Saturday, December 15, 2007
Thrid Sunday of Advent (A)
Lectionary:
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (God Himself is coming to save you)
Gradual: Psalm 145, R/ Isaiah 35:4
2nd Reading: James 5:7-10 (Do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming will be soon)
Acclamation: Isaiah 61:1 or Luke 4:18
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 (Are you the one who is to come?)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. The Lord is near
Sent his disciples- No doubt whatsoever that Jesus was the Messiah; for this was the burden of his preaching at the Jordan. If this was the case, why did he send his disciples? He did so because many of them though had heard about the works of the Lord had not seen it for themselves and were not fully assured. Therefore in order to confirm their faith John sent them directly. Already knowing the intentions of John the Baptist, Jesus answers the question indirectly by referring to His works. Thus, confirming the faith of the disciples and the testimony of John.
How strong is our faith? When we send ourselves before the Altar of Sacrifice to receive the Body and Blood our Jesus in the Eucharist, are we fully convicted of His presence hidden under the veil of the sacrament or are we still asking questions?
Are you the one who is to come- This is a plain question showing what John wanted, that is the knowledge of Christ as the Redeemer. He did not ask for any proof or sign; in his final inquiry, we see a declaration that our Lord’s simple assertion was enough to command unconditional belief in Him.
Is our faith ready? Do we still ask questions, or signs, or proofs? “Blessed are those who have not yet seen but believe”. St. Peter J. Eymard once said that “tomorrow will be too late”. How true. We do not know the hour or the day of the Lord’s coming- not the end of the world, but rather death; our own end. When the time comes are we ready to meet Him with our unconditional believe that “He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God”? St. Peter Julian Eymard’s reminder is probably founded on the warning given by the prophet Malachi. He tells us, “who will be able to endure when the day comes? Who will be able to survive when He appears? He will like a strong soap, like a fire that purifies metal…” On that day, the Lord will appear as judge and “testify at once… against all who do not respect (Mal 3:5)” Him.
Go back and tell- If we look at Luke’s account in 7:21 we see that it was “at that VERY time” when the messengers were corresponding with Him that “He cured many people of their diseases, He cast out evil spirits & restored sight to the blind”.
When we see the works of the Lord, do we “go back and tell” our loved ones, friends, co-workers about the power and mercies of our great Lord and Savior? Are we being a testimony to His greatness?
Does not lose faith- Also translated to scandalize or offended. Why would Jesus say this? Why would people be scandalized, offended or lose faith because of His good works? To understand this we need to look at the Book of the Prophet Isaiah who foretold Jesus way of life to be characterized by “poverty and lowliness, suffering and death”. Jesus had to say this because the Jews had expected the messiah to come in pomp and power instead of humility and poverty; which by the way was a great hindrance to their faith.
Is humility and suffering a hindrance to OUR faith today as it was in the time of the Jews? Today’s society focuses much on the individual, on power, control, wealth, et cetera. We need to learn from John’s joyful reception of the Lord into his own life so that in time of adversity, or even in the face of the secular world, we may receive the consolation of having that joy.
Conclusion- The later part of the Gospel which discusses about John’s greatness is something that gives us an opportunity to reflect upon. John entered the world in a state of grace, growing daily in grace and virtue.
We came into the world in the state of original sin, BUT by the holy waters of baptism, this sin has been taken away and replaced by sanctifying grace. Have we lost this grace through mortal sin? When was the last time we made satisfaction for it through the Sacrament of Penance? To paraphrase the cry of the Baptist, turn away from thoughtlessness and forgetfulness of God to piety and fear of God! To be holy and godly Catholics, we need to try to prevent sin. This is what Jesus meant when he proclaimed that “the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is” even though no one greater than him has ever been seen.
Is it possible to live holy and godly lives in a culture of sin and death? In the Second Reading, James advises us how to go about living holy and godly lives for the Lord in expectation and anticipation of His return. It is important to note that patience is an important virtue that we need to adopt in our lives because no one knows the exact hour the Lord is coming. It is with patience that we can, like the Baptist, persevere in the knowledge that Jesus is the Redeemer and that He WILL come to gather us back to Himself. Amen.
