More than seven decades ago, WW2 was raging. Many people were killed and starved to death. Therefore, for the many of us who are not yet seventy and are used to living in the post-war prosperity, it is difficult for us to imagine the reality of poverty or what it is like to starve to death. The nearest we can get are images of starvation splashed across TV screens. They look real enough yet they do not touch us. Starvation in real life is just too far away to be able to touch us. So, when we heard of the prophecy of Isaiah today that
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor (Luke 4:18),
I am sure very few of us would know what good news can we preach to the poor.
When we look at the life of Jesus, we do not see how he has solved the problem of poverty. Throughout his life, he has never been rich. He was born in poverty. He grew up as a son of a carpenter. When the Devil tempted him to work miracles to solve the problem of hunger/poverty, he refused (Luke 4:2-4). It seems that Jesus has no intention to deal with the problem of poverty. In fact, he once said that
For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you will, you can do good to them; but you will not always have me (Mark 14:7).
Jesus seemed to suggest that the problem of poverty will always stay with us. We can do good to the poor, but we cannot eradicate poverty. We will always have to learn to live with it. Elsewhere, Jesus said that the rich will become richer and the poor poorer.
For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away (Mark 4:25).
Jesus seems to condone structural poverty. Of course, it is only one of the many interpretations we can read into the text. No matter what, ever since 19th century, the Catholic Church has made it her mission to opt for the poor. So, what good news can we tell the poor? That somehow, God will send somebody to take care of them?
Yes, it seems to be Jesus' modus operandi. He did not reject rich people. He made friends and dined with them. He encouraged the rich young man and all potential followers to sell all they had and give the proceeds to the poor. To encourage his followers to help the needy, Jesus tells them that when they serve the poor, they are in fact serving him. That explains why Christians of the early Church gave up their property to the Church to share among all. Jesus did not set up any committee to study the problem of poverty. He did not design any structural changes in the society to prevent exploitation of the poor. He only invites each and everyone of us to offer a helping hand to the needy on an individual basis. Obviously, this does not work in modern society. Policy makers need to design social structures that guarantee distributive justice in the society.
Dear Lord, I pray that wisdom and compassion be granted to policy makers to make our society a better place to live in. Amen.
Sunday 27 January 2013
Monday 21 January 2013
Jesus brings us A Joyful Life
It is always a pleasure to listen to the homily of Fr. Milanese, our parish priest. His exegesis is very insightful. Today, we read of the "first miracle of Jesus in Cana" (John 2:1-12) which everybody is so familiar that hardly can anybody think up any new teachings, so I thought. For example, that the third day is symbolic of Jesus' resurrectionl; that Jesus is the true bridegroom of the wedding banquet in Cana, thus the heavenly banquet; that the BVM is always watchful over our needs; and that Jesus calling the BVM "woman" was not rude but reminding us of the special role of the BVM, the new Eve etc. All these are good interpretations but the Word of God is a living Word in which you will always be able to discover something new!
Fr. Milanese was able to put the story in relation to the context, to what goes before and what goes after. He pointed out that the Evangelist is trying to telling us where God is. Before the Cana narrative, two disciples of John the Baptist, Andrew and probably John, followed Jesus (John 1:37). Jesus invited them to go and see where he stayed (1:39). After the Cana narrative, Jesus visited Jerusalem and cleansed the Temple where traditionally Yahweh resided (2:13-25). The conclusion is obvious. When you find Jesus, you find God.
Then Fr. Milanese turned to the miracle per se. Unlike healing miracles, exorcisms, raising the dead and calming the storm, turning water to wine is no big deal. Again, unlike water and bread, wine is not a necessity. It is a luxury but it cheers up the body and the mind. Therefore, this first miracle is pregnant with meanings. Jesus is not simply the source of life (1:4). It is not a life of unbearable subsistence but an abundant joyful life. Jesus is the truth which makes us free. With this freedom, we can actualize the full potential of our life. Jesus brings us peace which the world cannot give. Life in Jesus is joyful.
This evening, I attained the vigil mass for the father of the V.G. in St. Mary Home of the Aged. The chapel was overflowed with people. I met several friends whom I had not seen a many years. The father of the V.G. died a ripe age of 93. Cardinal Joseph Zen concelebrated with the V.G. and flanked by many priests and deacons. In his homily, the V.G. spoke appropriately about his old man whose ordinary life was a good model of faith. The senior Chan was able to inspire a prayerful family in his life as a husband, a father of 10 children and grandfather of many more. So, when you have found Jesus, your life needs not to be extraordinary and eventful in order to be saintly. I am sure the senior Chan must have passed away very much contented.
When I look back at my role as a father, I see a lot of failures. I can think of many excuses. I could have lay the blame on my childhood upbringing. I could have complained about my diabetes. But I am sure it is never too late to catch up, to seize the moment to build up a quality relation with my children. Still, family prayer is still too distant a goal.
