Lenten Reflections: Week Four

Fouth Week of Lent: Reflections 

Hello Engin! Fourth week of Lent Reflections are here. Do take a look and reflect on the past 3 weeks. How has it been for you? If it wasn't all that good for you, do read the reflections following the Gospel.

John 3:14-21

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Drawing From Life Experience

"I am only human lah!"

We hear this all too often either from others or from ourselves. It is our perfect excuse for not being perfect. We blame our fallen human nature for our wrongful desires and for succumbing to these desires. There may come a time when we become aware of the harm done to ourselves and to others, and we want to get out of the messiness of our own lives. But we find that we are unable to, or even if we do manage to escape, it is only temporary. Larry is an example of one such person.

Larry runs his own business and he enjoys his mug of beer every now and then. However this changed when his business encountered problems during the financial crisis. Alcohol became his solace and soon he began to be dependent on alcoholic drinks. This dependence persisted even after his business started to recover.

With more money now, he began to indulge in fine wines and liquors and was seldom sober when he arrived home at night. He no longer spent quiet evenings with his wife or played sports with his children.

To fill up the void caused by Larry's absence, his wife turned to Korean serial dramas and his children occupied their free time gaming. The fabric of his family life deteriorated and the alienation from his family drove him further into the darkness of alcoholism. One day, he saw the misery he was in and became determined to restore the happy family life he once had. Larry decided to stop drinking. His newfound sobriety did not even last three days.

It is obvious that alcoholism is harmful. However, there are other persistent behaviours and actions that may initially appear harmless, but over time can cause significant damage to a person's Christian lifestyle. For example, some of us may spend too much time on Korean serial dramas or gaming, or some of us may be quick-tempered or quick to put others down.

Meeting God in the Word

How perceptive Jesus was when He said, "Let the one who has no sin, cast the first stone." (John 8:7)

All of us have fallen. Repeatedly.

We are like the people of Israel described in the first reading, who added infidelity to infidelity. God tirelessly sent them messenger after messenger but Israel ridiculed these messengers and despised their words. Sometimes, we too, refuse to heed the advice of others, some of whom are messengers sent by God. We prefer to be exiled from the love of God and select our own 'loves' instead - self-indulgences, wrongful pleasures, oppression of others and worshipping false values.

Wrong love leads to destructive consequences, just like how the Israelites lost their Temple and homeland due to their infidelities toward God. God did not need to punish them directly; their own sinful actions resulted in their own pitifull downfall. They chose to alienate themselves from God, and in the end, the Temple where the Israelites believed God's presence dwelt, was destroyed. However, this destruction is not the end of the story. We have to remember that this fourth Sunday of Lent is also called 'Laetare Sunday', and 'laetare' means rejoice! What is there to rejoice about? We turn to Scripture.

In the first reading, we continue to read that God restored both the city of Jerusalem and the Temple in the end. God has not abandoned Israel and has rescued Israel out of its darkest moment. In the Gospel of John, we are told that God loved the world so much that he gave us His only Son. And He was not sent to the world to condemn it but to save it. This is our good news; this is our cause of joy!

Reflection Questions

What are some other actions and behaviours we have observed that are harmful to Christian living in today's world?

Do I experience a joy in my life that is constant? Is such a joy even possible? Where does it come from?

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am Going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. Amen.

Lenten Reflections: Week 3

Hi everyone! I hope your lent sacrifices have been holding strong. Week 3 sees a very different side of Jesus. Read on to find out more. =)

Word – John 2: 13-25

It was almost time for the Passover Festival, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. There in the Temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and pigeons, and also the moneychangers sitting at their tables. So he made a whip from cords and drove all the animals out of the Temple, both the sheep and the cattle; he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and scattered their coins; and he ordered those who sold the pigeons, "Take them out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" His disciples remembered that the scripture says, "My devotion to your house, O God, burns in me like a fire."
The Jewish authorities came back at him with a question, "What miracle can you perform to show us that you have the right to do this?"
Jesus answered, "Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again."
"Are you going to build it again in three days?" they asked him. "It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple!"
But the Temple Jesus was speaking about was his body. So when he was raised from death, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and what Jesus had said.
While Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in him as they saw the miracles he performed. But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew them all. There was no need for anyone to tell him about them, because he himself knew what was in their hearts.

