Jul 11 – Memorial for St. Benedict, abbot, religious founder Born to Roman nobility, Benedict (c. 480–547) was the twin brother of St. Scholastica. He studied in Rome, Italy, but was dismayed at the lack of discipline and lackadasical attitude of his fellow students. He fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a hermit... Continue Reading →
10 July, Thursday — A call to share
Thursday of Week 14 in Ordinary TimeGen 44:18-21,23-29,45:1-5Mt 10:7-15 ‘As you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ I’ve often wondered what it must have felt like to be sent on mission by Jesus. Were the Twelve given a heads up? Or were they taken by surprise when Jesus told them... Continue Reading →
9 July, Wednesday — We Are Called
Jul 9 – Memorial for St. Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, & companions Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China’s relations with the outside world, Christianity over the centuries was free to grow or was forced to operate secretly. The 120 martyrs in this group died between 1648 and... Continue Reading →
8 July, Tuesday — A Call to Action
Tuesday of Week 14 in Ordinary Time Gen 32:23-33Mt 9:32-37 “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few…” Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus sees beyond the physical needs of the people; He also sees their spiritual needs and exercised compassion towards them. Jesus is not only pointing out the richness in the harvest,... Continue Reading →
7 July, Monday — Having Faith in God’s Healing
Monday of Week 14 in Ordinary Time Gen 28:10-22Mt 9:18-26 "If I can only touch his cloak I shall be well again." In Singapore, there is a church known as the Church of St Alphonsus. However, most people refer to it as the ‘Novena Church’ because of the multiple Novena devotions that are held every... Continue Reading →
6 July, Sunday — Rejoice in Christ Through Your Sufferings
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 66:10-14Gal 6:14-18Lk 10:1-12,17-20 The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ… As a person with physical disabilities, I often experience pains, aches and uncontrollable movements in my body that can make it difficult for me to move. And I get frustrated because... Continue Reading →
5 July, Saturday — Seek with a humble heart
Jul 5 – Memorial for St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest St. Anthony (1502-1539) studied medicine at Padua, receiving his doctorate at age 22. Working among the poor in Cremona, he felt called to the religious life. He was ordained at age 26; legend says that angels were seen around the altar at his first Mass.... Continue Reading →
4 July, Friday — On Norman Rockwell
Jul 4 – Memorial for St. Elizabeth of Portugal Elizabeth (1271-1336) was a princess with a pious upbringing who became Queen of Portugal before she was a teenager. Elizabeth suffered through years of her husband’s abuse and adultery, praying all the while for his conversion, and working with the poor and sick. She rode onto... Continue Reading →
3 July, Thursday — On Narratives
Jul 3 – Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle Thomas (d. 72) was ready to die with Jesus when Christ went to Jerusalem, but he is best remembered for doubting the Resurrection until allowed to touch Christ’s wounds. He preached in Parthia, Persia and India, though he was so reluctant to start the mission that he... Continue Reading →
2 July, Wednesday — Between Letting Go and Trusting God
Wednesday of Week 13 in Ordinary Time Gen 21:5,8-20 Mt 8:28-34 "...I will make him into a great nation." Today’s first reading is deeply human -- filled with tension, heartbreak, and divine promise. In my mind, I imagine it like a Korean drama: complex characters, emotional twists, gut-wrenching decisions, and how the underdog eventually rises. Abraham... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 