Aug 9 – Memorial for St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), martyr After witnessing the strength of faith of Catholic friends, Teresa (1891-1942), originally a Jew, became interested in Catholicism and studied a catechism on her own, and she eventually ended up ‘reading herself into’ the Faith. She became a Carmelite nun, teaching... Continue Reading →
3 July, Monday – A Skeptical Mindset Can Be Valuable
Jul 3 – Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle Thomas (d. 72) was ready to die with Jesus when Christ went to Jerusalem, but he is best remembered for doubting the Resurrection until allowed to touch Christ’s wounds. He preached in Parthia, Persia and India, though he was so reluctant to start the mission that he... Continue Reading →
2 June, Friday — Have Faith in God
Jun 2 – Memorial for Sts Marcellinus & Peter Saints Marcellinus and Peter (sometimes called Petrus Exorcista - Peter the Exorcist; Italian: Marcellino e Pietro) are venerated within the Catholic Church as martyrs who were beheaded. Hagiographies place them in 4th century Rome. They are generally represented as men in middle age, with tonsures and palms of martyrdom; sometimes they hold a crown each. - Wikipedia Ecc 44:1,9-13Mk... Continue Reading →
18 May, Thursday — The Enormity of Faith
18 May -- Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11Eph 1:17-23Mt 28:16-20 “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by His own authority…” I have an irrational aversion towards uncertainty; nobody likes it, but I avoid it like the plague. It is an occupational hazard from the... Continue Reading →
9 May, Tuesday — Finding our inner peace
Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter Acts 14:19-28Jn 14:27-31 "Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." I commute to work via train on a daily basis for 45 minutes. Over the years, I have noticed that the level of ambient noise is growing over time. The noise emitting from the handphones is... Continue Reading →
8 May, Monday — Sharing the Light of Christ
Monday of the 5th Week of Easter Acts 14:5-18Jn 14:21-26 Not to us, Lord, but to your name give the glory The prayer table at home has a candle lit at all times. This has resulted in a high usage of candles over time. As I was purchasing a new box of candles, I realised... Continue Reading →
7 May, Sunday — Surrendering my life to God
5th Sunday of Easter Acts 6: 1-71 Pt 2:4-9Jn 14:1-12 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me." The twelve steps of the Alcoholic Anonymous have made me gain a deeper understanding of myself. In particular, the Third step speaks to me. It reads as follows: Made a... Continue Reading →
3 May, Wednesday — Identifying with the Apostles
May 3 – Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles St. Philip was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, and a convert. He was one of the Twelve Apostles, and brought St. Nathanael to Christ. He was a confidant of Jesus. Little is known about him, but scriptural episodes give the impression of a... Continue Reading →
21 April, Friday – The Faith Others Love To Hate
21 Apr – Memorial for St. Anselm, bishop & doctor St. Anselm (1033-1109) was born of Italian nobility. After a childhood devoted to piety and study, he wanted to enter religious life, but his father prevented it, and Anselm became rather worldly for several years. Upon his mother’s death, Anselm argued with his father, fled... Continue Reading →
28 March, Tuesday — Can we open to His Word?
Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent Num 21:4-9Jn 8:21-30 As he was saying this, many came to believe in him. I am a huge fan of good homilies. During the entrance procession, as the priest professes into the church, I tip-toe to see who the Celebrant is. Many, many times, I’ve turned to my... Continue Reading →