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Friday, 27 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, Priest (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

Luke 9 : 18-22

At that time, one day, when Jesus was praying alone, not far from His disciples, He asked them, “What do people say about Me?” And they answered, “Some say, that You are John the Baptist; others say, that You are Elijah; and still others, that You are one of the Prophets of old, risen from the dead.”

Again Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” Then Jesus spoke to them, giving them strict orders not to tell this to anyone. And He added, “The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the teachers of the Law, and be put to death. Then after three days He will be raised to life.”

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Friday, 27 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, Priest (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : White

Psalm 143 : 1a and 2abc, 3-4

Blessed be YHVH, my Rock, my loving God, my Fortress; my Protector snd Deliverer, my Shield; where I take refuge.

O YHVH, what are humans that You should be mindful of them, the race of Adam, that You should care for them? They are like a breath; their days pass like a shadow on earth.

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Friday, 27 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, Priest (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : White

Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth) 3 : 1-11

There is a given time for everything and a time for every happening under heaven : A time for giving birth, a time for dying; a time for planting, a time for uprooting. A time for killing, a time for healing; a time for knocking down, a time for building. A time for tears, a time for laughter; a time for mourning, a time for dancing.

A time for throwing stones, a time for gathering stones; a time for embracing, a time to refrain from embracing. A time for searching, a time for losing; a time for keeping, a time for throwing away. A time for tearing, a time for sewing; a time to be silent and a time to speak. A time for loving, a time for hating; a time for war, a time for peace.

What profit is there for a man from all his toils? Finally I considered the task God gave to the humans. He made everything fitting in its time, but He also set eternity in their hearts, although they are not able to embrace the work of God from the beginning to the end.

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Thursday, 26 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, Martyrs (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Green or Red (Martyrs)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today from the passages of the Sacred Scriptures we are all reminded of the reality of the impermanence of our earthly existence and worldly matters, of all the things we have and possess in this world, all the things that we often crave and desire for in this life. Each and every one of us are reminded that we should not spend so much effort and time in trying to gain all those things at the expense of our faith in the Lord and what we should and could have done as good and faithful Christians in each and every moments of our lives. We are all reminded that no matter how much we have gained and built up in the worldly treasures, glory and fame, among other things, none of these can truly satisfy and fulfil our needs, as we are in the end are bound to be disappointed unless we put our faith and trust in the Lord.

In our first reading today taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes or Qoheleth we heard the beginning of the discourse which we will hear for the next few days reminding us all that ultimately each and every one of us should put our faith and trust not in any worldly matters and things, but we must put our faith and trust in God, in His providence, love and grace, believing that through His help and strength, by the encouragement and the power which He has granted to us, we may truly find true satisfaction and the true path towards salvation and redemption in God, and not be swayed into the false paths of temporary and illusory pleasures, all of which were not true treasures and destinations that we all should be aiming for in life.

The author of the Book of Ecclesiastes pointed out that nothing in this world lasts forever, and no matter whatever achievements, greatness, fame and glory that we may attain and accumulate, all the monuments and great things that we have established, all of these eventually would fade away and be forgotten, just as the author have mentioned and just have history itself had shown us again and again, repeatedly. All those achievements, greatness and things eventually fade away and others replace them, and even many among the greatest figures in history had also faded away, and are no longer remembered besides the broken and faded remnants of statues, cities and ruins, all of which are yet again acute reminders for us of the impermanence of all the things of this world, and why we should not spend so much time in trying to accumulate for ourselves all these worldly greatness.

Then in our Gospel passage today, we heard from the Gospel according to St. Luke in which the short passage showing the astonishment of King Herod at the news of the Lord Jesus and His actions, which many among the Jewish people confused and thought to be the resurrection or return of St. John the Baptist from the dead, and which led to the amusement and surprise from Herod because it was by his actions that the man of God, St. John the Baptist had been put to death when he was imprisoned for criticising and rebuking the king and his unlawfully wedded wife, Herodias. St. John the Baptist was killed by the instigation of Herodias who trapped Herod into ordering the execution of the faithful man of God, and this act was a great sin that tainted and truly shook Herod.

Eventually, as we have heard, one of the reasons why Herod was truly astonished, troubled and amazed by what he had heard from the news of the activities of the Lord Jesus was because despite all of his wealth, glory, power, fame and all the things that he had achieved and gained, and despite having taken his own brother’s wife to be his own, which led him to sin in adultery, but all those things could not truly satisfy him, and in the end, he did not have any peace, and having killed a holy man of God, this blame would remain with him for the rest of his life. This is again another reminder for all of us not to seek any forms of worldly comforts and satisfaction, pleasures and joys, all of which can easily distract and sway us away from the true path towards God and His salvation.

