I have always loved fairy tales. One of them is a lesser-known tale called King Thrushbeard(1) ("Thrushbeard") by the Brothers Grimm. What attracts me is the interesting storyline. Unlike most fairy tales, the Princess in Thrushbeard starts out as a selfish, entitled snob. She insulted every nobleman who came to the castle to ask for her hand. The Princess cruelly dubbed the [...]
In today’s gospel, Jesus encountered scribes who look so highly of themselves and think they are more important than everyone else. They were proud and show-offs and enjoyed the praise and recognition of people. Jesus challenges us to reflect on our motivations and the way we treat others. The scribes’ self-importance serves as a reminder to approach life with humility, [...]
Earlier on in history, religion was filled with animal sacrifices and superstitions. The practices were mostly out of fear and sacrifices were made to supplicate the gods. This changed over time and after many centuries later, Jesus moves them to another plain and that is of love, as he gives us the commandment, "You shall love the Lord your God [...]
This year, at the meeting of the Ordinary Consistory of Cardinals, Pope Francis approved the canonisation of 15 people, including the millennial Blessed Carlo Acutis. On 20 October 2024, 14 of these were canonised as saints. They were: The Martyrs of Damascus, a group of 11 men who were executed in 1860 for refusing to renounce their Christian faith and [...]
When I was in my twenties, I wanted to start a company. I was then reading up a lot on Greek mythology. And I wanted to name the company Pyro Communications. In Greek, Pyro means fire. But I hesitated. Perhaps not so much that I was a Christian (and should not be trying to name my company after a Greek [...]
First Reading Jeremiah predicts that the day would come when everybody would know God. It contains great promises concerning the gathering of lsrael. Jeremiah points out the stupidity of the people in thinking they can do as they wish and still expect God to save them. Second Reading, ln this passage, the writer of Hebrew explains how Jesus humanity makes [...]
A few years ago, I chanced upon these two Christian classics, Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawence and Abandonment to Dividend Providence by Jean Pierre De Caussade. These two books left a deep impression on me as they gave me very practical tips on daily Christian living, despite being written almost three centuries ago. Incidentally both authors [...]
The Gospel today encourages us to rethink our understanding of leadership as shown in Jesus’s example. Especially in a world which often celebrates power, Jesus calls us to a way of life marked by humility and service. James and John’s request to sit at Jesus’ right and left in glory reveals a desire for recognition and influence, a longing that [...]
To follow Jesus, we should always be ready, just like His first disciples who left everything to follow Him without hesitation. The story of the rich man in Mark 10:17-30 teaches us that our true treasure should be in heaven, not on earth. The rich man was sad when Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and give to the [...]
Job 10:21-27 This I know: that my Avenger lives, and he, the Last, will take his stand on earth. After my awaking, he will set me close to him, and from my flesh I shall look on God. My eyes widened. Avenger? My Lord the Avenger? Job, you continue to open my eyes. Jesus is our superhero. High-five! He fights [...]