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Saturday, September 26, 2015

26th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 27.09.2015

Numbers 11:25-29 / James 5:1-6 / Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

We cannot deny and in fact we are aware of the tension between Catholics and Christians.

Even though we believe in the same Jesus Christ and in the same God, yet very often Catholics and Christians are like enemies.

We may have relatives or friends or colleagues who are Christians.

Whenever we meet them, we will try our best to avoid talking about religion. We would rather talk about the haze. 

But very often, it is the Christians who ask us about the practices of the Catholic Church.

Of course there are times when some of the Christians just want to criticize us Catholics.

They accuse us of praying to statues and worshipping Mary and they irritate us by quoting the Bible so much.

Not only their Bible knowledge is better than us, but for some of their questions, we don’t even seem to know the answers.

They ask questions like “why go for confession to a priest when we can confess our sins directly to God?” or “why pray to saints?” or “why pray for the dead?”

Of course if we don’t know the answers to their questions then we have to find out or read up or discuss with our fellow Catholics.

Nonetheless, the golden principle is to never criticize other religions, be it Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism or Hinduism or Islam or Judaism.

Because the Catholic Church teaches that these other religions also have the seeds of truth because they teach people to live good and moral lives.

But the Catholic Church also teaches that we have the fullness of truth in Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

In today’s gospel, Jesus Christ teaches us the fundamental truth in the respect for other religions.

He told his disciple John not to stop someone from casting out devils in His name.

Because someone who works a miracle or a good deed in His name is not likely to speak evil of Him.

Because of this teaching, hence we must refrain from criticizing other religions, because they also exhibit rays of truth that teaches mankind to be good.

Even if they are the ones who criticize us, we must not do the same.

That is because Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies and for those who treat us badly.

The teaching of Jesus is that we don’t pay back evil for evil. Rather we pay back with a blessing.

When we follow these simple but truthful teachings of our faith, people will indeed see the truth of our religion.

Nonetheless, we also cannot deny that some of the criticisms against us may be valid and have a point.

We should pay attention when people say things like “can Catholics do this kind of thing?” or “how can Catholics be like that?”

Especially when our neighbours and friends and colleagues know that we are Catholics.

It would be a real shame to hang a crucifix or a holy picture at the main door of our house, and yet at home we quarrel and yell and scream at each other as if we are doing some kind of exorcism and fighting with the devil.

There is a joke that goes like this: In the first year of marriage, the husband talks and the wife listens.

In the second year of marriage, the wife talks and the husband listens.

In the third year of marriage, the husband and wife talk and the neighbours listen.

Yes, the bad examples of Catholics always undermine the faith and give the Church a bad name.

Jesus said in the gospel that anyone who is an obstacle or a bad example to the faith would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around his neck. That is a serious warning.

So today, Jesus is calling us to reflect and examine our lives and especially our actions.

His stern teaching is this - to cut off immediately whatever wrong we are doing, lest we give a bad example to others.

When we Catholics do something wrong or something bad, people not only wonder what kind of faith we have, but they also wonder what kind of God we believe in.

So whenever we hear of criticisms against us, let us not react by getting defensive.

Let us see if there is truth in the criticism, however ugly or painful it may be.

They may even reveal to us whether we are for God, or are we against God.

May we be good and faithful Catholics, so that others can see that we believe in a God of love.

And with the love of God, let us be prepared to give a reason for what we believe in and work for what will bring people to God rather than do something wrong and turn people away from God.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

25th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 20.09.2015

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 / James 3:16 – 4:3 / Mark 9:30-37

Between a discussion, a debate and an argument, there are similarities and there are also differences.

A discussion is a process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.

A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.

An argument is an exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one, with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.

Whichever it might be, emotions are always involved, and a discussion can develop into a debate and then when the emotions get high it becomes an argument that can turn into a shouting match.

And usually in small and petty arguments, it isn’t about who is right or wrong but who can shout louder and prevail over the other.

It’s also rather funny how after an argument is over, you begin to think about more clever things you should have said (but a bit too late).

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. Because an earlier discussion had led to a debate and then into an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. 

As they passed by some goats and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" The wife replied, "Yep,… the in-laws."

The fact is that when a discussion deteriorates into an argument, logic turns into emotion, and intelligence turns into arrogance.

In the gospel, Jesus asked His disciples what were they arguing about on the road.

They said nothing. Of course they said nothing because what they argued about was nothing intelligent – they argued about who was the greatest.

And obviously each was trying to prove that he is the greatest by the volume of his voice, so much so that it reached the ears of Jesus.

