In today’s Gospel, the reflection is centered on Matthew 16:24. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus is preaching about the conditions of discipleship - to become his follower or disciple. A terse and precise command to emulate the perfect model but never an [...]
Jean Baudrillard (1929 – 2007) was a French Sociologist and Cultural Theorist who critiqued the workings of Modern Society. For him, modern societies are organised around the production and consumption of commodities, while postmodern societies are organised around simulation and the play of images and signs, denoting a situation in which codes, models, and signs are the organising forms of [...]
Our reluctance to trust new experiences and discoveries with our Lord, but the joy that follows when we do. New Creation The breakthrough in the use of technology came at the start of Singapore’s Circuit Breaker (CB) on 7 Apr 20 when we were all forced to find new ways. It was not possible to tell at that time how [...]
In the year 2016, by the serendipity of God and God's quirky humour, I finally took the step to attend a series of retreats, First the Conversion Experience Retreat, followed by the Prayer Experience Retreat.. The first day presented itself with the usual ice-breakers, the singing of action songs, and getting to know one another. Yet as the days proceeded, [...]
In the first reading of this weekend, Paul acknowledges the immensity of our Father’s existence. An existence that cannot be fathomed. Having this as the background to the gospel as well as the first reading that speaks about the “keys of the house of David” that will be handed to Christ, the Anointed. The question of who Jesus is, is [...]
According to recent statistics published by the World Bank, the current 2020 economic crisis and global recession as exacerbated by the onset and ramifications of the Coronavirus COVID-19, would be the deepest since the Great Depression in 1929, and even further 50 years back to the Long Depression of 1873 to 1896 (Kose and Sugawara; Sassoon). COVID-19 has necessitated the [...]
Today’s Scripture readings are about the faith and salvation of the Gentiles. We know that the Jews at that time did not want to have anything to do with; and even looked down upon the Gentiles, which is what we would be if we were not a Jew. The first reading Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7 reveals the promises that the [...]
Conflicts are inevitable in our lives as people have different opinions, values, and desires. At work, there are times when we cannot stand the presence of a co-worker due to his or her work ethics or habits. Conflict resolution workshop are taught at the workplace. However, at church there is a great diversity of people who attends it. And it [...]
When I took on this current appointment as a Youth Coordinator serving a parish (not the Church of St Michael) in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, the Lord God in his sense of humour allowed me to start on the 1st of November - All Saints' Day, knowing that I would be most in need of the help and [...]
As we celebrate Singapore’s 55 years of independence, it is also a time for us to look at how this week’s reading speaks to us about our faith and trust in the Lord our God, calls us to listen to His soft prompting in our hearts and teaches us how to discern His messages. Could we be like prophet Elijah, [...]