9 August 2024

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(Singapore) Friday, 9 August 2024 : Singapore National Day (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the National Day of Singapore, the day when our country became an independent and sovereign nation, at the time when Singapore has to stand on its own as a country, determining our own fate and managing our own affairs. Today fifty-nine years ago all these happened, and this day we recall everything that had happened on that day, our history together as a nation, and more importantly the journey that has passed since then. All these years, the fifty-nine years that we have grown together as a nation is a very important journey to every one of us living in Singapore, both for Singaporeans and all the others who call this country home as well.

On this day, we rejoice together as a nation, but as always, we must never forget to give thanks to God for everything that He has blessed us and our nation with. We always recall whatever the Lord had said, including what He has told His disciples and the Pharisees, ‘Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.’ This means that each and every one of us as Christians are also called to be good, dutiful and responsible citizens of our respective countries, and in our case, it means our obligations, duties to Singapore, our beloved country that we are all living in, just as we give our best to the Lord as His holy and beloved people. We have to do what is right and just, worthy and appropriate for us all as Christians, as those whom God has called and chosen from this world.

As Christians and the residents of Singapore, we have to live our lives in a way that is truly worthy and exemplary, showing everyone how our Christian and Singaporean values stand out amidst the many wickedness and vile things around us in this world. As Christians, we are reminded of the virtue of faith, hope and love that we must have in us, the righteousness and justice that God has shown and taught us all so that we may truly be committed and faithful to Him in all things. And as Singaporeans and other residents of Singapore, we uphold the great values of meritocracy, tolerance and harmony, respecting people from different backgrounds, different religions, races and culture, treating everyone equally and accepting our differences in a society that is very highly diverse.

In our first reading today, taken from the Book of Kings, we heard of the passage that happened right after the young King Solomon of Israel, shortly after he succeeded to the kingship and rule over Israel from his father King David, prayed to the Lord asking for His help, strength and guidance so that he might be a good and wise king to rule over God’s people. He asked for wisdom and not for earthly glory, power or wealth, as what most people would usually have asked of the Lord. And for that the Lord granted him not only what he had asked for, giving his a great wisdom that would make him truly wise beyond compare, but also great wealth, power and glory during his reign, all of which made King Solomon truly famous and well-renowned even right up to this day.

And as we heard this today, we are all reminded that our country and all of us as citizens and residents of Singapore should also ask the Lord for His wisdom and guidance, so that each and every one of us may be truly wise in our choice of actions and paths in life, in whatever we decide to do, so that our every actions, words and deeds, our every interactions and contributions may truly be exemplary and worthy, not just as Singaporeans and Singapore residents, but also as good and faithful, holy and devoted people of God. We should also not allow the temptations of worldly glory and power to distract us and to mislead us into the wrong path, leading us to disobey the Lord, His Law and commandments. We should always strive to be obedient to God and to follow the rules and laws of the state as far as we are able to.

Then, we have also heard in our Gospel passage today the Eight Beatitudes, also known as the Sermon on the Mount, in which the Lord told His disciples a series of eight blessings for those people who have lived virtuously and righteously, those who sought not the glory of the world but rather the betterment and the prosperity of their fellow brethren, for the common good of people, which are universal virtues and values not only for us as Christians, but also in our responsibilities and duties as the citizens and residents of this country we love, Singapore. Each and every one of us should heed the Lord’s reminders and message, His calls to us to embrace His path and to do whatever He has shown and taught us to do.

Each and every one of us should continue to do our best to contribute to our country, to our community and our fellow brothers and sisters around us. And even as we celebrate and commemorate this joyful day with all the festivities and all of our National Day songs, all the fireworks and other events we enjoy, we have to remember that there are our fellow brothers and sisters around us who are not as fortunate as we are in our midst. We should always continue to do whatever we can to be more charitable and generous in giving, helping all those in our communities and societies, in our neighbourhoods and amongst us, so that no one will be left out to survive on their own. After all, a strong country is a country where its people are concerned and caring towards each other, following what the Lord has told us in the Beatitudes.

