Our true colours

We attended mass at the Cathedral last weekend. It was a good time to pray and reflect after a long and tiring day out enjoying the Chinese New Year festivities in Chinatown.

Father shared about the 40 days of Lent, how we are to pray, fast and give alms. We often show our true colours when we undergo tough times. It could be voluntary or involuntary. Most times, our true colours show the bad side of us. It is during these times that we need to stay connected to God through prayer. Only God, who knows us through and through can help us get through these times, with love and kindness. Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and during that time, He was tempted by the Devil. He did not give in though He was clearly affected by the fasting. His constant connection to God through prayer kept Him going.

Help us Lord, to stay close to you and be more loving and kind to others during this Lenten season.

God never tires of forgiving us

Father mentioned at mass during the weekend, that though we might tire of asking God for forgiveness, He never tires of forgiving us.

The question beckons can we be like God who never tires of forgiving? I recalled an incident that happened recently, two young kids playing and out of the blue, one starts to cry. Daddy comforts the crying child and finds out that he was upset by what was said to him. Daddy asks his child to forgive the other when an apology was given. However, his child replies with,"Why must I, when he will do it again..."

This reminds me much of myself. You might find it very familiar as well. We seem to constantly fall back into sin, and God continually forgives us, knowing that we will turn from Him again. Help us be more like you Lord, to find it within ourselves to forgive others repeatedly. I am so thankful to have a God who never tires of forgiving us.

Oh, in the end, all was forgiven and forgotten, and the two kids were playing together again very quickly.

God recognises our efforts of love

We were all waiting in anticipation for mass to begin but Father was nowhere in sight. After about 10 minutes into the mass timing, Father came, and we all heaved a sigh of relief.

The reason for Father being late was because he was feeling under the weather. Although he was not well, he came and celebrated mass with us. He really is quite an incredible man. Though I was a little disappointed that mass was short, without the usual homily, I came to realise that it is the love that Father has for God that brought him to come celebrate mass despite being unwell.

I was reading one of the sharings from a lay missionary, who told us that God recognises our efforts of love. He went for mass with his 5 year old son, but was not able to take in anything that was said during mass. It was during his quiet prayer later that God revealed to him that God sees the love that brought him to mass with his son, Although he might have gotten nothing out of it, he was there for God, because he loves God.

Thank you for recognising the love we have for you Lord, may we continue to love you in all that we do.

Expect the unexpected

Father shared with us during the weekend mass that we should expect the unexpected. Jonah who felt unable to preach to the people of Nineveh, was unexpectedly brought to them after he was swallowed by a whale at sea and spit out onto Nineveh.

We have all had that unexpected blessing that rained upon us at certain points in our lives, and I truly believe that that blessing came at the most appropriate time. Question is are we prepared to receive it? Many a time I have been too oblivious to the blessings that God gives to me, and I fail to give thanks.

Dear Lord, prepare me to receive your blessings that will be given to me in the coming days and weeks. Help me expect the unexpected from you. May I be ever thankful and appreciative of your great workings in my life.

God's will for me

Once again, I am faced with the question of God's will for me in my life. The prophet Samuel twice mistaken the voice of God to be that of the priest Eli, until being advised by Eli that it is the Lord that is calling out to him.

"Speak Lord, your servant is listening." was what Samuel said when the Lord called out to him. Father reminded us that we very often say,"Listen Lord, your servant is speaking." How very true indeed. Many times I pray that the Lord grant me my petitions instead of asking Him to speak to me, and reveal to me His will for me in my life.

Help me Lord to always listen to what you have to say to me, and may I discern for the right things to ask of you in prayer. Teach me your ways oh Lord...

Christ amongst us

We are well into the Christmas season, and I seek to constantly remind myself that Christ is amongst us today.

At one of the masses during advent, Father shared a story about a group of monks that were always at odds with each other. It was only when a wise bishop mentioned to them that Jesus is amongst them, did they start changing their attitude towards each other.

If only we knew that Christ is indeed amongst us, I think we would act differently towards others. This world would be a much better place. Help us to be aware that you are amongst us Lord, and may we respond in the most loving way.

Be Charitable

It was the feast of Christ the King last weekend. Father spoke about how Jesus gave his life for us. He was not thinking about himself, but was only concerned for us. He was asking God the Father to forgive us while hanging on the cross.

I wonder if Jesus had even a single thought for himself while hanging on the cross... It is extremely difficult to be able to put others before one's self, especially so in today's society, where every turn of the corner, everyone is placing their interest above others. I constantly struggle to follow Christ's example, when every other person out there is doing the exact opposite. It is not only mentally painful but emotionally and spiritually... However, God is calling us to be charitable. He wants us to give what we have to others, and we can only do this is if we place others before ourselves.

I pray that as we begin the Advent season, God will grant me the strength and perseverance, as well as the serenity and wisdom to place others before me, and be charitable.