1st Sunday of Advent, Year C, 01.12.2024

 Jeremiah 33:14-16 / 1 Thess 3:12 -4:2 / Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 

Human beings are such that they will usually follow what the majority or what the crowd is doing, or where the majority or the crowd is going. 

That is also sometimes called the “herd  mentality”. 

To follow the majority or the crowd would be certainly a safer option. 

At least we won't feel left out, or left alone. It is always safer to be with a crowd or in a crowd. 

But doing what the crowd is doing, or going where the crowd is going, would make us lose something. 

It would make us lose our sense of judgment, as we would do without thinking and go without looking. 

Then there is also the peer pressure that will numb our discernment and judgment. 

But that would be what we have to give up if we want to be with the “in-crowd” and so as not to be left out. 

So, when the crowd says that that is the way, then we will also follow along and say that is the way. 

And when the crowd is in chaos and panicking because of some danger, then we too will also be frightened and begin to panic. 

In the gospel, Jesus talks about disturbing and frightening signs and happenings. 

But He also says that in those fearful and frightening times, He will come with power and great glory. 

Jesus tells us to stand erect, and hold our heads high, because our liberation is near at hand. 

Jesus wants to liberate and free us from the conformity and the confusion of this world. 

So, the world says that we must stay low and protect ourselves, and to take cover from danger. 

But Jesus tells us to stand erect and hold our heads high. 

Practically, it means that we must know what is right and wrong. 

Right is right even if nobody is doing it. And wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it.

But, that would be challenging and difficult because of the herd-mentality and the peer pressure. 

As we begin the season of Advent, the first candle of the Advent wreath is lighted. 

It is just one lighted candle, but that one little light is sufficient to make us think and reflect. 

As we journey further into Advent, eventually all the four candles of the Advent wreath will be lighted. 

And it began with just one lighted candle. 

So when we stand up for what is right and true, and what is good and loving, we also must stand erect and hold our heads high. 

We do what is right and true, what is good and loving, even if no one is doing it. 

We stand on the promise of Jesus, and we hold our heads high because Jesus will shine His light on us and liberate and light up our lives. 

We don't follow the crowd, because we follow Jesus. 

We can only follow Jesus when we stay awake and pray. 

With the light of Jesus shining on us, we will be able to stand erect and hold our heads high. 

And we will be able to do what is right and true, and what is good and loving, even if nobody is doing it.

Christ the King, Year B, 23.11.2024

 We live in the world that is always changing. Almost nothing remains the same. Over time, there will be some changes. 

Buildings undergo renovation to have a new look or layout. Some buildings may even be demolished and an entirely new building comes up, and that also changes the landscape. 

In the name of progress and development, natural landscapes are changed, regardless of for better or for worse. 

People also grow in change. Children grow into adults and become parents. Their parents go on to become grandparents. 

So, the world around us, as well as ourselves, are constantly undergoing change. 

Change maybe an indication of growth and progress. 

We also hope that we can change for the better, in that we grow in wisdom and understanding. 

As we celebrate the feast of Christ the King, we celebrate the almighty power and glory of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus Christ is the King of the universe, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. 

His almighty power is eternal and everlasting. 

And His almighty power can change people, can change thinking, as well as situations and circumstances. 

In the gospel, Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews. 

And at the end of the gospel passage, Pilate answered his own question when he said to Jesus: So, you are a king then. 

In between, something about Pilate has changed. At first, he interrogated Jesus, then he pondered about Jesus, and in the end, he was rather intrigued about Jesus. 

It was Pilate who wrote that inscription on the Cross: Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews. 

Pilate may not have intended it, but he declared it in writing that Jesus is the King of the Jews. 

So, in the gospel passage, the encounter and exchange between Jesus and Pilate revealed something.

Pilate had the power, but Jesus is the Divine Authority. 

Pilate had the first say, but Jesus had the last Word. 

Pilate had the status, but Jesus has the truth. 

In fact, Jesus is the Truth as He tells Pilate this: Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this, to bear witness to the truth, and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice. 

One of the images of Christ the King is then he is carrying the cross with the left hand, and his right hand is raised to impart a blessing. 

That image tells us that the Cross is the truth of our lives if we want to be disciples of Jesus our king. 

Like Jesus, we will carry the cross of truth and stand on the side of truth and to bear witness to the truth. 

And in carrying the cross of truth, Jesus blesses us with His right hand of power and glory. 

Yes, we listen to the voice of Jesus Christ our King and we carry the cross of truth and bear witness to it. 

And in carrying the cross of truth, Jesus Christ will bless us with His almighty love. 

Yes, we believe and we follow Jesus Christ the King of Truth and Love. 

The world will keep changing, but the truth and love of Jesus Christ Our King will never change.

And the eternal truth is that Jesus Christ our King will love us and He will love us forever.

33rd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 17.11.2024

 Daniel 12:1-3 / Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 / Mark 13:24-32

One of the questions about life that we rather not think about is this: 

What is it that I am afraid of? 

Of course, there are many things in life that we are afraid of. 

When it comes to insects and such, some are afraid of lizards, others are afraid of cockroaches, and others are afraid of spiders. 

But those are just a part of the spectrum of fears. 

There are some who are afraid of heights, while others have stage-fright and others are afraid of crowds. 

To put it plainly, there is always something in life that we are afraid of. 

In Singapore, there is this general phenomenon of “kia-su” the fear of losing out. But whatever form of fears, the fact is that when it happens, we will lose control, we may even melt down and chaos can set in. 

It is like when the lights suddenly go off, and it is total darkness, and we begin to panic. 

In the gospel, Jesus talked about a rather disturbing and frightening situation. 

He said that in those days, after a time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will fall from heaven and other frightening sights. 

As we think about it, distress is already bad enough. 

Distress means that our lives are disturbed and we are displaced by all sorts of problems.

And it is not just about lizards or spiders, and it is more than the fear of heights or crowds. 

It is about chaos and confusion, and our faith is shaken. 

And as if the distress is not bad enough, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness and the stars will fall from heaven. 

In other words, after the distress, there will be darkness, a deep darkness that brings out all the fears in us. 

It is like one bad thing happening after another. 

As we think about it, this is not something new that Jesus is talking about. 

We have experienced bad things happening in our lives, and it is one bad thing after another. 

It is like being retrenched, and then getting into debt, and then a serious illness comes along. 

It is one distress after another, and the darkness becomes deeper and tighter. 

But in times like these, let us remember that verse from Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.” 

Yes, we need to be still and that all the distress and darkness will pass. 

Once a powerful king called upon all of his wise men and asked them, "Is there a mantra or suggestion which works in every situation, in every circumstance, in every place and in every time. In every joy, every sorrow, every defeat and every victory? One answer for all questions? Something that can help me when none of you is available to advise me? Tell me is there any mantra?"  

All the wise men were puzzled by the King’s question. They thought and thought. After a lengthy discussion, an old wise man suggested something that appealed to all of them. They went to the king and gave him something written on paper, with a condition that the king was not to see it out of curiosity. 

Only in extreme danger, when the king finds himself alone and there seems to be no way, only then he can see it. The king put the paper in his bracelet. 

Some time later, the enemies attacked the kingdom. The king and his army fought bravely but lost the battle. The king had to flee on his horse. The enemies were following him, and they were getting closer and closer. 

Suddenly the king found himself at the edge of a cliff. Underneath there was a rocky valley thousands of feet deep. If he jumped down, he would be finished, and he could not return because it was a small road, and the sound of enemy’s horses was approaching fast. The king panicked. There seemed to be no way out.

Then suddenly he saw his bracelet shining in the sun, and he remembered the message hidden in the bracelet. He opened the paper and read the message. The message was – “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”

The king read it again and again. Suddenly something struck him - Yes! This too will pass. Only a few days ago, he was enjoying his kingdom. He was the mightiest of all the kings. Yet today, the kingdom and all his pleasures have gone. He is now trying to escape from enemies. Like those days of luxuries have gone, this day of danger too will pass. A calm came on his face. He kept standing there. The place where he was standing was full of natural beauty. He had never known that such a beautiful place was also a part of his kingdom. 

The revelation of the message had a great effect on him. He relaxed and forgot about those following him. After a few minutes he realized that the noise of the horses and the enemy coming was receding. They moved into some other part of the mountains and were nowhere near him.

The king was very brave. He reorganized his army and fought again. He defeated the enemy and regained his empire. When he returned to his empire after victory, he was received with much fanfare. The whole capital was rejoicing in the victory. 

Everyone was in a festive mood. Flowers were being showered on king from every house, from every corner. People were dancing and singing. For a moment the king said to himself, “I am one of the bravest and greatest kings. It is not easy to defeat me.” With all the reception and celebration, an ego was emerging in him.

Suddenly his bracelet flashed in the sunlight and reminded him of the message. He opened it and read it again: “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”. 

Yes, all the distress and darkness will pass but God's Word will not pass away. 

Even heaven and earth will pass away, but God's Word will never pass away. 

So, when we are faced with distress after distress, and the fear and darkness gets deeper and tighter, let us remember this. 

Let us remember to be still and know that God is with us. 

The distress and the darkness and the fear will pass away, but God's Word and His promises will not pass away. 

And God's Word and promise to us is this: God is here to stay, and He will not go away.

32nd Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 10.11.2024

  1 Kings 17:10-16 / Hebrews 9:24-28 / Mark 12:38-44

Whether people believe in God or not, it cannot be denied that everyone has a conscience. 

