How Blessed Are The Humble

Tuesday 1st December 2020. Read Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-17 and Luke 10:21-24.

“I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.” (Luke 10:21) 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus blessed God for hiding certain things from the wise and revealing them to mere infants. Who are these infants Jesus was referring to? He was referring to His disciples who had just returned from the mission of preaching to the towns and villages and healing their diseases. Having sent them two by two, they came back with joy saying that even the demons are subject to them. That was when Jesus blessed God on their behalf.

So, if Jesus was referring to the disciples as infants, who then are the wise, from whom the hidden mysteries of God were hidden? These are those who either do not know God or behave as though God does not exist. The wise are those so full of themselves that they feel they have no need for God. Once, Jesus healed the servant of a Centurion who did not consider himself worthy to have Jesus come under his roof. (Matthew 8:8ff). This is an example of the kind of humility God requires of us.

In the course of this season of Advent, one question we must continuously ask ourselves is: “How willing am I to humble myself and come to terms with my nothingness?” Dear friends, it was out of humility that God decided to leave his glory behind and come to the earth to be born as a child.

If God could “forget” His greatness for my sake, why can’t I learn to bring myself down, why can’t I humble myself as a child in my dealings with others? Pride is really a blinding sickness. Not only does it make you blind to the greatness of God, pride makes you believe you are God.

The prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading speaks of the time that shall come when the wolf shall dwell with the Lamb, and the Leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together and a little child shall lead them. What does Isaiah mean by a little child assuming leadership of an unthinkable combination of animals who we know are natural enemies? For me, the little child here refers to the humble person. Humility gives you access to really high places!

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me humble myself. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72:1-17 and Luke 10:21-24).

Andrew Left Everything Else Behind

Monday 30th November 2020. Read Romans 10:9-18, Psalm 19:8-11 and Matthew 4:18-22

“He said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:19-20) 

In our Gospel passage, I cannot but wonder how it so happened that some grown-up men would abandon their Father, their entire fishing career and what brings them money to go after a total stranger simple because he said: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”? 

How many of us would leave everything behind to follow Jesus like Andrew, Simon and the two sons of Zebedee? How many of us are willing to sacrifice our time, our intelligence, our money, our resources, our connections, etc. for the sake of God’s kingdom?

In this world of social media, to follow a person is much more than walking behind that person. If I follow you on twitter, facebook, whatsapp and so on, it means that I get an alert on my phone whenever you post anything. We don’t just follow anybody, we follow those we respect, those we admire, those we want to emulate and those we believe can make us better persons.

Today, just as Jesus said to Andrew and the other disciples, Jesus is saying to us: “Follow me.” Am I going to respond to this tweet from Jesus? Am I going to un-follow others and dedicate myself solely to Jesus? Would I even be willing to block and unfriend those who drag me away from Jesus? Would I henceforth long to hear from Jesus daily by reading the Bible?

Our Gospel passage comes from Matthew. In John’s account, we are told that Andrew was the first person to be called by Jesus and he was the one who went to tell his brother Peter about Jesus. Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus but not much is heard about Andrew other than that he introduced the boy who had five loaves and two fish to Jesus. (Cf. John 6:8-9)

Andrew was fond of introducing people to Jesus. This characteristic of Andrew is what I call basic evangelisation. Bring people to Jesus and let Him take over from there. Just as Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus, the Feast of St. Andrew introduces the Church to the season of Advent. If you notice, advent is always the closest Sunday to the feast of St. Andrew.

St. Paul in our first reading says: “How beautiful are the feet of one who brings Good News.” Indeed, how beautiful were the feet of Andrew when he ran immediately to tell Simon Peter: “We have found the Messiah.” How beautiful are the feet of St. Andrew today as he announces to the Church: “Advent is here! Prepare your hearts for Jesus!” Indeed, how beautiful are your feet, hands, lips etc. when you talk to people about Jesus!

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, use me like Andrew to bring people to you. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Feast of St. Andrew. Bible Study: Romans 10:9-18, Psalm 19:8-11 and Matthew 4:18-22).