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (God Himself is coming to save you)
Gradual: Psalm 145, R/ Isaiah 35:4
2nd Reading: James 5:7-10 (Do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming will be soon)
Acclamation: Isaiah 61:1 or Luke 4:18
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 (Are you the one who is to come?)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. The Lord is near
Sent his disciples- No doubt whatsoever that Jesus was the Messiah; for this was the burden of his preaching at the Jordan. If this was the case, why did he send his disciples? He did so because many of them though had heard about the works of the Lord had not seen it for themselves and were not fully assured. Therefore in order to confirm their faith John sent them directly. Already knowing the intentions of John the Baptist, Jesus answers the question indirectly by referring to His works. Thus, confirming the faith of the disciples and the testimony of John.
How strong is our faith? When we send ourselves before the Altar of Sacrifice to receive the Body and Blood our Jesus in the Eucharist, are we fully convicted of His presence hidden under the veil of the sacrament or are we still asking questions?
Are you the one who is to come- This is a plain question showing what John wanted, that is the knowledge of Christ as the Redeemer. He did not ask for any proof or sign; in his final inquiry, we see a declaration that our Lord’s simple assertion was enough to command unconditional belief in Him.
Is our faith ready? Do we still ask questions, or signs, or proofs? “Blessed are those who have not yet seen but believe”. St. Peter J. Eymard once said that “tomorrow will be too late”. How true. We do not know the hour or the day of the Lord’s coming- not the end of the world, but rather death; our own end. When the time comes are we ready to meet Him with our unconditional believe that “He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God”? St. Peter Julian Eymard’s reminder is probably founded on the warning given by the prophet Malachi. He tells us, “who will be able to endure when the day comes? Who will be able to survive when He appears? He will like a strong soap, like a fire that purifies metal…” On that day, the Lord will appear as judge and “testify at once… against all who do not respect (Mal 3:5)” Him.
Go back and tell- If we look at Luke’s account in 7:21 we see that it was “at that VERY time” when the messengers were corresponding with Him that “He cured many people of their diseases, He cast out evil spirits & restored sight to the blind”.
When we see the works of the Lord, do we “go back and tell” our loved ones, friends, co-workers about the power and mercies of our great Lord and Savior? Are we being a testimony to His greatness?
Does not lose faith- Also translated to scandalize or offended. Why would Jesus say this? Why would people be scandalized, offended or lose faith because of His good works? To understand this we need to look at the Book of the Prophet Isaiah who foretold Jesus way of life to be characterized by “poverty and lowliness, suffering and death”. Jesus had to say this because the Jews had expected the messiah to come in pomp and power instead of humility and poverty; which by the way was a great hindrance to their faith.
Is humility and suffering a hindrance to OUR faith today as it was in the time of the Jews? Today’s society focuses much on the individual, on power, control, wealth, et cetera. We need to learn from John’s joyful reception of the Lord into his own life so that in time of adversity, or even in the face of the secular world, we may receive the consolation of having that joy.
Conclusion- The later part of the Gospel which discusses about John’s greatness is something that gives us an opportunity to reflect upon. John entered the world in a state of grace, growing daily in grace and virtue.
We came into the world in the state of original sin, BUT by the holy waters of baptism, this sin has been taken away and replaced by sanctifying grace. Have we lost this grace through mortal sin? When was the last time we made satisfaction for it through the Sacrament of Penance? To paraphrase the cry of the Baptist, turn away from thoughtlessness and forgetfulness of God to piety and fear of God! To be holy and godly Catholics, we need to try to prevent sin. This is what Jesus meant when he proclaimed that “the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is” even though no one greater than him has ever been seen.
Is it possible to live holy and godly lives in a culture of sin and death? In the Second Reading, James advises us how to go about living holy and godly lives for the Lord in expectation and anticipation of His return. It is important to note that patience is an important virtue that we need to adopt in our lives because no one knows the exact hour the Lord is coming. It is with patience that we can, like the Baptist, persevere in the knowledge that Jesus is the Redeemer and that He WILL come to gather us back to Himself. Amen.
Labels: Sacred Scripture, Spirituality, Sunday Reading Reflections (A)
Sunday Reading Reflections
My renewed participation in a Scripture Sharing/Reflection group at the parish of the Holy Family with some good friends have prompted me to share my thoughts, reflections, and ideas- which I try to prepare before hand- here online. I truly appreaciate the new lectionary for it's abundant use of scripture- speard over 3 cycles for Sundays and 2 for weekdays. This has opened up wonderful riches contained in the holy word of God, When we begin to love the Word, we can see that it actually offers us deep spiritual insights that can be applied to both our physical and spiritual lives.
