“Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” These are the concluding words of our Lord addressed to us this day in the Gospel reading, and they bring to mind the importance of constant preparations in our Christian journey. Unlike the foolish virgins, we are thus to ensure not to be complacent…
Month: August 2023
The Master’s Delay – August 31, 2023
The evil servant said in his heart, “My master is delayed.” And this came with a dangerous attitude. He changed. He relaxed, he maltreated his fellow servants, and he started to eat and get drunk. He lost guard. (Matthew 24:48-49). We are equally guilty when we do not live in anticipation of the Master’s coming….
Outward Righteousness – August 30, 2023
Jesus called the religious leaders whitewashed tombs – pretty and well-decorated on the outside but dead on the inside – because they had outward righteousness but inside were full of sin and corruption. Aren’t many Christians guilty as well? We know how to appear good before others, we put up external shows, paint the outside attractive but deep…
The Passion of St. John the Baptist – August 29, 2023
John the Baptist spoke the truth to power with great courage, calling everyone to a true change of heart and total embrace of God’s ways. He did this not only by preaching but also by example. However, in fulfilling His mission, he endured arrest, jail time, suffering and death. Like John the Baptist, and the…
Keeping Others From God – August 28, 2023
It is bad enough for someone not to enter into heaven themselves; but it is far worse to hinder another person from entering. It is bad enough for someone not to be close to God; but it is far worse to keep others away from God. The Pharisees were accused of this and many Christians…
True Knowledge of Christ – August 27, 2023
Having true knowledge of Christ is indeed a blessing! And not all people have it. On the contrary, many take false knowledge and run with it; and false knowledge leads nowhere. In fact, false knowledge is no knowledge at all. Little wonder people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Today’s Gospel reading clearly shows that…
Humility or Humiliation – August 26, 2023
Some scheme, plot and chase after attaining very high places. They have very high opinions about themselves. They love and seek the highest honour. They play the self-promotion game. Often, they work very hard to attain heights. They are proud-hearted and self-conceited. However, Jesus reminds us that shame often comes with self-exaltation and he urges…
Love is the Greatest – August 25, 2023
Jesus opined that the whole law and prophets are based on the commandment to love. In other words, all the laws given by God through Moses and all the messages and preaching of all the prophets of old can be summed up in the law to love God and neighbour. Indeed, love is the fullness…
Come and See – August 24, 2023
Philip had seen Jesus, testified to Him as the long-awaited Messiah, and informed Bartholomew about Him. Instead of the expected positive response, Bartholomew responded with prejudice. But rather than argue against his prejudice, Phillip simply invited him to meet Jesus for himself – “Come and see.” Many times, we labour so much trying to convince…
Standing Idle -August 23, 2023
The picture painted by Jesus in the parable of the workers is that the landowner had an inexhaustible supply of work for those who wanted to work. It is therefore clear that the landowner was surprised, if not disappointed, to find people idle, because he had plenty of work to give them. Hence, at every hour of…
Queen and Mother – August 22, 2023
The feast of the Queenship of Mary is celebrated on the Octave (8th day) after the solemnity of the Assumption. Notably, Mary draws all her privileges from Jesus. For example, just as Jesus is God, Mary is the Mother of God. Similarly, as Jesus is King, Mary is rightly regarded as Queen. But Mary’s queenship…
Selling for Eternity – August 21, 2023
“You lack one thing; go, sell what you have.” This man came to Jesus wanting to INHERIT eternal life. What a noble intention! Eternal life is everything and he wanted it. Jesus told him what to do. “Go and sell your possessions” and he went away sad. He couldn’t; he was already possessed by his…
The Evening Chapel 