3RD SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR C

Exodus 3:1-8.13-15
Psalm 102
1 Corinthians 10:1-6.10-12
Luke 13:1-9

MY NAME IS I AM

As we continue our Lenten observances, the journey may become tiresome, unbearable and too long. It may happen that we see no good coming out of our efforts. But let us not despair. For our God is a living and faithful God. He is close to us and knows everything. This is what he reveals to Moses in the burning bush. We do not serve a nameless God. His name is: “I AM” or “I AM WHO I AM”. He is always present.  He has resolved to come down and free his people from slavery. This means that our God can be approached personally. He is real. He exists. And he does not abandon us to our fate.

For St Paul in the second reading, God guided the Israelites through the desert and provided for their needs. Despite all that some of them failed to please God and their corpses littered the desert. Their story is told us as a warning so that we may not behave like them.

In the gospel, people “gossip” about the tragic disaster that befell the Galileans whom Pilate killed and the eighteen people who perished under the tower at Siloam. Why such misfortunes? For Jesus, this question is not important. There is a disaster that is more deadly than natural calamities and that hovers over all of us; and that is sin. Thus, we must repent from our sins and come to God. For God is patient. He does not take pleasure in the death of the sinner, but he may repent and live.

He is not in a hurry to cut the unproductive tree down. He gives it another chance, another opportunity for it to produce fruits. That tree is you, it is me. God is giving us another chance, another time to change and be saved. We must leave behind bad behaviors, bitterness, complaining, unforgiveness, etc. This time is today. Do not wait, do not postpone it. For today is the time of salvation; today is the time for deliverance. 

Amen

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Ecclesiasticus 27 :4-7
Psalm 91:2-3.13-16
1Corinthians 15:54-58
Luke 6:39-45

THE LOG IN MY EYE

Last Sunday before the season of Lent, today’s readings invite us to look into our hearts, check what we have stored therein, and fill them with good thoughts and thanksgiving. In the gospel, St Luke reports three short parables of Jesus, namely that of a blind man leading another blind man, that of the speck and the log in the eye, and that of the tree that is recognized through its fruits (Luke 6:39-45).

The first reading is a good illustration of the third parable. According to Ben Sirach, man’s words reveal his personality. Thus, we should not praise or judge a person without listening to him in the first place.

The second parable is not without importance. In effect, we like zooming into the weaknesses, mistakes, sins and shortcomings of others without acknowledging ours. We gossip about others. We expose their nakedness. We put blame on others. We judge and condemn them. We are quick to pronounce sentence on them. In short, we notice the speck in others’ eyes, and do not notice that we have a log in ours. As a result we usually try to take the speck out of another’s eye. We want to correct others. We want to change others.

We are simply hypocrites. We should take the log out of our own eye first. Then we will see clear so as to help the other with his speck. We should change ourselves first. This demands self-discipline and self mastery. We need courage and endurance, and never give up working on ourselves. Thus, after he has ended his exposé on the resurrection, St Paul exhorts us saying: “Never give in then, my dear brethren, never admit defeat; keep on working at the Lord’s work always, knowing that, in the Lord, you cannot be laboring in vain”. May the Lord help us identify our own shortcomings, mistakes and work on them. 

Amen.

6TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Jeremiah 17:5-8
Psalm 1.1-4.6
1Corinthians 15:12.16-20
Luke 6:17.20-26

THE WAY TO TRUE HAPPINESS

Everybody wants to be happy and prosperous. But the way you chose to get there may bring you blessedness and peace, or it may lead you to woe and curse. Curse and blessing, happiness and sadness, death and resurrection, blessedness and woes: behold the two ways laid before us in today’s readings. 

In effect, he who puts his trust in men and in created things avails himself to curse, sadness and woes. He is like a dried leaf tossed about by any kind of wind. On the other hand, the man who puts his trust in the Lord is blessed and joyful. He is like a tree planted near the river. He has no fear of anything. He bears fruits in season and out of season. Nothings can rob his inner peace and interior joy. If therefore we trust in the crucified and risen Christ, blessed are we.

As such, those who are materially poor, the sad, the hungry and persecuted because of Christ are blessed and therefore should rejoice, says Jesus in the Gospel. For God is their consolation, in contrast to those who put their trust and consolation in their material possessions.

