Dear Readers, The Easter Vigil Mass features a total of nine readings. It is an Oxygen tradition to have a reflection for each of these readings. This Easter, we feature a few of our regular contributors and welcome back Daryl. It is a long read, but we hope you enjoy the reflections and be inspired... Continue Reading →
15 April, Friday – Seeing the face of Jesus
Good Friday Isa 52:13-53;12Heb 4:14-16,5:7-9Jn 18:1-19;42 “I am born for this” We had a death in our extended family this past week. In moments like this, many pause to take stock of life. Re-live memories and good times with loved ones who have been called home, examine our own mortality and priorities. Often pondering our... Continue Reading →
14 April, Thursday — Holy Thursday
Maundy Thursday -- Chrism Mass Faith Anew Isa 61:1-3,6,8-9Apo 1:5-8Lk 4:16-21 The Spirit of The Lord has been given to me I have often wondered how I would react if Christ returned in my lifetime. Would I recognize him? Or would I let my conservatism get the better of me? We look with judgment on... Continue Reading →
13 April, Wednesday – How Much of Judas Lives in Each of Us
Wednesday of Holy Week Is 50:4-9 Mt 26:14-25 “The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will, but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!” Yesterday, I wrote about Judas’ betrayal in comparison with... Continue Reading →
12 April, Tuesday – Examining Our Faith and Not the Faith of Others
Tuesday of Holy Week Is 49:1-6 Jn 13:21-33,36-38 “I tell you most solemnly, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, wondering which he meant. The disciple Jesus loved was reclining next to Jesus; Simon Peter signed to him and said, 'Ask who it is he means'... Throughout the Bible, our... Continue Reading →
11 April , Monday – Talk Is Cheap
Monday of Holy Week Is 42:1-7Jn 12:1-11 “Why wasn't this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he was in charge of the common fund and used to help himself to the contributions.... Continue Reading →
10 April, Sunday – Propaganda Killed Jesus
Palm Sunday Lk 19:28-40Is 50:4-7Phi 2:6-11Lk 22:14-23:56 But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices, demanding that he should be crucified. And their shouts were growing louder. Pilate then gave his verdict: their demand should be granted. It never fails to baffle me on how the turn of events from Palm Sunday... Continue Reading →
3 April, Saturday — Respect and Care for Creation
Holy Saturday -- First Reading Gn 1:1-2:2 Ps 104:1-2,5-6,10,12,13-14,24,35 God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. As part of my daily morning routine, I would marvel at the sight of God’s creation first – the crisp morning air, quirky sounds from Asian Koels and fluffy clouds dotting the skies... Continue Reading →
3 April, Saturday — Learning to Part
Holy Saturday -- Second Reading Gn 22:1-18 Ps 16:5,8,9-10,11 God put Abraham to the test. In my opinion, today’s reading is riddled with question marks and deemed to be controversial for many. There are tons of commentaries expounding on this story in Genesis, trying to explain why a merciful and all-knowing God would go to... Continue Reading →
3 April, Saturday – Live and Let Live
Holy Saturday -- Third Reading Ex 14:15—15:1 Ex 15:1-2,3-4,5-6,17-18 The cloud was dark, and the night passed without the armies drawing any closer the whole night long. 'Live and let live' was a phrase developed during World War I and popularized during the Christmas Truce of 1914, where troops deliberately abstained from the use of... Continue Reading →
OXYGEN 