Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we welcome on board Anna, a regional HR professional who professes to be guided by Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart..for the Lord.” Her faith journey has been shaped by her walk with her adult children and community. Since joining the Roman Catholic Prison Ministry in 2016, her deepest learning has come from weekly visits to the inmates in prison where she serves, relying on the Spirit as she shares Christ’s love, hope and peace. Anna also sings in the Sunday 7am choir at the Church of St Francis Xavier. Her faith journey continues to thrive through various challenges, as she holds on to Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you”.
Thursday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time
2 Sam 7:18-19,24-29
Mk 4:21-25
“Surely you will put it (a lamp) on the lampstand?”
Good day, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sometimes I find myself pausing at certain lines in Scripture — statements that feel almost too obvious. “If you have ears, listen.” “A lamp is to be put on a lampstand.” In today’s context these phrases might sound rhetorical, redundant, or even a little sarcastic.
But it was precisely this seemingly redundant question that sparked my reflection: “Where is my lamp?”
Burdened by self‑doubt and an inner drive for perfection, I realise I’ve allowed many roadblocks to stop me from serving in the past. “I don’t know the Bible well enough,” “I’m a cradle Catholic but don’t know much” — these have often been my excuses.
Then I am reminded of my late mum. In the 1970s, hand‑in‑hand with her cousin, she would visit an 80‑year‑old Chinese lady who spoke only pasar Malay (a form of pidgin Malay). Mum would laugh as she told me how she explained the story of the five loaves and two fish using her simple Malay and kitchen links. Her formal schooling ended at Primary 3, and yet… she lit up the lives of so many kampung ladies, bringing Christ to them with joy and simplicity. Her lamp shone brightly — and she never left home without it. Her kindness, dedication, commitment, and the light in her eyes preached as powerfully as any catechism lesson.
In the prison ministry where I have been serving weekly for more than 9 years, I am reminded again of the simple needs of people. The inmates often express deep gratitude that we show up — to pray, share God’s word, sing, and simply be present with them. For many, that is enough. They want to know Jesus because they see Jesus through our presence and consistency. That alone speaks volumes. I prepare as best as I can for our two-hour sessions in prison, and then I ask the Holy Spirit to guide everything — because ultimately, I am merely His instrument. I have learnt to lean on God, especially in this ministry.
Years ago, a Canossian sister taught me the phrase “Ministry of Presence,” and it became my guiding light. I learned not to underestimate the value of simply being there and praying with someone. “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:36). These words have deepened in meaning over time.
A priest I know once said during a Novena homily that as parents, we bring our children to church, and then leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. In the same way, while I continue striving for excellence, I now offer my humble ‘one loaf’ to God each week and trust the Holy Spirit to multiply it.
Jesus’ teaching reminds us that we are called to be lamps — beacons of hope and guidance. When we share God’s light, even in simple ways, it can profoundly touch those who are lost or seeking comfort.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Anna Oliveiro)
Prayer: Lord, teach me Your ways. Grant me the courage to serve others. Help me grow in patience and humility, trusting that You will always guide me. Give me the strength to take that first step toward helping my neighbour.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for Your patience and love. Thank You for giving me the courage to shine Your light, even in small ways. I am grateful for Your presence, Your grace, and Your unwavering love.
OXYGEN 
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