Destined to die | Mortui

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:1-2).

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Reflecting on the pastoral writings of St. Paul in Ephesians 2:1-10, I’m reminded that apart from the mercy & grace of God, I was destined to die in my sins. St Paul summed up his theology of God’s Grace in verses 8-10: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. 

My only right response to the infinitely wonderful grace & mercy shown to me is a heart full of gratitude, expressed through this familiar hymn: Give Thanks (With a Grateful Heart) 

Give thanks with a grateful heart 

Give thanks to the Holy One 

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son 

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One 

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong" 

Let the poor say, "I am rich 

Because of what the Lord has done for us" 

And now let the weak say, "I am strong" 

Let the poor say, "I am rich 

Because of what the Lord has done for us" 

Give thanks with a grateful heart  

Give thanks to the Holy One 

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son 

Give thanks with a grateful heart 

Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One) 

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son 

And now let the weak say, "I am strong" 

Let the poor say, "I am rich 

Because of what the Lord has done for us" 

And now let the weak say, “I am strong” 

Let the poor say, “I am rich (I am rich) 

Because of what the Lord has done for us” 

Give thanks. 

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Bk_7wUR2Wdg?si=dVoNjz6eVGx-Kz3J

Author: Henry Smith © Copyright 1978 by Integrity's Hosanna! Music.

Reflection on Ephesians 2:1-10 by Chris Tan

Transformed | Nova creatura

We have been transformed into a new creation - Galatians 6:15.

Very often we want to become better and change ourselves. We make commitments and start new projects. We sign up for new training programs, and so on. But everything we begin by our own strength is usually not lasting. We need something else to encourage us and transform us.

The Apostle Paul discovered that only the grace of God can make a difference in a person's life. He himself declared: "Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Gal 6:14). The sign of the cross is the best explanation of how this grace works. When you are totally abandoned and without strength, you can only depend on the grace that comes from heaven — for as Paul heard the Lord say to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9). 

The grace of God is the grace of divine love. Like every true love, it heals you without effort on your part, for "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Rom 5:5). You can think of your parents' love, or of true friends who love you not because of what you do, but because you are precious in their eyes.

The Apostle Paul experienced how strong the love of Jesus is as he traveled alone through his life. He came to acknowledge that nothing and no one could fulfill all his desires but the love of Christ. He was deeply transformed by Jesus' presence and his holy word. Thus he could begin a new life in the grace of God, for "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (2 Cor 6:17). He found peace and mercy not among men in this world, but in the heavenly Kingdom — that "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Phil 4:7). And so he became a new person, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

How is it with you? Are you feeling lonely and abandoned? Do you feel weak and fragile on your own? Do not worry — this is our common human experience. Do not let anyone trouble you, but trust in the heavenly grace you can experience every day, in every situation — on your journey home from work, for instance. Just remember to read the Holy Bible with full attention, and let the Holy Spirit work in you, for "nothing... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:38-39).

Perhaps you too bear on your body the scars that show you belong to Jesus, as Paul himself said: "I bear on my body the scars of Jesus" (Gal 6:17). So be thankful that you are worthy to become a disciple and close friend of the Son of God.

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen" (Gal 6:18).

Reflection on 1 Galatians 6:11-18  by Jozef.

(Listen to podcast here)

Dei Virtus | The power of God

Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God - 1 Corinthians 1:24.

Where does your power come from? Are you powerful, or are you weak and fragile? Do you know how to solve your problems? Do you have enough wisdom? Are you prudent, or do you feel powerless in many situations? If you feel this way, you need to listen carefully to the words of the Letter to the Corinthians.

As a Christian, your power should come from the Lord Jesus. His Holy Spirit should strengthen you in every moment of your life. Even your weakness can become your strength through divine grace. Even your foolishness can be enlightened from heaven. As St. Paul reminds us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Don't look for wisdom in bestselling books, but in the Holy Scriptures. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). You are a child of God even if you are not wise by human standards. You are His child even if you are not of noble birth. As Scripture tells us, "God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27).