Dear Lord, I pray for my children. May they be good servants of Yours. Amen.
Fr. Milanese was able to put the story in relation to the context, to what goes before and what goes after. He pointed out that the Evangelist is trying to telling us where God is. Before the Cana narrative, two disciples of John the Baptist, Andrew and probably John, followed Jesus (John 1:37). Jesus invited them to go and see where he stayed (1:39). After the Cana narrative, Jesus visited Jerusalem and cleansed the Temple where traditionally Yahweh resided (2:13-25). The conclusion is obvious. When you find Jesus, you find God.
Then Fr. Milanese turned to the miracle per se. Unlike healing miracles, exorcisms, raising the dead and calming the storm, turning water to wine is no big deal. Again, unlike water and bread, wine is not a necessity. It is a luxury but it cheers up the body and the mind. Therefore, this first miracle is pregnant with meanings. Jesus is not simply the source of life (1:4). It is not a life of unbearable subsistence but an abundant joyful life. Jesus is the truth which makes us free. With this freedom, we can actualize the full potential of our life. Jesus brings us peace which the world cannot give. Life in Jesus is joyful.
This evening, I attained the vigil mass for the father of the V.G. in St. Mary Home of the Aged. The chapel was overflowed with people. I met several friends whom I had not seen a many years. The father of the V.G. died a ripe age of 93. Cardinal Joseph Zen concelebrated with the V.G. and flanked by many priests and deacons. In his homily, the V.G. spoke appropriately about his old man whose ordinary life was a good model of faith. The senior Chan was able to inspire a prayerful family in his life as a husband, a father of 10 children and grandfather of many more. So, when you have found Jesus, your life needs not to be extraordinary and eventful in order to be saintly. I am sure the senior Chan must have passed away very much contented.
When I look back at my role as a father, I see a lot of failures. I can think of many excuses. I could have lay the blame on my childhood upbringing. I could have complained about my diabetes. But I am sure it is never too late to catch up, to seize the moment to build up a quality relation with my children. Still, family prayer is still too distant a goal.
Dear Lord, I pray for my children. May they be good servants of Yours. Amen.
Sunday 13 January 2013
Knowing your position
Our position shifts all the time throughout our life. When we were babies, we depended on our parents. When our parents grow old, we take care of them. Similarly, when we work in an organization, we promote and demote. Our position and relation with our superiors and subordinates shift. It is important to know our position. As children, we can be rebellious for a while yet we cannot disobey our parents forever. As subordinates, it will be stupid of us to override the decisions of our bosses.
John the Baptist knew his position. He knew that he was not the Christ but only the forerunner of Christ
"... who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Luke 3:16). and that
"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
John was happy to see Jesus' popularity wax while his wane.
What about us? Perhaps we should follow John's example to work hard. When the time comes, we should shy away from the limelight and retire.
Jesus' baptism is an occasion to show the whole world his relation/position with the Father. He is the Son of God the Father. For the first time in the gospel, God revealed to us as the Blessed Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Likewise, through baptism, we become adopted sons of God through the merits of Jesus and the seal of the Holy Spirit we received. Without Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we cannot attain this position. Our sonship in relation to God is different from that of Jesus. Now, in the new role of adopted sons of God, what are our obligations?
A number of obligations immediately come to mind.
Firstly, the Catholic Church has started the Year of Faith to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Second Vatican Council which initiates the modernization of the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, many of us Catholics know very little about the teachings of the 3 Declarations, 4 Constitutions and 9 Decrees! As adopted children of God, obviously we should learn more about them in order to gain a clearer picture of our identity.
Secondly, Jesus has set us a very good example as a praying Son. We find in the gospels many occasions in which Jesus prayed. Jesus prays to strengthen his bond with his heavenly Father, to know His will and to obtain the power to execute it. Therefore, we should charge up our spiritual life through prayers and sacraments.
Thirdly, Jesus was a man of action. He did not simply preach the Kingdom of God in words but also in actions. We too should also put our faith in action. But once more, it is important to know our position. We are gifted in different ways. Some are good speakers. Others are good helpers and healers. So, know our gift and position. Act!
Many things happened today and caught me unprepared. But I know that things would not happen without God's consent. There is a purpose behind every happening. To begin with, my father fainted early in the morning and was hospitalized. This disrupted our Sunday routines and consequently, my mother had no choice but to go to Mass with us, for the first time in her life. God has been showering her with abundant grace. Somehow, after visiting my father in the hospital, I still had to fight with her over her alcoholism which perhaps was a sign of her anxiety. I did not know how much I was affected by the struggle but after dinner, I "accidentally" swallowed my artificial front tooth together with the metformin I took. It stuck in my throat for quite a while and surely my pains upset my mother more. All these "misfortunes", I believe, carry God's will.
