Live by the Truth of God's Word

“Give to Caesar what is belong to Caesar and give to God what is belong to God, (MT 22:22)."

The verb translated "GIVE" here often carries the sense of giving something “BACK” to who it belongs. Our giving unto to Him is an outward sign of our inward condition. It is not just an obligation, but an opportunity for blessing. Hearts that belong to God rejoice in the opportunity to use what God has given them to worship Him; whether it be by the giving of money, time, talents, etc. What we have we gladly give to God and then set back in excited anticipation to see how He will use what we give. 

The Gospel reminds us that we as Christians we not only members of the Church but also members of the society. Tensions can exist between our loyalty to God and our duty to our country especially when political issues touch upon faith, morality and justice. In this case we need to put God and His laws first even if it brings us into conflict with the state.

Integrity starts in the heart, a heart that is fully controlled by God. Once you have examined your heart then you need to examine your actions. If you need to examine your integrity then live truthfully. Live by the truth of God’s word.

The Murderous Tenants

The context of the parable of the murderous tenants of the vineyard is about violence and the abuse of power. The themes of this story of violence and abuse of power remain very much part of our present day world. Parts of this contemporary story are the power struggle going on across the world, as well as the violence and wars we encounter in our neighbourhoods, towns and countries. The consequences of these our lives become: bitter, broken and damaged relationships, a loss of ability to hear what others are saying to us, and a deafness to the voice of God in our lives.

God always gives many opportunities and patiently waits for our conversion. He never cuts us off. A time will come when we will be answerable for the way we choose. We must repent and return to God from all our indifference, ingratitude and selfishness. 

Towards A Better World

Pope's Message for the 100th World Day of Migrants and Refugees:  Towards a Better World.

Our societies are experiencing, in an unprecedented way, processes of mutual interdependence and interaction on the global level. While not lacking problematic or negative elements, these processes are aimed at improving the living conditions of the human family, not only economically, but politically and culturally as well. Each individual is a part of humanity and with the entire family of peoples, shares the hope of a better future. This consideration inspired the theme I have chosen for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees this year:  Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World.

What is involved in the creation of “a better world”? The expression does not allude naively to abstract notions or unattainable ideals; rather, it aims at an authentic and integral development, at efforts to provide dignified living conditions for everyone, at finding just responses to the needs of individuals and families, and at ensuring that God’s gift of creation is respected, safeguarded and cultivated. A better world will come about only if attention is first paid to individuals; if human promotion is integral, taking account of every dimension of the person, including the spiritual.

Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more. While encouraging the development of a better world, we cannot remain silent about the scandal of poverty in its various forms. Violence, exploitation, discrimination, marginalization, restrictive approaches to fundamental freedoms need to be overcome. Working together for a better world requires that countries help one another, in the spirit of willingness and trust, without raising insurmountable barriers.

Finally, in considering the situation of migrants and refugees, I would point to yet another element in building a better world, the elimination of prejudices and presuppositions in the approach to migration. A change of attitude towards migrants and refugees is needed on the part of everyone, moving away from attitudes of defensiveness and fear, indifferences and marginalisation – all typical of a throwaway culture - towards attitudes based on a culture of encounter, the only culture capable of building a better, more just and fraternal world.

Dear migrants and refugees! Never lose the hope that you too are facing a more secure future, that on your journey you will encounter an outstretched hand, and that you can experience fraternal solidarity and the warmth of friendship! To all of you, and to those who have devoted their lives and their efforts to helping you, I give the assurance of my prayers and I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing.

Pope Francis (5 August 2014)

Yes! No! May Be!

In today’s gospel Jesus tells the parable of two sons who say one thing and do another, (Mt 21:28-32). 

Asked by the father to go and work in the vineyard the first son says no but later reconsiders his decision and does the work. The second son, on the other hand, courteously says yes to the father but fails to do the work. Who actually did what his father wanted? Clearly it is the first son, the same one who had earlier said no to him.

