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

Hora Nona | At three

At three o' clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?"which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" – Mark 15:34

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All of us at some point of our life might have yelled at God or complained to him for the difficult situations that we go through in our life or for troubles faced by our close ones. We might have felt left alone or totally abandoned by all, even God. Some saints have called this time the dark night of the soul. It was one such moment for Jesus at the cross. We all know that the intimate relation Jesus had with his Father was so strong. We feel so free to put our difficulties to someone with whom we are close with. Jesus also did the same at the cross.

Jesus was in fact making a prayer to his beloved Father from the cross by reciting Psalm 22:1 –"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?" Jesus cried out to his Father just like any child would do. I also feel that there is nothing wrong in crying out to God our Father in our desperate moments. It even helps to some extent in our spiritual growth. But of course we also need to have a close relationship with God the Father just like Jesus had.

When it ticks 3 pm on the clock we all know that it is the hour of Divine Mercy. It is the hour where Jesus destroyed evil, death and conquered the world. It is the hour where Jesus won over for us mercy rather than God's Justice. It is the hour where we see the culmination of God's love. This is exactly that hour where John 3:16 –" For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life," comes true. 

Let us pause for a few seconds at every 3 pm and thank God for his love for the whole world.

Reflection on Mark 15: 21-47 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to podcast here)

Sustinuerit in finem | Endures to the end

"You will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." - Mark 13:13

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When I was a newly converted believer, I was deeply troubled by the violent images described by Jesus about the Last Days before His second coming. However, as I began to mature in my faith and continued to feed on His Word, I began to see the greater plan of God's mercy as He is preparing all of us for the coming of the new Jerusalem as described in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 21:1-8, 22-27).

From the beginning of Scripture, God had intended to be in communion with Man. But as a result of disobedience and doubt in God's Sovereignty by Adam & Eve, sin entered into creation and has corrupted earth with death and sickness. Our Holy God already had His sovereign salvation plan of sending His only begotten Son to atone for our sins in the Garden of Eden when He prophesied that the Seed of Eve shall crush the serpent's head and covered the shameful couple with a sacrificed lamb's skin.

There may be frightening signs and tribulations before this happen, but St Paul encouraged us to look forward with hope in his first epistle to the church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13). 

I will close my sharing with the words from "Revelation Song":

Verse:

Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain

Holy holy is He

Sing a new song to Him Who sits on

Heaven's mercy seat

Chorus:

Holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty

Who was and is and is to come

With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings

You are my everything and I will adore You

Verse:

Clothed in rainbows of living color

Flashes of lightning rolls of thunder

Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be

To You the only wise King

Verse:

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder

At the mention of Your name

Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water

Such a marvelous mystery

© 2004 Gateway Create Publishing/Integrity's Praise! Music CCLI: 4447960 

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-Gxjtd6Wp4

Reflection on Mark 13:1-19 by Chris Tan

Miserere | Mercy

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" – Mk. 10:47 (NRSV)

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Dear friends in Christ Jesus, in this passage we come across Jesus healing the blind Bartimaeus. The blind man came to know that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by and started shouting in a loud voice asking Jesus to show mercy on him. This makes it clear for us that the blind man had already heard a lot about Jesus and he was confident that Jesus could heal him. Towards the end of the passage Jesus tells the blind man, "Go; your faith has made you well." It was the strong faith of this blind man which cured him of his blindness.

Two things which inspired me the most from this passage is that his perseverance in calling out to Jesus for mercy, even when others rebuked him. He never bothered what others would think and he just kept on shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" In our lives too, when we are in need of God's mercy let us never give up, but rather go on pleading with him until he grants our needs. 'Hope does not disappoint' (Romans 5:5). 

The second thing that inspired me the most, is once the blind man regained his sight he followed Jesus on the way. It is not that we receive God's mercy and just keep quiet, but in return God wants us to respond to him. God wants us to be instruments in his hands helping people to glorify God. 

We receive mercy from God and we also need to show mercy towards all. Let us glorify God through our works of mercy.

Reflection on Mark 10:46-52 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Filius Hominis| Son of Man

"Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." – Mark. 8:38

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Dear friends in Christ, I was just imagining that if Jesus had called the generation of his time as 'adulterous and sinful', what could he have named the present generation? We come across many people who are ashamed to call themselves Christians or people who are ashamed of the word of God. 

We know the next coming of Jesus to this world with all his glory is not to show mercy but to judge the world according to his righteousness. Now, Jesus is willing to show us mercy if we ask him pardon for our sins and try to live a holy life following his word and his teachings. 

We read in Matthew 10:33 – "But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father." It is not that God is not merciful, he is indeed full of mercy and compassion. The love that God has for us is revealed in the person of Jesus. How much are we grateful to God for this love? What is blocking us to accept the person of Jesus as our personal and only Saviour and obey his word? 

