The day is coming

I remembered a priest in his homily once said this throughout a person's life, he/she is busy chasing after wealth. His/Her priority in life is much more concern about this material world instead of putting God as their first priority. Some people might even think that they can growth so proud that they can go without religion. However, when people are approaching to their deathbed, regardless of whether because of old age or terminal illness or some other diseases, they don't want to see the best surgeon or doctor in the world, but to see the priest so that they can receive their last holy communion. The question here is this, why do we need to wait until the very end then only we start realizing that we actually need God? We need God not because we are in a hardship now, we need God not because we are in a misfortune situation. We need God is because He is our creator and savior. He creates us in His image and His likeness, we will go back to him one day.

In today's first reading, Malachi prophesied about "the day." This is the last day of all, the day the world ends, the day of fire, the day of Jesus' final coming, Judgment Day. "The day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble" (Mal 3:19). However, for those who fear God's name, on the last day "there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays" (Mal 3:20). These Christians will definitely need these healing rays because prior to the final day they will be manhandled, persecuted, arrested, betrayed, hated, and some will even be martyred (Lk 21:12-17). "By patient endurance" they will save their lives and receive the healing rays of Jesus' final coming (Lk 21:19).

If Jesus returned today and the world ended or if you died today, would you be among the proud and the evildoers or among those who respect, love, obey, and fear the Lord? Are you the persecuted or the persecutor? Are you living for Jesus or for yourself? Are you going to be thrown into the fire or healed by the "Son-shine"? 

In today's Gospel, how would you respond if someone prophesied that your church or place of worship would be destroyed? Jesus foretold many signs that would point to God's action in the world to purify and renew his people. To the great consternation of the Jews, Jesus prophesied the destruction of their temple at Jerusalem. The Jewish people took great pride in their temple, a marvel of the ancient world. The foretelling of this destruction was a dire warning of spiritual judgment in itself. They asked Jesus for a sign that would indicate when this disastrous event would occur. Jesus admonished them to not look for signs that would indicate the exact timing of impending destruction, but rather to seek and pray for God's intervention of grace and mercy. Jesus said there would be many signs of impending conflicts and disasters such as wars, famines, diseases, tidal waves, and earthquakes which would precede the struggles of the last days when God's anointed King would return to usher in the full reign of God over the earth. In that day when the Lord returns there will be a final judgement of the living and the dead when the secrets of every heart will be brough to light (Luke 12:2-3; Romans 2:16).

Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem was a two-edged sword, because it pointed not only to God's judgment, but also to his saving action and mercy. Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of Jerusalem's temple was determined (it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D.), there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance. Jesus said: "I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved" (John 10:9).  Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about true freedom, peace, and victory over the powers of sin, evil, and death not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all both Jew and Gentile alike who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Do you know the peace and security of a life submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ?

Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with persecution, wickedness, false teaching, and temptation. The real enemy of the gospel is Satan whom Jesus calls a "murderer" and "father of lies" (John 8:44). Satan uses fear and hatred to provoke hostility in others towards those who follow Jesus Christ. And what is Jesus' response to this hostility and opposition? Love, truth, and forgiveness. Only love can defeat prejudice, intollerance, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our hearts and minds of all that would divide and tear people apart. The truth is also essential for overcoming evil and tribulation in the world. Satan deceives and sin blinds the heart and mind. Only God's truth can free us from error and spiritual blindness. The gospel is God's word of truth and salvation. That is why Jesus tells his disciples to proclaim the gospel throughout the whole world (Mark 16:15), even in the midst of opposition and persecution.

Jesus tells his disciples that if theyendure to the end they will gain their lives  they will see God's salvation and inherit eternal life and happiness with God. Endurance is more than human effort and perseverance. It is a supernational gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial, temptation, and form of persecution. Endurance is strengthened with hope the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and hero who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood for our sake and for our salvation and he calls us to lay down our lives for one another and to take up our cross in like manner (John 15:12-13; 1 John 3:16).

