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.

United Church

It was the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica yesterday. This basilica was the original Church of Rome and the pope resided in the building next to it.

I remember a few years back when we visited Rome, we went to the Lateran Basilica. It was so different from St Peter's Basilica. Though it was not as majestic, it had a very authentic beauty, one that is ancient beauty.

Father mentioned in his homily that it is a tradition that every newly installed pope will celebrate his first mass at the lateran Basilica. I think this symbolises the unity of the church, with all the previous popes.

This is such a beautiful tradition, as is the many traditions of the church. I am so blessed to be part of this united church. The mass is celebrated in accordance to the rich teachings of the church and is the same in every part of the world. I have never felt different when I attend mass anywhere in the world, and such is the oneness of our catholic church.

Be child like

"I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, from hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children..." This is taken from the Gospel of Matthew.

Indeed the kingdom of heaven is revealed to children. Most days, I find myself being very skeptical of others and things that happen around me. I am unable to see the glory of God as I am blinded by knowledge that I acquired, knowledge of this world. I need to see the world through the eyes of a child and be child like again. Only then can I see the glory of God in those around me.

Help me be child like again Lord, and reveal to me your glory...

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind

The Gospel passage of St Matthew speaks about the greatest and the first commandment of the law. 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'

Father shared with us that we should do this by loving our neighbour as ourselves. This is the next commandment. I never seen it this way, always thinking that I should aim to love God by placing Him first in my life and seeking His Will in all I do. Now I know that I love God by loving those around me, people He has placed in my life. Though I find it hard sometimes, especially those who intentionally set out to hurt me, I pray for the grace to love them as myself. May I be strengthen by God to love Him through others.