Lenten reflection 15: Our choice

16 March 2017

In today's reading (Jer 17:5-10) Jeremiah enlightened us with his division of two groups of people. The first group are the worldly people who seek strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from God and they trust only themselves. They are like the barren bush in the desert. 

The second group however trusts in the Lord and hope in the Lord; they are like a tree planted beside the waters, their leaves remain green and no matter what the weather, they still get their nourishment and bear fruit. 

Jeremiah called the first group cursed; and the second group blessed; for only God can see our hearts and minds and reward us according to our ways and the merits of our deeds.   

In the Gospel of Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the Pharisees the story of the rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linens and dined sumptuously each day, ignoring the poor man Lazarus lying at his door covered with sores and trying to get the scraps from his table. When both men died, the rich man ended up in torment in the netherworld and from there he saw the poor man Lazarus being comforted in heaven. It was too late for him to ask for help and too late for him to warn his brothers. 

God does not decide for us where we spend our eternity. It is up to us. It is our choice, the way we live our life; our behavior, that decides for us.   

                           Whatever a man has in superabundance is owed, 
                           of natural right, to the poor for their sustenance. 

                                                      - St Thomas Aquinas -    

Lenten reflection 14: Discipleship

15 March 2017

Discipleship

Today's Gospel reading shows the ambitious mother of the sons of Zebedee, asking Jesus what she thought was best for her sons... honor and power in his kingdom, much to the anger of the other disciples. But Jesus summoned them and help them to see the real meaning of discipleship when he says: "whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first, shall be your slave."  In short, to let go of oneself and to serve the good of others; to be obedient to God and aspire to do only His will. Just as he himself, "the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve." (Mt 20:17-28)    

Is it wrong to be ambitious? Yes and no. Yes, if it is for selfish reasons and at the expense of others. It was ambition that made the scribes and Pharisees see Jesus as a threat to their position and authority; ambition and fear that made them plot against Jesus and ultimately put him to death.   

No, because it can be a driving force for us to do good. Power and status can be used as a tool to help others, in line with the principle of love that Jesus advocated and which should define our path in life. Jesus is asking his disciples (and us) to see our lives differently, to let go of our self-interest and think more of others. As St Francis put it in his simple prayer...for it is in giving that we receive... 

                       Love now becomes concern and care for the other. 
                       No longer is it self-seeking, a sinking in the 
                       intoxication of happiness; instead it seeks the 
                       good of the beloved: it becomes renunciation,
                       and it is readily, and even willing for sacrifice.

                                                     - Pope Benedict XVI -  

Lenten reflection 13 : Humility

14 March 2017

Humility

Today's Lenten message is on humility. Jesus taught us the importance of servitude by his example of washing the feet of his disciples during the Last Supper; by his healing of the sick, the deaf, the blind, the possessed, the leper, when no one would go near them. 

In the Gospel, (Mt 23:1-12) Jesus stressed that "the greatest among you must be your servant." and "whoever humbles himself will be exalted."  

The humble will be exalted. Isn't that nice? When God lifts us up, he gives us the strength to do, what sometimes seem impossible tasks. We see it in the relief workers each time a natural disaster occur, how they worked tirelessly to help dig out victims caught in an earthquake, or a typhoon or a landslide. We are called to be of service to others, even to people whom we do not know, like the good Samaritan who helped the injured man lying along the road...just because it is the right thing to do. We cannot turn our eyes and ears from the cries of the oppressed, the victims of human trafficking, the starving, the sick. This Lent, let us think of them often and pray for them; pray for a kinder. more compassionate world because Mother Teresa once said...only love can turn and change the hardest of hearts. 

                                The future is in your hearts and in your hands. 
                                God is entrusting to you the task, 
                                at once difficult and uplifting,  
                                of working with Him in the building
                                of the civilization of love. 

                                                   - Pope St John Paul II -

Lenten reflection 12 : Mercy

13 March 2017

Mercy

The word Mercy is brought up again and again in the Gospel to emphasize the integral aspect of discipleship. After a Year of Mercy which Pope Francis dedicated in 2016, the Doors of Mercy are now shut in the assigned Churches throughout the world, the more we should carry this  goodwill in our hearts and dispense it freely to our fellow men.  