Today’s Gospel story was meant to shock people who think they're okay spiritually but do not honestly examine how well they do the Father's will. Jesus said that tax collectors and prostitutes were entering the kingdom of God ahead of religious experts!

This text is about how our words match our actions when it comes to obedience to the will of God. It is both our actions and our words that communicate on which side of the fence we are standing whether it be obedient or rebellion.

God doesn't want right answers; he wants righteous actions. God doesn't want dutiful compliance to Church teachings; he wants obedience motivated by love and an enthusiastic attitude of serving in the mission of the Church. 

The Catechetical Sunday (21/9/2014)

Dear Catechism Teachers, Parents and Children,

 

Sunday school is the heart of our parish ministry. Catechism teachers and parents are helping our children to "grow up" in an active faith through the catechism classes and also faith education at home. As inspiring instruments, you have integrated directly in the parish ministry in bringing our kids up in their personal faith and reflecting the very image of God in them. 

This Sunday we celebrate Catechetical Sunday with the theme: "Be Courageous, I Have Conquered the World," (Jn 16:33). 

On this Catechetical Sunday first and foremost, I would like to thank all the Sunday school teachers who have given their precious time to educate our catechism children in their faith education and moral life as well. You are helping our catechism them to grow in steadfast faith and fostering children to be deeply rooted in Christ and its message of love. 

The Church realises the challenges that you face in helping them to overcome hatred in their families and communities and building bridges with love, forgiveness and authentic friendship with each other. You too have been encouraging them through your teaching on Sundays to promote justice, peace, harmony, and better understanding with people of other faiths through inter-religious dialogue and cultural understanding.

Parents, you are the spiritual leaders in your home. Parents, you are the first and primary educators of faith for your child. You have a great role and commitment in the upbringing of your kids spiritually and morally. You have taken great interest till today by sending your kids without fail for Sunday School. Despite all your hectic schedules in your family life, you have tried your very best to make sure your kids go for Sunday class. I believe you are not sending your kids just to achieve the "spiritual graduation" - receiving the sacraments. The important criteria is to help our kids live more religiously and morally in their attitude and grow in the fear of the Lord. 

To my dearest catechism children, do you know that Jesus loves children very much, (cf Matthew 18:2-5). I always admire your great desire in being present every Sunday and you try your very best not to miss any of your class and activity or camp. I do understand you have plenty of home work to catch up on and tuition classes to attend. In spite of these you still have the desire and interest to be present in the class. At times your Catechism class may seem boring and the topics are not relevant to you. At time your teachers are not up to your level of thinking. Do you know that most of the greatest wisdom and insights often come from you and not even from your teachers and parents?

Let us not judge those parents who are not making an effort to send their kids for religious and moral studies every weekend. Let us pray for them so that one day they may realise the great efforts and concern that the Church takes upon their children. The Church hopes that you will be excited to see your sons and daughters embracing his/her faith and celebrate this God-given faith life in a more dynamic way. 

Parents and teachers, we need to model authenticity with our catechism children. Our faith needs to be real to our parish and family. Let us help our children “grow up” in an active faith. My prayer for all of us on this catechetical Sunday is that God will offend our minds in order to get to our hearts.

During my one week silent retreat, I was thinking of what to say to the catechism children, teachers and parents on the Catechetical Sunday and this song inspired me very much. Let us sing together:

Title of Song: Children of God 

(hymn book: Sing Your Praise to God - pg B18)

1. We are children of the Lord,

    Gathered here to pray together,

    We are one within His love,

    This we know we’re certain of.

2. Father, hear the song we sing,

    As we bring our world before you, 

    Soon your word will sow the seed,

    Sow your strength within our need.

3. Sing, O children to the Lord,

    All the world is hushed and waiting,

    As we lift our hearts above,

    Simply living in His love.

Happy Catechetical Sunday to my dear teachers, parents and students.