You are chosen from the world to shame its wisdom. You are chosen from the world to shame its strength. "God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him" (1 Corinthians 1:28-29).

You don't need to boast before God, but love Him with your whole heart and mind, as Jesus commanded: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). You are in Jesus Christ, who becomes for you "wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Therefore, "let the one who boasts boast in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31), for in Him we find everything we need for life and godliness. 

Reflection on 1 Cor 1: 19-31 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Figura futuri | A pattern of the one

“Adam is a pattern of the one to come” (Romans 5:14).

Who, then, is man? What is the true dignity of the human person? We may often feel our weakness and fragility. Yet, through divine grace, we are children of God, created in His image and likeness. This is a profound truth that should shape our understanding of ourselves and our purpose.

Like Adam, we are all subject to sin. We are, indeed, children of Adam, inheriting the consequences of his fall. However, we must never despair. As St. Paul also reminds us, 'where sin increased, grace increased all the more' (Romans 5:20). This is the heart of the Gospel: the boundless mercy of God, always offering us hope for holiness and chastity.

The season of Lent is a sacred time, a time for introspection and conversion. It calls us to examine our hearts and to turn away from sin. It is a time for personal transformation. We are called to change our ways of thinking, our attitudes, and our actions. This conversion, this turning back to God, is the most powerful solution to the conflicts that plague our world, our societies, our families, and our communities.

We are not alone in this journey. Jesus Christ is with us, always. Through our obedience and good example, as St. Paul says, 'many can be made righteous' (Romans 5:19). This echoes the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states that "Christ's redemption won for us a new possibility: that of living in the Spirit of his love (CCC 1741)."

Do not be discouraged by past failures. Do not say, 'I have tried and failed.' Perhaps this very moment is your moment of grace. The grace of God desires to reign through you, in the world, in your family, and in your community. Jesus Christ desires to live through you in this present time.

We know that sin will always be present in the world. But the grace of God is infinitely more powerful. As St. Paul writes in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Though we may experience the death of sin, we can also experience the resurrection of grace. This victory is not achieved through our own strength or wisdom, but through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As Pope Francis has reminded us, “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” Let us, therefore, embrace God’s mercy, allow His grace to transform us, and become instruments of His love in the world. Amen.

Reflection on Rom 5:12 – 21 by Józef.

(Listen to podcast here)

Forgive

""Be on your guard! If a brother or sister sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive" - Luke 17:3.

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Luke 17:1-19

1 Jesus said to his disciples, "Occasions for sin are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come! 2 It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Be on your guard! If a brother or sister sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4 And if the same person sins against you seven times a day and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive."

5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

7 "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? 8 Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me; put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? 9 Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!' "

11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men with a skin disease approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus's feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? So where are the other nine? 18 Did none of them return to give glory to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."

Here is an important teaching on the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual walk with God. Jesus reminds us that no matter how bad the offence may seem to be, we must find the grace in our hearts to extend the same forgiveness that God the Father has extended to each one of us; when He sent His One and only Son to die for our sins. Personally, I love this quote by C.S. Lewis: "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable in you."

In His beautiful teachings on prayers in Mark chapter 11, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself taught this important lesson on forgiveness: "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."

As He hung dying on the Cross at Calvary, Jesus conveyed what Godly forgiveness means when He Himself prayed: Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

I will close with this beautiful hymn on forgiveness (inspired by the Parable of the Prodigal Son)

Father, I Have Sinned

Father I have sinned,

help me find my way.

Remember not my sins,

just let me hear you say:

I forgive you, I love you

You are mine, take my hand.

Go in peace, sin no more,

Beloved one.

Father I have turned,

my back and walked away

Depended on my strength

and lived life my own way

Father I have closed,

my heart to those in need.

Thought only of myself,

a victim of my greed.

Father I have loved,

if love's the word to use.

I've played so many games,

they've left me so confused.

