In the chapters of 1 Samuel 4 to 7, we read that while the Philistines were frightened of the loud outroar of the Israelites, the Israelites were fighting a lost battle, because the Lord God was not with them. Hophni and Phinehas, Eli’s wayward sons, had conducted themselves dishonourably before the Lord God. In 1 Samuel 2: 12 -14, we [...]
Step into the Peranakan Mass Sambot Kepala Taon Baru celebrated at Midnight of Lunar New Year and one may feel like a misplaced poinsettia pot amidst the gaily embroidered peonies of the Nonya sarong kebayas, and the festively intricate phoenixes on the Baba baju lok chuan. However, the resplendent cultural outfits are not the only markers of cultural identity that [...]
In the first reading, we are reminded what great joy it is to receive God's abundant love and his faithful promises to us! If we are faithful to him in the Covenant, we never need to worry about hunger nor thirst or ever will our jars go empty, nor would our jugs run dry. The interesting point of note is [...]
The Gospel of Matthew concludes with Jesus commissioning his disciples: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20) [...]
The theme of the readings today centres on Love. The love of God and love of one's neighbour cannot be separated. In the first reading, Moses reminds the Jews of the covenant with God, to fear God, to follow, and to observe the statutes and commandments. In return, there would be promised blessings for obedience to the law. What does [...]
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah tells us about the tender heart of our Lord. Our Lord has a particular care for people who are marginalised, vulnerable and oppressed. He looks after us and our concerns matter to Him. We matter to Him, our identity matters. If we repent and turn to Him, He will accept us as a loving [...]
Why People Leave - A Parable There was a man, and it so happened that it was not the best of days for him. He had had a long day at work, and had exchanged a number of unpleasant words with his boss. He was on the edge of burn out, and his manager had just given him an entire [...]
The first reading speaks of our God who humbled himself to take on the role as a servant. No where in the religions of the world, do we see deities suffering together with humanity, but Jesus, the incarnate face of God, does precisely that because of his deep love for us. We are not alone in our suffering, but God [...]
Money and wealth were not condemned or frowned upon by Jesus. The view St. Timothy was trying to impress upon his community of believers echoes what Jesus emphasised all throughout his ministry. The love of money is the root of all evil. The love of money reveals that money has overtaken the person. Money is a thing and not a [...]
The premise started off promising, but as the evening wore on, it became clear that the speaker had neglected to put in the necessary preparatory work and was merely rambling and repeating the same points in a manner that lacked logic and cohesion. This was lazy catechesis, and its lacklustre fruits could be seen around the room, as the participants [...]