Drawing from life experiences

And the Lord said, "GO!"
And I said, "Who me?"
And He said, "Yes you."
And I said, "But I'm not ready yet. I'm so busy. You know how tight my schedule is."
And He said, "You're stalling."

Again the Lord said, "GO!" 
And I said, "But I don't want to."
And He said, " I didn't ask if you wanted to."
And I said, "But I'm not the right person for this. I don't like to get involved in controversy. My family and friends won't like it."
And He said, "That's ridiculous!"

And yet a third time the Lord said, "GO!"
And I said, "Do I really have to?"
And He said, " Do you love Me?"
And I said, "But I'm scared. What if people hate me? I can't take it all by myself."
And He said, "Where do you think I'll be?"
And the Lord said, "GO!"
And I sighed, "Here I am, Lord...send me."
-Anonymous

It is interesting and comforting to read in the Bible that those whom God called did not always immediately say, "Yes" but sometimes hesitated a great deal before finally answering God's call. Moses is but one example of a person who repeatedly objected to God's call. Moses knew that it would be difficult to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and away from slavery. He hesitated many times when called by God. Eventually, however, he surrendered himself to God who knows what is best. Just as in Moses' "yes" we find that even today every one of God's promises to us contains the opportunity for another "yes" (2 Corinthians I :20). God has a promise and a calling for each of us. It is up to us to seek God's guidance to discover that call. Yet regardless of what our call might be, God has promised to be present with us always. 
Some are called to be a missionary, pastor, teacher, local leader, or businessperson. Others are called to be a wife, husband, parent, etc. As in the call of Moses, God's call to you is specific and task-oriented and God is calling you by name. Your response to that call shows your willingness to be faithful to God. 

Meeting God in the Word 

Once we are open to hearing the call of God, what is next? We must act! In today's gospel we hear the unforgettable story of Jesus cleansing the temple. It stands out so vividly, of course, because we see a side of Jesus rarely depicted in Scriptures. In general, Jesus is depicted as gentle and non-violent. However, in John's Gospel, Jesus is portrayed with whip in hand, overturning tables, and acting in a manner that seems out of character. 
What is Jesus so angry about? Through biblical scholars we have learned that merchants were notorious for charging inflated exchange rates, taking advantage of the poor who were helpless to protest. What outraged Jesus particularly was that this exploitation was occurring in a sacred place, in the temple where, according to Jewish law, one would expect the highest regard for the poor. Simply put, he was protesting against injustice. Reminiscent of what Jesus did in cleansing the temple, we, as modern day disciples, must cleanse ourselves of attitudes and behaviors that prevent us from seeing and responding to injustice wherever we encounter it. One person can make a difference. And every person must try. 

Questions to Ponder

What do we believe God is calling us to do in our lives? Have we placed obstacles in the way of God's plan for us? Can we name these obstacles? 

Cell Group Prayer Buddy Activity

Follow up with your prayer buddy on your experiences in opening up to God in prayer. Was it easy to do so? How do you usually pray? Were these times when you could hear God's response?

Cell Group Work

Jesus displays anger at the way in which people have used his "Father's house" for their own selfish ends. How do you respond, when you perceive injustice around you? 
Jesus himself did not have faith in the many people who crowded around because of the signs he performed. How will YOU practice having a faithful heart as Lent continues?

Gracious God, You have called us to love and follow You. Help us to use the gifts You have given us in order to better serve You. All: Grant us an open heart and a "listening" ear, in Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Lenten Reflections: Week 2

Hey guys! Here's the Reflection for week 2. Sorry its a bit late coming. Week 3 is coming right up!