Father I've returned,

I'm home with you to stay.

Standing at your door,

knowing that you'll say

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/J4S39DFeKcs?si=gzjw8Jddxd2QAixo

Singers: Sunday 7pm Choir | Catholic & Christian Choral Music

Words & Music by Eugene O'Reilly

Copyright © 2001 CJM MUSIC (UK & Ireland)

CCLI & OneLicense No. 646803

Reflection on Luke 17:1-19 by Chris Tan

Pax Dei | God's peace

 “May God’s peace be on this house.” - Luke 10:5  (NLT).

You look for peace and safety. You often feel anxious and stressed. You dream about a place where you can enjoy with your family and friends. But the reality is that there are fights and tensions in the society. So you travel from place to place but can’t find happiness and well-being.

Thus, the Lord reminds you that you can be a messenger of peace. But first, you need to find this peace in yourself. When Jesus sends you to the world, he trusts you and knows you very well. He strengthened you with his Holy Spirit so you can go as his worker and maker of peace. You don’t need to worry about ordinary things. You’d rather look for the heavenly Kingdom.

Where? In the place where you live. When? Nowadays. Every day you meet with many people who are travelers like you. They don’t read the Scriptures and for that reason, they don’t know their vocation. But you know what the Lord wants you to do. You are to preach about God’s peace and God’s blessings. You shouldn’t hesitate to accept his calling. You should become an apostle of peace.

You can meet with good and bad people in the world. Some of them are not ready to become followers of Christ. Some of them prefer to choose their own way of thinking not yours. Don’t force them to take part in the Kingdom of God. They are free to accept it. But they are also free to reject it.

You are never alone. Jesus Christ is within you. Besides, you are a member of the community of Christians. They support you with prayers and bless you. In the Holy Bible, you find the exact instructions on how to behave and live wherever you are and whatever your job is. Remember that the Lord is in control of everything. He never abandons you. For he is a Good Shepherd who never forgets his lambs, especially when they are among wolves. Your strength comes from his grace and from the altar of the Holy Eucharist.

Reflection on Luke 10: 1 - 11 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Gratia Domini | The Grace of The Lord

“…and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Tim 1: 14

Paul deliberately recorded his extraordinary experiences in order to become an example for many people. How he experienced a big change in his life. He said, “I thank Him who strengthens me, who is Christ Jesus our Lord, because He considers me faithful and has entrusted this service to me”.

Paul realized that he could serve only because of the strength of God and the strength of God that kept him faithful. Formerly Paul was a fierce blasphemer and persecutor, but because of grace he was worthy of God.

We cannot change ourselves without God's mercy. The changes that Paul went through were all because of God's grace. We can also experience change for the better.

From God's side, He has given a great love, because it is necessary for us to do something from our side, namely faithfulness to live in that grace. Everyone can experience God's grace but not necessarily everyone is loyal to God. Be faithful because HE is so faithful. Thus we are grateful for the grace He has given us. Amen

Reflection on 1 Timothy 1:12-20 by Sr. Merry CM 

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Gratia, Misericordia, Pax | Grace, Mercy, Peace

"May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy and peace" - 1 Tim 1:2.

We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Consequently, we want to give each other the best gifts. Our intention is to support, accompany and help one another. We also ask God to make our beloved ones happy, peaceful and blessed. 

According to Apostle Paul, the most valuable gifts are grace, mercy, and peace. All of these gifts we receive from God. First of all - grace. Saint Theresa of Lisieux said: "Everything is grace". If we reflect on this statement, probably we can agree with her. For everything which happens in our life can be understood as the grace of God. Some of these graces are pleasant, some are painful. Nonetheless, if we accept everything as a gift from the beloved Father, it becomes much easier to live on the earth. Secondly, the divine mercy. All of us are sinners who sometimes make wrong decisions and hurt others. Moreover, we are often proud and even offend God when we follow our bodily desires. Therefore, we should acknowledge that we also need God's mercy. Even if we commit small sins, we still have to ask for God's forgiveness and mercy. Thirdly, the gift of peace. We long for peace so much. The whole world lacks peace. But we forget where is the true source of peace. It is not in earthly pleasure, health, money, family. True peace can be found only in God. 

