Dear readers, today, we feature reflections from six of our regular contributors. We hope you enjoy them as we all prepare for Easter.
1st Reading
Gen 1-2:2
Ps 103(104):1-2,5-6,10,12-14,24,35
God said:…
The words, and Word, of God are truth. What God speaks is true. God cannot speak anything but truth.
How natural that the readings for today begin with the first words of scripture, the words of the beginning of the beginning. And here this evening, we begin with the words that spoke life into the world. Tonight, we are witnessing the manifestation of truth of THE WORD, Resurrected Life. The Word of Truth made visible.
Truth, even with a lowercase “T”, is a word that over the recent centuries seems to have been watered down, ignored, manipulated, and even buried. And even the Truth (with a capital ‘T’) has been ignored, insulted, mocked, blasphemed, and questioned repeatedly. Pilate did just that multiple times yesterday. Wavering between truth and lies, between Truth and the world. He went back and forth on what to do with Jesus. He even had the gall, or perhaps foresight, to ask THE TRUTH standing in front of him, “What is Truth?”
Today, many still ask that question, some honestly wanting to know; while others blatantly -– unconsciously at best — mock truth. On this earth, the sin of pride is always stirring. Always. None of us is immune to the justifications of little bits of pride working into our mind — the devil knows exactly how and when to whisper in our ears that so easily listen to flattery. Words that draw attention away from Truth.
Did you know that many years ago when people started making counterfeit money, the FBI had one simple answer to recognize a fake dollar from an authentic dollar? Simply study ONLY the authentic paper dollar. When you truly know the truth, it is so easy to immediately identify the fake -– the lie -– the imposter.
On the Ascension app on 9 April, Rebecca Dougherty shared these profound words on TRUTH. “The truth is reality beyond us. We can’t control it, we don’t create it. It’s something that exists independent of us. We can recognize it, or not, but if we recognize it, if we live in it and in accordance with it, it sets us free. It gives us a life of freedom, not jus one day, but starting even now. And so we pray , ‘Lord, please give us the grace to come to know the truth, love the truth and live in the truth so that we may be free not just in the next life but even now.”
May that be our daily desire as hear the Word of God.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Gina Ulicny)
Prayer: Father God, we come to You this day with a grateful heart. Please Lord, give us the grace to remember to always embrace Your words and to live daily imitating the Saints.
Thanksgiving: Lord God, thank You for giving Your Son to be our Saviour. Thank You for this day that opened the doors of Heaven; may we truly live the calling You have placed on our lives. Amen.
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2nd Reading — Sacrificial Love
Gen 22:1-18
Ps 15(16):5,8-11
“Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac……..Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Gen. 22:2)
Chapter 22 of the book of Genesis, narrates God’s terrible test of Abraham’s faith. The word ‘test’ is to be understood as something clearly different from a ‘temptation’. God will never tempt His people to do evil (James 1:13). We see God test His people in Scripture, though, asking them to trust Him and obey in spite of their difficult circumstances (Exodus 15:25; 20:20; Deuteronomy 8:2; 13:3; Judges 2:22).
This is the key element missing if we misunderstand this part of Abraham’s story. His obedience is based, not on blind faith, but in an experienced, established trust based on what he has already seen God do.
It took me 46 years to become a father, and 48 years for my dear spouse and I to have our son, L. Don’t get me wrong, I love both my kids but L is very different from his sister.
L loves asking for ‘big hugs’ and this is very warm and endearing at the end of a long and painful day. L loves to fall asleep holding my hand and I have to admit, I love this. I’ve tried doing this with L’s older sister, M; but she drops my hand and turns around to sleep.
L is a very friendly child who greets everyone who comes his way. His warm smile and easy laugh make people around him very comfortable in engaging with him. He has spent barely 15 months in his school (playgroup and nursery), and yet, all the teachers who teach in the school know L by name.
Now, if God asks me to ‘sacrifice’ L, like He asked Abraham; hand on heart, I won’t!
Do I want God’s blessings? – Yes, I do
Do I want my descendants to be numbered like the stars in the sky or the sand on the seashore – I guess I do.
Do I want my descendants to conquer the ‘cities’ of their enemies? – Yes, I surely do.
Do I want all nations on earth to be blessed, through my offspring? – Yes, I definitely do.
So, I want all that; but why do I lack Abraham’s faith?