Like Moses who set before the people of Israel life and prosperity, death and adversity, and exhorted them to choose life (Deut. 30:15-20), I challenge you to trust in the Lord. Walk in his ways. Obey his Word. And you will be blessed, happy and fruitful all the days of your life, no matter the storms, challenges, and problems you may face. May the Holy Spirit help us trust God at all times so that we may inherit eternal life. Amen

5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Isaiah 6:1-8
Ps 137:1-5.7-8
1 Co. 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11

CALLED TO BE MESSENGERS OF GOD

Christian life begins with the encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. This encounter not only transforms our life, but also entrusts to us a mission. In effect, Isaiah had a vision of God in the sanctuary. Filled with awe, he acknowledged his sinfulness before the holiness of God. Purged and strengthened by God, he received his call to be God’s messenger.

St Paul had an encounter with the crucified and risen Jesus on his way to Damascus. This encounter, or better still this experience, changed his life. From a persecutor of the Church, he became an apostle of Christ, a witness of the Gospel. Thus he worked and preached with much zeal, conviction and pride in God’s grace.

In the Gospel, St Luke narrates the call of the first disciples. Simon Peter and his companions were fishermen by profession. After a fruitless fishing adventure, in their despair and tiredness, they encountered Jesus. Though with hesitation and protest, Simon obeyed this itinerant preacher who told him: “Put out into deep water and lower the nets for a catch.” Out of this trust and obedience, they caught many fish. This miraculous catch changed their lives and perspective. They left everything and followed Jesus. From fishermen they became fishers of men.

As such, God can transform and make you too a testimony to his glory and power. Therefore, do not think of quitting or giving up no matter what you are going through. God has a grand plan and a mission for you. He is able to use you irrespective of your past or sins. If you allow the Lord to encounter you where you are, if you accept his call to become his messenger, your life will never be the same.
Remain blessed! Amen

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Jeremiah 1:4-5.17-19
Psalm 70
1Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30

THE LOT OF A PROPHET

A prophet is the spokesperson of God. He speaks on behalf of God. As such, prophets are often not welcomed. They may be rejected, maltreated or persecuted, especially by their own kins: “No prophet is ever accepted in his own country,” Jesus tells his townsmen. This was the experience of Jesus and many prophets including Jeremiah.

The evangelist Luke continues his report of the visit of Jesus to the synagogue of his hometown. He preached so well that the people marveled at his gracious words and eloquence. But this admiration turned into rage. Their amazement quickly turned into hatred. Thus, they ejected him out of the synagogue. They wanted to push him off the cliff on which their town was built. But Jesus walked through them and left.

Such treatment of men of God was not uncommon. The prophet Jeremiah was to have similar experience. Since his mother’s womb, God had chosen him to be a prophet to the nations. But he was to face opposition and hostility. The people would fight against him, but they would not overcome him because God had made him a fortified city. The Lord was with him to deliver him.

By virtue of our baptism, we too are prophets. We must speak and proclaim the words of God to our contemporaries. But we must keep two things in mind. First, we will face challenges, rejection, criticisms and oppositions. And yet, we should not be afraid because the Lord is with us. With God, we shall overcome. Second, we may have all it takes to be a good prophet; but without love, we are “simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing”. Love is a gift that lasts forever, says St Paul in the second reading. Yes, love is everything and it changes everything. Let our love for one another become a testimony in today’s world.

Amen

FEAST OF BAPTISM OF THE LORD, YEAR C

Isaiah 40:1-5.9-11
Psalm 103
Titus 2:11-14;3:4-7
Luke 3:15-16.21-22

YOU ARE MY SON

We celebrate today the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. This event is narrated in today's gospel. John was baptizing people in preparation for the coming of the expected Messiah. After Jesus too has been baptized and was praying three phenomena happened: the heavens were opened, the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, and a voice was heard saying "You are my Son, in you I am well pleased".

The opening of the heavens reminds us of the shutting up of the gate of heaven as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve. Mankind was sent away from the presence of God. We were exiled. But now in Jesus Christ, God is reconciling us to himself. He has forgiven us and is opening once again the treasures of his gracious love for us. He is restoring that friendship with him. Our exile is coming to an end. This is the glad tiding and consolation that is proclaimed in the first reading to the people of Jerusalem.

The descent of the Holy Spirit reminds us of the Spirit of God that was moving above the waters at the time of creation, while the dove reminds us of the end of the flood in the days of Noah. All this tells us that Jesus Christ had come to inaugurate a new era, the era of grace that makes us new creatures in the Holy Spirit. This is the Holy Spirit that we received at our baptism  making us sons and daughters of God. We are therefore renewed and our nature transformed. We can now lead new lives for God, as St Paul tells us in the second reading.

As we celebrate this feast today, let us thank God for the gift of the sacrament of baptism and ask him to renew his grace in us so that we may be faithful to our baptismal promises.