Be on Guard. Christ is Coming Soon.

Sunday 29th November 2020. Read Isaiah 63:16-17, 64:1-8, 1st Corinthians 1:3-9 and Mark 13:33-37

“Watch, therefore -- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning -- lest he comes suddenly and finds you asleep.” (Mark 13:35-36) 

Back then in school, my rector taught us about the 5p’s of success. It says: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. If something has to be good, then it must first be prepared for. The Church in its wisdom understands the importance of preparation hence, it has declared that four weeks before Christmas should be dedicated as a period of preparation for the events and ceremonies of Christmas. This four week period of preparation is what we call Advent.

Already, many have started making plans for the Christmas, some are repainting their houses, children are asking for new clothes, new shoes and new toys. Some are stocking their homes with gallons of fuel and diesel so that during the holidays, there would be no worries about the usual fuel scarcity we witness year after year during this period. Nonetheless, there is no preparation for Christmas that is as important as an inward spiritual renewal. This is because if Christ is not born anew in your life this Christmas, your celebration would just a mere dissipation; a waste of time and money.

Let us now consider some of the vital points for our spiritual preparation for Christmas which our readings today highlight:

1. Resolve to Walk Away From the Darkness of Sin.

The first step to spiritual renewal is an examination of conscience. If you want to renovate a house, you don’t just start breaking it apart. The first thing you do is to go round the house and inspect it thoroughly. You find those places that are leaking and those places that are damaged. You take note of the things to throw away and the things to keep. This is exactly what we are called to do within our own spiritual houses this period.

If you don’t notice the cobwebs on your ceiling, you might just assume your house is clean. This is the time to look inwards and take a broom to remove the cobwebs blocking you from God. When you read today’s first reading, you notice that Isaiah is asking for God’s mercy and forgiveness. He says: “We have sinned… we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:5-6).

When last did you go for Confession? Before confessing your sins, did you examine your heart thoroughly? Did you identify your sins and the factors leading to such sins? It is one thing to replace a damaged ceiling in the house but if you don’t find out the cause (perhaps a leaking roof), that ceiling would keep going bad. Many of us have become habitual sinners today and have lost the sense of sin because we never take time to examine our conscience and to find out why we keep falling into sin.

Like persons who work in a refuse disposal company, we become so used to the smell that we no longer think it is smelling. Let us pray with the Psalmist today: “O God, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall saved.”

2. Be Vigilant, Don’t Fall for Satan’s Trap.

Just as we are preparing for a spiritual renewal this Christmas, the devil and his agents are seriously planning and strategizing how to pull our society into more and more sinfulness. For instance, watch out for the kind of dress style you would soon begin to see around, watch out for kind of entertainment and shows that would be organized this period. It is not ordinary, it is a spiritual battle for your soul.

If we do not open our spiritual eyes, we would get carried away by the evil wind that always blows hot during Christmas season. St. Peter puts it beautifully when he wrote: “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary, the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith.” (1st Peter 5: 8-9). Yes, the devil is like a lion looking for people to devour. You would be tempted more than ever before, you would have more invitations to parties and free drinks, you would have more friends coming over and if you are not careful, you would let down your spiritual guard.

In our Gospel passage today, Jesus says: “Watch, therefore -- for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning - lest he comes suddenly and finds you asleep.” (Mark 13:35-36). The opposite of being vigilant is falling asleep. Just as we have vigilante groups guarding our neighbourhoods, you too need to become a vigilante over your heart.

3. Don’t be Idle, Get Busy Doing the Master’s Work

Still in our Gospel passage, Jesus describes the season of Advent through this analogy: “It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch.” (Mark 13:34) Many consider Christmas as a time to rest but like Jesus, our Master tells us, we must get busy. Take note of that statement: “each with his work.”

And what is this work that our Master wants to find us doing? It is the work of charity, the work of giving things away, the work of helping others, making sacrifices for one another just as Christ left His glory in heaven sacrificing everything for our salvation. This is why in our opening prayer at mass today, we prayed: “Grant your faithful, we pray almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds…” Take note: “Righteous Deeds.”

