Have you had an epiphany before? That sudden moment of insight or realization – when something clicks and everything makes sense somehow. I would like to think that the Magi—commonly known as the Wise Men or Kings—had an exciting OMG moment too when they saw a new star in the sky, an extraordinary event that connected the dots. They might [...]
Theme - Emmanuel, God with us Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy found in Micah 5:1(2): “But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.” The Son of God’s [...]
QUIET ME WITH YOUR LOVE (Inspired by Zephaniah 3: 17) Like a mother’s breast To her nursing child, Quiet me with Your Love, So tender and so mild. Like a lover’s kiss, Sweeter than wine is, The taste of perfect peace Which only You could give. Quiet me with Your Love. A Mighty King Riding on a strong white steed, [...]
Theme - Holy Family The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – Feast falls within the octave of Christmas. As we honor the Holy Family, we prayerfully ponder the daily life the Holy Family shared: the kindness, respect, obedience, unity, charity, and every other Christian virtue that they lived, becoming the model for our Christian living and for [...]
Luke 2:41-52 The union of man and woman that establishes the family life is a sacred reality given by the grace of God and is at the very foundation of the social order. The family, if bounded in love and in obedience to the Lord of life, will reflect the holiness of the Holy Family, centered on Jesus. There is [...]
Luke 1:39-45 The Fourth Sunday of Advent is a time to look forward to Christmas which means a closer look at the birth of Jesus. Ponder how he was born and where he was born. The king in a stable. The Lord of Lords born in such lowly environment. This birth invites us to reflect on important matters such as [...]
Octave? Octavius? I vaguely remember the name Octavius from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and my piano-playing days too lie in the dust but I know an octave is eight notes (I did pass some music theory exams! Do-ray-me-far-so-lah-ti-do!) But what exactly are Octave Days? Let’s break it down. Christmas is too huge to squeeze into a single day. We’re not [...]
The reading of this weekend invites us to dwell in the joy of the expected coming of our Saviour. The expected coming is very near as when John the Baptist preached the people were so moved that they thought the Messiah was coming soon. We rejoice a little bit as we are aware that we are soon going to celebrate [...]
As Catholics, the season of Advent invites us to prepare for more than the historical birth of Jesus—it calls us to reflect on His second coming. Is the second coming in the future? The apocalyptic event? Let me throw a spanner in the works. The second coming of Christ is here and now; it is deeply personal. Three Comings [...]
Luke 3:1-6 All the names mentioned in the Gospel – Pontius Pilate, Herod, Annas and Caiaphas- belong in the Passion of Christ. Ever wondered why do we hear them now before the Lord’s birth? This is to remind us the reason for our Lord’s birth: “Jesus Christ was born for our salvation through his obedience to our Father.” The winding [...]