My honest conclusion disturbed me a lot as I kept trying to write this reflection. Sure, I wish I could write that I would have the faith of Abraham. I would listen to Him and sacrifice my son, my only son, whom I love…but I just cannot.
As I try to reflect a little bit about what was going through Isaac’s mind, I see Isaac as a young man capable of carrying heavy wood, sufficient to build a sacrificial fire, up a mountain. Isaac surely could have easily overpowered his old, mad father and saved his life. Yet, this Isaac freely accepted this death and entered willingly into the sacrifice. At the very least, he trusted his father enough to be bound and placed on the wood to be sacrificed.
When Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham replies that God Himself will provide the Lamb for the sacrifice that day; the day will come, however, when Jesus provides Himself as the sacrificial lamb. Abraham’s prophecy is fulfilled right there as a ram found caught in a thicket.
The deeper meaning will be fulfilled on the same spot some two thousand years later, when Jesus would undergo the same sacrifice to save humanity from sin and death. God was saying “Are you willing to undergo the kind of sacrifice I will have to undergo?” Isaac and Abraham walk quietly and obediently up Mount Moriah, stand before God, and say, “Yes.”
The mountain Abraham and Isaac climb would later be called Mount Moriah — the location that Solomon chose to build the temple which itself was in sight of Calvary. It is the same mountain, or at least mountain range, where Jesus is crucified. Jesus carries the wooden cross up the same mountain. Like Isaac, he freely accepts death. Jesus, however, is the lamb provided by God.
In conclusion, the sacrifice of Isaac foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus. Isaac is Abraham’s only begotten son, just as Jesus is the Father’s only begotten son. Jesus willingly carries the wood up the same mountain as Isaac.
All these parallels between Isaac and Jesus; Abraham and God, our Father – they all make sense from a theological perspective. But, despite reading this passage and reflecting over it multiple times, I still do not think I will be capable of sacrificing my only son, L. I pray that I am never, ever put to this test.
Maybe one day, L in his own free will, will have the courage to carry the wood for the ‘burnt offering’ and give glory to God. To do what his earthly father does not have the courage to do.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Gerard Francis)
Prayer: We pray for the grace to continually work at surrendering to His will for us.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks to Our Heavenly Father for His graces to help us discern His will for us.
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3rd Reading — God’s always fighting for us in quiet, hidden ways
Exo 14:15-15:1
Exo 15
“The Lord is fighting for them [the Israelites] against the Egyptians!”
In battling with poor physical health and disabilities, sometimes, my physical pain gets so unbearable that I cannot move around in my home for a while. The longest had been two full weeks. Inevitably, the doubts start to creep in, questioning the very reason why I was born disabled. But somehow, I always find the strength to continue moving forward one step at a time, to take life one day at a time.
One of my friends, who has been suffering from a chronic illness for over 40 years since her teenage years, told me likewise:
“God’s work in our lives is often unseen. We need to see through the eyes of faith. God always rewards us for our faith. I know God is with me, and many seemingly impossible things became possible through the power of prayer and faith. I have secured employment as well as achieved financial independence and independent living.”
There are moments in life when we feel like God is silent. Our prayers echo back unanswered, and the weight of our troubles sits heavily on our shoulders. In our darkest moments of despair, we may think, “Where’s God? Is He even there?”
But Scripture tells us otherwise. In Exodus 13 and 14, the Israelites found themselves trapped – Pharaoh’s army behind them and the sea in front of them. Fear, confusion, and doubt must have filled their hearts. Some even asked Moses why he brought them out of Egypt just to die in the wilderness. In the midst of their fear, Moses said, “The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” (Ex 14:14)
And then – in God’s perfect timing – the sea parted. The Israelites were finally saved from the oppression of the Egyptian army. That miracle was spectacular; but what often goes unnoticed is that God was already working before the sea split. He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. He hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that His glory might be revealed. God had already been fighting for the Israelites – they just couldn’t see the full picture yet.
Brothers and sisters, like the Israelites, we sometimes find ourselves in situations where we feel cornered, anxious, or forgotten. We cry out, wondering if God hears us at all. But just because we don’t see the waters parting doesn’t mean God isn’t working.
God is always there, fighting for us in quiet, hidden ways. In the daily graces and strength to get up and face the day again, even after nights of crying and long bouts in pain. In the kind stranger who holds a door open for us or offers up a seat in the crowded MRT carriage. In an unexpected message from a friend that brightens our day.