We all know the richness of the word of God. In my life experience, it is only the word of God which speaks directly to the soul. We read in Psalms 119:11 – "I have laid up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." A person who loves the word of God and who loves Jesus can easily attain eternal life and he is not afraid of the next coming of Jesus rather he is eagerly waiting for his coming to judge the world. 

Let us all be ready to welcome Jesus for his next coming. Amen.

 

Reflection on Mark 8: 27-38 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Occulta hominum | Secrets of men

“God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus“ – Romans 2:16.

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Do you have any secrets? For sure you have. Because each of us has some stories hidden deep inside. It is not wrong to have such secrets. Yet, it is important to allow God to judge your stories. He is not a judge without mercy. But, he is a merciful one who wants to help you face your stories. 

God the Father sends his beloved Son to be with you in all your circumstances. Especially in those moments of your life which are the most painful. It could happen that you keep your wounds far from the divine Medician. You don't need to share them with anyone. But Apostle Paul invites you to let the Son of God touch your scars. 

Don't be afraid. He knows how to cure you. You need to make such a step if you desire to live a peaceful and joyful life. Otherwise, you will always feel sad and depression will be waiting at your door.  

It is not a problem that you committed awful sins. Trust in the Divine Mercy. It is not a big issue that you have bad experiences. Almost everyone has to go through painful situations. Go to Jesus Christ. Embrace his cross and tell him everything. God the Father wrote the divine law in your heart. It is the law of love. So do not be a prisoner of hatred but witness of God's love. Yes, you are a beloved child of the heavenly Father. 

Reflection on Romans 2:12-16 by Fr. Józef Trzebuniak SVD. 

(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)

Infirmitates | Weaknesses

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4: 15 (NLT)

 

We all know that although we have been saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, we still could fall into committing sin. For Jesus himself encourages us to pray and guard ourselves from temptation, as the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matt 26:41).

Temptation lurks everywhere. The world offers worldly pleasure that would cause us to lust and forget the holiness expected from the followers of Christ. Love for the world is also including running after money and make it our main goal. Not to mention the everyday sins - be it impatience, anger, arrogance, uttering harsh words, favoritism in loving people, neglecting our loved ones, laziness to seek God in praying or reading the Bible and many more.

Based on my personal experience, sin would make me feel far from God. As a kind of perfectionist, I was ashamed with myself and thus unable to pray and read the Bible well. I would stay away from God. A friend of mine once shared his struggle on fighting sin. He said, “But where else could I go except to Jesus…” which I found so deeply true.

Where else could we go to get ourselves cleansed? To get rid of the frustration as we fight over sin? Our reading today reminds us of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who has made the atonement once and forever for us. He is able to empathize with our weaknesses as he has been tempted in every way – yet he did not sin.

When we sin, let us not even run away from Jesus. No matter how heavy or shameful the sin might be. He has won over sin by sacrificing His own life and receiving the wrath of God as a replacement for us. “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” (Heb 7:25).

How great it is to know that Jesus lives to intercede on behalf of me before God the Father! I was touched by His understanding. He knows who I am. I am only dust - incapable of doing good things, but enabled by the Holy Spirit who works inside me. I thank Jesus Christ for because of Him this verse is real – Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Heb 4: 16). All the glory be to my God in Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Reflection on Hebrews 4: 14 – 5: 10 by Desire Litaay

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Septem panes (Mt. 15:36)

 

Compassion comes as a result of someone’s identification of the needs of others. Jesus is identical to the sick and suffering as his compassion prompted him to do good for them. In the miracle of multiplying the bread, it was compassion that caused Jesus to provide food for them, to think of ways to satisfy their hunger, and to show God's intervention for their benefit.

But the opposite response came from the disciples of Jesus. They were also in the same situation as Jesus. While Jesus felt compassionate, they thought only of themselves and the discomfort they would experience. They did not like taking unnecessary risks.

As the disciples of Jesus, at this time, we must follow the example that Jesus had shown us. We must help the poor and the needy. Do not be afraid of taking any risks. Because, in fact, the risks that God expects us are not beyond our strength and ability. We are expected to give what we have and even ourselves to help and serve others. When we do that, God acts through us and miracles happen. Where there are compassion and mercy, miracles always happen there. 

By Fr. Risco Batbual, SVD.

Sumus factura (Eph. 2:10)

 

Yes, we are sinners. We have already commited many sins. Consequently, we have to regret and ask for forgiveness. Nevertheless, from time to time we fall down again and again. It happens all the time. We would like to be holy and blameless but we are not. Are we going to give up or rather come to Jesus?

Obviously, we have a lot of experience with human sinfulness. But we strongly believe in Christ. We decide not to live sensual lives. We do not want to be ruled by our own physical desires and ideas. On the contrary, we choose to trust in God who loved us with so much love. Because he is the merciful Father who always forgives his beloved children. He is ready to accept us and cleanse us from our sins.  We are not able to overcome our weaknesses on our own. Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can bring us back to life in holiness. 

We really need divine grace to encourage us and strengthen us. Otherwise, we are too weak to fight against sin and the evil spirit. Jesus is our Strength and Salvation. Through him, we are invited to enter the heavenly kingdom and get a place with holy angels.

Every day we experience God's mercy and goodness. Every morning we wake up to start a new life in the Holy Spirit. We are enriched by peace, love, and joy which come from the hands of our heavenly Father. So we are to answer with trust and love. Moreover, we are to recognize the image of God in ourselves. For all of us are God's work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life. Let us not forget about our dignity and vocation as sons and daughters of God. Amen.   

By Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak, SVD.   

In vineam (Mt. 20:4)

 

Many people think that they have done many evil deeds or they have many sins, and because of that God can’t forgive them. But they are wrong because God’s mercy has no limits. He always forgives sinners and accepts them back as His beloved children.

The parable in today’s Gospel invites us to understand God's mercy more clearly. A landowner employs several people to work in his vineyard at different times.  Even though they worked at different times, the landowner pays the same wages for all of them.  Those who work in the morning until those who work in the evening are the same. All of them get one denarius. We also hear that there is a complaint about the payments received by those who worked early because it seems that what they have done is not appreciated. But with this complaint, Jesus explains the value of the generosity of God, who is generous to everyone without exception.

When we get forgiveness from God, all our sins are washed away. We become completely clean. Whether they are big or small sins, God can forgive all of them. And remember that no need to complain to God because God also forgives our neighbors or others whom we think are more sinful and wicked than us. What we need to do is thanking God because He always forgives us. And when we thank God, we will be more worthy to receive God’s mercy. Let us learn from God’s mercy and His generosity; try to live and practice it out in our daily lives. If we love others, God also will love us.

By Fr. Risco Batbual, SVD.

Regnum caelorum (Mt. 4:17)

The Kingdom of God was always in the mind of Jesus. We are given three parables in our Gospel today (Mt. 13:44-52). These parables are about the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the dragnet. When we talk about parables, Biblical scholars would say that they talk about the Kingdom of God, what it is all about, and how it comes about.

In the Old Testament, the Kingdom of God refers to the provident and protective kingship of God over the chosen people. The fruit of this Kingdom is a whole moral order of peace, justice, and mercy.

In the New Testament, Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is near at hand (Mt. 4:17). So he called for conversion and repentance and for watchfulness. He also said that the Kingdom of God was for everyone.

If you ask me what my own definition of the Kingdom of God is, I would admit to you that I would refer to the teachings of the Church. It is when we accept and do God’s will  and promote the values of God’s Kingdom: truth, justice, love, and peace. If these values rule our lives, it means that God’s Kingdom is reigning in our hearts, in our community and society.

But take a look around us. Can we say that God’s Kingdom reigns in the hearts and minds of people? We can say ‘ Yes and No.’ How can we realize this Kingdom in our lives?

For me, it is very simple. I will give you some practical guidelines for a Christian: share your Time, Talent and Treasure to the needy, Love more simply, offer hospitality, support the bereaved, admonish the sinner, spread the Good News of the Kingdom of God, counsel the doubtful, comfort the lonely, bear wrongs patiently, forgive all injuries, free your heart from hatred, free your mind from worry, expect less and live simply, and pray for the living and the dead.

These are very simple and very practical things.

These deeds are not impossible to practice and let us do them joyfully.

By Fr. Rajesh Minz, UK.

Pasce populum tuum (Mich. 7:14)

All of us need a leader, a teacher, a person who will introduce us to the world. On our own, we failed so many times, made the wrong decisions, got into trouble. When we are children, it is enough to learn from our parents and teachers. However, while we grow up, we see that not all people can be trusted. Even sometimes we stop to trust ourselves. 

For that reason, we need a special leader who is our Lord, Jesus Christ. Only he can lead us to the green pastures and to the forests with meadowland where we find rest and peace. Because of our bad experiences and other difficulties, we can live like in a prison. Perhaps we have the freedom and do what we want, but deep inside we feel imprisoned and captured by the power of darkness. If we realize this fact, we are able to look for a light who is our Lord, Jesus Christ. Only he can grant us to see wonders. 

Jesus has the power to change the circumstances, but he can do much more. He lets us come out of our inner prison. He makes us live as free people, men, and women, and rejoice in the Holy Spirit. No one else can take fault away nor pardon crime. Only our Lord does not cherish anger forever but delights in showing mercy. Therefore, we ask Jesus to have pity on us once more. We pray him to throw our sins to the bottom of the sea. 

Let us pray: Please, Jesus, grant us your faithfulness and mercy. We would like to praise you and worship you as free children of God. We acknowledge you as our Leader, and Teacher and Master. In the same Spirit, we choose you as our Lord now and forever and ever. Amen.  

By Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak, SVD.