Monday of Holy Week
Isa 42:1-7
Jn 12:1-11
…my chosen one in whom my soul delights.
I recently served at the Conversion Experience Retreat #76 and, on the first day, welcomed the retreatants by reminding them that God had literally chosen them to spend the 5 days of retreat in His company. Judging by the reactions of on most faces (they varied), I think many were taken aback.
As a young kid, I was never chosen for those social games of soccer or other team sports. I was usually among the last 2, or the last one, to be picked. I am sure many of you know the feeling – the ‘wooden spoon’, the one who team captains have ‘no choice’ but to take. The local term for it is ‘bo pian’ (literally meaning ‘no choice’).
Then, as I grew stronger and started to excel in a particular sport, I became one of the first to be picked for my team. I remember even being ‘strategically’ placed as the 3rd seed in my college squash team because the top three were equally matched; and the team coach felt that I was a ‘sure winner’ in that position. I think that may have been the year that Sheena Easton’s ‘Strut’ was released…
Brothers and sisters, as Christians, we wear an invisible badge that says ‘child of God’. The moment that realisation hit me (it took me a while after my own CER), I have been mindful to wear it with pride. Because I realise that it comes with much responsibility…and scrutiny. And over the years, I appreciate how it is a badge not to be worn lightly.
Yes, we are all at different stages in our faith journeys and each of us has our own crosses to bear – as parents, children, godparents, leaders at work/ministry, volunteers in church, etc. In my ministry work, I have been blessed to meet and come to know many, many fellow Catholics who are zealous and proud to be called sons and daughters of God, some of whom have become role models for me – both positive and negative. Over the years and through various encounters, the Lord has helped me to discern which ones are worth emulating. Of course, there is much prayer needed, coupled with temperance, prudence and a modicum of wisdom.
However, nothing takes away from the fact that every one of us is specially chosen by God to be His instrument here on earth. Whether or not we actually discern and live out His call is purely up to us. For He is a God who will never impose His will on us. The choice, my brothers and sisters, rests squarely on us.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Abba Father, you have chosen us to fulfil your mission here on earth. We ask for a generous outpouring of your holy wisdom to help us discern our gifts, charisms and talents in order for us to truly live as your chosen sons and daughters.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Father, for your undying, unwavering and unconditional love for us. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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