20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jer 38:4-6,8-10
Heb 12:1-4
Lk 12:49-53
Let us not lose sight of Jesus…
Every day, we are beset with issues and problems. Some days the problems can be big and some days – by the grace of God – the problems are smaller, and easier to handle. When these problems overwhelm us, how do we respond? Do we give up, or do we fight it head on?
In today’s second reading, St Paul encourages us to “keep running steadily in the race we have started”. How often in our pursuit of holiness have we run out of steam and have been that close to giving up? When we face discouragement, how easy it is for us to just stop doing good, because all the effort doesn’t seem to lead us anywhere?
Recently, I have been facing some difficulties working with someone in my office. It would be so much easier to just avoid this person and not have to meet each other nor speak. But somehow in my daily prayer, I find myself praying to have a better working relationship with this person, as I know that avoidance would not do any good to the other party, myself or the organisation.
Indeed, I am encouraged by today’s second reading — that while I may not be holy, I am still trying my best to stay on the journey and endure the cross. Brothers and sisters, may the Cross of Jesus be the beacon of hope for you and I — that while we suffer and go through hardships in life, we do it not alone, but with Jesus our brother and friend, who understands our pain and suffering.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Lee)
Prayer: Lord, help me to undergo suffering and pain with a renewed faith and hope.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide and direct me whenever I face problems in life.
OXYGEN 
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