Knowing about those most important gifts such as grace, mercy, and peace makes us stronger while facing all challenges of our life. Moreover, we can share these gifts with other people. If we open our hearts for God's grace, mercy, and peace, the Holy Spirit fulfills us with them. So we are to ask the Lord to grant us these special gifts and let us experience them. 

Thus, we will continue our journey towards heaven with joy and peace in our hearts. We will not be afraid of false doctrines or wicked people who tend to hurt us. On the contrary, with a peaceful soul we will answer them that they do not serve God's plan (1 Tim 1:4). We will answer with love that comes from the pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith (5). Overall, we will follow the true teaching of the Good News which was entrusted to us by the glorious and blessed God (6).   

 

  

Reflection on 1 Timothy 1: 1-11 by Fr. Józef Trzebuniak SVD.

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Saecularia desideria | Worldly passions

"It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age" -  Titus 2:12 (NIV)

Greedy people are never satisfied with what they have. So Paul reminds the people to rely on God's grace (11). Grace educates people to be able to convert, be sincere, and loyal to God. When we receive saving grace, there will be a strong impulse within us to leave the way of life that is against God and to distance ourselves from the way of life that is full of greed.

The more grace of God touches our hearts, the deeper realization of our sin is. The deeper realization of our sin, the great our thanksgiving is to God for saving us. The bigger debt that you've been relieved of, the more you're thankful. 

Let's examine ourselves. Have we received God's saving grace? If so, let us leave sin and make a commitment to live a new life in Christ.

 

Reflection on Titus 2: 1-15 by Fr. Fransiskus M. Diaz, SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Mulier Chananaea (Mt. 15:22)

The encounter of Jesus and the Canaanite woman in the Gospel today shows us how Jesus tests the faith of a person who believes in him. The true faith is a guarantee of receiving grace and salvation from God.

The story today seems to be a bit offensive towards that woman, but in fact, it is not. Jesus actually likes the desperate and the humble cry of this gentile woman to be heard even by the disciples who look at her as an unworthy woman, because she comes from the gentile world. Jesus indirectly wants to show those who are present at that time that He comes to save all people. He comes to help those who believe in Him without looking at their background. God loves each and everyone without exception.

And this woman astonishes Jesus with her great faith proclamation. Jesus not only appreciates her amazing faith but also grants her plea. Faith moves mountains; and this woman shows us the truth. Her faith brings healing to her daughter.

True faith and real love do not make people give up easily. If we really believe in Jesus, we will know that there is a way in every difficulty of our lives. God is always present in every situation of our lives. He is there to help us, but we have to have great faith in Him.

The mission of Jesus is to bring salvation to all people. Faith and life in God are the criteria, not someone's origin and background. The Canaanite woman in the Gospel today has shown a good example for us. Let us have great faith in God because He always gives the best for us. Always remember that faith can move mountains.

By Father Risco Batbual, SVD.

Caritatem volo (Ho. 6:6).

The school lent me a motorbike. It is quite old but still useful. When I ride it, I really use it until the fuel is almost empty. The place to fill it is quite far from the place that I mostly visit. Last week, I ran out the fuel, I forgot to fill it, and motorbike broke down. Well, I really hated my self that time.

We all know how important the tank be always filled up. Our life is quite similar. Our life needs to be filled up with God's grace.

From the beginning, God created us, He put something special in our hearts. Thus, we desire to be in the relation to God. We will break down like that motorcycle if our life isn't filled up with His presence. We will break down if we do something against the will of God.

But actually, there is a small shop on the street that sells the fuel. It is almost in every corner of the town. The presence of God is everywhere. God is always there when we need to relate to him. He will fill our heart with the "fuel" of His love.