Dear Lord, I know that You are answering my prayer for my mother. I thank and praise You. Amen.
P.S. Thank God, after a 72-hour winding journey, my artificial front tooth, which measures 4 cm by 2 cm, finally emerged.
John the Baptist knew his position. He knew that he was not the Christ but only the forerunner of Christ
"... who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Luke 3:16). and that
"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
John was happy to see Jesus' popularity wax while his wane.
What about us? Perhaps we should follow John's example to work hard. When the time comes, we should shy away from the limelight and retire.
Jesus' baptism is an occasion to show the whole world his relation/position with the Father. He is the Son of God the Father. For the first time in the gospel, God revealed to us as the Blessed Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Likewise, through baptism, we become adopted sons of God through the merits of Jesus and the seal of the Holy Spirit we received. Without Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we cannot attain this position. Our sonship in relation to God is different from that of Jesus. Now, in the new role of adopted sons of God, what are our obligations?
A number of obligations immediately come to mind.
Firstly, the Catholic Church has started the Year of Faith to celebrate the golden jubilee of the Second Vatican Council which initiates the modernization of the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, many of us Catholics know very little about the teachings of the 3 Declarations, 4 Constitutions and 9 Decrees! As adopted children of God, obviously we should learn more about them in order to gain a clearer picture of our identity.
Secondly, Jesus has set us a very good example as a praying Son. We find in the gospels many occasions in which Jesus prayed. Jesus prays to strengthen his bond with his heavenly Father, to know His will and to obtain the power to execute it. Therefore, we should charge up our spiritual life through prayers and sacraments.
Thirdly, Jesus was a man of action. He did not simply preach the Kingdom of God in words but also in actions. We too should also put our faith in action. But once more, it is important to know our position. We are gifted in different ways. Some are good speakers. Others are good helpers and healers. So, know our gift and position. Act!
Many things happened today and caught me unprepared. But I know that things would not happen without God's consent. There is a purpose behind every happening. To begin with, my father fainted early in the morning and was hospitalized. This disrupted our Sunday routines and consequently, my mother had no choice but to go to Mass with us, for the first time in her life. God has been showering her with abundant grace. Somehow, after visiting my father in the hospital, I still had to fight with her over her alcoholism which perhaps was a sign of her anxiety. I did not know how much I was affected by the struggle but after dinner, I "accidentally" swallowed my artificial front tooth together with the metformin I took. It stuck in my throat for quite a while and surely my pains upset my mother more. All these "misfortunes", I believe, carry God's will.
Dear Lord, I know that You are answering my prayer for my mother. I thank and praise You. Amen.
Sunday 6 January 2013
The dream of the Magi
Epiphany is a meaningful feast for Christians. A star led the wise men of the East to the Holy Infant to pay him homage and give him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We may learn many lessons from this beautiful story: that God revealed His salvation even to the Gentiles, that people have different expectations and reactions towards this revelation, that Christians should become like the star which led the wise men to Jesus and that we should offer up our talents to extend the kingdom of God (gold), to worship and pray (frankincense) and stand up for social justice (myrrh) etc. Unlike theological discourses, stories allow a greater latitude for the readers to dig up what is meaningful to them. Of course, as long as he is able to press his message across, the author would have no control over how the readers interpret his story.
This epiphany story is part of a scheme Matthew designed to prove that Jesus is their Messiah. Matthew wrote for/from his Jewish Christian community. Therefore, he made use of all legitimate Jewish devices to press his point: genealogy, scripture fulfillment, angels and dreams etc. Moreover, in keeping with the Jewish background, all the major players in his scheme are male in contrast to Luke's account in which women occupy a prominent position.
Matthew began with a carefully devised genealogy which shows that Jesus is a descendant of David (Matthew 1:1-17). Hebrew does not have vowels. So, David spells DVD in Hebrew. Each Hebrew alphabet has a numerical value and the sum of DVD is 14. So, Matthew made up a genealogy of three series of 14 people, including Jesus (Matthew 1:17). Then, Matthew told five stories to prove that Jesus' birth fulfilled five prophecies (Matthew 1:23, 2:6, 15, 18, 23). Why five? Perhaps Matthew had the five books of Moses, the Pentateuch, the Torah, in mind. Moreover, biblical scholars are able to show that Matthew's gospel consists of five sections. His gospel is meant to be the new Torah for Christians!
Matthew proved that Jesus was a king. Wise men from the east came to offer him gold. No Jewish kings, except Solomon, enjoyed such an honour. His birth threatened the throne of Herod the Great, who ordered a massacre of children under 2 in Bethlehem to destroy this throne-usurper. Unlike the other descendants of David, Jesus birth is laced with divine revelations. There were a star and apparitions of angels in Joseph's dreams. With all these carefully designed devices, Matthew articulated what his Jewish Christian community professed to believe --- Jesus was the God-appointed Messiah to deliver them.