Our ‘sea of troubles’ may not part right away – but the stillness, the trust, the small blessings – these are truly signs that He is by our side.
When we look closely, God’s fingerprints are all over our daily lives. A moment of peace amidst chaos. A whisper of hope when everything feels bleak. A breath of calm when fear threatens to overwhelm us. A child’s innocent and carefree laughter breaking through tension and silence. A moment of clarity when confusion is all around us.
Let us have faith and trust in God, because the God who delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians is the same God who walks with us today, and is always fighting life’s battles for us.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Brenda Khoo)
Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help us to remember that we are Your beloved children, and that You’re always by our side, fighting our battles. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Jesus, for always loving us and fighting for us. Amen.
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4th Reading — A love that never leaves us
Is 54:5-14
Ps 29(30):2,4-6,11-13
…for the mountains may depart, the hills be shaken, but my love for you will never leave you and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken, says the Lord…
In life, many things come and go – relationships, circumstances, and even physical places. But God’s love is steadfast, eternal, and unconditional. His peace is unwavering, no matter what happens.
When I think about God’s love, I often look to my baby niece. She can’t say my name yet, but every time she sees me, her eyes light up. No words are needed to express how she feels — her smiles, her laughter, and the way she reaches out for me — speaks volumes. In our quiet moments, she’s just playing around with ‘masak masak’ or ‘cleaning the floor’ with her favourite toy vacuum cleaner. But I can feel her trust and affection.
I don’t need to get perfect grades or buy her the most expensive toy for her to love me. All I need to do is to be there for her, and she loves me so purely and unconditionally.
Just as my little niece looks for me when I’m near, likewise, God constantly looks for us. And God’s love for us isn’t dependent on words or grand gestures. Even when life feels uncertain or things around us are shaken, He is always ready to embrace us with His love.
When I hold my niece, I’m reminded of how God holds us — with a love that never leaves and a peace that doesn’t depend on our circumstances. Even when the world may change, His covenant with us stands firm. And just as my niece’s unconditional love fills my heart, God’s love for us is a profound comfort, always there, always steadfast, always ready to welcome us.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Brenda Khoo)
Prayer: Dear Jesus, please fill us with Your love, even when we are overwhelmed by things and people changing around us. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Jesus, for always being with us even when the world may change. Amen.
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5th Reading — An Invitation to Grace
Isa 55:1-11
Isa 12
…listen, and your soul will live.
Such a beautifully rich and evocative passage we have in this reading from Isaiah 55. It is taken from second Isaiah, a section that prophesies the consolations awaiting Israel and God’s plan to reconcile his people to himself through the ‘Word of God’ (i.e. Christ), in whom all the prophecies would be fulfilled. Isaiah II traces the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem, marking the end of their long exile in Babylon. To give a bit more context, the Israelites had been living in exile for so long now that they were beginning to get used to life there, despite being ‘outsiders’. Many had married locally, begun adopting and worshipping pagan gods, and especially for those born during captivity, it was hard to remember their roots and their true home in Jerusalem.
It is against this background, and the preceding chapters of Isaiah, that we hear God’s open and inclusive invitation to everyone – all who are thirsty and poor — to ‘seek him’, and to partake of the messianic banquet that he has been lavishly laid out for them. God offers them the assurance of buying wine and milk without money – since his gifts are free (Isa 55:1). Why not avail themselves of the rich food (a metaphor for God) that awaits them, instead of wasting money on things that do not satisfy? Regardless of their sinful past and errant ways, his promise of forgiveness and mercy is assured to everyone who repents and changes their ways. He recalls the covenant made centuries ago with David, where he was established as a witness and light to the nations and now reinstates that same covenant for the returning exiles. God promises to empower and use them to bring his plan of salvation to fulfilment: “See, you will summon a nation you never knew, those unknown will come hurrying to you, for the sake of the Lord your God, of the Holy One of Israel who will glorify you”. (Isa 55:5).
This might have sounded very far-fetched and improbable to the Israelites — who had become so estranged from Yahweh — but Isaiah urges them to a repentant response. Even for us today, looking at the poverty, hostility, culture of death and godlessness all around us, it feels hard to believe that the world can be made new again. However, Isaiah reminds us that with God, everything is possible, for His thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways are not our ways, but they are both above ours. (Isa 55:8-9)
The power of God’s promises and fruitfulness of his Word find a parallel even in nature — “… As the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and do not return without watering the earth, making it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the sower and bread for the eating, so the Word that goes from my mouth does not return to me empty, without carrying out my will and succeeding in what it was sent to do.” The rain and snow are compared to the Word that comes from the mouth of God – and this Word is Jesus Christ, who came to earth to carry out his Father’s plan for salvation. Once the Word of God came, nothing on earth has ever been the same again.