Amen

SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY

Isaiah 60,1-6
Psalm 71
Ephesians 3: 2-3. 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12

God Has Manifested Himself To Us

We celebrate today the Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ. The word “epiphany” means manifestation, revelation or showing forth. Through a star, God revealed the birth of his Son to the magi in the east. God became man for the salvation of all. Therefore, he manifests himself to all.

There is no stranger in God’s plan of salvation. He leaves no one out. He adapts himself to our human condition. To the world, he reveals himself by the cry of a baby. To the shepherds, he revealed himself in a manger. To the magi, through a star. To the pagans of St Paul’s time, he revealed his love through the proclamation of the Gospel (Eph. 3:2-3.5-6). To us too, He manifests himself in various ways, especially in the daily events of our life and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

What makes the difference is our response to him. Our response must be to accept Jesus as our Star, the Light that enlightens all men. When we accept him, we must also radiate the light of Christ to the world. We must rise and shine, as the first reading exhorts us (Is. 60,1-6). Rising and shining are characteristics of the sun, which gives light, life and warmth to all. We are therefore called to shine in the world, covered by the darkness of sin, wickedness, selfishness, injustice, corruption, violence, hatred, unforgiveness, etc. May the Lord help us to become little stars that lead people to Christ.
Amen.

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY, YEAR C

1 Samuel 1:20-22.24-28
Psalm 83
1 John 3:1-2.21-24
Luke 2:41-52

THE HOLY FAMILY

We celebrate today the feast of the Holy Family. Thus, we are called to take a fresh look at our families and model them after the example of the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

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. What is particular about this family is that it was a God-fearing family and used to worship together.

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: faithfulness to God through the observance of his commandments and love for one another. As children of God, we are all brothers and sisters. 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 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, unity, patience and humility. Going to church together, praying together, eating together, doing things together and being patient with one another are priceless gestures that can help the family stay together. May the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph intercede for us so that we may have holy and united families.
Amen.

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD: MASS DURING THE DAY

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

BREAKING NEWS: GOD HAS BECOME MAN

Today we celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation: God has become man; Jesus is born. This is an old news but always a breaking Good News. The Eternal Word of God has been made flesh and he lives among us. God has become one of us so that by faith we may become children of God. From his fullness, we have received grace upon grace (John 1, 1-18).

In the little child lying in a manger at Bethlehem, we contemplate God. The invisible God has been made visible. Man can now touch God, hear God crying and being consoled. In this little child, God communicates and reveals his love and mercy to mankind (Heb. 1, 1-6). He identifies himself with each one of us. He shares our human condition, our pain and joy, our misery. In this new born, God comes to live with us, to console us, to be our friends and walk the path of life with us.

And this is the Good News that is announced to us today: “How beautiful on the mountain, are the feet of one who brings good tidings, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation…” (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 our brothers and sisters. This is the joyful news we must share in our homes. Christmas is a season of joy and sharing.

As the song goes: “Great things happen when God mixes with us, great and beautiful, wonderful things…” May this year’s Christmas bring you a breakthrough in whatever difficult situation you may find yourself. May the Infant Jesus, the Prince of Peace grant you peace, joy and fullness of life. Amen.

Merry Christmas!!!

Rev. Fr. Géorges KOUWONOU
(Priest of the Diocese of Atakpamé, Togo)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C

Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 80
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45

ANTICIPATING CHRISTMAS JOY

In few hours, we will celebrate Christmas, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, born at Bethlehem. Today’s first reading presents a prophecy about Bethlehem, a small town of Judea. This little and insignificant town became popular because it was the hometown of King David. It was this small town that God chose to be the place of birth of the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ.

The gospel reading narrates the story of the visitation. The story seems to be an encounter of two pregnant women, Elizabeth and Mary. But it was in fact a meeting between two unborn children: Jesus and John. Thus, John leaped for joy in his mother’s womb at the greeting of Jesus’ mother. It was a beautiful moment. 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 God coming among his people. Christmas is the time of God’s visitation in the person of Jesus Christ.

In this perspective, we may well understand the second reading which speaks of the total submission and obedience of Jesus Christ to his Father. He has come to do the will of God his Father. And the will of God is to give joy, peace and salvation to his people.

How prepared are we to welcome Jesus who is coming to give us joy and fulfillment? How well 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? May God bless and keep our hearts ready to welcome him in joy.
Amen.

33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Daniel 12:1-3
Ps 15:5.8-11
Hebrews 10:11-14.18
Mark 13:24-32

THE END OF TIME

Today is the last Sunday before the solemnity of Christ the King, which marks the end of the liturgical year. And 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 spared. 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 not worry 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. 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

1Kings 17:10-6
Psalm 145:7-10
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

A DARING GENEROSITY

Do not 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). Thus, those who trust God are never disappointed.