The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelations says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelations 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church. The third century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage, undying love and forebearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.

St. Augustine of Hippo wrote, "The martyrs were bound, jailed, scourged, racked, burned, rent, butchered and they multiplied!" Why is this the case? The Christian martyrs witnessed to the truth, joy, and freedom of the gospel, by their lives, their testimony, and by the shedding of their own blood for the name of Christ. Today we unfortunately witness many extremists and misguided individuals who will sacrifice their lives, and kill others in the process, out of hatred, revenge, prejudice, and envy. From a Christian point of view, they are not true martyrs because their sacrifice is not motivated by God's merciful love and forgiveness, truth and righteousness.

True martyrs pray for their persecutors and love their enemies. In their suffering and in their death they witness the truth of the gospel that "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus gave his life for all who would accept him as their savior whether Jew or Greek, Christian or Muslim, agnostic or atheist. Satan seeks to destroy our faith through the fear of death and he incites others to persecute Christians for their faith in Christ. Martyrs who shed their blood for Jesus Christ win great victory, not only for themselves, but for the whole people of God. The martyrs overcome Satan by enduring suffering and death through their faith in Christ who died and rose for us. And through their witness many others recognize the victory which Christ won on the cross. The martyrs witness to the truth the truth of Jesus Christ and his power to overcome sin, fear, hatred, violence, and prejudice, and even death itself. What gives courage and confidence to the martyrs is the firm hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life and and unending happiness with God.

 Martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus. What will attract others to the truth and power of the gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the gospel? Repent, go to Confession, love Jesus, suffer for Him, rejoice in the present, look forward to the future. "The day is coming" (Mal 3:19). Come, Lord Jesus!

Persistence in prayer

I should consider myself being blessed for having the opportunity to participate in the "Alpha Camp" which organized by some of the parishes in the archdiocese few weeks ago. The main purpose of this camp is to share with us the tools of evangelization when we are involve in the campus ministry. I had the opportunity to meet up with friends and students from various universities. I still remember there is a particular session where we talk about prayer. This particular section really touch me the most when we discuss the necessity to pray each day. 

Most people believe in praying, but how many believe in praying always? Even those who believe that praying always is a good idea don't always believe it's a necessity, but Jesus does.

Does your life say you believe in "the necessity of praying always"? Do you pray the first thing in the morning? Do you try to center your day on the Mass? Do you pray the Angelus? Do you pray not only for people, but with them? Do you pray daily with your spouse and family? With these many times of formal prayer, you will be in touch with Jesus all day even when you're busy with the day's activities and can't give Him undivided attention. Thus you will be praying always.

People might argue by saying even though they pray everyday, but God still didn't answer their prayer. So no point of them spending their time in prayer. I guess most of us would have reach to this stage when we got frustration in our lives. We want God give us immediate answer. We want everything to be fast. We want everything to be instant. Our patient always limit us to certain extend that we want our problems to be solve instantaneously. I guess the impatient character that we have in our human nature often lead us to a wrong decision making in our life. 

In today's first reading, the reading tells us that praying always is a necessity, for some battles are won not only by prayer, but by praying always. For instance, Moses had to keep praying, or Joshua would not have defeated the Amalekites (Ex 17:11ff). Prayer is good, but may not be good enough. There is "the necessity of praying always." 

Yes, you may say even though I pray always, God still didn't answer my prayer. Living as a minority in the country, being powerless, God did not shield His light to His people even though the injustice thing had happened to His people.

In today's Gospel reading, what can a shameless and unjust judge pitted against a crusty and pestering woman teach us about justice and vindication in the kingdom of God?  Jesus tells a story that is all too true a defenseless widow is taken advantaged of and refused her rights. Through sheer persistence she wears down an unscrupulous judge until he gives her justice. Persistence pays off, and that's especially true for those who trust in God. Jesus illustrates how God as our Judge is much quicker to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we need it. But we can easily lose heart and forget to ask our Heavenly Father for his grace and help.  Jesus told this parable to give fresh hope and confidence to his disciples. In this present life we can expect trials and adversity, but we are not without hope in God. The Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices perpetrated by his creatures and that God's love is stronger than death (Song of Songs 8:6). The just can look forward with hope to that day when they will receive their reward.