Matthew wrote his gospel more than half a century after the birth of Jesus. We should not be too demanding on the accuracy of the details in his Nativity narrative. In particular, how could Matthew ever know of the dreams of the people involved? Joseph the patriarch in the Old Testament is a well-known dreamer. So, it would not be hard to make Joseph, the legal father of Jesus another dreamer. But what about the dream of the Magi?
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way (Matthew 2:12).
Personally, I think these wise men were wise. Their arrival at Jerusalem had already created quite a stir and they should be able to discern the fear of the residents when they made their intention known. So, when they met Herod the Great, they must have been able to sense his murderous intent to destroy the new born king. Therefore, they did not need a dream to warn them not to return to Herod. Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that a warning did emerge in the form of a dream psychologically. The question remains how they left behind a dream for Matthew to write about. Did they tell the Holy Family about this dream before they departed? Perhaps. Did Mary tell the curious Jewish Christian community about the incidents surrounding the birth of her son? Perhaps. Since, there are so many unknown elements, we cannot draw any conclusion about the dream of the Magi. Since this dream does not affect the overall message of Matthew, we will just leave it open. The Epiphany story remains a beautiful story even without it.
Dear Lord, allow me to offer up my prayers and worship. In particular, I pray for those vulnerable children abused in families, school and society. May Your glorious face shine upon them to strengthen them Amen.
This epiphany story is part of a scheme Matthew designed to prove that Jesus is their Messiah. Matthew wrote for/from his Jewish Christian community. Therefore, he made use of all legitimate Jewish devices to press his point: genealogy, scripture fulfillment, angels and dreams etc. Moreover, in keeping with the Jewish background, all the major players in his scheme are male in contrast to Luke's account in which women occupy a prominent position.
Matthew began with a carefully devised genealogy which shows that Jesus is a descendant of David (Matthew 1:1-17). Hebrew does not have vowels. So, David spells DVD in Hebrew. Each Hebrew alphabet has a numerical value and the sum of DVD is 14. So, Matthew made up a genealogy of three series of 14 people, including Jesus (Matthew 1:17). Then, Matthew told five stories to prove that Jesus' birth fulfilled five prophecies (Matthew 1:23, 2:6, 15, 18, 23). Why five? Perhaps Matthew had the five books of Moses, the Pentateuch, the Torah, in mind. Moreover, biblical scholars are able to show that Matthew's gospel consists of five sections. His gospel is meant to be the new Torah for Christians!
Matthew proved that Jesus was a king. Wise men from the east came to offer him gold. No Jewish kings, except Solomon, enjoyed such an honour. His birth threatened the throne of Herod the Great, who ordered a massacre of children under 2 in Bethlehem to destroy this throne-usurper. Unlike the other descendants of David, Jesus birth is laced with divine revelations. There were a star and apparitions of angels in Joseph's dreams. With all these carefully designed devices, Matthew articulated what his Jewish Christian community professed to believe --- Jesus was the God-appointed Messiah to deliver them.
Matthew wrote his gospel more than half a century after the birth of Jesus. We should not be too demanding on the accuracy of the details in his Nativity narrative. In particular, how could Matthew ever know of the dreams of the people involved? Joseph the patriarch in the Old Testament is a well-known dreamer. So, it would not be hard to make Joseph, the legal father of Jesus another dreamer. But what about the dream of the Magi?
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way (Matthew 2:12).
Personally, I think these wise men were wise. Their arrival at Jerusalem had already created quite a stir and they should be able to discern the fear of the residents when they made their intention known. So, when they met Herod the Great, they must have been able to sense his murderous intent to destroy the new born king. Therefore, they did not need a dream to warn them not to return to Herod. Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that a warning did emerge in the form of a dream psychologically. The question remains how they left behind a dream for Matthew to write about. Did they tell the Holy Family about this dream before they departed? Perhaps. Did Mary tell the curious Jewish Christian community about the incidents surrounding the birth of her son? Perhaps. Since, there are so many unknown elements, we cannot draw any conclusion about the dream of the Magi. Since this dream does not affect the overall message of Matthew, we will just leave it open. The Epiphany story remains a beautiful story even without it.
Dear Lord, allow me to offer up my prayers and worship. In particular, I pray for those vulnerable children abused in families, school and society. May Your glorious face shine upon them to strengthen them Amen.
Tuesday 1 January 2013
Happy New Year 2013
With the ascent of a hawkish Japanese Government
the prudence of Pacific leaders is put to test.
May the Prince of Peace make up
where human leaders fail.
A New Year Wish for us all
PEACE!
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