despair but persevere in face of our own shortcomings and amidst challenges and hostilities. Amen.

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24

Psalm 29:2.4-6.11-13

2Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15

Mark 5:21-43

MAKING THE STEP OF FAITH

According to today’s readings, God made us for fullness of life. They acknowledge that our life is not dependent on possessions, and one’s social or religious prestige cannot secure a life without pain. Thus, the categories of sickness and good health, poverty and riches are redefined by the “gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ who, though he was rich, became poor so that we may become rich” (2Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15).

In fact, the author of the Book of Wisdom affirms that God did not create death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. He created all things to subsist for eternity, and made man to be imperishable. Suffering and death are the doing of the devil (Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24).

As such, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to restore this distorted order. Throughout his public ministry, he performed many healing miracles, and raised the dead to life. In today’s gospel, Jairus implored him to heal his twelve-year-old daughter who was terminally ill; and the woman who was suffering from hemorrhage for twelve years got healed when she touched the garment of Jesus. Finally, Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter to life by simply saying “Little girl, I tell you to get up” (Mark 5:21-43).

What is common in both Jairus and the suffering woman is not only the desperation of each one, but also their daring faith in Jesus. Out of their faith, they dared to approach Jesus hoping they would get their needs met. Indeed, when we approach Jesus in faith, he comes to us with blessing, healing, wholeness, joy, peace, and fullness of life.

It could therefore be said that faith in Jesus gives a new meaning to our lives. It convinces us that there is never a hopeless situation in life; for everything is possible for the one who believes. Thus, we are not just to be among the crowd; rather we are to always be moved by a daring and deep faith in order to approach Jesus, touch him and have a transforming experience with him, especially in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

May the Lord increase our faith so that we may never lose hope no matter how terrifying and seemingly hopeless our situation may be. Amen.