Word – Mark 9:2-10

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain on their own by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became brilliantly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. 
Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. 5 Then Peter spoke to Jesus, 'Rabbi,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' 
He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. 7 And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the cloud there came a voice, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.' 
Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of man had risen from the dead. 
They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what 'rising from the dead' could mean. 

Drawing From Life Experience

After an intense spiritual experience in Lourdes, Tommy decided that he wanted to be a Catholic. His wife Kira was happy that her husband would finally join her in faith and help her in catechising their young child. Tommy's baptism filled his heart with great enthusiasm to serve in his parish. So Tommy joined the lector's ministry and the Society of St Vincent de Paul. In addition, he also signed up to be a sponsor in the RCIA. Tommy told Kira once, "I find so much joy and meaning in serving God this way!"

Tommy soon became a familiar face around the parish because he was involved in so many group activities. He was practically in church every weeknight. People would praise him for setting an example of what being an active Catholic was about; "Look at how committed Tommy is!" they would say to one another. Even the parish priests were impressed with him for being so dedicated and capable in parish affairs. However, Kira was feeling resentful. She had to make adjustments to her own work schedule to accommodate Tommy's long hours at work and church meetings. He often did not return home until late at night. There was seldom family time. During weekends, Tommy would either sleep (to recover his energy) or go out with his new friends from church. Although Kira was frustrated with Tommy she never spoke about it, but sometimes she would think to herself "Tommy was a better husband and father before he became Catholic."

Think About It: How would you deal with this issue if you were in Kira's place?

Meeting God in the Word

Pope John Paul II often referred in his writings to the "cal1 to holiness." This call is God's invitation to each and every baptised Christian to imitate God's own holiness. We are all called to be faithful to the relationship we have with God through our baptism in Christ. Many Catholics interpret the call to holiness in a narrow way. They may think that God will only be happy if they make sacrifices in favour of being active in a church setting. Or that pleasing God means taking on more responsibility in parish ministries. Although these are good endeavors, they are not the normal way for lay people to answer the call to holiness. Let us try to understand the kind of holiness we are called to by reflecting on Scripture.

In our first reading, Abraham was prepared to put his fidelity to God over his fidelity to his own son. While this great act of faith is commendable, the story shows us that God does not require us to sacrifice good family relationships in order to be faithful. It is not God's plan for us to gain holiness at other people's expense, but rather for us to find holiness by not withholding our love from God and others.

People usually associate holiness with the moment of Christ's transfiguration. We receive the impression that to be holy means we must shed our worldliness and be completely focused on the heavenly. Peter's experience of the glorification of Jesus was one of such awe that his first instinct was to try to prolong the moment; "Let us build three tents!" (Mark 9:5) The disciples who had seen Jesus' transfiguration were confused by the Lord's insistence that it was necessary to first rise from the dead. They cannot understand why being faithful to God must involve such difficulty. We, too, can become so focused on glorification that we forget about holiness by trying to escape from walking the way of the cross with Christ in our life.

The bishops of the Second Vatican Council taught the following: "Clearly the fruitfulness of the apostolate of the lay people depends on their living union with Christ. Lay people, while meeting their human obligations in the ordinary conditions of life, do not separate their union with Christ from their ordinary life; but through the very performance of their tasks actually promote the growth of their union with Christ. Family cares should not be foreign to their spirituality, nor any other temporal interest." (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, No 4)

Questions to Ponder

What is your own way of holiness and what "sacrifices" are involved in the way you stay faithful in your relationship with God?

Cell Group Prayer Buddy Activity

What challenges have you encountered in during this Lenten season? Share with your prayer buddy and pray for him / her to tide through these difficulties.