The second aspect of this work is telling people the good news about Jesus Christ; reminding people that Christmas without Christ is a mere crisis. Become like one of the angels, go an announce to the shepherds that Jesus Christ is born.

Conclusion

If I want to invite an important visitor to my house, the first thing I do is to ensure my house is clean and has the needed facilities to make the person comfortable. Right? We have a very very very important visitor, the greatest of the greatest is coming. What are you doing to prepare for Him?

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, grant us the resolve to run forth to meet you with righteous deeds so that we may be worthy to possess your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (First Sunday of Advent. Year B. Bible Study: Isaiah 63:16-17, 64:1-8, 1st Corinthians 1:3-9 and Mark 13:33-37).

Behold, I am Coming Soon

Saturday 28th November 2020. Read Revelations 22:1-7, Psalm 95:1-7 and Luke 21:34-36 

“Take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life.” (Luke 21:34)

For anyone who has read the whole Bible, he or she would be familiar with this statement which actually occurs three times in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible: “Behold, I am coming soon.” As we prepare for the Second Coming of Christ, we also anticipate our re-enactment of the coming of Christ at His incarnation. 

Unfortunately, many Christians only prepare for festivities and frivolities. We save for a whole year only to spend everything on buying fireworks, attending comedy shows, travelling and shopping, eating and drinking, partying and relaxation. In all of these, Jesus is completely out of the picture. 

I have heard many people make statements like: “Are we going to celebrate Christmas this year?” Now, the bottom line of this question is the fact that going by the situation of things this year, there might not be as much money as before to spend. Maybe we have forgotten the true spirit and purpose of Christmas. Perhaps this year happened like this so that we may realize that we don’t even need even a dime to truly celebrate Christ. We do not need new clothes, new shoes, glittering decorations, expensive lights, excess alcohol and so on… to celebrate Christ. 

All we need is committing more time to daily prayer, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, meditating on the life of Christ and repentance from sinful habits and addictions. These are true gifts we offer the baby Jesus. If we allow Jesus to become the centre of our celebrations, we would be thinking of how to make Jesus happy not about how to catch fun for ourselves.

Hear what Jesus says in our Gospel passage: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life” instead “Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 31:42-43)

Do not let your heart worry about the passing things of this world - you can never get enough of this world. Worry about how to please Jesus. Worry about how to remain steadfast despite the tribulations and trials we continue to face. In our first reading Jesus reveals to John: “He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:7) Meanwhile, in verse 8, Jesus adds: “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.”

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, as I prepare for your coming this Christmas, may it be a truly spiritual experience for me. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Revelations 22:1-7, Psalm 95:1-7 and Luke 21:34-36).

Is Your Name in the Book of Life?

Friday 27th November 2020. Read Revelations 20:1-4,11-21:2, Psalm 84, Luke 21:29-33

“Also another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had done.” (Revelation 20:12) 

When God made man, he had no intentions that our life would be limited; that we would die or that we would have to suffer. God’s intention for man as contained in Genesis 1:26 simply states: “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

To be in the image and likeness of God meant that man was supposed to be like God, immortal, powerful, great, in-charge of every other thing that exists. But something went wrong! The inability of man to resist the temptation to sin brought changed everything.

As attractive as sin may be, it always comes with its consequences. There are physical, psychological, social and even spiritual consequences of sin. Environmentalists often warn of physical destruction of our planet (though gradually) through the continuous burning of fossil fuels. Some countries have declared that in a few years they would completely ban cars that run only on gasoline.

It is troubling that while the world sees the immediate danger of physical pollution, no one seems bothered about our collective moral pollution (sinfulness) and its implications on the future of the world. In truth, every sin, every wrong deed, every transgression of God’s commandments is worse than environmental pollution.

The book of Revelation may appear very difficult to understand, but the message is unambiguous – The world will come to an end, and God will judge the world. This is not mere speculation. It is a reality that is playing itself out already. To those who imagined that Jesus was merely speaking in tongues, He said: “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.”

This means that the words of Jesus continue to be fulfilled in every generation. How? The world has we have it today is not the way it was a thousand years ago. That old world has ended. The world has changed but the words of Jesus remain ever relevant. In two hundred years from today, we would all be dead and the world would be totally different; ‘our world’ would have ended and it would be a whole new world. Perhaps, a more technologically advanced world – only God knows.

In the end, the only thing that should concern us is whether or not our names are written in the book of life. What shall it profit a man that he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Nothing! Today is a day to repent, to begin afresh; to perform good deeds that would inscribe your name in that book of life.

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, when the books are opened, may my name be there. May I be found among those counted for eternal life in heaven. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Revelations 20:1-4,11-21:2, Psalm 84, Luke 21:29-33)

Look Up and Raise Your Heads

Thursday 26th November 2020. Read Revelation 18:1-23,19:1-9, Psalm 100:1-5 & Luke 21:20-28 

“Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

Both our first reading and our Gospel passage begin on a rather sad and tense mood, they both speak of destruction, punishment and calamity, but surprisingly, they both end on very joyful and hopeful tones.

John concludes by saying: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” While Jesus ends by saying: “Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.”

Of course, there would be great distress upon the earth. Many shall fall by sword and great signs shall appear in heaven and on earth. Surely, we all shall face judgment one day. Babylon (which signifies the great evils in this world) shall be thrown down and avenged.  But then, the message for us today is that in the midst of all these terrifying events that shall mark the end of time, there is no need for us to be afraid or go into panic attacks.

Like our people would say: “A clear conscience fears no accusation.” No matter what would become of this world, those who continue to live in the light of Christ will surely be rewarded. Let us not be overcome by the pervasive evil around us. If you cannot beat them, do not join them. Continue to raise your heads high in virtue and never give in to sin because your redemption is close at hand.

Right now, it may seem as if evil people are succeeding and there is nothing left for the virtuous. Some time ago, a young man asked me if it is possible to become rich in this country without getting into some sinful act in one way or another. He was so convinced that the hardship of the economy today leaves no room for the success of the righteous. Today’s readings answer his question. Judgment day is real. Those who seem to be succeeding today through evil means will surely face God’s vengeance one day.

Everything seems dull and bleak. No one knows where our nation’s economy is going. Faced with another economic depression and stagflation (prices of food and essential commodities jumping above the roof) and a government of that seems unconcerned, we are left with no choice but to harken the words of Jesus: “Look up and raise your heads.” Yes, let us look up. Look up at God, not to social media. Look up, take your minds away from what is troubling you. Look up and surrender everything to God.

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, may I endure to the very end. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Revelation 18:1-23,19:1-9 Psalm 100:1-5 and Luke 21:20-28). 

Hope in the Midst of Persecution

Wednesday 25^th November 2020. Read Revelation 15:1-4, Psalm 98:1-9 and Luke 21:12-19

 

“I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict… you will be hated by all for my name's sake but not a hair of your head will perish.” (Luke 21:15-18)

 

I once read somewhere: “Be grateful for your troublesome landlord; if not for his trouble, you would never have been able to build your own house today.” Be grateful for your enemies because they put you on your toes and eventually bring out the best in you. When someone is bent on pulling you down, you only become elevated in the end.

 

As a little kid, there was a short fence separating our house from the next apartment. I never knew I could jump that fence until I was chased by an angry hen for disturbing one of its chicks. Later on, I tried several times to jump that same fence but I could not. That experience taught me a wonderful lesson: that from our most painful situations, we could tap into extraordinary powers we possess within us.

 

This was exactly the message John was passing on to his audience in the book of Revelations. The sea of glass mingled with fire represents the torture, the pains, the hardships, the sacrifices, the sweats, the tears and blood of Christians who were being slaughtered under the reign of Emperor Diocletian (the beast). John assures them of eventual redemption and glory if only they remained steadfast in the faith.

 

The experience of the persecuted Christians was indeed a fulfilment of the words of Jesus in our Gospel passage when he noted: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons…. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name.”