Jesus in today's Gospel reminds us to be merciful just as the Father is merciful.  We are asked not to judge or condemn, for when we do that, we too will be judged and condemned. Likewise, when we forgive, we too will be forgiven because very clearly and simply put, "the measure with which we measure, will in turn be measured out to you."   

Mercy is our call everyday. It is a challenge...to forgive seventy times seven, to eat with sinners and tax collectors like what Jesus did when he invited Levi to join him; or to look with eyes of mercy on those who have hurt us. God's mercy is far beyond our expectations. Instead of judging like the Pharisees, let us be grateful that we too have been extended this mercy.  So this Lent, let us pray for God's grace to help us overcome our pride and judgement and instead extend our mercy and love to the people around us.

                                    See the good that is in others,
                                    always looking on them with
                                    kindness, as God does.

                                                     - St Paul of The Cross -    

   

Lenten reflection 11 : The Transfiguration

12 March 2017 (The second Sunday of Lent)

The Transfiguration

Each year the Church recalls the Lord's Transfiguration in the Lenten liturgy (Mt 17:1-9) where Jesus took three of his disciples, Peter, James and John up the mountain and there they saw the splendor of Jesus being transfigured. "His face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light". Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, listen to him".  

Fr Luigi in his homily shared that we too experience the transfiguration each time we go for Mass. Yes, we climb the mountain (we go to Church), listen to God's Words, we praise and thank Him and we partake of the sacred banquet where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in our Eucharistic celebration. Then if we take the time to listen carefully, we may discern the Heavenly Father's voice saying " Listen to Him". 

As Christians, we are called to be transfigured with Christ; to be the shinning light to all of God's people in the way we live our lives. In our journey of faith, we should constantly listen to Christ in the Gospels, celebrate the saving mystery of the sacraments and the Eucharistic liturgy, so as to equip ourselves to be 'luminous' in what we say and do and bear witness to God's great love and mercy for us.     

                                Purity of heart is what enables us to see.  

                                                       - Pope Benedict XVI -

Lenten reflection 10: To follow Christ

12 March 2017

To follow Christ

In the first reading of Dt 26:16-19, Moses advised his people to observe God's laws and commandments with "all your heart and all your soul".

The Psalmist in Ps 119 confirmed with his song:
                          Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.

In the Gospel of Mt 5:43-48, Jesus went one step further, to ask us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In short, to be perfect just as the Heavenly Father is perfect.

To follow the law of the Lord and be perfect like the Heavenly Father, requires a change in the interior of ourselves, our attitudes and our lives. It requires us not to think of ourselves but to give ourselves totally to another, for truth, for love, for God, who in Jesus Christ shows us the way. It requires us to carry our cross and follow Him with humility in service and love for others, including our enemies. It requires us to forget about the worldly expectations of gain, usefulness, and success and instead work for what the world cannot give us: peace and freedom.  

                           The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a 
                           fundamental truth: A disciple of Christ is one in
                           the experience of human weakness, has had the
                           humility to ask for his help, has been healed by
                           him, and has set out following closely after him,
                           becoming a witness of the power of his merciful
                           love that is stronger than sin and death.

                                                    - Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI -      

Lenten reflection 9 : God's ways

 Friday 10 March 2017

God's Ways

Another reassuring message from the first reading of Ez 18:21-28, when God gives us a chance to repent and turn over a new leaf, because our God of Mercy and Compassion does not derive any pleasure in condemning people. "If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live because of the virtue he has practiced." 

Likewise, if a virtuous man turned to evil, all his virtuous deeds will be forgotten and he will face condemnation.

We are all born with a sense of right and wrong. The choice is ours. The spiritual battle against the sin of selfishness, greed, jealousy, envy, hatred, anger, revenge, insults etc..is an unending battle that demands us to be ever conscious and watchful of what we do and say, in our daily living. We have to turn to God to guide us to overcome these by constant prayers, fasting, penance and to help us lead a life of close relationship with our living God, who alone is our light and peace.   

In the Gospel (Mt 5:20-26), Jesus also emphasized the importance of reconciliation.  "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first to reconcile with your brother and then, come and offer your gift." 

                              The  way Jesus shows you is not easy. 

                              Rather, it is like a path winding up a mountain.  

                              Do not lose heart! The steeper the road,

                              the faster it rises toward ever wider horizons!

                                                         - St John Paul II -

    
  

     

Lenten reflection 8 : God's Generosity

 9 March 2017

God's Generosity

Today's Gospel is very reassuring, especially in times of anxiety, fear and doubt, when Jesus tells us in Mt 7:7-12,          " Ask and it will be given to you, 
                                           seek and you will find;
                                           knock and the door will be opened to you.
                                           For everyone who asks, receives;
                                           the one who seeks, finds;
                                           and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Yes, all we need is to petition God in prayers; but know that not all that we ask for is given...because God knows what is best for us and will dispense at the right time and in the right place. We need to be patient and trust that He has heard us. 

I have experienced such in my own life...because on hindsight now, I realized that the unfolding of my life so far, is so much better than what I had anticipated or could even dream of!  I can't help but smile to myself and say: "Thank you Lord. You know best. Your will be done. I love you."

No wonder the Psalmist confirmed with his song today: 
                               Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. 

                            Do not say, after spending a long time in prayer,
                            that nothing has been gained; for you have already 
                            gained something. And what higher good is there
                            than to cling to the Lord and persevere in
                            unceasing union with Him?

                                                         - St John Climacus - 
                           

Lenten reflection 7 : God's Mercy

8 March 2017

God's Mercy

In today's first reading (Jon:31:10), we learn of the great mercy of God on the people of Nineveh. Jonah had been sent to warn them, and the King of Nineveh and his subjects took the warning seriously and repent, hence softening God'd heart from punishing them.

The Psalmist confirmed with his song (Ps 51:3-4, 12-13,18-19): 

                            " A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn."

In the Gospel of Lk 11:29-32, Jesus expressed disappointment that the people gathered before him wanted a sign, and yet they failed to recognize that He, the Son of Man is actually a greater sign than Jonah was to the Ninevites.  

Are we blind like the crowd? Do we recognize Jesus among us?...in the poor who live in the fringes of society? the oppressed who have been driven out of their homes because of urban development? the crippled beggar on the street? the old ragged women pushing their carts trying to get scraps of paper boxes from the shops? the homeless? the distraught father who tried to get money to save his sick child? the mentally ill? the orphans and widows? the lonely and abandoned? 

This Lent, let us pause from our busy lives to remember these people in our neighborhood, the least of our brothers and sisters. Pray for them and help them in anyway we can, to preserve their dignity, lift up their spirits and offer hope and faith for them to carry on in this difficult world. 

I sing with the choir:

                              Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
                              That saved a wretch like me,
                              I once was lost but now am found,
                              was blind, but now I see.

                              T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear 
                              And Grace my fears relieved,
                              How precious did that Grace appear,
                              The hour I first believed.



                              

Lenten reflection 6 : Forgiveness

7 March 2017

Tuesday of the First week of Lent

Forgiveness

In today's Gospel (Mt:6-16), Jesus taught us how to pray...a simple 'Our Father' prayer, assuring us that we don't have to say very much because the Father in Heaven knows what we need before we ask him. This beautiful and simple prayer encompasses everything in our life:

- acknowledging God as our Heavenly Father
- and recognizing him as Holy and Powerful
- accepting His will for us
- asking for our daily sustenance
- asking for forgiveness of our sins
- and admitting that we too should forgive those who have sinned against us
- an appeal to keep us away from all temptations 
- and to protect us from evil.

Jesus reiterated that it is essential that we forgive those who have wronged us before God can forgive us of our own wrong-doings. With this in mind, let us be aware each day to ask for forgiveness from God; and when we feel that someone has wronged us, to immediately forgive him from our heart. This is a good exercise to keep us close to God and to sense his loving presence in our lives. 

                                 He who cannot forgive others breaks
                                 the bridge over which he himself must pass.

                                                           - Confucius -
                         

Lenten reflection 5 : God's Laws

 6 March 2017

Monday of the First week of Lent

God's Laws

In the first reading today (Lv 19:1-2, 11-18), God urged Moses to speak to the assembly of people on the laws that they should live by. Laws that were given by God through Moses to guide them (and us even today) in our daily living; to live a righteous life, pleasing to God. 

The Psalmist reiterated " Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life."

In the Gospel of Mt 25:31-46, Jesus made it very clear that on the day of judgement, the good will be separated from the evil ones; with the good inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven and the bad to eternal punishment. How is the judgement made? Jesus' answer to that is simple: for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did it for me.   

This Lent, let us in solidarity pray for all those who need our prayers...the sick and dying, the poor and needy, the homeless, the poverty stricken, the lonely and neglected old folks, the destitute, those in bondage, the child laborers, those who were forced into the sex trade...these are the least of Jesus' (and our) brothers and sisters.    
    
                               Remember that when you leave this earth, 
                               you can take with nothing that you have received -
                               only what you have given: a full heart, enriched
                               by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.

                                                             -  St Francis of Assisi -

Lenten reflection 4 : Temptations

5 March 2017

First Sunday of Lent

Temptations

The first reading of Gn 2:7-9, 3:1-7 tells us of how sin came into this world through one man, Adam when he and Eve disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, having being fallen into the temptation of the serpent.

The Psalmist sings with sorrow "Be merciful, O Lord for we have sinned".

In the second reading, St Paul (Rom 5:12-19), reassured us that although through one man Adam, sin and death came upon all men; but by the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ, acquittal was given us. " Through one transgression, condemnation came upon all; so through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all. For just through the disobedience of the one man, the many were made sinners; so, through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous."

In the Gospel of Mt 4: 1-11, Jesus  taught us how to overcome temptations; when he himself were tempted after his 40 days retreat in the desert. Knowing that he would be hungry, the devil asked Jesus to turn stones into bread, to which Jesus pointed out: "Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."  In the second temptation, when asked to throw himself down from the parapet of the temple to see if the angels would help to support him, Jesus had this to say: " It is written that you shall not put the Lord, your God to the test."  Finally the devil told Jesus he could have all the kingdoms of the world with their magnificence if only Jesus would prostrate himself and worship him. To this Jesus said "Get away, Satan! "for it is written that The Lord your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve."  

Whenever we are tempted in our daily living, we can recall these temptations of Jesus and rebuke the dark forces with the same words that Jesus used. The devil I'm sure will run miles away! 

                           I repeat that the temptations of jealousy,
                           desperation, discouragement, distrust, etc,
                           are works of the devil.

                                                - St. Padre Pio -

Lenten reflection 3 : Second Chance

4 March 2017

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Second Chance

Through the reading of Is 58: 9b - we get a glimpse of the rewards that await us when we obey God's laws and live a life of righteousness and of charity. Whenever we delight our Lord, He will always be there for us, to guide us in our daily lives, renew our strength, lift up our gloom and provide us with plenty.  

Hence the Psalmist aptly sings "Teach us your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth".                                                 (a perfect prayer for us each day when we wake up) 

In the Gospel of Lk 5:27-32, Jesus showed us that everyone is welcomed to be his disciples when he invited Levi, a tax collector to follow him. Tax collectors of those days were considered a miscreant in society, corrupt in their work ethics. Needless to say,  Jesus was criticized by the Pharisees for eating and mixing with sinners like Levi. In admonishing them, Jesus' answer was that he had "not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners." 

Lent is a good time for us to reflect on all our wrong-doings (all that we have done wrong and all that we have failed to do) and ask God for mercy and forgiveness. Like wise, we should reflect on how and why we should forgive our brothers and sisters for whatever wrongs they have done to us. God always gives us a second chance, just like Levi when Jesus invited him to follow him. Levi as we know, became the great writer, Matthew of the Gospel, witnessing to Jesus' life and teachings. 

Oh, the power of conversion! Isn't it great that our God is a God of second chances and new beginnings?  

                            Most people have no idea what God would make of them
                            if they would only place themselves as His disposal.

                                                                         - St. Ignatius of Loyola -

Lenten reflection 2 : Charity

 3 March 2017

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Charity

Today's scripture reading from Is 58: 1-9a tells us that there should be no double standards as far as doing good is concerned. God lays out very clearly what is acceptable and right in His eyes:
                  to free the oppressed
                  to clothe the naked
                  to feed the hungry and
                  shelter the homeless

Yes, to help the marginalized in our society. Our fast lives have us always on the go, checking our emails, our smart phones, our bank accounts that we do not have the eyes or the time for the less fortunate. 