Cell Group Work

Just like God asked the disciples to Listen to Jesus, He's also asking us to listen to Him. For the whole of this week, spend time in quiet prayer. Open your heart and mind to listen to what God has to say to you.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

0, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 

Lenten Reflections: Week 2

Hey guys! Here's the Reflection for week 2. Sorry its a bit late coming. Week 3 is coming right up!

Word – Mark 9:2-10

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain on their own by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became brilliantly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. 
Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. 5 Then Peter spoke to Jesus, 'Rabbi,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' 
He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. 7 And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the cloud there came a voice, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.' 
Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of man had risen from the dead. 
They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what 'rising from the dead' could mean. 

Drawing From Life Experience

After an intense spiritual experience in Lourdes, Tommy decided that he wanted to be a Catholic. His wife Kira was happy that her husband would finally join her in faith and help her in catechising their young child. Tommy's baptism filled his heart with great enthusiasm to serve in his parish. So Tommy joined the lector's ministry and the Society of St Vincent de Paul. In addition, he also signed up to be a sponsor in the RCIA. Tommy told Kira once, "I find so much joy and meaning in serving God this way!"

Tommy soon became a familiar face around the parish because he was involved in so many group activities. He was practically in church every weeknight. People would praise him for setting an example of what being an active Catholic was about; "Look at how committed Tommy is!" they would say to one another. Even the parish priests were impressed with him for being so dedicated and capable in parish affairs. However, Kira was feeling resentful. She had to make adjustments to her own work schedule to accommodate Tommy's long hours at work and church meetings. He often did not return home until late at night. There was seldom family time. During weekends, Tommy would either sleep (to recover his energy) or go out with his new friends from church. Although Kira was frustrated with Tommy she never spoke about it, but sometimes she would think to herself "Tommy was a better husband and father before he became Catholic."

Think About It: How would you deal with this issue if you were in Kira's place?

Meeting God in the Word

Pope John Paul II often referred in his writings to the "cal1 to holiness." This call is God's invitation to each and every baptised Christian to imitate God's own holiness. We are all called to be faithful to the relationship we have with God through our baptism in Christ. Many Catholics interpret the call to holiness in a narrow way. They may think that God will only be happy if they make sacrifices in favour of being active in a church setting. Or that pleasing God means taking on more responsibility in parish ministries. Although these are good endeavors, they are not the normal way for lay people to answer the call to holiness. Let us try to understand the kind of holiness we are called to by reflecting on Scripture.

In our first reading, Abraham was prepared to put his fidelity to God over his fidelity to his own son. While this great act of faith is commendable, the story shows us that God does not require us to sacrifice good family relationships in order to be faithful. It is not God's plan for us to gain holiness at other people's expense, but rather for us to find holiness by not withholding our love from God and others.

People usually associate holiness with the moment of Christ's transfiguration. We receive the impression that to be holy means we must shed our worldliness and be completely focused on the heavenly. Peter's experience of the glorification of Jesus was one of such awe that his first instinct was to try to prolong the moment; "Let us build three tents!" (Mark 9:5) The disciples who had seen Jesus' transfiguration were confused by the Lord's insistence that it was necessary to first rise from the dead. They cannot understand why being faithful to God must involve such difficulty. We, too, can become so focused on glorification that we forget about holiness by trying to escape from walking the way of the cross with Christ in our life.

The bishops of the Second Vatican Council taught the following: "Clearly the fruitfulness of the apostolate of the lay people depends on their living union with Christ. Lay people, while meeting their human obligations in the ordinary conditions of life, do not separate their union with Christ from their ordinary life; but through the very performance of their tasks actually promote the growth of their union with Christ. Family cares should not be foreign to their spirituality, nor any other temporal interest." (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, No 4)

Questions to Ponder

What is your own way of holiness and what "sacrifices" are involved in the way you stay faithful in your relationship with God?

Cell Group Prayer Buddy Activity

What challenges have you encountered in during this Lenten season? Share with your prayer buddy and pray for him / her to tide through these difficulties.