 

Dear friends, consider yourself lucky if people hate you because of your Christian Faith and you desire to walk as a child of the light. Consider yourself lucky because your sufferings for Christ’s sake will surely yield great fruits for you in the end. In the words of Jesus, “not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives.” (Luke 21:19).

 

Are you being persecuted? Never return hatred for hatred; do not let hatred so fill your mind that you become like the devil you are fighting against. Jesus says: “turn the other cheek, love your enemies, wish good to those who wish you evil, pray God’s blessings over those who hurt you.” Remember what the book of Proverbs says: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22). This is how you get elevated despite any attempt to pull you down. Trust Jesus, not a hair on your head will perish.

 

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, please empower me with the grace to endure to the very end. Amen.

 

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Revelation 15:1-4, Psalm 98:1-9 and Luke 21:12-19).*

 

Fr. Abu. (https://www.bhlpmedia.com/daily-homilies/hope-in-the-midst-of-persecution)

 

_For Live Mass and other online contents, visit bhlpmedia.com_

Prepare for Harvest

Tuesday 24^th November 2020. Read Revelation 14:14-19, Psalm 96:10-13 & Luke 21:5-11 

“Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, `I am he!' and, `The time is at hand!' Do not go after them.” (Luke 21:8)

Using very graphic images, John in our first reading describes the end of the world in terms of harvest. This is just in line with what Jesus in our Gospel passage taught about judgment day; how the sheep shall be separated from the goats; how those who have done well will rejoice while some will be sent to a place of crying and weeping. 

In order for us not to get too attached to imagery, we must dwell on the essence of the message itself – there is nothing that we do that does not have its repercussion. For every good deed and for every wrong deed there is a boomerang effect. We are free to make our choices but we are not free to escape their consequences.

Compared to eternity, our life on earth is very short. It is like a time of planting and it is exactly what we plant, that determines the harvest we get. Surely, the day of harvest will be a surprise to us, it will be a day of great disturbance, turmoil and sadness. Jesus points out in today’s Gospel passage, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:10-11).

As you go about your daily tasks today, let this question dwell in your mind: “Harvest day must surely come; what am I planting today?” Am I planting what I would like to harvest on the last day?

Today the colour of our vestments is red. We remember today some persons who shed their blood for the sake of preaching the Gospel in accordance with the mandate of Jesus to “Go into the whole world and preach.” We remember, St. Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions who were killed in Vietnam while spreading the Christian Faith. May our remembrance of them today strengthen our resolve to stand for Christ even when such requires our blood. Amen.

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus may my life yield a great harvest. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Revelation 14:14-19, Psalm 96:10-13 and Luke 21:5-11).

How to Give to God

Monday 23rd November 2020. Read Revelation 14:1-5, Psalm 24, Luke 21:1-4

“They all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.” (Luke 21:4) 

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is in the temple again. His attention was drawn to a woman who put in two copper coins. To anyone who was watching, this woman had just put in the smallest amount of money but for Jesus, this woman had given more than others because these two copper coins were basically everything she had. Jesus praised her great contribution because He knew how poor she was.

In a similar way, when we give to God, let us never forget that God knows how much we are worth, He knows whether we are giving crumbs from our table or whether we are actually making a sacrifice. In the eyes of others, our offertory may be much but to God, it may just be an insult. Now, bear in mind that God does not need our offertory. “If I was hungry, I would not tell you; for the world and all that is in it is mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?” (Psalm 50:12-14).

In giving an offering, we are not increasing God’s wealth but showing our love for Him. In one of the prefaces for Mass, we say: “Our prayer of thanksgiving adds nothing to your greatness but profits us for salvation.” That is to say, no matter how big our offering may be, it does not add to God and if we decide not to give, it does not reduce God. No wonder St. Paul says: “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Avoid treating God like a banker; His blessings are never proportionate to what we give. Jesus told us that God is a Father who “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45). Do not be deceived by anyone who tries to convince you that the greater your offertory, the greater your blessing. This woman gave all that she had to live yet Jesus did not pronounce instant riches upon her.