I must say that I am not academically trained in Sacred Scripture, therefore the interpretation of Sacred Scripture contained in these posts may not reflect what Holy Mother the Church has to say. Though I try to stick closely to the authorised commentaries and concordances, there are (and will be) times when some views may not reflect that of the Church.
I make mention of the above as I know (and accept the fact) that the final interpretation of all Sacred Scripture lies in the magisteral of the Church.
Labels: Announcements, Sacred Scripture, Sunday Reading Reflections (A)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Death and Advent
There is something about this month of November that urges silent reflection. All of nature is quiet and asleep. The color of life as seen in trees, blooming meadows and fields—is all gone. The landscape is gray and brown—or perhaps even covered in white! Holy Church, always in harmony with God's providence and creation, dedicates this month to praying for the dead. And how can we do so without thinking of our own life—and our own death—which is meant to free us from the bonds of earth and bring us into God's presence forever? Does not St. Francis say in his beautiful prayer, "it is in dying that we are born to eternal life"?The thought of death is not, and must not be, a morbid thing. No. Correctly seen, this life of time, given by God, is only temporary and but the brief, passing trial that must bring us to eternity. Our Lord and His Saints teach us this incessantly.
These are good thoughts to lead us into the liturgical season of Advent. For in this season of penitential, yet joyful anticipation, the Church continues these thoughts, as She presents for our reflection the coming of Christ Our Lord, not only in time, but also at the end of time. So is it not good to think about our own place in God's providential plan, and perhaps to examine our lives to see just how well we are corresponding to that loving plan? And when we do, let us practice that virtue so greatly needed in our time—hope. Remember what hope means? It is good to read the consoling definition of this essential virtue as we read it so long ago in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Hope is the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, Who is all-powerful and faithful to His promises, will in His mercy give us eternal happiness and the means to obtain it.
It is an infused theological virtue, received at Baptism together with sanctifying grace and having the possession of God as its primary object. It belongs to the will and makes a person desire eternal life, which is the heavenly vision of God, and gives one the confidence of receiving the grace necessary to reach heaven...
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI reminds us of this virtue in his new encyclical Spe Slavi. In the introduction, he explains that "according to the Christian faith, 'redemption' (or salvation) is not simply a given. Redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present: the present, even if it is arduous, can be lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey. Now the question immediately arises: what sort of hope could ever justify the statement that, on the basis of that hope and simply because it exists, we are redeemed? And what sort of certainty is involved here?"
Faith is Hope. Our Holy Father also reminds us that "before turning our attention to these timely questions, we must listen a little more closely to the Bible's testimony on hope. “Hope”, in fact, is a key word in Biblical faith—so much so that in several passages the words “faith” and “hope” seem interchangeable".
Dear brothers and sisters in Chirst, the Season of Advent is THE season of hope. Hope in the one who was, who is and is to come. Amen.
Labels: Advent, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Death, Hope, Spirituality, Thoughts
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Still Alive!
I'm finally back after a long absence from blogsphere with my last entry dating 25th of October '07. Since than, so many things have taken place that I don't know where to begin. To simplify things, here's a rough list of events that have poped up since my last entry; for those who care to know ;)
In no particular order:
Personal
- Ordered a new surplice
- Bought a new rope cicnture
- Got a Honda Accord car from my grandmother
- Got a platinium supplementary credit card from my mum
- Found a new student; am giving English classes to PSLE students
In & Around Church
- Attend Mass at the Seminary; patronal Feast Day and dinner with the Bishop
- Visited Fr. David Thexthera at Mt. Alvernia hospital; major stroke
- Served a Latin Mass with Gregorian Chant- according to the 2002 Roman Missal
- Returned to the Holy Family Friday Bible Sharing/Discussion Group
- Attended a Tridentine Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Social
- Will be seeing 3 friends leave for the Army during the course of the next few weeks
- Met Karyn, a catechumen from Holy Spirit Church, who is deeply in love with our holy faith
Vocation
- Planing to meet Msgr. Schimitz from the Institute of Christ the King when he transits in Singapore before heading to Sydney
- Have been corresponding with an S.S.S. priest regarding Eucharistic Spirituality and was invited to visit them in Melbourne
Labels: Miscellaneous, News, Personal, Vocation
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