Cell Group Work

Just like God asked the disciples to Listen to Jesus, He's also asking us to listen to Him. For the whole of this week, spend time in quiet prayer. Open your heart and mind to listen to what God has to say to you.

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

0, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 

Lenten Reflections: Week One

Dear Engin,

As you know we are now in the season of Lent. In the following weeks to come, I will begin to post reflections from Sunday's Gospel as well as the works from CG for those who either can't make it for CG or those who want the Gospel to be dissected for easier understanding.

- Shimon

Mark 1:12-15

And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Drawing from Life's Experience

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it arrives? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, the eagle sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm; it simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us.... and all of us will experience them... we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God.

The storms do not have to overcome us; we can allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure, and disappointment into our lives. We can soar above the storm. Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down; it is how we handle them.

None of us can escape from the storms of life that descend upon us. A death of a loved one, a sickness, the heartache of a child leaving home, the fear of growing older, this economic recession etc, all these unfortunate events are part and parcel of life. Yet, the eagle has a lesson to teach us all. The storms do not have to crush us or overpower us. Rather, we can soar above them as long as we trust in God who loves us. Yes! No matter how bad the storms are, God's love remains!

Meeting God in the Word

On this first Sunday of Lent, God reminds us of God's faithfulness, which is eternal and constant. God's faithfulness is what we can hold onto with joyful confidence.

In the first reading, we read about Noah and his family who survived the destructive flood because they placed their trust in God. In the safe haven of the ark, they rode high above the waves until the flood subsided and they reached dry land once again. God made a promise to Noah that there would never again be a destructive flood. After the immense thick rain clouds that drenched the whole earth faded away, a rainbow appeared as a sign of God's everlasting faithfulness to Noah, his children and all generations to come.

Today's economic recession can be likened to the great flood of Noah's time. Yet, God's rainbow continues to remain ever present and like Noah, we are called to live through stormy times with unwavering faith in God's love.

Many times, we are tempted to doubt and question God's faithful love for us, "I am a sinner through and through... how can God love me?" or "My family is in such a mess now, where is God?" This is why we need to intensify our prayer life by allocating time and space to be with the One who loves us the most. Lent is a time to face our storms head on! To enter the desert of our fears and to discover we are not alone. This 'desert' is also the inner space where God needs to reign again as King. There, in the desert of our heart, He will speak to us with words of love and rekindle our faith, hope and love.

In today's Gospel, Jesus was in the desert for forty days where he spent time with God His Father, in prayer. While being tempted in trying conditions, Jesus trusted that His Father would not abandon Him. Indeed, God sent angels to look after Jesus, the Beloved Son. When we face our fears, our faithful God can also minister to our needs.

'The time has come and the Kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe in the Good News.' (Mark 1:15) Let us listen to the cry of Jesus calling us out of our fears into the faithful embrace of the Father.

Questions to Ponder

What has been our attitude in facing moments of trial?
Have we found ourselves trying to discern God's will or solely relying on our own strength?
Can we name the fears that hold us back from responding to the call of Christ?
What steps can we take to create some space to listen to God each day?

Reaching Out

Many people are now feeling the impact of the recession. How can we, as a community, help those around us who are affected by this crisis? Spend time to develop concrete ways to assist a person/family in need.

Cell Group Prayer Buddy activities

Since this week will be the first time you’re introduced to your prayer buddy, do some self-introductions and share with each your individual prayer requests!

Cell Group Work

Go back home and dust off your bible. Compare Mark’s Gospel with Matthew’s and Luke’s. [Matt 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13] Contemplate the differences in the Gospels. How will your answers to the reflection questions differ if you were presented with Matthew’s or Luke’s Gospel instead? Say a prayer for guidance before you begin your reflection.

God our Father, in Your infinite love and goodness, You have shown us that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are remedies for sin. Accept the humble admission of our guilt and when our conscience weighs us down, let Your unfailing mercy raise us up. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen