Wisdom 18:6-9 / Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 / Luke 12:32-48
Sixty years ago, a small little island country began her journey of independence.
That little island country was hardly noticeable in the world map.
With no hinterland, no natural resources, and no advantages, there was not much of a future to think about.
The independence was also nothing much to celebrate, because it came on quite suddenly.
The future of the nation, and survival became a priority and a necessity.
Needless to say, we are talking about our own country, and yesterday we celebrated sixty years of independence on a bright and high note.
But we must not forget how we started off as an independent nation.
We had nothing to speak of, but now we are rather well off.
In retrospect, we can say that God looked upon our country with compassion and kindness.
In the opening lines of today's gospel, Jesus said to His disciples: There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.
That seems to remind our country that sixty years ago, God was gracious, and our country grew and developed and progressed with God's blessings.
That is what the Church in Singapore must believe in, and we must also believe that the Church, in that early independence era, prayed for the country and for the nation.
That is also similar to what the 1st reading is saying, as it recalls how God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt.
When the people put their trust in God, they joyfully took courage at what lies ahead.
The 2nd reading reiterated this when it said that only faith can guarantee the blessings we hope for.
So, as the Church in Singapore, we pray that our country will grow and develop in the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
But we the Church must also be reminded to pray for ourselves.
As life becomes more settled and comfortable, our faith will also become less fervent.
We will begin to rely more and more on material security and worldly resources.
Prayer becomes less fervent and less urgent.
And here, Jesus reminds us with this: See that you are dressed for action, and have your lamps lit.
Jesus reminds us to keep vigil and to be on the watch with prayer.
Already, there are gaps and cracks in the faith of the Church as there is little or no family prayer.
Also, married couples are facing difficulties and problems in their marital relationships.
Stress levels are rising with the cost of living, and affecting physical and mental health.
The situation seems to be tensed, anxious and worrisome as it was sixty years ago.
But like sixty years ago, let us hold tight to our faith and fortify ourselves with prayer.
With faith and prayer, we will have hope.
With faith in God and with fervent prayer, we will be signs of hope to our country, to our Church, and also to the next generation.