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the two great saints and martyrs, St. Cosmas and St. Damian. Both of them were renowned physicians that gained renown for their works among the people, healing many of the sick and caring for the needs of the less fortunate such that they did not charge the poor and those who were unable to afford their medical services. They showed us all exactly what the Scriptures today had told us, that each one of us should not put worldly pursuits and desires, such as for money and material wealth at the forefront of our lives. Instead, like the examples of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, all of us should be generous in loving others around us and in being kind to one another, especially to those who are in need. They were eventually martyred during the intense persecutions under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, but their great generosity and courage in defending their faith in God lived on in many others inspired by their lives and examples.

Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, as we all have heard from the story of the lives and the dedication of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, and from what we have discussed earlier on regarding the futility and impermanence of all worldly matters and things around us, let us all strive hence to live our lives in a more godly and Christ-like manner, distancing ourselves from all the temptations and distractions, all of which can mislead and prevent us from truly finding our way to the Lord, to His salvation and grace. Each and every one of us are reminded that we must always be vigilant and careful lest these temptations drag us down into the slippery slope of sin, evil and bring us to our downfall and destruction.

May the Lord our most loving God and Father continue to help and strengthen us in each and every one of our journey through life, so that in all the things that we say and do, we will continue to glorify the Lord by our exemplary living and that we may continue to be encouraged to live our lives worthily at all times in His Holy and loving Presence, now and always, becoming great inspirations and examples for everyone around us. Amen.

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Thursday, 26 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, Martyrs (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green or Red (Martyrs)

Luke 9 : 7-9

At that time, king Herod heard of all that Jesus and His disciples had done, and did not know what to think, for people said, “This is John, raised from the dead.”

Others believed that Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets, had come back to life. As for Herod, he said, “I had John beheaded. Who is this Man, about Whom I hear such wonders?” And he was anxious to see Him.

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Thursday, 26 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, Martyrs (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Green or Red (Martyrs)

Psalm 89 : 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

You turn humans back to dust, saying, “Return, o mortals!” A thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has passed, or like a watch in the night.

You sow them in their time, a dawn they peep out. In the morning they blossom, but the flower fades and withers in the evening.

So make us know the shortness of our life, that we may gain wisdom of heart. How long will You be angry, o YHVH? Have mercy on Your servant.

Fill us at daybreak with Your goodness, that we may be glad all our days. May the sweetness of YHVH be upon us; may He prosper the work of our hands.

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Thursday, 26 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Cosmas and St. Damian, Martyrs (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green or Red (Martyrs)

Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth) 1 : 2-11

All is meaningless – says the Teacher – meaningless, meaningless! What profit is there for a man in all his work for which he toils under the sun?

A generation goes, a generation comes and the earth remains forever. The sun rises, the sun sets, hastening towards the place where it again rises. Blowing to the south, turning to the north, the wind goes round and round and after all its rounds it has to blow again.

All rivers go to the sea but the sea is not full; to the place where the rivers come from, there they return again. All words become weary and speech comes to an end, but the eye has never seen enough nor the ear heard too much. What has happened before will happen again, what has been done before will be done again : there is nothing new under the sun.

If they say to you, “See, it is new!” know that it has already been centuries earlier. There is no remembrance of ancient people, and those to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.

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Wednesday, 25 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today as we all listened in the readings from the Sacred Scriptures, each and every one of us are reminded of the mission which we have been given as Christians, as God’s holy and beloved people. All of us are reminded that we have been entrusted with various gifts, talents and abilities which we all should make good use of so that we may truly be good and worthy disciples and followers of His, in proclaiming His Good News and wonders at all times, by our exemplary actions, words and deeds. The Lord has given us all these gifts and opportunities so that we may touch each others’ lives and inspire more and more people to come towards Him with faith, and to be more committed and dedicated to His cause, and not to depend on our own strength and might, but rather to trust in Him ever more wholeheartedly from now on.