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 in all that she had to live on, two small coins. The inner attitude that accompanied her offerring was so great that Jesus commended her to his disciples (Mark 12:38-44).

What is common to the two widows of today’s readings is their discretion and daring generosity. 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 has nothing to give; and that none of our “little offerring” 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. If we wait to have much before giving, we will never give, for 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. Let us learn to share the little we have with others and give generously.
May God bless you!

31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 17
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28-34

                      SHEMA ISRAEL

The readings of today invite us to love. But what kind of love? It is not the love as the world understands it, whereby we learn how to make love and take advantage of the other for our own interest, but the love of God, whereby we seek the good of the other for the sake of the other. It is agape love. For love is the fundamental vocation of man: to love and to be loved. Man cannot live without love. Love is not therefore a word or an idea, but a way of life.

In the first reading, the “shema Israel”: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is One” is the profession of Jewish faith and at the same time, a call to obedience. The consequence of this obedience of faith is to love God with a total and unconditional love (Deut. 6:2-6).

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 neighbor are like the two sides of a coin. And this is the message of the gospel reading. Replying to the scribe’s question about which is the first of all the commandments, Jesus says it is love: love of God and love of the neighbor (Mark 12:28-34).

Indeed, love surpasses everything and it conquers everything. Yes, love is the foundation and the fulfillment of the Law. This free, total and unconditional love finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. 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). May he teach us to love and serve him in our brothers and sisters.
Amen.

29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Isaiah 53:10-11
Psalm 32
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45

           THE CUP OF SUFFERING

We do not serve a heartless God. We serve a living, loving, compassionate and faithful God. Today’s readings therefore celebrate Jesus Christ the son of God as the suffering servant who has paid the ransom for his sinful brothers.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant who gives his life for others (Is. 53:10-11). The author of the Letter to the Hebrews 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, make a request to Jesus. They are eager to secure seats at the right and left of Jesus in his glory. In replying to their request Jesus makes 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 must trust in him in every situation. In difficult moments, we should not despair but go to him for help. Besides, we must learn to serve one another so as to alleviate each other’s sufferings. Let us remember that with Jesus power is service. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen.

28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 89:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

The Word of God is something alive and active; it works like a double-edged sword. It penetrates our inner being and reveals our secret thoughts. Yes, the Word of God always challenges us. Today, it challenges us to take a fresh look at our attitude towards riches.

The first reading tells us that there is nothing that can be compared with wisdom. Thus, the author held everything, riches, social status and privilege as nothing before the wisdom of God (Wis. 7:7-11). This passage reminds us of St Paul, for he lost everything because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and considered them as rubbish in order that he may gain Christ (cf. Phil 3:8).

The gospel throws a challenge to each one of us, and not only to the young rich man. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was the question the rich man put to Jesus? It reveals his deep quest for salvation which is the ultimate reward for good life, a life of holiness. The man has contented himself with observing the commandments of God. Now Jesus asks him to go, sell all.... come and follow him. But the rich man went away very sad because he had great wealth. His riches, or better still, his attitude towards his riches, became an obstacle for him to embrace the way of freedom, joy and eternal life.

Indeed, asking a rich man to let go all his possessions and follow an itinerant preacher was not a light decision to take on the road side. But the request of Jesus and the subsequent interaction with his disciples show us that the way to holiness is not merely observing the law.

It demands letting go something dear to us, leaving something behind, detaching oneself from what is holding him back. It demands a breakup with what promises material comfort. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus; and their reward was great. May the Lord help us so that our material possessions may not become an obstacle on our way to eternal life. Amen

26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Numbers 11:25-29
Psalm 18:8.10.12-14
James 5:1-6
Mark 9:38-43.47-48

"DON'T STOP THEM"

We usually call outsiders those who do not belong to us. Thus, 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. Hence, today’s readings warn us against exclusivism and elitism.

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 elders. Moses rebuked him and expressed his wish that God would give his Spirit to all the people so that they might prophesy (Nbers 11:25-29).