May the Lord continue to bless us all and our nation Singapore. May He continue to strengthen and guide especially our leaders and those who have been entrusted with the power and governance over us, so that they will continue to exercise their power with responsibility, with virtue and justice at all times. May God also bless each and every one of us so that we will continue to grow in love and charity, and do our best to help one another that no one is left out, and we may truly celebrate together this important event of our National Day, as one united people. May God bless Singapore, now and always. Amen.

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(Singapore) Friday, 9 August 2024 : Singapore National Day (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Matthew 5 : 1-12a

At that time, when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up the mountain. He sat down and His disciples gathered around Him. Then He spoke and began to teach them :

“Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.”

“Fortunate are the gentle, they shall possess the land. Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.”

“Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. Fortunate are those with a pure heart, for they shall see God.”

“Fortunate are those who work for peace, they shall be called children of God. Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are My followers. Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God.”

Alternative reading

Matthew 5 : 38-48

At that time, the Lord said to His disciples, “You have heard, that it was said : An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you this : do not oppose evil with evil.”

“If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other. If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you.”

“You have heard, that it was said : Love your neighbour and do not do good to your enemy. But this I tell you : love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His Sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.”

“If you love those who love you, what is special about that? Do even the tax collectors not do as much? And if you are friendly only to your friends, what is so exceptional about that? Do even the pagans not do as much? As for you, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

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(Singapore) Friday, 9 August 2024 : Singapore National Day (Second Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Red

2 Corinthians 9 : 6b-15

The one who sows meagerly will reap meagerly, and there shall be generous harvests for the one who sows generously. Each of you should give as you decided personally, and not reluctantly, as if obliged. God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to fill you with every good thing, so that you have enough of everything, at all times, and may give abundantly for any good work.

Scripture says : He distributed, He gave to the poor, His good works last forever. God, Who provides the sower with seed, will also provide him with the bread he eats. He will multiply the seed for you and also increase the interest on your good works.

Become rich in every way, and give abundantly. What you give will become, through us, a thanksgiving to God. For this sacred relief, after providing the saints with what they need, will result in much thanksgiving to God.

This will be a test for them, they will give thanks, because you obey the requirements of Christ’s Gospel and share generously with them, and with all. They shall pray to God for you, and feel affection for you, because the grace of God overflows in you. Yes, thanks be to God, for His indescribable gift!

Alternative reading

Colossians 3 : 9b-17

You have been stripped of the old self and its way of thinking, to put on the new, which is being renewed, and is to reach perfect knowledge, and the likeness or its Creator.

There is no room for distinction between Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, foreigner, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all.

Clothe yourselves, then, as is fitting for God’s chosen people, holy and beloved of Him. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience to bear with one another and forgive whenever there is any occasion to do so. As the Lord has forgiven you, forgive one another.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. May the peace of Christ overflow in your hearts; for this end you were called to be one body. And be thankful. Let the Word of God dwell in you in all its richness. Teach and admonish one another with words of wisdom. With thankful hearts sing to God psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise.

And whatever you do or say, do it in the Name of Jesus, the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

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(Singapore) Friday, 9 August 2024 : Singapore National Day (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Psalm 85 : 9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14

All the nations You have made will come, they will worship before You, o YHVH. For You are great, and wonderful are Your deeds. You alone, are God.

Teach me, o YHVH, how to walk in Your truth, that my heart may fear Your Name. I give thanks to You, o YHVH my God. I will glorify Your Name forever.

For great has been Your love for me. You have saved me from the grave. O God, the insolent are against me, a band of cut-throats, evildoers who do not hold You in reverence.

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(Singapore) Friday, 9 August 2024 : Singapore National Day (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Red

1 Kings 3 : 11-14

And YHVH told Solomon, “Because you have requested this rather than long life or wealth or even vengeance on your enemies, indeed, because you have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I shall grant you your request.”