In our first reading today, we heard from the Book of Proverbs in which the author spoke of the assurances of God’s Providence and help for His people, for those who are faithful and committed to Him. The author also spoke of seeking the Lord for His help and guidance, to provide us with just what is necessary for us lest we allow ourselves to be tempted by pride, desire and ego, all of which would end up leading us down the slippery slope of sin into our downfall and destruction. Each one of us are reminded not to give in to the temptation of evil all around us, of worldly pleasures and ambitions, of all the pursuits of fame and glory, and all the other things which can lead us into the path of damnation because of our desires and ambitions that may cause us to commit acts that are sinful against the Lord our God.

Instead, we are all exhorted through what we have heard to be ever more committed to the Lord and to be faithful to the commandments that the Lord has given us. We should strive to resist the various temptations present around us so that we may not falter in our efforts and desire to follow the path that the Lord has put us to walk through in life. All of us as Christians have been called and expected to embrace wholeheartedly this path in life, to be always firmly rooted in our faith and obedience to God, to our trust and belief in His providence, love and grace. Without this strong faith and conviction, 

Then, in our Gospel passage today, we heard from the Gospel of St. Luke in which the Lord spoke to His disciples as He sent them all out to minister to the people, that they all should not bring excessive things with themselves during their missions. This is meant to prevent them from thinking that it was by their own power, abilities or might that they had all done their works, wonders and efforts, and that any successes that they had gotten was because by their own performance and efforts alone, and not due to the guidance and strength from God. They are reminded to trust instead in God’s providence, His love and grace, and everything that He would provide fo them through the people and the circumstances they might encounter in their respective journeys and ministries.

All of us are essentially reminded that we must not allow ourselves to be swayed by worldly glory, pride, ambition and all the things which might distract us from the path towards God and His salvation. We must always remind ourselves that all those things are ultimately illusory and impermanent, and we must not allow ourselves to be easily attached and swayed to follow those ambitions and all the things that can derail us in our path towards God and His salvation. This is why we must always get our focus and attention correct, and our lives ought to have the right bearing, intention and direction, or else we may easily be dragged into the traps of sin and all the efforts which Satan and all of his fellow forces of evil and wickedness have always put up against us, in trying to bring us to our downfall.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, all of us as Christians are reminded that we have important missions and directions in life which the Lord has entrusted to each and every one of us. And if we think that we are incapable or unworthy to take part in such occasions, efforts and works, the reality is that no one can truly be worthy of the Lord in this manner. Yet, the Lord takes the unworthy and makes them to be good and worthy, blessing and empowering each and every one of us in various unique ways so that each and every one of us may be able to give our own respective contributions for the good and benefits of many of our fellow brothers and sisters all around us. Each and every single one of our efforts do matter and we should not underestimate them, as they are all important parts of the works of the Church, in bringing mankind ever closer to God and His salvation.


Let us all continue therefore to do our very best at each and every moments in our lives, so that by all the things we do, by our every words and interactions with one another, by our commitments and dedications in the Lord’s path and commandments. Let us all spend more and more time to do our part to be faithful and committed disciples and followers of the Lord, to fulfil whatever it is that the Lord has entrusted to each one of us, making good use of the various blessings and opportunities that He had provided to us. We must no longer be idle or ignorant of our calling and mission, the parts that we can do in order to be the worthy bearers of God’s Good News to the world. Each one of us have been given this important mission in life, so that we may truly glorify Him by our lives.

May the Lord, our most loving God and Father continue to help and strengthen us in our respective journeys, paths and efforts all throughout life. Let us all continue to do our best to follow His path, and may He continue to encourage and strengthen us in all the things we do, so that by our hard works and efforts in doing His will, and in proclaiming His glory and truth, His love and compassion towards each and every one of us, we may continue to be exemplary and inspirational examples for everyone around us, helping more and more people to come ever closer to the Lord, now and always. Amen.

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Wednesday, 25 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Luke 9 : 1-6

At that time, Jesus called His Twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to drive out all evil spirits and to heal diseases. And He sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He instructed them, “Do not take anything for the journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even take a spare tunic.”

“Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. And wherever they do not welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust from your feet : it will be as a testimony against them.”

So they set out, and went through the villages, proclaiming the Good News and healing people everywhere.

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Wednesday, 25 September 2024 : 25th Week of Ordinary Time (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Psalm 118 : 29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163

Keep me away from deceitful paths; be gracious and teach me Your Law.

Your Law is more precious to me than heaps of silver and gold.

O YHVH, Your word stands forever, firmly fixed in the heavens.

I turn my feet from evil paths, that I may keep step with Your word.

Your precepts have given me knowledge, and I hate all that is false.

I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love Your Law.