Bear in mind that your offertory does not have to be monetary. If you do not have money but there are other things you have that you can give. One example is your time. Spending one hour daily in prayer can be considered as an offertory worth more than gold. Think of it, there are many who cannot afford to sacrifice one hour for God every day. You can also give God your body; you can vow never to defile your flesh until you are married or never break your vows. I am sure God will appreciate this offertory more than millions of dollars. You can even decide that your offertory will be sweeping the church or cleaning the pews.

In today’s first reading, we hear of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who have washed their robes clean; “in their mouth, no lie was found.” Dear friends, do you realize that your offertory to God may just be a strong and firm resolution to stop telling lies? Know this, the more we lie, the more the truth comes out to disgrace us. Say the truth and shame the devil.

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus, train my mouth to always offer the truth. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Revelation 14:1-5, Psalm 24, Luke 21:1-4).

Jesus Christ, Our Shepherd, Priest and King.

Sunday 22nd November 2020. Read Ezekiel 34:11-17, Psalm 23, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 and Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.” (Matthew 25:31-32)

Today, being the very last Sunday of this liturgical year, we are wrapping up all our celebrations throughout this year with the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe. We began by preparing for Jesus’ birthday (Advent) and followed it up through His public ministry to his death and resurrection, then the coming of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost all through the Season of Ordinary Time. And so we are ending by reminding ourselves that Jesus is King of heaven and earth and He truly reigns over all.

The summary of all our celebration today is clearly highlighted in the three readings of today. 1. That Jesus is the shepherd who seeks out His sheep (First Reading) 2. That Jesus is the priest who sacrificed Himself for our sake (Second Reading) and 3. That Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords who reigns over all forever and would come at the end of time to judge us based on how we have chosen to live (Gospel Reading). As such, when we say Christ is our King, we mean that He is our provider, our mediator and at the same time, He is our Judge.

What lessons do we learn from today’s liturgy?

1. Live above Worries; you are not without a Caring Shepherd.

One strong message contained in both our first reading and our responsorial psalm today is the need to cast our cares on God and deepen our trust in Jesus Christ. There is nothing that we face in this life that escapes His watchful eye. Even in the sight of our foes, He prepares a table before us and when we walk through the valley of darkness, He is there besides us guiding and guarding us. He fights our battles for us and He comes to our rescue when no one is there to help us.

Why do we often behave like people who are all alone? Why do we carry so much burdens on our shoulders and cannot sleep at night? Why are we afraid of our enemies (the wolves and lions) who threaten us? Why do we complain so much about the failure of our civil authorities (politicians in power) forgetting that they are mere humans like ourselves?

The simple reason we are not conscious of Jesus being our shepherd is that we do not listen to His voice, we do not obey His command. Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28). Before you begin to recite Psalm 23, ask yourself, am I behaving like one of the sheep of Jesus Christ? Do I deserve His protection and provision when I fail to obey Him?

2. The Essence of Leadership is sacrificing for One’s Sheep.

In all of history, there has never been a leader as great as Jesus Christ. St. Paul captures this point beautifully when he noted: “[Jesus] emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:7-11).

What made Jesus so great was his extraordinary humility and sacrifice for us His sheep. Many times, Jesus said: “the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28). When we look around us today, we see a very stark difference between the example of Jesus and the caliber of leaders we have around. Before you start pointing fingers, first ask: “In my own capacity as a leader, am I sacrificing anything for my sheep or am I simply feeding on my sheep?”

Dear friends, if you do not make the life of your sheep better, you are a failure as a leader. In today’s second reading, St. Paul tells us that by one man – Adam (a leader by being the first man), death came into humanity but by one man – Jesus Christ (the perfect leader), life came to us. What you do as a leader can either bring death or life to your people. Do not be a selfish leader who cares only about yourself; think of how to make the lives of your followers better.

3. Get Ready for Judgment.

The song: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers” was composed based on our Gospel passage today. Whether we are leaders or not, let us know that we cannot escape judgement. We shall either be among the sheep put on the right side or among the goats at the left. The Good News is that Jesus has already leaked to us the script that would be used for this judgement. It is being told the answers to the questions you are going to be asked in the examination hall.