“I now give you a wise and discerning mind such as no one has had before you nor anyone after you shall ever have. I will also give you what you have not asked for, both wealth and fame, and no king shall be your equal during your lifetime.”

“Moreover, if you will walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commands, as your father David did, I shall give you long life.”

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Friday, 9 August 2024 : 18th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we heard from our Scripture passages today, we are all reminded of the impermanence of worldly things, of all the worldly glory, fame and greatness, of all the things in this world that will not last forever. The Lord alone is the One Who will give us lasting peace, joy and happiness, the true treasure of our lives. If we seek the glory and power of this world, then sooner than later we will realise that there is nothing in this world that can truly give us true happiness and satisfaction, one that is lasting and permanent. If we seek something of this world, we will realise that it can only satisfy us to a certain extent, and as we may often realise, that we cannot be truly and fully satisfied by what we seek in this world.

In our first reading today, taken from the Book of the prophet Nahum, we heard of the Lord’s words proclaiming the downfall and destruction of Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire, which at the time of the prophet Nahum’s ministry, was still a great and powerful Empire, which had conquered the northern half of the once united kingdom of Israel, and brought many of its people into exile, those who were among God’s people. In their great triumph and hubris, they often blasphemed against God, and thought that their power would last forever. But as the Lord spoke it clearly through the prophet Nahum, that the days of Assyria and its glory were numbered, and true enough, not long after these words were spoken by the prophet Nahum, Assyria was defeated and destroyed, and Nineveh, its glorious capital was razed.

It is an important reminder for us that all the glory and power of this world are ultimately illusory and passing in nature, and none of them will last forever, no matter what. If we seek worldly glory, pleasures, fame and satisfaction, we will likely end up disappointed, to see that whatever our designs are for this world, we will never be fully satisfied and we will never be truly happy. Each and every one of us are called to reorientate our lives and regain our true focus, that we no longer spend so much time and attention on worldly matters, and instead we should seek what is more important in life, that is nothing else than the Lord Himself, and how our lives are called to be sanctified and holy, to glorify the Lord by our every actions, words and deeds. Each and every one of us should be ever more focused and centred on the Lord.

In our Gospel passage today, taken from the Gospel of St. Matthew, we are again reminded of this as we listened to the words of the Lord Jesus to His disciples, that if they wanted to follow Him, they ought to take up their crosses and follow Him. First of all, it was a reminder from the Lord to His disciples and ultimately also to all of us that being a follower of His is not going to be an easy thing, unlike what some or even many of His disciples that time might have thought. Back then, it was commonly thought that the Lord, as the Messiah or Saviour, would have brought about the glorious restoration of the Kingdom of Israel, and many among the Lord’s disciples might have thought of Him as the mighty conquering King Who would liberate Israel, and therefore they would gain good and wonderful lives from being the trusted followers of His.

The Lord told them the reality that being His disciples and followers would require them to face challenges and difficulties, and things would not be as rosy as they thought it would be. They would have to suffer just as He, the Lord Himself would have to suffer, all the persecutions and challenges, trials and difficulties in all of His ministry and works. Not only that, but He Himself would have to face rejections, condemnations and even betrayals and trial, and finally condemned to die for mistakes and sins which He did not even commit. Yet, He willingly did all of that out of His love for each one of us. He willingly embraced His Cross, taking it up so that by His ultimate and most loving sacrifice, He would open for us the path to eternal life and true happiness with Him.

The Lord reminded us all that in following Him, we must be ready to face the challenges and difficulties in this world, and that we may not have it easy. There may be moments when we may want to give up the struggle and journey as the Lord’s disciples and followers because of what we may encounter and have to experience in the midst of our lives as Christians in this world. But whatever happens, if we remain firmly rooted in our faith in God and continue to trust in Him, we will receive from God true and lasting fulfilment, satisfaction and joy, despite the many challenges and trials that we may have to face in our journey. The path of the Lord may seem to be the more difficult and challenging one, but is one that leads to true and lasting joy, while the path of the world leads to nothingness and disappointment although it may likely seem to be easier and better.