Similarly, John reported to Jesus that they had tried to stop 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 the man. He went on to warn them against being a scandal or obstacle to any of the little ones (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 and reject them. 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. They oppress and cheat 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 be promoted and be “the boss”, to be in the high position, to have power. But many have achieved greatness through the wrong way. Out of hatred, some have made a name for themselves through the killing of innocent and good people. For the life of the good person is a threat to their own malicious ambitions and evil living (Wisdom 2:12.17-20). For St James, in the second reading, the root of our fightings, quarrels and wars as well as some shameful actions lie in jealousy and our selfish ambitions (James 3:16—4:3)

When Jesus became aware of the argument among his disciples about who was the greatest among them, he 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 tells us (Mark 9:30-37). It is not so much about the innocence of the little child, but rather about the vulnerability of the child. Here the child represents those who have no social status, no say, no power, no influence; a person who can easily be controlled, abused or neglected.

Therefore, when we set aside our jealousy and envy, our evil driven desires and selfish concerns and become welcoming, tender, kind, loving, humble and serving others, especially the vulnerable, we will be great. Like St Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa, to mention but a few, who achieved their greatness through selfless service to the poor, sick, elderly people and vulnerable, let us seek the good and welfare of the little ones. As the Pope 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

               SUFFERING TO GLORY

Today's readings give us many tracts for meditation. For St James in the second reading, a faith without deeds is dead. The 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 who can save him  in the midst of suffering, opposition and rejection (Is. 50:5-9).

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy through his passion, death and resurrection, as he himself announced in today's gospel. When Simon Peter professed that Jesus is the Messiah, (that is, the Anointed One), he was probably thinking of a political leader who would free the Jews from Roman domination, and not of a suffering Saviour. Hence he began to rebuke Jesus when he predicted his suffering and death.

Peter's misconception about Jesus is still present in our own days. Many of us dream of following Jesus, but lose sight of the way of the cross. Some preach a prosperity gospel, that is a gospel without suffering and pain. 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.

What makes the difference is our patience and endurance amidst pain and suffering, opposition and apparent failures, crosses and trials.
May the Lord help us bear patiently our daily crosses and follow him. 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

It is a terrible experience to have an impediment in one of the five senses. Thus, having a listening and speech impediment is as terrible as being unable to live and share the Word of God that one listens to everyday. Today’s first reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah is a word of hope and encouragement to the faint-hearted and the physically challenged. They should be strong and have no fear, for the Lord comes to heal, restore and liberate them (Isaiah 35:4-7).

In the gospel, Jesus heals a deaf and dumb man in a pagan territory, the Decapolis. This made great his reputation among the people of the area: “He has done all things well,” the people said.  Thus, the more Jesus ordered them not to tell others about this healing miracle, the more they were excited to proclaim it and glorified God (Mark 7:31-37).

Though we may not be physically deaf and dumb, we may close our ears and hearts to the Word of God. When we do not concentrate when the Word of God is being proclaimed in Church, when we fail to listen to the cries of the poor and needy around us, or to the groaning of the sick and the suffering, we are spiritually deaf. As such, we need the “Ephphatha ritual.” We need the healing touch of Jesus so as to listen to the Word of God and put it into practice.

Besides, we may convince ourselves that we are not dumb. But once we cannot share our faith with others, we are spiritually dumb. If we cannot proclaim the truth that liberates men, we are dumb. If we cannot speak out against the injustices, corruption, inequalities and discriminations in our homes, churches, workplaces and communities, just as St James does in the second reading, we are dumb (James 2:1-5).

Therefore, we must change our attitudes, share our faith and speak out against the social evils of our time. This way, we will truly enjoy the freedom and liberation offered to us by Jesus Christ, 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

The readings of today invite us to mediate on what is true religion. In the first reading, Moses tells the people of Israel that God is ever close to his people. His immutable laws are not to oppress man but rather to guarantee his freedom and make God’s people great. What distinguishes therefore God’s people is the obedience to such life-giving and liberating laws. People thus will marvel at the wisdom and prudence that characterize the life of God’s people.

All good things come from God and are meant to help us on our way of salvation. Thus, our salvation does not simply depend on our being baptized, being a member of a church, going to church on Sunday, listening to the Word of God. It does depend heavily on how we put into practice the Word of God. In such a way, we should not be just listeners but doers of the Word. This is true religion (second reading).

True religion therefore consists in loving, forgiving, sharing, showing compassion and going to the aid of the needy. Such practices come from the heart and make man holy. In the same way, negative thinking and evil deeds come from the heart, and make man unholy. It is only when we allow the Word of God to transform our way of life that we can become true worshippers of God.  External observance of the ritual purity is good, but when it is divorced from the heart, it leads to hypocrisy (gospel reading).

It is evident that unless we build a personal relationship with the Lord and care for our fellow human beings with a genuine and sincere heart, all our “religion” is sterile end lip-service. May the Lord fill our hearts with genuine love for him and for our brothers and sisters. Amen