Jesus ends his parable with a probing question for us. Will you and I have faith the faith that perseveres to the end of time when Jesus returns in glory to judge the living and the dead?  Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us.  If we want to live, grow, and persevere in the faith until the end, then we must nourish it with the word of God and ask the Lord to increase it (Luke 17:5). When trials and setbacks disappoint you, where do you place your hope? Do you pray with expectant faith and confidence in God's merciful care and providence for you?

Christmas Diary

How is your Christmas celebration going on? Having a great time with your love one?
Christmas day, besides celebrating the birth of the Lord, is a season for us to gather around. You might meet up with some of you relatives which you didn't meet often. I guess it will be a great time to mingle around during this festive season.

Christmas Eve, my family and I use to attend mass before the actual day of Christmas. The feelings is good when I got a chance to be present at God's house. The feelings is just good. Of course, I manage to meet some of the church members who are really close with me and received some warmly greetings from them.

Christmas day itself, we will have some gathering with some relatives and friends. Some of you might be wondering, what about the present I'm receiving? Well, this year I got a limited edition t-shirt  with the printing of the formal Kuala Lumpur's archbishop wording on it. This present mean a lot to me because we cannot get it from anywhere else.

This is the wonderful present that I got it from my Parents and brother. Love it so much!

During of the day, I also did some prayer as well. Always feel good to pray for others who are in need.

Assumption Church, Pj. First time attending their mass. The feeling was always great.

This is my celebration for Christmas. What about you?

Merry Christmas Greetings

It's Christmas Eve today. What is your plan today? Going to church? Having party with friends? Some even are heading to the shopping mall for 'last minute Christmas Shopping'.

I hereby wishing everyone of you,  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013.
Enjoy this nice and wonderful season.

Have a blessed Christmas.

Is that the meaning?

Since I uninstall my Facebook application on my phone, I hardly log in to my account to check on the latest buzz news on this popular media social. I guess, most of us first clicking on the log in button, what will appear first basically is about the event that the whole world are going to celebrate on the 25th of December. That is Christmas!

When we visit the mall, a huge big Christmas tree is standing in front of you to welcome you. When we meet our friends, most of us will remind each other to get them a nice and wonderful present during this Christmas season. Let us pause for a moment and think , is this what Christmas is all about? 

Early this morning, when I got up. Just before time for me to gym, I manage to log in to my account and saw a wonderful sentence which written by one of my friend. She clearly stated that, Christmas is not about Santa Clause (Present season---Santa Clause is coming to town.), Christmas tree, or even a new clothes or food. This season is just about one person, He is '' Jesus Christ'', who is the Son of God who saves us and free us from our sin, so that we may enjoy the everlasting life with God in heaven. 

In conjunction with the Year of Faith that launched by the pope, the church call us to reflect, spend more time in prayer to deepen our relationship with our Lord. For me, that is Christmas. Personally, I find that we should spend more time by doing some prayers and to strengthen our faith. 

Some of you might be skeptical with the statement that I mentioned above. One might think that am I not suppose to enjoy this season? Pray the whole day? 

No. That is not what I mean. Of course, we can still enjoy and have some gathering with our family members and relatives. However, try to spend a little more time by doing some prayers and reflection on the scriptures. Listen to what God telling us. 

Most of the Christian will be celebrating Christmas on the 25th of December.For me,  Celebrating Christmas can be an everyday affair. 

 How to do that? It's simple! Spend more time in prayer and deepen our relationship with Him. 

So, Christmas is not only celebrate once in a year. But, we can celebrate it daily by consistently looking for Him through Prayer.