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known better as St. Edith Stein, a German convert from Judaism to Christianity, and who later became a Catholic nun, as a Discalced Carmelite nun. She was remembered for her courageous life and ministry throughout the difficult years of persecution by the NAZI German regime at that time, who persecuted all the Jewish people and even the converts like herself. St. Edith Stein herself was called to the Christian faith after having encountered and been exposed to the brilliant works of St. Teresa of Avila, a Discalced Carmelite saint and Doctor of the Church, whose writings, life and examples would inspire St. Edith Stein to become a Christian and later on to become a Discalced Carmelite herself.

St. Edith Stein joined the Discalced Carmelite just as the NAZIs began intensifying their efforts to attack and eradicate the Jewish communities in Germany, and as St. Edith Stein and her other fellow sisters’ lives might be endangered, they were relocated to Netherlands, where it might be safer for them. However, eventually Netherlands itself came under the NAZI rule after it capitulated in May 1940, and the NAZIs began targetting the Jews living in Netherlands as well. Eventually, St. Edith Stein and other Catholic converts from the Jewish community wee arrested and brought to the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp, where they were all killed by gassing with a poisonous gas. St. Edith Stein remained firm to her faith throughout all these arduous journeys, and died as a martyr for her faith.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us all therefore be reminded from what we have heard and discussed on the passages from the Sacred Scriptures and from the life and martyrdom of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as St. Edith Stein, that we may often have to suffer through the challenges and trials in this world, but we must also remember that all the things in this world are ultimately impermanent, and all things, including our sufferings and trials will pass. It is the Lord alone Who is always ever constant and will be there for us to the very end, and He will lead us all into the ultimate triumph and glory with Him. We must keep up our hope and faith in the Lord, and do our very best so that we will continue to persevere through whatever challenges and trials we may encounter.

May the Lord continue to guide us and strengthen us in our journey of faith and life, and help us to persevere through whatever we may face going forward in our respective lives. May He empower each one of us to be ever more committed and faithful disciples of His, in all things, now and always. Amen.

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Friday, 9 August 2024 : 18th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Matthew 16 : 24-28

At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, “If you want to follow Me, deny yourself. Take up your cross and follow Me. For whoever chooses to save his life will lose it, but the one who loses his life, for My sake, will find it. What will one gain by winning the whole world, if he destroys his soul? Or what can a person give, in exchange for his life?”

“Know, that the Son of Man will come, in the glory of His Father with the holy Angels, and He will reward each one according to his deeds. Truly, I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death, before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

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Friday, 9 August 2024 : 18th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Deuteronomy 32 : 35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41

Their day of calamity is at hand, and swiftly their doom will come. The Lord will give justice to His people and have mercy on His servants.

Learn this now – that I alone am He; there is no god besides Me. It is I Who give both death and life; it is I Who wound and heal as well and out of My hand no one can deliver.

When I sharpen My glittering sword and My hand takes hold of judgment, I will deal out vengeance upon My foes and retribution upon those who hate Me.

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Friday, 9 August 2024 : 18th Week of Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Red

Nahum 2 : 1, 3 and Nahum 3 : 1-3, 6-7

See, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings Good News, one who proclaims peace. Judah, celebrate your feasts and carry out your vows. For the wicked have been destroyed, they will not attack you any more. YHVH will now restore Jacob’s magnificence, like Israel’s splendour. For they had been plundered, laid waste as a ravaged vineyard.

Woe to the bloody city, city of lies and booty, o city of unending plunder! But what! Crack of whips, rumble of wheels and clatter of hoofs! See the frenzied chargers, the flashing swords and glittering spears, the heaps of the wounded, the dead and dying – we trip over corpses!

I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make of you a shameful show, so that all who look on you will turn their backs in disgust and say : Nineveh – a city of lust – is in ruins. Who will mourn for her? Where can we find one to comfort her?