Monday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time Rm 11:29-36Lk 14:12-14 God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. Today’s gospel reminds me of those many times when I ask God, “Why am I not able to walk?” There have been countless times when I fantasise myself in an alternate reality where I can... Continue Reading →
2 November, Thursday — He will destroy Death forever
Nov 2 – All Souls Day Today we celebrate a feast in commemoration of the faithful departed in purgatory, that is, the faithful departed who have not yet been purified and reached Heaven. After Abbot Odilo of Cluny instituted it in the monasteries of his congregation in 998, other religious orders took up the observance,... Continue Reading →
1 November, Wednesday — Saints, Spiritual Poverty and the Kingdom of Heaven
Nov 1 – Solemnity of All Saints All Saints’ Day is celebrated in honour of all the saints, known and unknown. In terms of Roman Catholic theology, the feast commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. The beatific vision is the eternal and direct perception of God enjoyed by those who... Continue Reading →
31 October, Tuesday — Switch from eco to turbo mode
Tuesday of Week 30 in Ordinary Time Rm 8:18-25 Lk 13:18-21 “It is like a mustard seed.” In ancient Israel, the mustard tree is not a tree. It is more like a big shrub. It is smaller compared to the olive tree, which is a true tree. Yet in today’s gospel, Jesus chose the mustard seed... Continue Reading →
30 October, Monday — Do what is right not what is expected
Monday of Week 30 in Ordinary Time Rm 8:12-17Lk 13:10-17 “And this woman, a daughter of Abraham…” It was a sabbath day and Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. That means trouble! Surely Jesus would get into a conflict with the officials there. Like clockwork, there appeared a woman, crippled for 18 years. She was... Continue Reading →
29 October, Sunday — “So simple yet so difficult.”
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exo 22:20-261 Ths 1:5-10Mt 22:34-40 “You must love your neighbour as yourself…” Well, the Lord does have a rather peculiar sense of humour. For my birthday this year, he has gifted me with this phrase, “You must love your neighbour as yourself”. This is very possibly, for me, one of... Continue Reading →
8 October, Sunday — I want to go to mass
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Isa 5:1-7Phi 4:6-9Mt 21:33-43 “It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone.” ‘Frasier’ is my absolute favourite TV show. In one episode, he meets his Jewish girlfriend’s mother and wants to serve wine. Not having anything kosher, Frasier’s brother, Niles, adds sugar into the excellent French... Continue Reading →
7 October, Saturday — Taking courage by reaching out in confidence to Christ
Oct 7 – Memorial for Our Lady of the Rosary This day was originally observed as the Feast of Our Lady of Victory. Its date was chosen to commemorate the European victory at the third naval Battle of Lepanto in 1571. This battle marked the high point of Turkish (Muslim) advance on European soil with... Continue Reading →
29 September, Friday — Pride always comes before a great fall
Sep 29 – Feast of the Holy Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael You should be aware that the word ‘angel’ denotes a function rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance... Continue Reading →
26 September, Tuesday — Faith in action
Sep 26 – Memorial for Sts. Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs Sts. Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers, physicians who accepted no payment. Their charity brought many to Christ. Although they were tortured during the persecutions of Diocletian, the two suffered no injury. Patron Saint Index Ez 6:7-8,12,14-20Lk 8:19-21 “…those who hear the word of God... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 