The sad reality is that despite knowing the secrets of this judgment we shall face before Jesus Christ, the King of the universe, we tend to basically ignore it. We limit our kindness and help only to those from who we hope to receive from. We turn our eyes from noticing the hungry; the sick, the homeless and hopeless people we find in our society. Whether we like it or not, those we ignore and refuse to help eventually become the miscreants (hoodlums) that turn around to rob our society of its peace and security. Of course, you may not be able to help every single person but even if it is just one person you are able to pick up and transform his or life for the better, God will surely reward you in the life to come. Try to see Jesus Christ in the faces of the poor and suffering around you.

Conclusion: Worship Jesus by Your Life.

If you consider Jesus as your King, then live as His subject. If you consider Jesus as your Shepherd, live like His sheep; follow His instructions with a childlike trust. If you consider Jesus as your priest, then surrender completely to Him. He died for you and there is no limit to what He is willing to do for your good. Stop putting your hope in human leaders and realize that you belong to a different kingdom whose leadership is not determined by elections. You belong to God’s Kingdom; behave as a Kingdom child.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, may I eventually be among your sheep put on your right side in heaven. Amen.

Happy Sunday. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Solemnity of Christ the King. Year A. Bible Study: Ezekiel 34:11-17, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 and Matthew 25:31-46).

The Reality of Our Resurrection

Saturday 21st November 2020. Read Revelation 11:4-12, Psalm 144:1-2.9-10 and Luke 20:27-40 

“For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:36)

In our first reading, we come across the story of two prophets who were very great in their prophesying but after they had finished their testimony, they were killed by the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit. Their death brought rejoicing upon the inhabitants of the earth (who were referred to as Sodom and Egypt) because their preaching brought a lot of torment to them.

After three and a half-days, “a breath of life from God entered them and they stood up on their feet and great fear fell upon those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘come up here!’ And in the sight of their foes, they went up to heaven in a cloud.” (Revelations 4:12).

In our Gospel passage, some Sadducees tried to disprove the possibility of the dead rising by bringing to Jesus a well thought out probable scenario. Their story only showed their lack of understanding of what becomes of humans when they rise from the dead. Jesus explains to them that the resurrected life is not the same as earthly life. In the life to come, there is no return to the normal everyday activities as we have it now. There is no such thing as marriage or child-bearing. As I have often noted, the only thing we shall be doing in heaven is singing the praises of God and worshipping Him.

Jesus ended by saying that God is not a God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to him. Indeed, when this earthly life ends, another life begins; a different kind of life; a life free from all the stress, worries and troubles we face every day. Going back to our first reading, the death of the prophets brought great rejoicing to the inhabitants of the earth. Why would anyone rejoice at the death of a prophet? It is because people do not like being told the truth. 

Indeed, in our world today, there are many like Herodias who would do everything possible to have the heads of the John-the-baptists of our day. They rejoice when they hear of the death of a good person not knowing they have only helped that person gain an express entry into eternal life. They forget that there is more to life than what this world contains.

Are you being persecuted for your good works? Does it seem as if your enemies are succeeding? Just relax. God knows how to fight for His own and if it is His will, be assured of a better life awaiting you in heaven. Dream of heaven, imagine how life would be over there. Take your gaze off this world with all its crazy ups and downs; look forward to heaven.

Today we remember the day the Blessed Virgin Mary was presented (dedicated) to God in the temple as a little child. This feast is significant because it marked the beginning of her parents’ commitment to raising their girl-child to be such a God-fearing and holy woman. Joachim and Anne are considered Saints today because of their great act of parenthood. They gave Mary the very best so much so that God chose her to be His Mother. As parents, let us remain committed to raising our children to know, love and fear God.

Let us pray:  Lord Jesus give me the courage to remain steadfast no matter the pain I may be going through now. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Revelation 11:4-12 Psalm 144:1-2.9-10 and Luke 20:27-40).