The promise and reality of new life is truly a source of enduring hope and joy for all who believe and turn back to God. Israel’s praises to God for delivering them from bondage and sin are triumphantly expressed in Isaiah’s canticle that follows the reading from Isaiah.
The response, “With joy you will draw from the waters of salvation”, bears dwelling upon. The image of water picks up the opening invitation in Isaiah 55 to all who are ‘thirsty’, to come and drink, recalling also Jesus’ promise of himself as an eternal spring: “ No one who drinks the water that I shall give will ever be thirsty again: the water that I shall give will become a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life. (Jn 4:14).
This is an especially vivid and powerful image for the Israelites, who are familiar with the trials that come from desert living. For us who are spiritually parched and who have not found refreshment or relief from the many temporal substitutes offered by our consumer world, God extends this same invitation to drink from the waters of salvation, that we may experience the same joy of new life bubbling from within. Let us take this invitation to heart, that we might also experience anew greatness and goodness of God in our lives, and join Isaiah in singing praises to the One who still does ‘glorious deeds’ amidst his people.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Corinne Cheok)
Prayer: Grace us Lord, to desire the things of heaven, to seek fullness in You, and You alone, for You alone deliver fully, all that You promise. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for your ‘Word’ in Jesus Christ, your Son, who came to make all things new, for the hope he brings to this darkened world and the privilege of being invited to bear His light to the world.
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6th Reading — Through the Tunnel to the Light: Trusting God’s Wisdom
Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Ps 18(19):8-11
“In her radiance, make your way to light.”
On Holy Saturday, we sit in the quiet. Jesus has died. His body lies in the tomb. There is silence. But in this silence, God is still working. He is preparing something new.
Baruch reminds us of something important: God’s Wisdom has always been there, shining like a light in the darkness. “In her radiance, make your way to light.” That means if we follow God’s wisdom —His Word, His love, His ways — we will find the light, even when things seem dark.
Imagine driving through a long tunnel in the mountains. At first, it’s just darkness. The road curves and dips. It feels like it will never end. But you keep going because you trust that there’s light at the other end. And when you finally see that tiny dot of light ahead — it gives you hope. You speed up, knowing you’re almost out. That’s what God’s Wisdom is like. It guides us through life’s tunnels, even when we can’t see the end right away. And Jesus, who is God’s Wisdom made flesh, is the Light we are heading toward.
Today, we are still in the tunnel. But we know Easter is coming. The light is near. Don’t give up. Keep moving toward Him.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stacey Fernandez)
Prayer: Lord, in this quiet day between the Cross and the Resurrection, help me to trust in your plan. Even when life feels like a dark tunnel, let me follow your light. Give me the strength to keep going, knowing you are with me every step of the way. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for being my light in dark times. Thank you for the gift of your wisdom that shows me how to live, how to love, and how to hope. Thank you for the promise of Easter, when your light will break through the darkness once again.
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7th Reading — From Stone to Flesh: The Strength of a Heart Made New
Ezekiel 36:16-17,18-28
Ps 41(42):2-3,5,42:3-4
“…I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead.”
There is something deeply powerful about God’s promise in Ezekiel 36. After recounting Israel’s failures and the ways they have profaned His name, God does not give up on them. Instead, He offers a future filled with healing, restoration, and renewal. At the center of this promise is a radical transformation: “I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead.”
At first glance, it seems like the heart of stone would be stronger. Stone is solid, unchanging, unbreakable. Flesh, on the other hand, is soft, vulnerable, and easily wounded. But here lies the beautiful mystery of God’s wisdom: the heart of stone may appear strong, but it cannot feel. It cannot love, it cannot repent, and it cannot be moved by compassion or grace. It is sealed off — protected, perhaps — but dead.
The heart of flesh, though it may seem weak, is alive. It beats. It feels. It can be pierced by sorrow, but also by mercy. God does not want us to be unfeeling or indifferent. He wants us to be responsive, open to His Spirit, capable of love, forgiveness, and change. That is the strength of the heart of flesh. It is strong not because it cannot break, but because it can grow. And only a living heart can be conformed to the image of Christ.
