Dec 31 – Memorial for St. Sylvester I, pope Sylvester (d. 335) was pope in the reign of Emperor Constantine I, who built the Lateran and other churches. He sent legates to the First Council of Nicaea, and was involved in the controversy over Arianism. The spurious Donation of Constantine was supposedly given to St.... Continue Reading →
8 November, Sunday — How Committed Are We?
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 6:12-161 Ths 4:13-18Mt 25:1-13 Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall I remember one of the priests in my parish describing a little anecdote about social responsibility. He would always pick up the rubbish he sees on the church grounds, but would always find... Continue Reading →
28 July, Tuesday — Wheat and Weeds
Tuesday of Week 17 in Ordinary Time Jer 14:17-22Mt 13:36-43 "Then the virtuous will shine like the sun" The problem of evil and suffering is one that plagues many people. If there is a God and He is good, some might argue, then He should not allow the presence of evil in the world. Since... Continue Reading →
27 July, Monday — In His Time
Monday of Week 17 in Ordinary Time Jer 13:1-11Mt 13:31-35 "When it has grown it is the biggest shrub of all" Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerburg, Jack Ma. These are some of the best-known names in the world today, synonymous with brands that are a part of almost everyone’s life – Apple, Facebook and Alibaba. Their... Continue Reading →
21 March, Saturday – Have mercy on me, a sinner
Hosea 5:15-6:6Luke 18:9-14 God, be merciful to me, a sinner In this period where we are not able to attend mass and receive the Eucharist, I have been reading articles and listening to podcasts in an attempt to fill the spiritual gap. One of the recommendations I came across is to pray the Jesus prayer.... Continue Reading →
20 March, Friday – Love with all our heart
Hosea 14:2-10Mark 12:28-34 To love him with all your heart Since the middle of last year, I have been experiencing bad anxiety over my various responsibilities. The new challenges that came with PhD research somehow brought about a great deal of worry and an unprecedented sense of desperation. I found myself sinking into despair often,... Continue Reading →