Although it also cannot be denied that there are some people who are able to suppress their conscience.

So, their conscience becomes numbed to the bad that they do to others, and evil they commit against others. 

But even with the conscience suppressed, the eyes and the ears cannot be shut off from the realities of life. 

And there is one reality that cannot be denied and that is the reality of retribution. 

Retribution is commonly understood as some kind of “payback”, and it is usually about a punishment that is inflicted for some wickedness or evil that was done in the past. 

The reality of retribution is often portrayed in stories, movies and dramas. 

It is also something that we would talk about in order to dissuade someone from doing something wicked. 

And it may also be something that we have experienced in our lives or in the lives of people we know. 

In the gospel, Jesus did not use the word retribution. 

But in His teaching, He told the people to beware of the behaviour of the scribes. 

Jesus also said that because they swallow the property of widows while making a show of lengthy prayers, the more severe will be the sentence they receive. 

So, Jesus is issuing an unmistakable warning for those who commit wickedness and evil against others. 

More than just retribution, the wickedness and evil committed against others is done before God. 

Yes, God sees, God knows and God waits. 

But even as Jesus issued the warning against the wicked and the evildoers, He also pointed out something inspiring and enlightening. 

No one really noticed that poor widow who dropped the two small coins into the Temple treasury, but Jesus did. 

And how did Jesus know that the two small coins were all that the poor widow had to live on? 

There could be a couple of explanations, but in the end it comes down to this:

God sees, God knows and God waits. 

But if God sees and God knows, then what is God waiting for? 

Well, that poor widow dropped in the two small coins, everything she had to live on, and there were no immediate rewards for her. 

But we believe, that God will bless her and provide for her and that God will sustain her because of her faith and generosity. 

So, God sees, God knows and God waited, so that His blessings will be more than we can expect. 

So, for the good we do, let us do it quietly and humbly, like that poor widow. 

Our reward is not in man's praises and admiration, but in the blessings of God, the blessings of His love and peace. 

As for those who commit wickedness and evil, let us not threaten them with retribution or punishment.

Because God sees, God knows and God waits. 

God waits for our two small coins of prayer for sinners as He waits for their repentance and conversion.

Yes, God sees, God knows and God waits. 

God waits to grant sinners forgiveness, and God waits for our two small coins of prayers, prayers for the conversion of sinners.

31st Ordinary Sunday, Year B, 03.11.2024

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

No one can be forced to listen to a message that they are not prepared to receive. 

They may have heard the message many times over, but they do not respond to it, or act on it. 

They may even know the contents of the message, but they do not really put it into practice.

Over the past two days, the Church celebrated two feasts that have a profound impact on our lives. 

And these two feasts make us reflect on our lives and how we should go on living. 

The first is the feast of All Saints, in which we express our belief in the Communion of Saints. 

We are reminded of the call to holiness, that the Saints are praying for us to join them in heaven to praise God in eternity. 

The second is the feasts of All Souls, in which we remember our departed loved ones and all the faithful departed. 

We offer Mass and pray for them, so that they will be purified and rest in the eternal peace of God. 

So, the feast of All Saints reminds us of our eternity. 

And the feast of All Souls reminds us of our mortality. 

The message is plain and clear, and it grounds us down to this reality: 

We were born without bringing anything into this world. 

We die without taking anything with us. 

But the surprising thing is that in the interval between life and death, we fight for what we did not bring in, and we desire for what we cannot take away. 

In other words, we forget about our mortality and our eternity. 

We know the message, we have heard it numerous times, but we forget to put it into practice. 

In the gospel, the scribe asked Jesus about which is the first of all commandments. 

As a scribe, he should know the answer to his own question. 

For whatever motive he had in asking that question, Jesus replied plainly and clearly: “This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Then at that moment, the scribe seemed to be enlightened and he realized what the Commandment is about. 

Jesus seeing how wisely he had spoken said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” 

This gospel passage tells us that there will be an appointed time when we will realize the truth of life and the reality of love. 

For me, the appointed time has come in my last weekend of ministry and service in this parish. 

The truth of life is that there will be changes, but God has His plans for me and for this parish community. 

But in the midst of changes, the reality of love and blessing does not change. 

I came to this parish about 10 years ago wondering what is God's plan for you and me. 

As God’s plan unfolded, it was blessing upon blessing, and love upon love. 

From you, I have learned what is simplicity and humility, and to love God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.

And I hope that I have shown you how to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.

I have received abundant blessings from the Lord, and I also wanted to share God's blessings with you. 

Some of you may have received unique showers of blessings of Holy Water on your hair, running down your face, and maybe into your eyes and into your ears. 

Yes, God loves us and blesses us abundantly. 

May we also love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength. 

Then we will not be far from the kingdom of God.