Think of Christ on the cross, His sacred heart was pierced — not a heart of stone, but one of perfect, divine flesh. He shows us that love is not found in avoiding pain or locking ourselves away, but in giving ourselves fully. A heart that bleeds, can also bless.
This promise in Ezekiel is a promise for us today. God does not want our faith to be cold, mechanical, or distant. He wants it to be alive — rooted in trust, shaped by love, and responsive to His call. Especially on Holy Saturday, as we await the joy of Easter, we are reminded that the transformation God offers is not just about behaviour, but about the very core of who we are.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stacey Fernandez)
Prayer: Lord, take away my heart of stone — the parts of me that resist your love, that close off in fear or pride. Give me instead a heart of flesh: tender, trusting, and open to your Spirit. Teach me to love as you love, and to live as you call me to live. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for never giving up on me. Thank you for the gift of the Spirit. And thank you for the promise to renew my heart, to make it new, alive, and capable of love.
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Epistle — Our Baptism
Rm 6:3-11
Ps 117(118):1-2,16-17,22-23
When we were baptised into Christ Jesus we were baptised into his death.
When I was given this reflection, I found myself inspired by what St Paul wrote about being dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. This is achieved through baptism, where believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. To St Paul, baptism is not merely some ritual but a profound symbol. Once baptised, we are all transformed into a new life with Jesus. With this change, all of us must give up their past sinful life. In other words, put sin to death! Only then will we resurrect our faith and become more committed believers.
How do we become more faithful and committed believers? I reflected on this and came to the conclusion that my baptism should not just be a one-off event. Instead, it should be like a continuous reality in my life. Sadly, it has not really happened so far. Since my confirmation, I have been a faithful practicing Catholic, but I am still sinful in many ways! How do I change?
Fortunately, my wife came along and gave me a good suggestion. She asked me to go with her to daily mass during this Holy Week. This is practical and beneficial. It has helped me to pray more, listen to the bible readings, and be better prepared for Easter. The bonus is — I will later delight my wife by being her companion for tonight’s Easter Vigil service. She usually goes with her mother.
At mass, I will look forward to the Epistle. I will pay more attention as I think back to what I wrote on baptism. Hopefully, this will kick my faith a gear up so that I will be more alive in Christ Jesus my Saviour.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Jesus, let your grace be sufficient for me. Help me to put sin to death!
Thanksgiving: Thanks be to Jesus, who by your empty tomb, brings eternal hope for all who are baptised in You.
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Gospel — Am I ready for eternal life now?
Lk 24:1-12
“Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen.”
I remember my first time attending Easter Vigil as a congregant. It was in 2019, and my wife asked me to go with her, as she was alone. I was prepared mentally for a really long session and hoped for less baptisms!
Then the Vigil started in darkness. I found myself moved by the Service of Light procession. I also listened attentively during the seven readings and enjoyed every one of them. It helped that I did a ‘deep dive’ into the Old Testament during the Bible Adventure Course I had attended. Finally, when the Gospel reading was proclaimed by the priest, the message of the empty tomb became so moving and impactful! Sadly, after this spiritual high, reality does set in and I was not motivated to go again.
Time flies. For this year, I will attend tonight’s Easter Vigil with my wife. To prepare for this, I read the gospel reading from Luke 24. I find the words, “Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here, he has risen!” very relevant to me. You see. I suffered a serious fall last week and was hospitalised. CT scans and X rays showed a concussion, whiplash to my head and bruising to the neck vertebrae near the skull. Fortunately, there was no bleeding in my brain. The doctor said I was really lucky as it was the best outcome. It could have been much worse like being in a coma, becoming paralysed or, the worst outcome, death.
As I rested on the hospital bed with a massive headache, I was starkly aware of not being prepared for death or a lifetime of suffering. I do believe and hope for eternal life with Jesus, but not right now. Nevertheless, I do take comfort in these words and the fact that the women in the gospel had the stronger faith. They were the first to go to the tomb and then to alert the apostles, who were skeptical.
My wife is like the women in the gospel. She has strong faith. I am grateful for her as an anchor in helping my faith (what little I have) be better. I will look forward to mass tonight — but still hope for less baptisms!
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Jesus, help me to love you with a strong faith and to be ready for the chance of eternal life with you anytime.
Thanksgiving: Thanks be to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour.
OXYGEN 
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