Lent is the time for us to stop, reflect, to open our eyes to look at the reality of life, of ourselves; to take stock of all our blessings and be grateful for them. If all that we have are so freely and graciously given to us, then we should do our part to share with our fellow human beings and all of God's creation in whatever ways we can. Charity unites us to God and in giving, we receive more; it may not be in physical measure but in the way we live our everyday lives.     

The Psalmist sings: "A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." A reminder for us to be truly sorry for our sins, and to make a conscious effort not to sin again so as to obtain and experience God's mercy.   

Fasting is a good way for us to identify with the poor.  In the Gospel of Mt 9:14-15, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their way of fasting because they only follow the laws blindly, without God in their hearts. True fasting helps us to control our impulse to sin; it is to do the will of the Heavenly Father, who "sees everything in secret and will reward you." Jesus himself taught us after his temptation by the devil to turn stones into bread that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God".

                            What does love look like?
                            It has the hands to help others.
                            It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy.
                            It has the eyes to see misery and want.
                            It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men.
                            That is what love looks like.

                                                   - St Augustine -

Lenten reflection 1 : Conversion

 2 March 2017

The day after Ash Wednesday

Conversion

The same message of repentance and conversion is echoed in the first reading today (DT 30:15-20) when Moses gave his people a choice: either to choose life or death and doom. Needless to say, he exhorts them to choose life by loving God and following His commandments so that their descendants (and ours) will live and prosper.

The Psalmist reminds us: "Blessed are they who hope in the Lord", 
                                          he will be like a tree planted near running water, that
                                          yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves will never fade.
                                          whatever he does prosper"  (Ps 1:1- 6)

In the Gospel of Lk 9: 22-25, Jesus told his disciples that his life will not be easy, that he will suffer and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the scribes. Likewise, to us all, Jesus has this to say: that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily in order to follow him. It may sound frightening, but the saints have shown us that in the cross of Christ, there is deep love and mercy. To start with, when we consciously deny ourselves the material things which we do not need or could do without, we can slowly but surely win over the power of the flesh. This will give us a deep sense of satisfaction and serenity which encourages us to think more of others and their needs. The power of grace!  It is with this confidence that we venture forth in our Lenten journey, ready to be God's instrument, to bring love and happiness to our brethren and to all those we meet on our pilgrim way.  

                                     
                                      The Cross will not crush you; 
                                      if its weight makes you stagger,
                                      its power will also sustain you.

                                                             - St. Padre Pio -
                                                             
                                         

Ash Wednesday 2017 : Repentance

1 March 2017

Repentance

Today is Ash Wednesday as we sing the hymn of 'Amazing Grace' in Church and have the imposition of ashes on our foreheads, we enter into the season of Lent; a period of 40 days where we have the chance to reunite once again, more deeply with God in our faith, in our love for Him and for one another.  

To me, Lent encompasses all of the following: prayer, reflection, repentance, conversion, alms giving, fasting, penance, forgiveness, reconciliation, spiritual renewal. In short, God is calling us today to return to Him with our whole heart, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment ( JL 2:12-18). Today, we have the chance to ask God with a sincere and contrite heart, for his mercy for all the wrongs we have done in our life, just as how the Psalmist sang: "Be merciful O Lord for we have sinned" .  

In the Gospel of Mt 6:1-6, 16-18, Jesus taught his disciples not to show off in public whenever they perform any good deeds for God who sees everything in secret will repay them accordingly.   

How apt all these messages are for us today, more than ever, as we face an uncertain world! It should touch the core of our hearts and drive us to do good, to change from our bad habits; to consciously be aware of not hurting anyone and to forgive freely. 

                       
                       When we die to something, something comes alive within us.
                       When we die to self, charity comes alive;
                       if we die to pride, service comes alive;
                       If we die to lust, reverence for personality comes alive;
                       if we die to anger, love comes alive.

                                                 -Venerable Fulton Sheen-