But when they were confronted by Jesus, they became silent.

But it was only when they were silent that they were ready to listen. 

It is interesting to note that “silent” and “listen” are made up of the same letters.

And it was when they were silent that Jesus began to teach them about what is greatness.

He taught them that if anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last and the servant of all.

And then He took a little child and set him in front of them and told them that anyone who welcomes one of these little ones would be welcoming Him.

In other words, anyone who would be as humble as a little child would be able to listen to the teachings of Jesus and attain greatness without having to prove it.

And there is also no need to try to win an argument in order to prove that one is great.

There is this story of Mother Teresa who went around begging for food for the orphans that she was taking care of.

One day Mother Teresa went to a local bakery to ask for bread for the starving children in the orphanage. The baker, outraged at people begging for bread from him, spat in her face and refused. 

Mother Teresa calmly took out her handkerchief, wiped the spit from her face and said to the baker, “Okay, that was for me. Now what about the bread for the orphans?”

The baker, shamed by her response, gave her the bread she wanted.

Truly it was an example of greatness in the face of insult. And there is no argument about that.

As we think about it, we may realize that most of the time, we react and enter into an argument with others and may even end up fighting for nothing and over nothing.

And that’s what St. James tells us in the 2nd reading when he says this – Where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn’t it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You want something and you haven’t got it, so you are prepared to kill. You have an ambition you cannot satisfy, so you fight to get your way by force.

Yes, when we look at what is happening in the world, we can see that there are people who would resort to violence and even killing and they think that it is great to do so.

There is a story of a holy man who was threatened with death by a bandit.

The holy man calmly said, “Then be good enough to fulfill my dying wish - Cut off the branch from the tree.”

With one slash of the sword, and it was done. “What now?” asked the bandit.“Put it back again,” said the holy man.

The bandit laughed, “You must be crazy to think that anyone can do that.”

The holy man replied, “On the contrary, it is you who are crazy to think that you are great and mighty because you can wound and destroy. But true greatness and might would know how to create and heal.” 

Certainly, it is very brave to talk like that to someone who is wielding a sword. 

But true greatness is also having the courage and the wisdom to speak the truth with love.

Because to speak the truth with love requires the wisdom that can be attained only with the humility of a little child.

As the 2nd reading puts it, it is a wisdom that comes down from above and it makes for peace and it is full of compassion and shows itself by doing good, and there is no trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it.

Yes, we need to be humble and ask for the wisdom from Jesus in any discussion or debate or even in an argument.

With the wisdom from Jesus, our discussions and debates and even arguments will bear fruits of peace and even help others to grow in holiness.

Between a discussion, a debate and even in an argument, the difference lies with Jesus and in Jesus.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

24th Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 13.09.2015

Isaiah 50:5-9 / James 2:14-18 / Mark 8:27-35

When it comes to thinking of a present to give to someone, it is certainly much more difficult than to choose which political party to vote for at the elections.

But it actually boils down to two choices. We can give the person what that person wants, and that would easy because we can just ask that person what he/she would like for a present.

Or we can decide to give that person what we want to give, regardless of whether the person likes it or not. Of course if that person is someone we care about, then we would give something that is personal; otherwise the present might just get recycled.

There is this joke about a woman who woke up on the morning of her birthday and her husband, “I just had a dream that you gave me the most beautiful diamond necklace. What do you think it means?”

“You’ll know tonight.” he said. The woman could hardly think of anything else all day and she couldn’t wait for her husband to return home.

That evening, the man finally came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she opened it excitedly, only to find that it was a book entitled… “The Meaning of Dreams”.

So if we find that book somewhere, then it might just have been recycled, and maybe a few times.

When it comes to giving presents, we can give what that person wants, or we can give what we want.

Similarly when it comes to giving our views and opinions, we can say what that person wants to hear, or we can say what we personally think it is.

In the gospel Jesus asked His disciples who they think He was. But He began by asking them what people were saying about Him.

That was easy for them. So they said what others said about Jesus – that He was John the Baptist, or Elijah or one of the prophets.

But that was just like a teaser. Because the next question that Jesus asked His disciples was what they themselves thought about Him. Who did they thought He was?

That was certainly up close and personal and not that comfortable. Now they can’t quote what other people were saying. They have to say what they personally think.

As His disciples and having followed Him around for some time already, they could be wondering about the consequences of their opinion.

And they could be wondering if they should tell Jesus something He wants to hear, or to be frank with Him and tell Him what was really on their minds.