Mark 12:33 "And to love Him with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

If we have our tank full, we could ride anywhere. Loving God and having a deep relation with Him is delightful. Why do we choose to have our hearts empty if God always is ready to fullfil them? Why do we pretend to be fine even if we are broken inside?

That "fuel" from God is totally free and we can meet Him everywhere. Let us fill our hearts with the love of God so we can enjoy without worrying our tank will be drained.

By Yulius Telaumbanua, Indonesia.

Ad maxillas suas (Ho. 11:4)

Each of us thirsts for love. Although there are many needs and desires in the heart of people, it is love which makes them feel fulfilled and satisfied. We cannot live without love from our parents, friends, and other people. Without love, our life becomes too difficult and we get depressed. But even if we do not experience enough love from other people, we are loved by God our heavenly Father.

We often look for love but not in the right place. We engage ourselves in so many activities and try to do many things. Eventually, we get disappointed and we sometimes do not even know why.

The crucial thing in love is to let be loved by the Lord. We are to allow him to take us in his arms. We are to abide with him and experience on our own how great is his love towards us. Jesus Christ wants to lead us with reins of kindness and with leading-strings of love. He loves to embrace us like someone who lifts an infant close against his cheek. The Son of God wishes to send the gift of the Holy One as spiritual food for our soul.

Are we ready to accept such enormous love from the Father? Do we need anything else besides the love of Christ? Dear sisters and brothers, for sure it is much more than we can imagine. The Holy One God in our midst.

Let us rejoice in the Holy Spirit today and every day. As the Blessed Mary rejoiced while she conceived by the divine grace.

We are really beloved children of God who are to live in love and in order to love.

By Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak, SVD.

Nos diligimus (1 Jn. 4:19)

 “If love dwells in you, you have no enemy on earth”. This quotation, written by St Ephrem the Syrian, is meaningful and is not a piece of cake to put into practice as humans’ relation has its twists there and here.  People say that cultivating successfully and flourishing in relationships with other people is both an art and a long life process. 

The quotation by St Ephrem the Syrian hit the nail on head amidst my disappointment. I was hurt by a person that I consider as a friend. This message is totally lit as sometimes when I am over the moon, I might only read this message without further deliberation but when I am down, I could deeply resonate with the message. I believe each of us has ever experienced the moments that we are hurt by our closed ones. No one is immune to this situation. 

The psychologists and motivators have proposed so many methods and techniques on how to deal with other people. But, if we take a close look at these, the spirit behind all these teachings is to put ourselves as the center of everything. Unfortunately, all these things do not work well as humans are limited and our sins have corrupted our capacity to love God and people unconditionally. If we rely on ourselves, we will miserably fail.  

This verse should help us as the sons and daughters of God to build a good rapport with other people. God himself has demonstrated the true act of love by sending his begotten son dying on the cross. This deed shows one of God’s quality/identity that is love.  If we proclaim that we are Imago Dei, God’s image, we should live like He did. We are instructed to love people including the person who hurts us. Jesus prefers to keep loving us despite the fact that he knows that His love will not always be in return.    

When my friend had hurt me, I was tempted to feed up my ego by going away and shutting down all possible contact that I have with this friend without further discussion and reconciliation. And I would definitely end up being alone and lonely and I will never finish cooking up this issue in the future.  I will experience the same thing over and over If I don’t learn how to deal with this. Above all, the Word of God helped me to try to put myself on this friend’s shoes, find good things that this friend said, and talk about this issue with this friend. This was not easy as I had been reluctant to get interacted with people and I had lost my energy.  Again, the Word of God reminds me of being a son and daughter of God is not merely about His grace, blessings, and eternal life. Being a child of God means to readily suffer and bear the cross; doing uneasy and uncomfortable things out of my comfort zone.  Doing things that I don’t want to do and doing things that might be impossible for me to do. The grace of a child of God means to have the blessing to suffer with Him as Jesus has completed the hardest part and won the fiercest battle.  

By Deisyi, Indonesia.