And then Peter comes along with this divinely inspired proclamation “You are the Christ” and that saved the rest from that tight awkward situation.

But when Jesus began to teach them He was destined to suffer grievously and to be put to death, Peter decided to come up with his own opinion and began to remonstrate with Jesus.

With that, Jesus had to rebuke Peter with these rather sharp words: Get behind me Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.

Certainly for Peter, it was one moment of inspiration followed by another moment of humiliation. Of all things, he was called “Satan”; what else can be worse.

But the learning point that we can get from Peter’s lesson is the way we think – do we think in God’s way or do we think in our own way?

And just as Jesus asked His disciples who they think He was, in what way do we see others and what do we think of them?

Butterflies are beautiful creatures. The pattern and colour on their wings are truly amazing.

Yet it is said that butterflies can’t see their own wings. They can’t see how beautiful they are, although everyone else can.

In a way we are also like butterflies; we may not be able to see the beauty in us.

But that should not prevent us from seeing the beauty in others.

When Jesus asked His disciples “Who do you say I am?” He was also asking them if they were seeing Him in God’s way or is it in their own way.

God’s way of looking at people is always that of seeing the beauty in others.

God created each of us with His image, and it is an image of love and beauty.

When we see others with the love of God, then we are able to see the beauty in others.

That is the best present and the best gift that we can give to others.
And when we see the beauty in others, then we too will begin to see the beauty in ourselves.

Butterflies are beautiful but we are more than that. We are created in God’s image.

To see God’s image in others is truly the best gift we can give to them.

And it is also the best gift we can give to ourselves.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

23rd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 06.09.2015

Isaiah 35:4-7 / James 2:1-5 / Mark 7:31-37

Being selective can have a couple of meanings.

It may mean that one is fussy and selects only what is desired and wouldn’t consider the rest.

Or it may mean that one is discerning and after careful consideration will choose only what is good and necessary.

And the word selective is also used to describe other words – selective attention, selective memory, selective observation, selective quoting, selective hearing, selective listening.

And talking about selective hearing and selective listening, there is a little difference.

Selective listening is a listening technique that filters and summarizes in order to achieve comprehension. 

While the goal of listening is to fully understand what someone is saying, in practice, people don't always fully listen. People make choices when listening. They apply filters. So they half-listen to get a general impression of what's said. 

When it comes to selective hearing, it can be said that we have the ability to hear certain sounds and cut off the rest. But not so for those who wear a hearing aid. It seems that the hearing aid would just take in all the sounds and it’s a matter of which sound is the loudest.

Nonetheless, the hearing aid is certainly a great help for those who have a hearing problem.

There is a story of an elderly gentleman who had serious hearing problems for a number of years.

Finally he went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear almost 100%.

The elderly gentleman went back to the doctor after a month and the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again."

To which the gentleman said, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!"

It’s wonderful what the hearing aid can do, although some don’t want to use it because it can be quite irritating at times.

In the gospel, there is an account of Jesus healing a deaf man who also had a speech impediment.

And indeed, the man’s ears were opened and the ligament of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly.

But for those who were there, and who could hear, it seemed that they had a listening problem.

Because Jesus ordered then to tell no one about it, but the more He insisted, the more widely they published it. 

Certainly their admiration was unbounded, so much so that they didn’t even want to listen to what Jesus had ordered. 

As for the man who was cured of his deafness and speech impediment, it would be interesting to know what would be his direction in life.

He can now hear and he would  have to choose and discern what to listen to and decide his direction in life.

There is a story of a group of frogs that set off on a hike, traveling through the woods.  Then two of them fell into a deep pit.  When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.  The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up, out of the pit, with all their might.
The other frogs kept shouting at them to stop, repeating that they were as good as dead.  Finally, one of the frogs lost heart and gave into fear.  He believed what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.  Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die.  But he jumped even harder and finally made it out!

When he got out, the other frogs were surprised and said, “Did you not hear us?”

The frog explained to them that he was rather deaf.  He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

There is power of life and death in the tongue.  An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. 

We have to be careful what we choose to listen to and what to believe. Whether we hear as well as Superman or as poorly as Beethoven, we need to be selective in our listening.

We need to listen to what comes from God and tune out the rest.
What comes from God are words that give life and fill us with faith, hope and love.

When we hear words of encouragement, words of correction, words of forgiveness and healing, words of wisdom, words of enlightenment, let us be opened to those words.

Those are words spoken by people who care for us and love us, and in and through those people, God is speaking to us.

When we listen to those words, we will in turn speak those words.

Then others will also know that God is speaking to them.